Group’s call for unwanted protective gear

Business leaders in the North East are calling on firms to check their storerooms for protective equipment which might be of use to the emergency services during the coronavirus crisis.

North East England Chamber of Commerce is supporting the national call out for personal protective equipment (PPE) from organisations who no longer need it.

James Ramsbotham, Chamber chief executive said: “We have strong links to over 3,000 businesses in our region and have urged them to donate any surplus PPE to help our front-line carers.

“It is imperative those working closely with coronavirus sufferers are protected themselves.

“We have already had our first success with our member Marine Safety Supplies passing on a quantity of surplus hand sanitizer to a NE health trust.”

Specific items that the Chamber is helping to source are clinical gowns, FFP3 face masks, IIR face masks, disposable aprons, clinical waste bags, nitrile gloves and clinical visors.

“It is also calling on businesses which are able to manufacture PPE and other crucial items to produce them as soon as possible to help emergency services get through the next few weeks.

Any business which can help should contact the Chamber policy team policy@ neechamber.co.uk.

The Chamber is also acting as a conduit of North East business concerns and feeding them into Government via the British Chambers of Commerce.

The Chamber is also providing regular updates on its website www.neechamber. co.uk and organising webinars on mental health wellbeing and business support.