BUSINESSES in the Leeds region are being urged to come forward to help supply vital equipment to the NHS.

Companies are being asked to provide essential items including protective masks, gowns, hand sanitiser and medical testing equipment.

The call has come from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership which met remotely to discuss how it can continue to support regional businesses, including those supplying vital equipment to the NHS.

Board members welcomed the news that Leeds-based mattress manufacturer Herida Healthcare has successfully applied for LEP support to increase production. The cash flow boost has enabled the company to quickly ramp up manufacturing and operations and urgently supply 12,000 mattresses to the new NHS super hospitals being set up across the country.

The new order builds on the 2,000 mattresses the company has already supplied to the NHS Nightingale super hospital in London.

Roger Marsh Chairman of the LEP said: “It’s a real testament to the manufacturing capability in our region that businesses are responding swiftly to the urgent needs of the NHS. I’d like to thank all those working so hard to support the NHS through this difficult time.

“I’d like to appeal to other businesses to come forward as the Government is urgently seeking suppliers of protective masks, gowns, hand sanitiser, medical testing equipment and more. Please check the LEP website for details and the support available to you through the University of Huddersfield Supply Chain Programme.”

During the meeting, it was also revealed that Bradford-based manufacturer Produmax is also contributing to the national effort.

LEP Board member, Mandy Ridyard, Financial Director of Produmax said: “This week we started manufacturing components for ventilators and are working tirelessly to deliver them to the NHS so we can help save lives.”

Visit https://www.the-lep.com/covid19.