Award for firm that donated 38,000 visors to hospital workers
COMPANY RESPONDED TO THE PPE SHORTAGE
A DERBYSHIRE company has won a national award after working above and beyond to provide PPE to hospital workers in the height of the pandemic.
Liniar, Based in Denby, is one of the UK’s leading PVCu extrusion companies and invested £20,000 on the development of PPE from April 2020.
The team designed, prototyped, 3D-printed and manufactured protective visors, with their first batch being sent out after just two weeks.
Their products ended up in the hands of Royal Derby Hospital after family members told the company of their struggle to obtain PPE.
Oliver Marriott, design and development apprentice at Liniar, who pioneered the development of the PPE, said: “My family members were telling me about continued PPE shortages – and as the pandemic continued to get worse, I could see the stress they were under.
“I’m so proud that Liniar took my idea and ran with it and delighted at how many people, along with my family members, we’ve been able to help.”
To date, Liniar has donated more than 38,500 visors to be used by NHS staff.
As a result, the company was awarded a Covid-19 Business Hero award at the prestigious G Awards ceremony, held at the London Park Lane Hilton, at the end of November 2021.
The G21 judging panel chose Liniar as one of the two joint winners, alongside hardware specialist UAP, commenting “Liniar was one of two companies that responded to the crisis and achieved extraordinary results.”
Accepting the award on Liniar’s behalf, group sales director Nigel Bishop said: “The PPE project gave our whole team a great sense of direction and satisfaction during very uncertain times.
“The pandemic hasn’t stopped our community engagement – in fact, we’ve helped more people than ever before – so I’m extremely pleased Liniar has been recognised for the amazing work that’s still helping to deliver vital PPE to the NHS and care workers.”
Sue Davenport, group marketing director, said: “Liniar prides itself on being part of something bigger, which includes participating in community projects with local schools and charities.
“We were shortlisted for two awards, including Best Component Supplier, but winning in this category is really special.
“It’s Liniar’s first G Award and is a real testament to the continued dedication of the team throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”