A BUSINESSMAN who has been in the cards and on Ulverston high street for all his life has worked hard to keep his store going strong through lockdown.

Robert Kitchin, 43, has lived in Ulverston all his life and formerly worked in a newsagents owned by his parents, until they moved into the cards and gifts industry and founded Inspirations.

The King Street based trader stock balloons, banners, cards, gift wrap and bags, and gifts.

They offer a chance to browse their stock via their Facebook page. All you have to do to is look at the different photo albums for a general idea of different stock available.

“The family bought the building about 30 years ago, mum and dad ran it as a newsagents,” Mr Kitchin said.

“I spent a long time there when I was a kid.

“We started selling cards in another business down the road and it really took off.

“We sold off the news rounds and now 11 years on and we are still here, and business is surprisingly good considering the current circumstances.

“People are genuinely asking how we are and not just making small talk which is really nice as well.

“I am just trying to keep trading at the moment.

“I am a little worried about the possibility of a second lockdown, but I think we will be alright.”

The now father-of-two has recently celebrated the birth of his son James who joins the family with him, wife Anne-Marie, and four-year-old Eleanor.

“Balloons are one of our biggest sellers, but I would say that 80 per cent of our sales are still the cards,” he said.

“As we are now coming up to Christmas time, all my festive cards are out and ready to sell.

“I do hope that if we do have a second lockdown, it doesn’t last for too long with Christmas coming up.

“I keep doing this because there is a standing tradition in the family, and it has been my life since I was 10-years-old.

“So it is just a way of life for me really.

“I would like to say a thank you to our customers new and old for their continued support.

“I would also like to say thanks to my wife who did a lot with the Facebook page during lockdown which really benefitted online sales. That was a big factor for me as I am a Ltd company so could not claim anything as such in terms of grants and loans.”

If you know a trader worthy of this recognition then email george.lythgoe@newsquest.co.uk or fill in our Q&A form: https://www.nwemail.co.uk/my/ccn/questionnaire/QXm4AmTH/.