Several business owners across Mansfield and Ashfield have been working on various projects to make sure that those in most need are receiving valuable resources, supplies and assistance during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The owners are members of business networking group Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 — and have been thanked for their efforts.

Chair of the group Gary Jordan said: “M&A 2020 wants to send a message of thanks to all of our members who are out there doing their bit for the community during this trying time.

“These are just a few of the examples that we know of — and we are sure there are many more.”

Gary Jordan

Gary, from GMJ Engineering, of Mansfield Woodhouse, and Martin Rigley, of Lindhurst Engineering, Sutton, headed a collection of PPE supplies for King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton — #PPE4NHS — which has been highly successful and went on to attract support from outside the Mansfield and Ashfield area.

The successful campaign has seen more than 70,000 items donated. Offers of help can still be made at [email protected]

Other success stories include Elizabeth Orridge (top), of Elizabeth Orridge Photography, Mansfield, who has been making ear guards and washbags for an ICU in Sheffield, the NHS and keyworkers. When this article was compiled she had made 100 ear guards and 65 washbags with more planned.

Family, friends, customers and businesses within Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 donated funds to help buy supplies of materials.
If you would like to donate, email Lizzie at [email protected]

Chris Riley, of MBC Taxis, has provided a free transport service for anyone locally who is needing medical or shopping collections while they are self-isolating, elderly or vulnerable.

The vehicle is cleaned four times per day, has a plastic driver/ passenger partition and is capable of maintaining government distancing requirements. For details call 07740 587358.

Richard Fuller, of County Battery, Kirkby; The Evolve Trust based in Mansfield; and Thorntons (Ferrero) combined for an Easter egg appeal.

Richard was contacted by Ferrero to ask if he knew of any deserving homes for its spare Easter eggs.

Richard called The Evolve Trust and the team jumped into action to make sure the eggs were distributed to less advantaged people in the Mansfield Woodhouse area.

After receiving an enquiry from Prime Group, Blidworth, about spare tables to help expand capacity for the production of face masks and visors for NHS staff, Katie Cooper-Lewis, of Mansfield’s Concept 360, decided to open up a conference space in the Concept 360 building.

After making a call to recruiter TMR, 30 further volunteers got involved.

The team at Concept 360 are now producing more than 5,000 visors every day at Chadburn House — and are still going strong.

Jon Tolley, managing director at Prime Group, started making the visors after his wife, a primary care practitioner at a hospital in Burton, was without the proper equipment.

Since production started they have sent more than 100,000 face masks to the NHS and have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help get the PPE to as many NHS staff as possible for free.

For more information go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/ppe-visors-for-frontline-workers-covid-19

Gary Jordan added: “It’s actions like these that make everyone at Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 proud to be part of such a caring and giving community.

“We are certain that there are similar stories from all over the area and we would love to hear more.”

Among other businesses 2020 is recognising as also going the extra mile are:
Hopkins Solicitors – advice blogs.
Xposure – free marketing tips.
Midlands Asset Finance – finance support.
NatWest – Business advice and support, videos/blogs.
Nicky Silver (NSilverHR) – free HR support and advice.
John Morley (i-Sourcer) – marketing advice.
Sarah McNicol (life coach) – free advice.
Paula Bedborough (Lets All Eat) – donating and delivering food to the vulnerable in Ashfield.