Coronavirus: how two businesses helped those in need

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardship for millions of people. We talk to two businesses that have helped others during this distressing time.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the UK, leaving millions of people struggling financially and forcing some businesses to close for the foreseeable future.

While the current situation is difficult for many individuals and businesses, some firms are keen to help out however they can.

We thought we'd catch up with two such businesses that have used their time, resources and even their own money to help out during this unprecedented time.

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Working with suppliers to help the NHS

Richard Dunn, co-owner and chef at Punch Bar & Tapas in Honley, said it was ‘devastating’ when the UK Government instructed all restaurants to close after the coronavirus pandemic intensified.

But everything changed when Ian Swire, ex-chairman of Sheffield Eagles RLFC and his wife Jill, offered a donation of £20,000 to set up a scheme to help provide meals for NHS workers.  

Under the scheme, Dunn and co-owner and chef Wayne Roddis, cook meals using ingredients from local suppliers.

“The couple suggested a scheme where we provide family meals that can take the pressure off at the end of the day when NHS members have finished work,” commented Dunn.

Within a few days, the scheme was in place and encountered no issues thanks to the restaurant’s ‘well-equipped kitchens and great suppliers.’

“One week, we were open to the public cooking tapas,” said Dunn.

“The following Tuesday, we were providing free meals for NHS families.

“We try to provide a menu that will be suitable for a full family, traditional dishes with a twist.

“We also like to keep things fresh and in season and our dishes have reflected this – we even had a wild garlic pasta dish!

“Some of our suppliers have been extremely kind and donated some ingredients.”

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Over 4,000 meals served to NHS workers

According to Dunn, the take-up by NHS workers was ‘immediate’ and thanks to the £20,000 donation, Punch Bar & Tapas has enough money to make meals until 21 June.

Since 25 March, the restaurant has served over 4,000 meals to NHS workers and their families, although Punch Bar & Tapas is also trying to raise more money to cook extra meals.

So far, extra fundraising has allowed the restaurant to add an additional day of meal collections every week.

On top of this, the local community has been ‘extremely supportive.’

“The recognition has definitely given us a boost and is positive for the business,” commented Dunn.

“We have only just started a takeaway service (Saturdays only) and it has been well received so far.”

If you’re considering helping out during this difficult time, Dunn recommends just going for it.

“It’s been a wonderful experience knowing you’re helping those within your community – but we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of the Swire family.”

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‘We wanted to help’

Clark Howe, managing director of Howsafe, which supplies safety equipment and disposable clothing, reveals the firm saw signs of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortage before it dominated headlines.

“Locally, there were reports of care homes in dire need of PPE, and one in particular, with six residents who had sadly passed away with COVID-19 symptoms," said Howe.

“We wanted to help get local heroes the correct PPE – this would help reduce the spread of the virus and ultimately save lives.”

Howsafe is offering volunteers and healthcare organisations the correct PPE, which has been donated by customers, suppliers, and the public.

It plans to distribute donated products, including disposable gloves, respirators, safety goggles, spectacles, visors, soaps and sanitisers, via its existing storage and distribution setup.

Any donations need to be new and in their original packaging.

‘We have been moved by the support’

Howsafe has donated some of its own stock (worth around £500) and was quick to act by notifying all customers and suppliers about its PPE Bank, as well as paying for advertising by 9 April.

On top of this, Howsafe has been paying to store, clean and repack items before they go out, and are also collecting and delivering donations.

Howe stresses the aim of the PPE Bank is to offer support, even if it was to only one care home or volunteer.

“Needless to say, we have been moved by the amount of support and donations we have received,” commented Howe.

So far, £3,000 to £4,000 worth of stock has been donated, including to Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, Philia Lodge Rest Home, Cross Keys Homes, Royal Mencap Society, and the COVID-19 Huntingdon Volunteer Group.

“It doesn’t sound like much, but you can get a lot of disposable products for that sort of money and help a lot of people,” said Howe.

On top of this, the above businesses have distributed PPE to other places in need, including Nelson Lodge Rest Home, Oakley House Care Home, and the Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

If you’re thinking of helping others, either individually or through your business, Howe recommends doing it.

“Look at what you have and can offer, ask people for help – you will be amazed at who steps up,” said Howe.

“Get your team onboard, keep everyone involved as safe as possible and have a go!”

He also encourages anyone with any unwanted equipment to donate to its PPE Bank or to their local volunteer group.

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