A Mansfield business that has refocused its efforts during the coronavirus crisis to supply face coverings to the public and support the NHS at the same time has won Government praise.

Source Control Masks is the trading name of industrial supplies business Hall-Fast. It usually exports to more than 100 countries, but is supplying face masks from Asia to the British public.

The company has sold more than 8,000 so far and aims to keep the UK public safe whilst ensuring medical PPE is reserved for healthcare workers.

The business is donating £1 for every face covering sold online to the Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, raising more than £2,100 so far.

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Exports minister Graham Stuart MP said: “Hall-Fast is a great example of a UK business taking the initiative during this pandemic as well as supporting their local NHS and the British public.”

“It’s imperative we continue to keep international trade lines open and running, as working together is the only way we will be able to move past the pandemic. Importing PPE is an important part of the UK’s response to Covid-19. I commend Hall-Fast for their innovative approach and ability to adapt.”

Hall-Fast is a Department for International Trade (DIT) Export Champion. Managing director Malcom Hall added: “After lockdown was imposed I began importing face coverings for purchase.

“I did this to encourage customers not to buy medical facemasks that ought to be reserved for healthcare workers.

“With no current cure to COVID-19, I want to help keep British people safe and provide the right type of equipment for people as lockdown restrictions ease.

“DIT have been a great help to Hall-Fast and I have received continued support from International Trade Advisors both before and during the pandemic — and have benefitted from the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.”