The coronavirus has had a devastating impact on the UK construction industry, particularly for small and medium-sized building companies with many unable to operate at this time. Despite this, many Master Builders have turned their attention to how they can provide support to those in need, by donating supplies, offering their building skills or dedicating their time.
We know there are many Master Builders who are helping to make a difference and support the NHS in many ways across the UK. Here are just some of examples of Master Builders answering the call for help.
Lucinda Sanford Ltd, London
The team at London-based firm Lucinda Sanford have gone from lifting building materials to lifting crates of food to deliver to St Barnabas and St Thomas hospitals. In support of The Caring Foundation, the team has been delivering ready-made food for more than three weeks, with their drivers giving up their time on the weekends to ensure a continued supply of meals.
R Vincent & Sons Ltd, Wiltshire
We have previously highlighted the story of how R Vincent & Sons Ltd responded to a Twitter post from the Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity requesting facemasks for their paramedics. The small family-run firm based in Salisbury, Wiltshire uses FFP3 high-grade facemasks to protect themselves from fine dust particles during the course of their work. After misplacing some stock last year, owner Richard Vincent purchased an additional 100 masks before he rediscovered his existing supply in storage.
Rather than keeping or selling the face masks, Richard promptly answered the call for help and donated 100 masks to Wiltshire Air Ambulance. On his decision to make the donation, Richard said: "I decided not to sell them as I felt more and more uneasy at the thought of profiting from them especially at this time when we are faced with people’s greed and selfish actions reported daily on social media and by the press."
J Green Plastering and Building Services, Bristol
Over in Bristol, J Green Plastering and Building Services came up with a creative idea to get their whole team involved in fundraising. The #ShaveForTheBrave challenge resulted in some striking new looks amongst the team. The challenge was documented on the company’s Instagram account and even attracted support from former clients who wanted to take part. The team’s combined efforts raised more than £2,400 for the NHS, smashing the original target of £500.
Elivate Ltd, Berkshire
In Berkshire, Elivate Ltd were able to donate goggles to NHS Brighton and masks to their local ambulance service as well as Royal Berkshire Hospital. Displaying some true ingenuity, one of their staff has also started 3D-printing 10-12 masks per day and delivering them to a local hospital.
Ipsum UK Ltd, Nottingham
In Nottingham, Ipsum UK Ltd's donation of masks to the Victoria and Mapperly Doctors' Practice came just in time for staff who were just about to run out.
Gardner Roofing LLP, Fairford
Fairford-based Master Builder Gardner Roofing LLP also gave their remaining 10 boxes of PPE3 masks away, sending six boxes to Cheltenham General Hospital and gifting four additional boxes to local paramedic crews who were attending a neighbouring house in their local estate.
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We know Master Builders are among the best in Britain, and these stories help to demonstrate why. There are many ways that builders, companies and individuals can get involved to help the NHS or those in need in your communities. If you run a business and would like to find out how you can provide support or donate PPE to the NHS, visit the Government website.
All stories and images mentioned above from Master Builders have been shared with permission.
