Tayside businesses hailed for heroics

Businesses across Tayside have been recognised for their efforts to support their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine local organisations have been nominated in the British Chambers of Commerce National Business Heroes Awards, launched earlier this year.

The team at Mackie Motors donated two electric vehicles to local charity Voluntary Action Angus so it could deliver food and medicine to those who were self-isolating.

Well gate Shopping Centre staff marked the bravery and dedication of key workers by handing out 250 thermal cups which have been decorated by local children with their messages of thanks.

Alexander’s Community Development helped thousands of people by pulling together businesses and members of the public to supply and deliver food parcels, providing support to more than 25 local foodbanks.

Balhousie Care Group was one of the first major employers in the region to make a point of recruiting peop le who we re furloughed or out of work.

The firm also helped prepare sandwiches for homeless and vulnerable people and developed an app to help staff stay safe at work.

Hillcrest was applauded for its efforts to source PPE for frontline workers. The housing association’ s Hillcrest Futures’ harm reduction team also delivered an outreach service in partnership with NHS harm reduction nurses to help people at high risk due to drug and alcohol use.

Dundee Removal Services supported many other companies across the region to deliver supplies to the most vulnerable, and vital equipment to a local hospital.

Scott Brothers Butchers set up a phone service so people who did not have any internet could order food deliveries at a time when the supermarkets were under pressure.

They also delivered free food to students when their halls of residence were put into lockdown.

Volunteers at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design sewed reusable face masks and produced 5,000 pairs of scrubs for NHS Tayside staff.

Finally, Halley Stevenson worked with health bosses to produce large volumes of fabric at the firm’s Dundee factory in a bespoke colour called Tayside Teal. It was used to produce 4,000 pairs of scrubs. H alley also donated a large quantity of fabric for use by community stitchers.

Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said they should all be really proud.