More than 70 businesses have offered their support to a campaign help secure supplies of Personal Protective Equipment for workers in vital services.
The appeal, which was launched by councils and organisations across Norfolk last week (Wednesday 8th), encourages businesses to provide details of PPE which they have available in stock or their capacity or capability to produce equipment.
Seventy four responses have already been logged through the central database since the launch. That adds to many firms who had already contacted New Anglia LEP and other partners to offer support, taking the total number of active leads for PPE to over 200.
A bulk delivery of PPE has been received from Government, but this appeal to businesses should ensure additional stocks to make sure front line workers have the right PPE available for a sustained period.
Trevor Holden, Head of the Tactical Coordination Group, that is overseeing the delivery of the multi-agency response across Norfolk, said:
“The response from our business community has been great and on behalf of all local agencies, I would like to thank everyone who has contacted us and offered support. It really shows people coming together to help protect our front line workers and save lives.
“Producing additional PPE locally, and using stock which is unused in businesses which might currently be closed, will mean we can continue to have stocks available for the range of front line staff who are keeping out essential services running.”
“This campaign will continue to run, so if you have stock of PPE – no matter how small – or can produce equipment, please make sure you get in touch.”
The products being offered and produced include hand sanitiser, face visors, face masks, coveralls, aprons and protective suits.
Chris Starkie, Chief Executive of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said:
“It is great that so many companies have come forward to support this appeal already, and we’re sure there are many more who will get involved.
“We understand that this is a very challenging time for many businesses and their staff. The New Anglia Growth Hub can offer free business support, including information about the new Government grants and schemes, to any business in Norfolk or Suffolk as well as advice on how your business can help produce PPE.”
If your business can help, please complete the simple contact form at https://newanglia.co.uk/data-capture-for-ppe-supply-during-covid/
