PROSPER MAGAZINE: DIGITAL EDITION
BLACK COUNTRY BUSINESS HEROES
BLACK COUNTRY BUSINESS HEROES
In April we launched our search for Black Country Business Heroes, those people, places, products and companies going the extra mile to help with the Coronavirus crisis.
As the region and the country pulled together to help supply PPE for the NHS and care system, packed and distributed food and essentials for the most vulnerable, and worked together to try and make lives better for the many people struggling and suffering from the crisis, here at the Black Country Chamber we heard, and shared, some of the most amazing, touching and heroic stories from Black Country businesses.
As we enter the next phase and move forward to rebuild the economy, with employers looking ahead and employees returning to their offices, factory floors and retail premises, we still want to hear from you.
We are seeing lots of companies, people and brands doing amazing things. Pivoting, diversifying, taking tough decisions, expanding, learning new skills, developing new initiatives.
We want to hear your stories – tell us how your business has survived, how you are returning to work, tell us about the unique leaders - your unsung business heroes that have kept the wheels turning on the business and how they are rebuilding and bouncing back.
We want to continue to celebrate the contribution these people and organisations make to the wellbeing of the Black Country economy, by undertaking the often un-glamorous jobs that keep businesses going.
REOPENING FOR BUSINESS AND HELPING THE NHS
As car showrooms began reopening on 1st June, one Chamber member decided to dedicate services to local NHS heroes completely free of charge.
Wednesbury based business, Autobase Citroen & MG, decided to give away free MOTs, 20% discount on labour, a free wash & vacuum and a completely free sanitisation service to all vehicles belonging to NHS staff as a way of saying 'thank you' to those who continue to look after us all.
Ali Allibhai, Director at Autobase Citroen & MG, and a board member at Black Country Chamber of Commerce believes clapping for the NHS is not enough,
He said, “As a team, we approached all the GP and medical surgeries in the area and distributed boxes of chocolates along with the information about our offer.”
ACORNS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE AND THEIR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Acorns Children’s Hospice in the West Midlands became one of the first children’s hospices in the UK to publish its emergency plans in response to the deepening Coronavirus pandemic.
The charity, which cares for life-limited children and their families, moved quickly to support the emergency effort to help some of the most vulnerable families in the region, and directly support the NHS COVID-19 response.
The plan involved a temporary closure of its hospice in Birmingham, which, due to its location close to large acute trusts in the city, was formally offered as a COVID-19 facility for patients of any age. Staff from the hospice were redeployed to other Acorns hospices based in Walsall and Worcester.
Acorns in the Black Country, the charity’s hospice based in Walsall which celebrated its 20th birthday during the lockdown, has been available for children with complex medical needs who were being looked after in local hospitals, it has been providing a safe environment for those children whilst helping the NHS maximise their own intensive care capability.
Acorns has also been heavily involved in providing support to around 600 families, 200 in the Black Country alone, who have been shielding at home. Caring for a life-limited child can be challenging for families, so it has been especially tough for them during this crisis.
Volunteers have delivered much-needed care packages, and the Acorns Family Team Workers have provided hours of emotional and practical support over the phone, via video calls and by sending activity packs to siblings.
In the past year, Acorns has cared for over 780 children and more than 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. The charity relies on donations and fundraising to continue providing its services and has pivoted its fundraising efforts during the pandemic to keep its services open and available for their families.
GRAND THEATRE LIGHTS UP TO SUPPORT THE NHS
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre opened its doors earlier this month for a very special audience.
Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing theatres across the country to stay closed to theatregoers, The Grand played host to over 40 NHS staff from Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital during National Carers Week, 8th – 14th June, for staff training. The Grand's large auditorium provided enough space to socially distance the NHS professionals, with the stage the perfect platform to lead the training session.
Grand Theatre CEO and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson offered the building at no cost to New Cross CEO David Loughton. Adrian said, "Everyone has been playing their part to support the NHS and offering The Grand in some way was absolutely the right thing to do. I am delighted that David took us up on our offer. Our staff are volunteering for the NHS to assist them during the week and are looking forward to doing their bit.
"We are waiting for government guidelines on when and how we can re-open for theatre-goers but until then we are looking into how we can use the building for other income streams. Socially distanced training, meetings and conferences is an avenue we are investigating."
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR COMPTON CARE FROM MOOG
Wolverhampton based Moog Aircraft have continued their support of Compton Care during the recent challenging times.
Prior to lockdown, the team at Moog had been busy fundraising with baking cakes, organising raffles and doing what they could to help generate funds for the charity Compton Care.
A virtual cheque presentation took place earlier this month which saw the aircraft manufacturing business hand over a cheque for £2,027,50.
This amount will fund 15 visits from a Healthcare Assistant to a patient receiving care in the comfort of their own home.
Are you, or someone you know a Black Country Business Hero?
Get in touch to share your story: sarahthompson@blackcountrychamber.co.uk
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