A network of Island businesses has been praised by local MP Bob Seely after coming together to support the Isle of Wight’s battle against COVID-19.
The network has provided various aid including donating warehouse space to facilitate the new temporary field hospital at St Mary’s and providing 200 pocket radios and headphones for patients, as well as manufacturing much-needed PPE and other equipment to treat victims and help combat the spread of COVID-19.
Businesses in the network include Tony and Gaynor Wake, ERMC, Bishops Insurance, Parlex and other members of the IW Technology Group including GKN, IFPL, BAE Systems, Neida62, MEDTEC Design Services and DDC Electronics Ltd.
Tony, who has donated space at 2 warehouses and at Newport Football Club – jointly owned by the Hanslip family – for use by the NHS, said:
“I was approached by Sarah Chatwin a director of ERMC who was assisting St Mary’s Hospital estates team in creating the three Covid-19 field hospitals.
“As part of that they needed vast amounts of storage and luckily I was in a position to help by offering up some spare space.”
Tony rang around other business contacts and quickly more space was offered by Bishop Insurance boss Andrew Swaap.
Discussions grew around the network and Tony and Gaynor also stepped forward to provide 200 pocket radios and headphones for use by patients in the new field hospital.
Tony said:
“But it quickly became clear that there were businesses of all sizes across the Island that were turning their attention and skills to helping in so many ways.
“We all have to do what we can, whether that be following Government advice to stay in and protect the NHS or using our businesses assets and skills. We are also just pleased to be in a position to offer help alongside so many other local companies.”
Sarah Chatwin said:
“By supporting both the efforts of NHS and care staff and the contributions of others from across the Island community, the business sector has a real role to play in beating this crisis.
“Faced with uncharted territory the private sector has used its skills laterally and creatively. We are very used to mobilising new initiative efficiently and swiftly, it’s what we do.”
Bob Seely said:
“The Island has a long history of innovation and I am delighted that the business community is combining this entrepreneurial spirit with a determination to contribute to the fight against Covid-19.
“At a at time when companies and traders large and small are facing their own challenges, there has nevertheless been an amazing contribution from across the business community. I know this has been greatly appreciated by the NHS and those working in the frontline. I am proud to represent an Island where the whole community is determined to play its part in tackling Covid-19.”
