Schoolwear Association Mailer – 17 April 2020

A message from the SA

Co-chairs of the Schoolwear Association, Matthew Easter and Mark Stevenson have been speaking to CWB magazine about the importance of the industry working together during these challenging times.

“As an industry, and particularly those who are Schoolwear Association members, we feel there is a unique dynamic in the way we operate. Whether in the form of putting time and effort into campaigns that are being undertaken and events that need organising, or donating funds to help support the efforts of the wider Schoolwear Association, individuals and competing businesses come together not in their own self-interest, but for the benefit of everyone involved in Schoolwear.”

Read the full article in CWB here.

Perry Uniform

Leeds-based Perry Uniform has been making mattress covers for the NHS Nightingale Hospitals from its blazer factory. To be in keeping with government guidelines, they initially closed the factory and had to furlough production staff. Perry Uniform was then approached by Leeds City Council to produce mattress covers for NHS beds in the new Nightingale Hospitals in three locations across the country. Over a couple of days the team repurposed the factory, configuring the work space to ensure safe working to manufacture specialist mattress protectors for a local supplier of mattresses to the NHS.

Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said:

“UK manufacturing will be a crucial part of tackling this crisis, and I am sure there are others playing their part to that we are yet to hear about. I am extremely proud to see local businesses doing their bit to help the national effort and I’d like to say a massive thank you to the staff at both of these businesses, and all our essential workers across the city, who are working tirelessly to help in the fight against coronavirus.”

The story was featured on the front page of the Yorkshire Post on Wednesday. You can read more here.

And finally…

A Thurrock-based mum is urging youngsters stuck at home during the coronavirus crisis to take part in a school uniform day to support the NHS.

School governor Emma Spring turned the traditional non-uniform day on its head and wants schoolchildren to wear their uniforms at home for one day and pay £1 towards her appeal for the NHS.

You can read more about her idea here.

We are always looking for more stories about what SA members are doing during these difficult times. If you have any experiences or tips to share, please email [email protected]