New Facebook group for, and about, local businesses: a place to network and share.

I set up a new Facebook group, which has become a great source of support, with members applauding the ‘positive vibes’ within the group, not to mention new orders and enquiries. Finding out about the incredible range of businesses we have in the village has come as a pleasant surprise. You can find almost anything you need within a mile of home. There are dog walkers, photographers, virtual assistants, cake makers, beauty therapists
and a funeral celebrant. You can buy gifts of every description: beautiful greetings cards, balloons, skin care products and delicious cakes. One group member expressed gratitude for having discovered Kirkman’s Kitchen and their gluten-free treats. All of this and we haven’t even got to the vast array of different takeaways (see Barrow Voice Spring issue for information and reviews) … If you need any help with your lockdown waistlines there are even a couple of local Slimming World groups.

During lockdown, many of us have been focusing on ways we can help our local community and the Barrow Voice’s Christmas issue included a double-page spread on shopping locally. Recently, business owners found themselves responding to questions from all sorts of online groups, hence the development of this new platform with almost 800 members sharing recommendations alongside details of products and services.

If you’ve helped to support a Barrow business during lockdown, thank you. We’ve all been grateful for the incredible community spirit that’s shone through over the past year. You’ll be able to meet some of us in person at the Barrow Village Fête on 4th July, we can’t wait to see you there!

Kate Sharkey