"IT'S going from strength to strength."

Those are the words of one business owner in Barrow who started his new trade this year.

Despite the cost of living and inflation pressures, many businesses opened or relocated to larger premises in south Cumbria over 2023. 

These include Force Cafe and Grove Barn in Ambleside, It's Waffle Time, Smyths Toy Shop, Coffee D'ash and Urban Edge Studio in Barrow and Toast in Windermere. 

Expressions moved to a larger unit space on Portland Walk, Barrow Furniture moved into the old Sports Direct unit and Pye Motors expanded into the former Furness Park and Prestige Site. 

We spoke to the below businesses for an update on how they have found their first year. 

Appy Cabs

Taxi driver Brian White set up this app with seven other members in the autumn. It had been in the making for two years and allows customers to select their location and drop-off point using the phone's location. 

It links passengers with independent Hackney carriages. 

"I have been a taxi driver for 25 years and I felt there was a better way for drivers to be looked after," said Brian when it was set up.

"We created an app that is free for all Hackney carriages. The app works the same way as the online app Uber but with no fees involved."

Speaking now, Brian said: "It's a bit of new technology. Customers don't have to stand outside in the winter. We're just trying to get drivers - trying to get people to believe we providing a service for drivers for free. They believe that there is an ulterior motive."

He said setting up the app for taxi drivers to use was 'easy and straightforward' and 'it's going from strength to strength.'

When asked what his aim is next year, he said: "Bigger and better, become the biggest and best taxi platform in Barrow."

Betty's Beach Hut

The former Haverigg Beach Cafe reopened in August as Betty's Beach Hut, named after the grandmother of Anna Dawson and her sister Nicola Armstrong, who run the eatery.

Anna said: "It has been really good. We have got a good local following. We have gone down the local produce angle and our food speaks for itself. Not a great deal of places are this lucky as it's in a really good location."

Next year, Anna and Nicola are planning to renovate the kitchen, and they want to get different items on the menu. 

"Big thanks to everyone who has supported us so far," Anna said, as the cafe gets footfall from both locals and seasonal holidaymakers. 

Golden Fry

"It's getting really busy," 76-year-old owner Christos Alexandrou said.

The Crellin Street chippy opened in April and already has a strong rating on Just Eat, Uber Eats and Google with many reviews mentioning his cheap prices.  

When asked why people come for his fish and chips, Christos replied: "Because I have got only a small menu. I specialise in fish and chips I don't have anything else."

He has already developed a loyal following, claiming: "90 per cent of my customers I know what time they will come in." 

While still keeping the menu small, Christos is thinking about expanding the range of drink options available to customers.