The ‘Start Back PPE Pack’ contains one pack of 30 face-masks and 25 pairs of gloves, and is being offered to up to 2,000 businesses in the Staffordshire County Council area who apply via their website.

The support is intended for micro-businesses (nine employees or less) who either work in close contact with the public, or in a confined space that makes social distancing difficult.

The county council is also signposting to suppliers, including giving businesses a list of suppliers that are offering regulation and cost-effective PPE to businesses, to help them avoid buying non-regulation items.

County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: 

“Small businesses across Staffordshire have told us that they are struggling to purchase regulation, cost-effective personal protective equipment, and they need this to help boost the confidence of their customers and staff. This isn’t intended to replace their own supply, but gives them a starter-kit to use when they need it.

“Businesses have told us they are worried about being sold the wrong type of PPE, or overpaying, so we’re giving them a list of the suppliers we have used or are using so they can be sure they are getting the right items for a reasonable price.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Staffordshire economy and it’s clear from our research that many who have to work near other people may find this still a worrying time.  We hope that these PPE starter packs, coupled with the extensive support packages we have already set up to help businesses during the crisis, will go some way to getting them back on track.”

Micro businesses can apply for the PPE starter packs here: https://bit.ly/StartbackPPE