Changing with the times

LK discovers how the pandemic has brought out the very best in many British manufacturers…

Despite the sadness surrounding the current situation, LK wants to take a moment to acknowledge the outstanding response of the British people to the coronavirus – from the tireless efforts of the incredible NHS and care workers, to those – like the irrepressible Colonel Tom – busy raising funds for them. We’d also like to acknowledge the manufacturers that are using their skills and knowledge to create products to health fight the virus or provide those on the frontline with protection, food and drink.

Here are just a few of them…

Marvellous masks
Lancashire textiles is more accustomed to making bedding than protective wear, but when the lockdown arrived, rather than have to close or make staff redundant and to help the nationwide effort, the Burnley-based company began harnessed all its team’s expertise to create face masks and wipe-clean products, the latter which it originally manufactured during the 2014 Ebola outbreak!

Scrub up!
This is such a great idea! Sustainable underwear brand Elliss, in collaboration with research clothing line Rayon Vert, has created a special design for medical scrubs and made the instructions available online to anyone who wants to volunteer to make them. The website even gives details of fabric suppliers across the UK and hospitals that are accepting the garments. 

Super seeds for super people
One company helping to fuel the key workers battling to keep our country safe is NINE – creator of healthy, seed-based snack bars. NINE has been committed to ensuring those at the front line get all the energy they need, even using social media to find out where the bars are needed most. So far, in excess of 30,000 NINE bars have been handed out. If you know a frontline team in need of a pick-me-up, email info@9brand.co.uk

Giving the frontline a boost
Boost Drinks has been busy gifting their Energy, Protein, Sport and Coffee products to key workers across the UK, as well as rewarding small businesses, charities and individuals it sees posting on social media with praise, goodies and even messages from Boost celebrities like Geordie Queen Vicky Pattison. The company is even delivering ‘care packages’ to its independent retailers, which include everything from special social distancing floor stickers and pick-me-ups for staff.

Best of British
LK is so proud of the companies above who really are going the extra mile to help others during this difficult time. We love the ingenuity, spirit and generous that is so distinctly and wonderful British. We salute you!

And don’t forget, you can do your bit too… Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.