Name: Mike and Jemma Isherwood

Business name: Shlurp!

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10am until 6pm, Saturday from 10am until 5.30pm, closed on Sunday

Address: 39a Church Street, Oswestry, SY11 2SZ

When did you open your business and why?

WE OPENED in March 2010 and it was Jemma’s idea really. At the time there wasn’t really anywhere in Oswestry like it really, so we thought it would be something a bit different to bring to the area.

We saw something similar in Cornwall and thought it would work really well here. We also thought it would be a nice place for younger people and families who come to the town.

Why in this location?

IT'S WHERE we live and Oswestry is a good place for business. The community here is very supportive so you do feel that you get a lot of positive feedback from people.

The independent shops here get a lot of support, and they really are the main strength of Oswestry.

Visitors to the town tend to find us and have good things to say about Oswestry.

Oswestry Borderland Tourism do a fantastic job, and I think there is potential for more to be done for tourism with added support from across the region as well as our own tourism groups.

A lot of people make huge efforts in the town – this year in particular when we have been open, people have really shown us support and have enjoyed being able to come out for a treat ultimately.

We have had support from the government and the likes of Oswestry BID this year, but also from the community.

Tell us about your business

WE SPECIALISE in ice cream shakes, which are indulgent and luxurious – they blend ice cream with your favourite chocolate or treat. That can be anything from Oreo biscuits to a syrup.

We also do fruit smoothies which are made of fruit and juice, with no water or ice added to those.

There is also a full range of hot drinks on offer here too, from herbal tea to hot chocolates, coffees and lattes.

We’ve also just started doing chocolate and sweet bouquets.

You can order those bespoke and ask for certain things to be included to make it personal to the person who it is being gifted to.

What is your proudest moment?

I THINK just being a part of the group of Oswestry town’s traders really. We also like being a part of Christmas Live over the years.

We’re proud children in the area feel that we are a safe place to come if they need anything.

We have had younger people who have no phone battery who come in to wait for a lift, or people who are a bit upset can come in if they’re having a tough time and wait for a parent or guardian to pick them up. We make sure they are all welcome.

Any strange requests?

WE HAVE Marmite as a flavour, and it is taken up as a bit of a challenge by some. It has been added to ice cream shakes with Oreos and Aeros, so any of those combinations are always a bit strange.