Cheerleading uniform manufacturer voluntarily produces masks and scrubs in response to the Coronavirus crisis

A Basingstoke-based business leader has gone from manufacturing cheerleading outfits to producing PPE to support those on the front line.

Debbie Steel is a Director of three companies including Beresford Medical Supplies (UK) Ltd,
her new company, which was incorporated on 19th May during lockdown. The business was
established in response to the urgent need for PPE in the primary healthcare sector.

Staff who work under the Pinkfudge brand, Debbie’s other businesses, would normally be
manufacturing cheerleading outfits for universities, alongside their other production lines
or working as part of the only UK National Network of Professional Drapers, providing B2B
remedial services to the UK window furnishings industry.

Having such transferrable skills in designing, patterning, cutting and the stitching of fabrics
has enabled the staff to volunteer their expertise to produce and donate scrubs and masks
for the Hampshire Health Foundation Trust, charitable trusts and UK Primary and Mental
healthcare centres.

When asked about the Covid-19 recovery plans for the business, Debbie confirmed they will
be taking advantage of the government support provided by applying for the bounce-back
loan scheme while they plan to return to their usual operational activities with their highly
skilled staff. 

The masks, with latex-free ear loops, will be supplied in fully recyclable packaging and will be
manufactured and tested to the latest standards. Class 1 (Medical Devices), TYPE IIR (splash resistant) Surgical Face Mask. EN 14683:2019 tested, MHRA registered and CE marked.

Debbie has been labelled a “human dynamo” by Manufacturing Growth Manager, Steve Sharp of the Manufacturing Growth Programme. Steve went on to say, “Debbie has achieved great progress in a very short space of time, where others would have taken weeks or even months. She has been doggedly thorough in her research and preparation and I have no doubt that she will keep pushing until she succeeds."

There have been challenges involved with the creation of the new business and product, from perfecting the product, gaining product certification, launching the company in the marketplace and crucially, ensuring a competitive price point.

To assist with the demands of the new business, Debbie is currently engaged with the Manufacturing Growth Programme which is helping support the growth potential of Beresford Medical Supplies (UK) Ltd by providing a grant towards product certification.

Manufacturing Growth Manager, Steve Sharp, supports many SME manufacturing businesses within the Enterprise M3 region. Having previously worked for Hampshire Health Foundation Trust at Basingstoke Hospital (who are the recipients of donated PPE from one of Debbie’s companies) he has been able to provide insight towards the needs of the hospital.

More details on Beresford Medical Supplies (UK) Ltd will be available at www.beresfordmedicalsupplies.co.uk