A TRADER was taken aback by the support of her community during a difficult period for small businesses and she is offering essential services in return.

Nicola Armstrong is the owner of the Bloom Room and during the Covid-19 pandemic the local community made an effort to shop local and support her business.

She said: “The support has been absolutely brilliant.

"I was taken aback by it.”

Under normal circumstances, Nicola delivers around Cumbria from her shop on St George’s Terrace in Millom.

Nicola’s range of flowers has even drawn interest internationally, with messages to her Facebook page from as far away as Australia.

But the Covid-19 pandemic has forced her to adapt.

Nicola closed entirely during the first lockdown as she was unable to bring in the stock and she operated behind closed doors during the second.

She said: “This time I was sat on the fence about what to do.”

With Covid-19 cases soaring, Nicola decided to close all aspects of the business except for funeral flowers, which is classed as essential work.

“At the minute I’m just working on a funeral basis.”

The decision was made to protect her community and follow the guidelines.

Nicola said: “It’s just to try and play my part by not moving around.

“We’re in such a small town – everyone knows each other.

"I thought I’d rather put my business on the line than put those lives on the line.”

Nicola said the deciding factor to close the shop was the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

“Watching the news, my head said ‘that’s alarming and to close the shop' but the shop's my baby.

" I’ve put everything into it.”

But she said that she couldn’t keep the flower business running due to the severity of the Covid-19 situation.

“I think I can provide a funeral service because times are hard enough for families without thinking they can’t give them a nice send off.”

Although normal sales are suspended during the third national coronavirus lockdown, if your loved one has passed away you can order flowers from the Bloom Room by calling 07783101480.

Visit The Bloom Room Facebook page to see the range of flowers available.

* We want to hear about more independent and family businesses who are going above and beyond for their customers.

Send in your nominations for the next Trader of the Week.