We must have faith that we can get through all this... TOGETHER

RODUCTION of Huddersfieldmade Zoflora – one of the UK’s best-selling disinfectant brands – has been ramped up by 80% since this time last year.

Linthwaite-based manufacturers Thornton & Ross has introduced a new high-speed production line and a new shift has been added to cope with demand.

As retailers across the country run low on necessity items such as cleaning products, toilet rolls and dry food products, the company is turning out Zoflora 24 hours a day.

Sarah Fozzard, head of home hygiene at Thornton & Ross, said: “We would like to reassure the public that we are definitely not low on stock and have in fact increased our production by 80%.

“We’ve noticed some consumers voicing concerns on social media about empty shelves in the supermarkets, so we’re fully on hand to support any suppliers who are running low on stock in their retail outlets.

“With the majority of production focused on supplying UK retailers, we are confident that we are pulling out all the stops to be able to supply all demand as required. We’re continuing to manufacture 24 hours a day, and we have contingency plans in place if required.

“Like all other disinfectants, we have been unable to test Zoflora’s efficacy against the specific COVID-19 strain of Coronavirus. However, the science suggests that Zoflora would be effective against this strain, as it is against other similar viruses.

“With research suggesting that viruses can remain infectious on surfaces for a matter of days, using Zoflora to clean and disinfect hard surfaces at home, in places of education and in the workplace is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family.”

Sarah added: “Establishing a hygiene routine with some simple, everyday preventative steps can help control bacteria and viruses in the home.

“Wiping down desks, keyboards, light switches and surfaces, as well as doors, handles and kitchen and bathroom surfaces will reduce the breeding of bacteria and viruses in areas which come into contact with various people throughout the day.

“Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the home and in public places has never been more important.”

As a multi-use, multi room disinfectant, Zoflora has been used safely in households for almost 100 years to kill common household bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and viruses such as Influenza –Type A (H1N1), Human Herpes Virus, Rotavirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Zoflora became a social media sensation when cleaning guru Sophie Hinchliffe recommended it to her three million-strong Hinch Army followers on Instagram.

AS Chancellor Rishi Sunak promises to do ‘whatever it takes’ to help rescue the UK economy during the coronavirus crisis, business is entering unchartered waters. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put his Government on a war footing and a complete shutdown looks increasingly likely.

The Chancellor has pledged lowcost loans, grants and a business rate holiday in a £350 billion package of measures aimed at keeping businesses afloat.

But with the hospitality industry, travel and sport closing its doors and people being warned to stay home, some businesses simply won’t survive.

Freelancers and the selfemployed have seen work disappear from their diaries through no fault of their own and they now fear what the future holds.

For some large retailers, already struggling with changes on the high street, the virus impact could be the final straw.

But business in Kirklees is innovative and resourceful. Yes, it’s going to be brutal – and there will be casualties along the way – but we will get through this.

Businesses can rebuild and come back stronger. We all need to have faith, support each other and be kind. We can do this together.

In this special edition of KBN, editor MARTIN SHAW looks at how businesses in Kirklees are coping with the challenge of the unknown.

LINDLEY-BASED Expion Search and Selection recruits into the food, pharmaceutical, fleet management, manufacturing and engineering industries.

Director Richard Clegg said: “We are currently seeing a significant drop in face to face interviews as companies look to minimise the number of visitors to site.

“This is completely understandable as businesses look to implement measures which minimise the risk of coronavirus to their current workforce and as such, we are seeing more telephone/video interviews being scheduled which is promising.

“However, we expect that all nonessential vacancies will soon be put on hold, which will hit the recruitment industry over the next few weeks.

“This is likely to be an extremely challenging time for all businesses, but it is crucial they look at ways to future proof their organisations in order to mitigate the reduction in productivity as the wider population begin to self isolate or become ill which will affect business output.

“For those in the food, manufacturing, engineering and pharmaceutical sectors recruitment contingency planning is extremely important to ensure supply chains are not impacted.”

Michael Trevethan, marketing manager at Huddersfield-based graphic display specialist Leach, said: “We’ve sent out communications to customers but as far as we’re concerned its business as usual.

“The supply chains are all working and we’re continuing with projects across all our key sectors. The exhibition sector has naturally taken a bit of a hit but we’re supporting clients and helping them where we can with a view that events etc will