1. Biz Network June/July 2020 1-32.qxp_Chamberlink 29/05/2020 12:01 Page 4
MEMBER NEWS
Historic firm lends support to the NHS Following an introduction by the investment team at Marketing Derby, historic Derbyshire-based clothing manufacturer John Smedley is working with the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust to provide much-needed PPE. John Smedley has opened a special area at its Lea Mills factory, dedicated to creating medical grade fabric scrub garments for the NHS, care homes and other businesses in need. Having sourced hospital-approved fabrics, a team of volunteer lock-stitchers, seamers and over-lockers have already produced the first batch of just over 1,000 pairs of scrubs. Ian Maclean, Managing Director, said: “Despite not being cut-and-sew garment specialists, I am pleased to be able to turn our company’s skills into the useful production of hospital approved scrubs for the NHS and care homes. Covid-19 presents us all with huge challenges, and we are keen to play our part in meeting them, even in a small way." John Smedley was created in 1784 and is the oldest manufacturing factory in the world. Throughout World Wars One and Two, John Smedley produced underwear for the front-line troops, under contract to the Government, as part of a huge re-organisation of industry that was geared towards the war effort.
Dedicated volunteers working away at the vital scrubs
‘Derbyshire’s manufacturing companies are certainly showcasing innovation during the Covid-19 crisis’ While the Government hasn’t formally contracted British manufacturers to produce PPE in the UK during the current Covid-19 crisis, an informal network of designers, manufacturers and individual machinists has sprung up across the country to take up the challenge. John Smedley has joined the effort and chosen to work with the ‘Emergency Design Network’, led by fashion designers Holly Fulton, Phoebe English, Bethany Williams and Cozette McCreery, to obtain materials and patterns that are approved by the NHS. New machine arrangements have been designed to facilitate social distancing, digital thermometers will be utilised to check temperature, and PPE will be deployed to enhance safe working. All garments produced have been distributed to local hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes in the East Midlands and London free of charge. Maya Yates, Marketing Derby Inward Investment Executive, added: “We are delighted that Derbyshire-based John Smedley is now manufacturing scrubs for the NHS. Derbyshire is the UK capital for innovation and Derbyshire's manufacturing companies are certainly showcasing innovation during the Covid-19 crisis.”
John Smedley has joined the many manufacturing businesses across the East Midlands helping supply PPE to the NHS
Women’s centre helps the community Leicestershire-based Shama Women’s Centre has launched a project, Corona Comrades which supports the local community with mental health concerns and further help those struggling with social isolation. Since the coronavirus lockdown, there has been an alarming growth in the number of UK citizens suffering from low moods, loneliness, depression and anxiety. In response to this emerging need, the women’s centre stepped up to offering free, confidential support and advice through its bank of qualified professionals. With a team of professional 4
business network June/July 2020
counsellors on hand for those that are struggling with mental health, loss of a loved one or loneliness, they also have a dedicated team of trained volunteers on hand for general conversation and check-ins. In addition, Shama Women’s Centre’ expert team is able to signpost to other complimentary services within the community ensuring the right support is in place. The team provides support in multiple languages to ensure even the most vulnerable members of the community are reached. To speak to a specialist, please call 0116 2514 747.
