Celebrating firms rising up to difficult challenge

1 Cock of the Walk, Hull

WHEN the pandemic hit and the impact on the NHS was understood, the modest bespoke tailoring workshop in Grimston Street was transformed into a lean and efficient surgical gown manufacturing operation.

The war-like effort saw almost 3,000 produced, with many going direct to wards and operating theatres in the city.

Nights, weekends and bank holidays were worked through, with 200 gowns a day produced at peak.

It didn’t stop when health bosses were confident with supply, turning to GP and dental surgeries, and donating to the Humber Resilience Forum.

Since the initial push, a premium dental gown has been produced, proven to wash 100 times, and as a result Cock of the Walk has been asked to register on the approved supply list.

2 Springfield Solutions, Hull

THE global brand management and multimedia business met the challenges coronavirus brought to key clients including the NHS, police armed forces and homeless charities, managing to grow 13 per cent through lockdown.

A total of 25,000 hand sanitiser labels were donated, having been approved, printed and delivered in 48 hours, while it also used its 3D printing capability to help in the PPE push.

New business was won off “incredible reaction times,” delivering packaging solutions in the UK and globally.

It was praised by Scottish First Minister

Nicola Sturgeon for work with Evans Vanodine’s cleaning detergents and sanitisers, while one million sanitiser labels were produced for Biological Preparations to meet the surge in demand, adhering to the five-day lead time.

It was all achieved with between 60 and 70 per cent of staff working off-site, with facilities reconfigured to provide more space for those required.

3 Working for Health CIC, Cottingham

BRIDGING the gap between mental health services and employment, the team behind the five year old operation realised the critical role it needed to play in lockdown.

Instead of withdrawing services and furloughing staff as the pandemic saw strict measures enforced, it worked harder, more creatively and grew the business.

Case workers used email, phone and Zoom to speak with clients, with a greater need quickly realised, as issues such as social isolation, poverty and poor quality housing issues were amplified.

Workshops and drop-in facilities were reengineered to go online by April, with help to disseminate the huge amount of information about the pandemic given. An online magazine was created and an allotment taken on, providing the opportunity for small groups to meet in a socially distanced manner.

Clients’ wellbeing saw a marked improvement in feedback, with many finding work in factories, retail and healthcare.