Cumbernauld-based PPE supplier nets six-figure funding

A firm billed as one of Scotland’s top suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE), branded workwear and janitorial supplies has received six-figure support to manage increased orders for key workers during the Covid-19 crisis.

Trevor Lang leads the firm, which supplies the likes of Police Scotland. Picture: contributed

Cumbernauld-based Suresafe Protection has seen demand across the UK for medical and commercial PPE “skyrocket” since the outbreak began. It said HSBC UK’s £500,000 in support means it can now handle the jump in orders and payments from suppliers overseas.

Equipment being produced and transported across the UK includes hand sanitiser gel and soap, goggles, masks, gowns and aprons. Suresafe has also been designing new products such as high-visibility clothing and social distancing tape.

MD Trevor Lang said: “We understand the urgency and the critical role our business plays amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been a challenging time for us, like many others, as we navigate the increased prices and shortened supply of raw materials while the need for PPE rises. The funding received from HSBC UK allows us to continue this vital work for the UK which minimises risk and saves lives.”

Suresafe is on critical supplier lists for Police Scotland, Currys PC World, Farmfoods, NHS care homes and ambulance centres, and helps the Home Office with sourcing and procurement of urgent certified PPE supplies to the UK.

The firm has more than 50 years’ experience and stocks more than 100,000 product lines. Susan Rowand, head of business banking for Scotland at HSBC UK, said: “We are acutely aware of the gravitas of the national effort to make available the necessary PPE for key workers, and are therefore delighted to support Suresafe and help the business meet demand and fulfil orders for this crucial equipment.”

Support

HSBC UK says it is working with the UK government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and firms have the advice and support they need. Other Scottish firms to be supplying PPE include Edinburgh’s CHB Medical, which has worked with the British Horseracing Authority to create a “Back to Racing” PPE pack including face masks, gloves, overalls, hand sanitisers, thermometers, visors and goggles.

Firms that have diverted resources to making hand sanitiser include Arbroath-based craft chemical and polymer production company Stakam, which has converted a third of its production capacity to make the product.

Additionally Oro Gin, whose distillery is located in Dumfriesshire, is among the ranks of spirits firms producing hand sanitiser, supplying organisations such as the Ministry of Defence and Scottish Prison Service.

Suresafe in 2018 said it was expanding on the back of growing demand, aided by a six-figure funding deal. The firm said at the time that the procurement of a unit next to its existing location at Lenziemill Industrial Estate was made possible thanks to a loan of £315,000 from HSBC.

It enabled Suresafe to increase its space by almost 200 per cent, with the new 37,000 square foot building adding to its existing 19,000 sq ft building and yard.

SCOTSMAN.COM

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