During these unprecedented times, it is important firstly, that we follow government guidelines and stay safe, and secondly, that we retain our sanity and remain positive.

As we navigate our way through the unanticipated new normal that we find ourselves in, it is easy to become overwhelmed by all the bad news that we are being bombarded with daily by the media. This bad news often overshadows the good news, and despite the disconcerting situation we are in, there are still plenty of good things happening. To raise morale, the team at Informare want to inject a bit of positivity into your day by shining a light on some of the great things that our clients are doing during this difficult and unusual time.

AGUA – A Key Part to Play

In order to support those on the front line, AGUA have momentarily returned to their roots in healthcare and have become a designated key supplier to the NHS during this global crisis. Typically known today for being the leader in technical performance upholstery fabrics, AGUA have a well-established background in making and supplying uniforms and gowns for hospitals before the Second World War. The company are proud to be able to contribute their expertise and commitment to stock in supporting the NHS where possible during this critical time.

USM – Going the Extra Mile

The coronavirus pandemic has really demonstrated the ways in which companies can adapt themselves to respond to changing demands in society. The Swiss modular furniture company USM are known worldwide for their timeless design and construction of the USM Haller furniture system. In Switzerland their employees are offering a home delivery service for medicine and essentials for those most at risk in the country. They are using company-owned vehicles to do this and are constantly monitoring the situation to ensure the service is efficient, with company executives proposing to transport the goods themselves if this proves insufficient. In the UK, USM’s delivery and installation company, have put their transport fleet at the disposal of the NHS and every employee of the team has volunteered their personal services to assist and deliver supplies.

Welltek – Bringing Good Vibrations to the NHS

Dedicated to promoting good health, Welltek are a leading London-based furniture company who offer a range of design-led solutions that are intended to support human needs in the workplace. With a unique combination of excellent design and proven Nordic technology, Welltek’s products endeavour to create an environment that encourages inspiration and actively improves the health and wellbeing of employees. They are the only company to distribute furniture with pioneering Neurosonic technology. Welltek have helped to make this trying time a little easier for NHS staff at Whipps Cross Hospital in North London, by providing a Neurosonic wave and neuron activation pod for the make-shift Wellness Centre at the hospital. The Wellness Centre allows hardworking NHS staff to relax on their break while on shift at the hospital.

Humanscale – Homeworking Solutions

Humanscale are an award-winning designer, manufacturer and pioneer of ergonomic products that improve health and comfort at work. Aiming to inspire movement and support the user in every posture, their office solutions include self-adjusting seating, sit/stand desks, monitor arms and task lighting. With a large number of the population currently working from home, Humanscale’s team of board-certified ergonomists are offering a new digital service that assesses your home arrangement and provides online ergonomic consultations to ensure that you have a healthy and comfortable space. ErgoIQ LIVE is a first-of-its-kind online ergonomic consultation tool that provides online, on-demand access to Humanscale’s skilled network of certified ergonomists. Following a thorough but efficient virtual consultation of 30 minutes or less, the ergonomist conducting the assessment will provide a summary report of their recommendations including information on the Healthy Workstation Guidelines. To make the transition to a homeworking lifestyle a little bit smoother, Humanscale are also offering a 20% discount across all of its work-from-home solutions.

Vintage Playing Cards – A Game to Play Keeps the Kids at Bay

Vintage Playing Cards specialise in hand-made greeting cards, frames, clocks and unique gifts made from individually sourced original vintage games including playing cards, bakelite dominos and 1920s parlour games. Helping to save some people from inescapable boredom, the team at Vintage Playing Cards kindly gave away all the vintage games they had stockpiled but hadn’t been using. VPC encouraged customers to contact them to receive a mystery game for free, a great way to discover a fun new game you might not have played before. With the kids being off school, and the worry that they spend too much time looking at screens, I’m sure some parents out there will be very grateful to receive a new game to entertain the family.

BDG – We’re All in This Together

International architecture and design consultancy BDG architecture & design focus on strategy, architecture and design for corporate, public sector and education clients for new build, refurbishment and heritage projects. BDG are an accredited RIBA practice and successfully complete award-winning projects across all sectors. While working remotely, the team at BDG started an initiative to create care packages to support staff at the company’s local hospitals, NHS Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals. The care packages include essentials like toothpaste and deodorant, that have been donated by BDG staff and then boxed up and delivered to the hospitals. The team extended their generosity further by creating a JustGiving donation page and raising over £500 in just 24 hours; this will be used over the coming weeks to buy and deliver more essentials to the amazing NHS teams at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals. This kind gesture by BDG really reminds us that we can get involved and support the key workers during this time, even if we are aren’t on the front line.

Knightsbridge – Committed to the Cause

Dedicated to British market-led design, Knightsbridge Furniture are one of very few British contract furniture companies to place importance on the need for an in-house design and development team. Committed to meeting and exceeding the needs of customers to an exceptional standard and affirming their trust, Knightsbridge perform not only in terms of quality and comfort but also in style and functionality. As an approved NHS furniture supplier, Knightsbridge are fulfilling truly essential work during this difficult time by meeting the increase in requirement of healthcare furniture by the NHS. As a longstanding partner of the NHS, they are very aware of the situation and have been able to mobilise the factory rapidly to meet increase in demand. The company very much appreciate the essential work being completed by their skilled craftsmen at this time, who are coming into the factory whilst adhering to the strictest guidelines concerning social-distancing and frequent handwashing.

Marokka – Printing for the People

London design house Marokka are best known for producing luxury hand-finished geometric sculptures that are stunning to look at, yet simultaneously designed with sustainability at the forefront of production. Marokka hope to put a smile on the face of those who enjoy their products, without causing any unnecessary harm to the planet. To aid with the issue of PPE shortage in the UK, they have momentarily slowed production of their geometric sculptures and are now using their printers to make PPE for the NHS and other key workers. In these times, the demand for PPE is high and difficult to meet, but Marokka aim to do their best to contribute to the efforts of those trying to meet this demand as much as they possibly can.