Print industry standing proud and assisting in corona crisis

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It’s safe to say the last few weeks have been unprecedented. From our work lives to personal lives, we’ve all been affected in some way, and that’s sadly likely to continue for a while.

But, do you know what’s been incredible? The outpouring of kindness, compassion, charity and support from one person to another and from businesses to local communities.

It’s times like these that our actions can change someone’s day. Looking just at the print industry, from the smallest of gestures and acts of kindness, it’s been wonderful to see…

Drytac has incentivised its teams to donate blood if they are able. “We saw the pleas for more donors, it’s clear that supplies are stretched, hospitals are desperate and regular donations are plummeting. It’s something we can so willingly give, so are encouraging our teams to do so also.” Amanda Brown, Global Marketing Manager.

HP’s CEO Enrique Lores wrote a memo to all HP employees outlining their commitment to supporting the individuals, their families and teams during this time. Along with ensuring all hourly employees receive planned wages, the company are planning to donate millions of dollars in technology and services, including extending warranties during this period. HP have also mobilized their 3D Printing team and are deploying HP BioPrinters free of charge to NGOs, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate research, along with assisting in the production to assist urgent needs for PPE equipment and respiratory support.

Chris Bailey at QPS has acknowledged that many of their clients supply the NHS, be that directly or indirectly, so has committed to maintaining supply and technical support during this difficult time to ensure these crucial supply chains have everything they need.

UK cutting manufacturer, Blackman & White have a large customer in the North who has repurposed its machine to produce NHS aprons using the material they manufacture for vacuum bagging composites. Alex White, Managing Director adds, “We are working with the Imperial College medical department to help repurpose a machine and we’re aiming to enlist all Blackman & White customers that are willing, to start using their cutters to produce PPE for the NHS as quickly as possible.”

Scruffy Dog has donated all excess PPE equipment to health professionals and is offering to help self-isolating people in the Birmingham/London areas near its factories.

Simon and Marc at Webmart have reprovisioned 11 old laptops to give to low income households so their children can do schoolwork at home in the Barnsley area.

printMAX’s MD Michael Bolton brought Easter early to the team last week by delivering Easter eggs to the office.

Nicole Spencer, Operations Director at RMC Digital Print announced via LinkedIn that the Hull based printers were producing stickers with the NHS directions for effective handwashing and coronavirus advice, if anyone wanted some for their business or premises.

At LFR, some of our contributors have already signed up for the NHS volunteer system, you can do so here: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS

These are just a small selection having spoken with our contacts and spotted on our LinkedIn feeds - there have been countless more.

Rishi Sunak put it best - “Now more than at any time in our history, we will be judged by our capacity for compassion. When this is over, and it will be over, we want to look back on this moment and remember the many small acts of kindness, done by us and to us.”

Do let us know if you have a community scheme or business gesture for us to share, let’s keep the positivity flowing.