Whether your business is fresh out the starting blocks or been around the block a few times, right now you’re having to adapt and change, and fairly rapidly, under tight constraints. We applaud you; it’s difficult.  To quote various fist-pumping social memes doing the rounds ‘YOU’VE GOT THIS’.

We’ve been virtually clapping and high five-ing Cornish businesses who’ve been innovative and successfully adapted their ‘business as usual’ in light of the pandemic. Below we showcase a few examples of how these businesses have transformed their businesses, literally overnight, responding to the needs of their customers. 

Float Digital are 3D printing face shields for medics made from recycled water bottles

Based in Falmouth, Float Digital is a multi-award-winning boutique Google Ads & SEO agency. They have been 3D printing face shields made from recycled water bottles in reaction to the acute shortage of PPE in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. They’ve donated 10,000 face masks and have had a request to provide 90,000 more. The design of these shields is fully open-source and uses inexpensive materials – anyone with a 3D printer can help. See https://buff.ly/2R0Xye5 for more information or email hello@float-digital.com to see how you can get involved.

Tarquin’s joins the cause to create gin-inspired Hand-Sanitiser for essential workers

In response to concerns about the availability of hand sanitiser for Cornish essential workers, Southwestern Distillery has joined the cause to make their own.  Made to an approved world health organisation recipe, and infused with their signature Tarquin’s Gin botanical essences – juniper and orange, it is bound to lift the spirits for those most in need!  Most of the sanitiser will be put aside for free distribution to local Cornish hospitals, care-homes and for the teams working at local food outlets. 

Baker Tom’s Bread hits the road

Boasting five shops and supplying multiple retail outlets across Cornwall, Baker Tom is taking his bread on the road. His Mobile Bread Van is coming to a village near you, focusing on providing fresh bread to small communities who may not have the ability to access the shops. Additionally, he has also launched a Bread Box home delivery service: Customers with a TR Postcode can now order a Baker Tom Bread Box delivered to their door.  

Silly Old Sea Dog launches ‘made by me’ sewing kits

Faced with a factory closure and not being able to deliver dresses to her customers Silly Old Sea Dog owner, Alison Ballard, has launched a range of make-it-yourself sewing kits. She said:
“I had thought about sewing kits as a Christmas line before but had never gotten around to launching them. But then I thought they were perfect for isolation. You don’t need really anything except a sewing machine (which many people want to get out now they are at home and have a go on). And if you don’t have a machine you can make them with a needle and thread by hand which I provide in the kits.” 

Healeys joining the fight against COVID-19 by supplying hand sanitiser to Treliske

Treliske approached Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm to ask for its help in making the much-needed product to help combat the spread of COVID-19 amid UK shortages. Healeys will be providing 100 litres a week to Treliske free of charge and are anticipating the need to make more of this product available in bulk for other organisations in need during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Incredible Bulk introduces a zero waste delivery service

Incredible Bulk is Cornwall’s only mobile zero waste shop with a mission to help reduce everyday consumption of single-use plastic packaging.  Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions they are currently offering a delivery service within Cornwall, travelling to various locations so that their customers don’t have to. All refills will be delivered plastic free in recycled paper bags and glass bottles. 

If you have an idea about diversifying your business in response to changing customer needs and would like someone to chat to, please drop us an email to hello@unlocking-potential.co.uk and one of our team will be in touch.