The owners of Pies and More are our Trader of the Week having shown resilience as they took over at the business at a particularly challenging time.

James Redmond and Bow Redmond took over at the Pies and More catering Service in July 2019 and although the business was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, they are primed to reopen from July 29.

James Redmond of Bransty said: “We’ll be grateful to get back to the shop.”

"The business is based at Sneckyeat Industrial Estate in Hensingham.

“We only took over there last July to carry it on as it was with the previous owner.”

While full service has been on hold, Pies and More have taken the opportunity to try something new.

Mr Redmond said: “Bow has been making excellent Thai meals to takeaway.

The Thai meals which Bow has been making at home have proven to be popular in the area.

“It’s taken off, last week there was 50 orders.”

The couple have made the best of the situation.

Mr Redmond said: “You’ve got to be optimistic.”

Pies and More offer catering services to companies and council offices in the area, although that side of the business has taken a backward step, they recently sent food to NHS staff at the West Cumberland Hospital.

It was a thank you gesture to the NHS staff who supported James through a bout of bad health last year as well as those affected by the current coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Redmond said: “We’ve sent food and lunches. The girls have been very good with me.”

He added that staff at the hospital have visited Pies and More for their lunches as it has been based near to West Cumberland since 2003.

“There’s about 15 of them that work there.”

Although the catering side of the business is on hold, Pies and More have made up their platters on request.

Mr Redmond previously worked at Bransty Post Office for 30 years until it was closed.

We want to hear your nominations for the next Trader of the Week. Let us know about small and family run businesses that have gone the extra mile for their customers.