THIS gift shop has been nominated for their innovative shop layout, unique products, as well as a great reputation amongst the Ulverston community in which it is based.

Squirrel- 'A store of buried treasure' sells an eclectic mix of home and giftware you wouldn’t normally find on the high street. From smaller items such as quirky handmade jewellery, stationery, greetings cards, bags and accessories to ceramics, rugs, throws, furniture and so much more.

The business is very community focused with a crafts corner for children so they can personalise mugs or create moulds for parents as presents. They are also trialling a dementia group session involving crafts which they hope will see a rise in attendance if they were to relaunch it.

Owner Katie Holmes said: "We opened in July 2015 and had a great first six months in business, exceeding all our forecasts and expectations.

"We have consistently had wonderful feedback from customers and have developed a good following locally and from regular visitors to the area.

"Squirrel is a store of buried treasure. We are an innovative, imaginative and constantly evolving lifestyle and gift shop incorporating a ceramic decorating workshop.

"It is always nice to to be nominated for an award and we are thankful to all our customers who support us.

"At this time of year, as it is not as busy, we set up a 'meet the maker' event where local craftsmen will set up stalls for customers to come and see. They have the chance to showcase their business and this works to generate more interest in a time of year where it is less busy.

"I have been doing this for 20 years as I have been running my other business 'Sting in the Tail' which provides some of the products for the gift shop.

"We stock many brands that have not been available in this area before and are a local source of products from our parent business 'Sting in the Tail" which are created and made locally.

"While a few of our brands could be best described as aspirational we try to maintain a stock of products with prices to suit most pockets."

Staff at Squirrel work hard to make sure displays are perfect and always have unique items in store for customers. They do have products available online but recommend coming into the store to get the full Squirrel experience.

If you would like to nominate a great trader like this one then let us know by emailing george.lythgoe@newsquest.co.uk.