Working together in the fight against coronavirus
There’s no doubting the impact that coronavirus has had worldwide, presenting both businesses and individuals with unprecedented challenges. Yet in spite of everything, a sense of community prevails. Many organisations around the world are pledging their support, utilising all resources available to help in the fight against coronavirus.
Out of these extraordinary circumstances, we are seeing innovation like never before. We have been blown away by the outstanding work our clients are doing to combat coronavirus and we are incredibly proud to support these businesses.
Here’s how 5 of our clients are helping during this crisis.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford, as ever, is achieving groundbreaking research, taking huge steps towards putting an end to COVID-19. They have already started human trials of their vaccine, an enormous milestone in the university’s progress. Not only are they working to prevent people from catching the illness, they’re also carrying out the world's biggest clinical trial to treat coronavirus patients. It goes without saying that the outcome of the university’s research will be fundamental in defeating coronavirus.
It’s an honour to have developed the University of Oxford’s global research website that houses their news and research. The site represents their position at the forefront of technical progress, and now acts as the primary resource in announcing their coronavirus research.
Penlon
Medical device manufacturer, Penlon has shown true dedication these past few months, producing the first approved medical ventilator to treat people with severe symptoms of COVID-19. Last week, the first batch of their life-saving ventilators were shipped to NHS hospitals throughout the UK, with a plan to produce about 1,500 per week starting next month.
Penlon has joined forces with Formula 1 firms, Airbus and many more to adapt the ventilator so it can be mass-produced at speed. A brilliant example of businesses coming together, consolidating different skills in the battle against coronavirus.
UKRI
UK Research and Innovation have played an enormous role in propelling the fight against coronavirus, funding a £24.6 million rapid research response with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure world-class UK experts can conduct research to understand, diagnose, prevent and manage the virus as quickly as possible. What’s more, their business focussed brand, Innovate UK is contributing a huge amount towards the £1.25 billion government support package for UK businesses driving innovation and development.
The funding provided UKRI by has already helped researchers shape an understanding of the pandemic and is informing measures to tackle it, they have infrastructure in the UK and around the world which can deliver this research. As well as their confirmed schemes, UKRI is also offering funding to support any projects that address the health, social, economic, cultural and environmental impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Cobra Biologics
Cobra Biologics, a leader in the international biotechnology sector, is currently working on two potential vaccines for coronavirus. Their expertise in producing both plasmid DNA and viral vaccines has allowed Cobra Biologics to take two approaches in the fight against COVID-19.
Working on the viral vaccine as part of a consortium with the University of Oxford, and the plasmid DNA vaccine with Karolinska Institutet, Cobra Biologics’ partnerships have never been more valuable.
Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of spirits giant Pernod Ricard, are dedicating their resources to help protect the UK from the spread of coronavirus. As well as pledging their support to several local charities, our Scotland-based client has donated 100,000 litres of pure alcohol to manufacturers who will produce hand sanitiser for frontline NHS staff across the UK. At their Kilmalid bottling plant, Chivas Brothers will also package and distribute up to 5,000 litres of hand sanitiser gel every week for frontline healthcare workers and communities across Scotland.
The creativity and innovation of Chivas Brothers along with so many other businesses who are repurposing their usual services to provide support throughout this time is inspirational.
As well as these 5 revolutionary businesses, many of our clients are supporting the fight against coronavirus including Advent Research Materials, 2BScientific, ODS Group and more.