The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has unfortunately resulted in businesses across the Uk, and much of the world, close their doors for the safety of their staff and indeed the public.
Despite these previously unseen measures, a number of businesses have been able to adapt to the change. Burnley has a long history of resilience and innovation; we’ve compiled a list of just a few #BrilliantBurnley businesses (most of which are Burnley Bondholders) that have thought outside of the box and adapted to the pandemic which threatens the stability of so many industries.
Of course, these are just a few examples of adapting businesses (and are listed in no particular order). We’d love to hear about any more business resilience stories you might have – feel free to contact lpollard@burnley.gov.uk
1) Birchall Foods opens its’ doors to the public
Birchall Foodservice are a family-run, wholesale company offering a wide range of quality products. When the pandemic broke out in the UK, the main supermarkets were awash with panicked customers, many unnecessarily stockpiling essential items such as food and toiletries. Amidst this wave of panic-buying, Birchalls’ took the compassionate decision to open their doors to the general public. Their new click-and-collect service helps all corners of society get the essential supplies they need.
Take a look at the video below:
Call Birchall Foodservice on 01282 526610 to place an order.
2) FDM use 3D printing technology for PPE face mask parts
FDM Digital Solutions Ltd are The UK leader in additive manufacturing. Since the pandemic outbreak occurred, they have been working through the weekend (with only one operator on site at any time) to produce face mask bands for our hospital staff in the battle against COVID-19. This is making great use of their HP MJF machine as they support our fantastic NHS.
3) Lancashire Textiles also turns to PPE production
Another #BrilliantBurnley business turning to PPE face mask production, Lancashire Textiles – who normally manufacture duvets, pillow and mattresses – are helping the fight against COVID-19 with a resilient shift in production by producing masses of PPE face masks. This innovative company even received national news coverage.
4) Wilfred`s Restaurant produces soup for care homes
Crow Wood Hotel and Spa Resort – a luxury hotel complex home to three different restaurants – has been considerably charitable since the outbreak. Wilfred’s, the hotels latest restaurant offering, has produced and frozen over 900 soups before distributing them to various local charities and care homes.
In addition, they’ve also donated masses their toilet roll and sugar stock to the local NHS hospital. In times where the hospitality industry is virtually inactive nationally, this family-run Burnley Business is still making great use of its resources.
5) Fagan & Whalley still on the road
The nations lorry drivers are essential, frontline workers who keep the country running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Fagan & Whalley Ltd have been operating in Burnley since 1927, and continue to operate whilst they carry essential goods across the nation.
6) Panaz – the use of microbial technology fabrics supply
Panaz have been pioneering microbial technology onto fabrics for several years. This is yet another #BrilliantBurnley company using their technology to fight the virus. The video below explains how Panaz’s innovative, long lasting technology works:
7) E&M Propety Solutions give free rooms for NHS Staff
Another one of our #BrilliantBurnley Bondholders adapting to help out at this unprecedented time. E&M Property Solutions are opening up their high quality homes and rooms for FREE for NHS workers. They have lots of vacant rooms within walking distance of the hospital in Burnley for NHS Staff. They are currently providing complimentary rooms to a Theatre Scrub, Midwife and Nurse who can’t return home due to having `high risk` relatives in their household. E&M Property Solutions are keeping staff safe and housed in their high quality accommodation.
If you are an NHS worker and need quality accommodation close to the hospital please email tina@eandmps.com or call 01282 711560
8) Hays free online training
To help with social distancing, the vast majority of the UK are now working from home. Hays Recruiting have just launched a FREE online training platform to all organisations, which helps organisations engage with their teams remotely. The platform offers a number of online training courses to businesses with home working practices and prioritises their wellbeing along with vital health and safety tips around covid-19. Once signed in, there are a considerable amount of courses to choose from which you can assign to team members, whilst also adding courses of your own. Once you are signed in, the platform becomes bespoke to you and your team, has extensive PEN testing ensuring maximum security from cyber-attack and data breaches, and fully GDPR compliant for the protection of your organisation and staff. The platform is called Thrive, has no connection to recruitment and is free of charge for any organisation who wants to use. More information and to join can be found here www.hayslearning.co.uk
9) Funda Keep UK children active
Funda are a growing Burnley business specialising in physical education and childcare. After the nationwide lockdown was announced, Funda restructured their website to include masses of useful resource materials. This helpful information was created to help parents keep children busy, active and learning in the safety of their own home.
10) Batch Brew are prepared to adapt to making hand sanitisers
Batch Brew is usually known for producing delicious craft gins. In the wake of the pandemic, Batch has announced that they are prepared to adapt accordingly and produce bulk hand sanitiser for the NHS. However, the process isn’t straight forward. Government guidelines are strict and they’re currently awaiting approval but it’s great to see another #BrilliantBurnley Bondholder thinking outside the box to fight the pandemic.