Since Covid-19 turned the way we do business, consume goods and live our lives on its head, a number of businesses from around the UK, who have used our National Network, been through our Innovating for Growth programme, or have taken part in Start-ups in London Libraries, have pivoted and diversified their offer to help those in need.

We’ve already told the story of Sabina Motasem founder, Sabina Ali and her team making scrubs for the NHS, but here are some more inspirational businesses who are supporting their local communities.

Former Innovating for Growth business, London-based Cyclehoop, who design cycle parking and infrastructure, along with Transport for London and Enfield Council, are giving space in their secure cyclehubs to NHS workers for free in Finsbury Park, Enfield Town and Edmonton Green. They are also providing temporary cycle parking for London boroughs who need it at their NHS sites.

A number of BIPCs from around our National Network and businesses we’ve supported are also putting their 3D printers to good use and making PPE for their local areas. The FabLab at BIPC Devon, BIPC Hull and BIPC Manchester and Innovating for Growth: Start-up business, Champion 3D have been using their equipment to make face shields and other PPE. Champion 3D have reserved 75% of their capacity for this purpose, whilst keeping 25% for other orders and relying on suppliers donating the material to help with their work.

Start-ups in London Libraries business, Happy Stance Yoga, has put together digital sessions for elderly people having to isolate which focuses on mobility and fall prevention.

Haven Coffee, a coffee-based social enterprise who also took part in Start-ups in London Libraries, have moved some of their events online, including their upcoming art exhibition and their community-building quiz. They have also introduced some offers for their coffee products allowing people to buy virtual coffees to be redeemed after lockdown and sending a free bag of coffee to anyone who purchases five of these.

And another Start-ups in London Libraries business, Firm Feet, have adapted their Dancing in the Dark sessions into an easily accessible audio series via their website giving participants much-needed time away from screens.

HIYOS (formerly known as Firstcare Pratice), an Innovating for Growth: Scale-up alumnus and NHS GP Practice, has set up a series of live interactive webinars and workshops on topical subjects with clinicians and experts and made it available to all patients to take part and watch afterwards. This patient engagement allows remote clinical and admin teams to offer healthcare support and advice to those who need it the most.