Coronavirus: Swadlincote Company Frustrated By Wait For Government Green Light To Produce PPE

The owner of a company capable of making up to 3,000 face visors for NHS and other key workers is frustrated at still not receiving Government go-ahead to start production.

As the coronavirus crisis escalated, Anne-Mari Niemela managing director of Swadlincote-based printing company FoxPrint registered to help boost the national shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Now, almost three weeks later, she is still waiting approval.

She told Swadlincote Nub News: "We want, and are able, to help with the production of PPE and registered to put our services at the disposal of the NHS.

"We have the staff and supply chain to make face visors to support our amazing doctors and nurses and care workers - and save lives.

"But getting the go-ahead to make PPE is easier said than done.

"We have been frustrated by the procurement process and have received one phone call asking for more information but nothing more in over 10 days - we are unable to break through the red tape.

"We have a staff of eight at our Swadlincote and Shepshed locations, four of whom are currently furloughed and one on statutory sick leave because they have to be shielded.

"We just want to get back to working to support our healthcare heroes and other key workers."

The downscaled team is currently making and selling hundreds of face shields at cost to fulfil orders from private healthcare companies both locally and further afield.

But Anne-Mari has also been inundated with requests for free face visors.

"It's heartbreaking to have to turn them down.

"We are not a charity and I have to safeguard our company to ensure we can keep going once the country returns to normality.

"The business would go under if I said yes to every request we've received and I have to look after my family and our employee's futures.

"We are not making a profit on the face visors we are selling."

Saddened by having to turn away so many genuine requests for help, Anne-Mari's daughter Olivia - with the backing of her mother - has set up an online fundraising page Go Fund Me with a £10,000 target to make 5,000 protective face shields which will be donated locally.