A man who adapted his Norwich-based family signage business to adapt to conditions under Covid-19 lockdown, has donated protective materials and directional signage for the retail shops of the local charity which supported his father before his death five years ago. Justin Watts, managing director of Signforce, which has its premises in Burton Close, Norwich, was forced to furlough all his staff and rapidly adapt the production of his signage company due to the coronavirus outbreak. Justin said, “We manufacture wholesale branded sign and display products for the sign, display and exhibition industry and experiential agencies, but when lockdown was announced, the events industry ground to a halt and this business disappeared overnight. To ensure continuity of the company, we needed to pivot our usual output and turn to producing PPE and protective equipment, graphics and Covid related signage for retail premises. Thankfully I have managed to now bring all my staff back into the business following furlough. “When my father was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and undergoing treatment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, he received fantastic support from the team at the Big C centre. It was a very difficult time, we ran the business together for 20 years before my father became ill and we were very close. The support and help Big C gave to us as a family before he sadly died, really made a difference and so when I heard that the charity was starting to reopen some of its shops, I wanted to take the opportunity to give-back and help by donating some of the protective equipment they required to make the stores Covid-safe.” Signforce has donated till screens and floor stickers worth £1,500 which will be used in Big C’s Fakenham, Beccles, Norwich Timberhill and Swaffham stores. Retail Team Manager, Danielle Day, said, “We are very grateful to Justin and Signforce for this very kind donation. Conditions are tough for charities currently and to receive this help towards opening our shops and generating income for the charity is welcomed and appreciated.” To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk
