Following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) breakout, the UK government is looking to procure a wide range of goods and services, including the supply of ventilators and ventilator components. Martin Traynor, the Crown Representative for Small Business, explains how businesses can help during the crisis.

How can businesses help during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency?

The current Coronavirus emergency has led to government looking to procure a wide range of goods and services. Having received lots of offers of help from UK companies, the government has established two websites where businesses can register their interest; one for ventilators and ventilator components, and one for other goods and services.

How can businesses supply ventilators and ventilator components?

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is looking for organisations who can support in the supply of ventilators and ventilator components across the United Kingdom as part of the government's response to COVID-19.

To offer your support, please head to the dedicated ventilators and ventilator components website: https://ventilator.herokuapp.com/. Questions on the site aim to identify the suitability and readiness of organisations to be involved in the initiative.

How can businesses supply other goods and services?

If you believe your organisation can offer support with other goods and services during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, please head to the dedicated website for other goods and services: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/L5B32S/. Questions on the site aim to identify the suitability and readiness of organisations to be involved in the initiative.

About the author

Small Business Crown Representative Martin Traynor OBE comes from a business background, with much of his early career spent in the hospitality sector, managing various hotels across the UK. He then spent 14 years as Group Chief Executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce (including the Business Link service). In recent years, Martin moved to a portfolio career where he is now a Non-Executive Chairman of three leisure businesses, Deputy Chairman of a large teaching hospital trust, and has just completed two three-year terms on the government’s Regulatory Policy Committee.

See also

What does the COVID-19 'lockdown' mean for UK employers?

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important service announcement - changes to post and fax service

Find out more

Readiness to supply ventilators and ventilator components (GOV.uk)

Goods and Services Assistance: COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do (GOV.uk)

Common questions - Coronavirus (COVID-19) (NHS)

Image: Getty Images

Publication date: 26 March 2020