< Previous HEROES 50 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY I f it wasn’t clear beforehand, the coronavirus crisis has served as rude awakening revealing to us the everyday heroes right on our doorsteps. These are the businesses, service providers, contractors and beyond that not only continue to operate but have adapted in order to remain afloat and, crucially, to continue to serve the community. The pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have made it clear just how much we each depend on one another, but also how much we depend on those shops, service providers, businesses and amenities in our towns and villages. Yet the simple fact of the matter is that without the continued support and spend from the community, they’ll simply not be able to survive this crisis. Many businesses – both big and small – have already fallen victim to the outbreak as footfall has dried up after lockdown measures were put into place. Of course, with these measures still in place, people can’t just pop down to the high street, so businesses have had to adapt. One of the biggest changes is by utilising online stores and deliveries. Companies that have never before offered delivery or provided an online store before have worked rapidly to continue to serve customers. Other solutions have seen companies and businesses take advantage of digital solutions. Video conferencing and messaging services have been critical during the lockdown, not only for maintaining relationships with family and friends, but also to ensure business continuity. With this digital infrastructure in place, many furloughed employees or those working from home, have been able to utilise the time and upskill themselves. Gainsborough’s Riverside training, an approved Education Skills Funding Agency levy and subcontractor provider offering a broad range of courses and activities, is supporting 53 Á Our treasured NHS staff and frontline workers have risen to the challenge and proven themselves day in, day out that they’re heroes since the start of the pandemic. We can’t sing their praises enough, but it’s important to remember that there are heroes across almost every industry that continue to operate and serve the community during this crisis. Here we shine a light on the businesses and service providers that are still operating and adapting in the wake of the outbreak. Support the on our doorstep 50-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:35 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 51 LOCAL HEROES © Shutterstock /Valentin Valkov 50-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:35 Page 2Chemex are continuing to offer vital support to our front line services. Keeping Ambulance Stations, Care Homes, Transport and Food Businesses supplied with vital hygiene products and PPE. If we can help your business please contact Peter on 07941 733201 or Email peter.cussans@chemexuk.com 52 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Oil Fired Boiler Engineer OFTEC Registered • Oil Tank Replacement Service • Installation • Commissioning • Repairs • 24 Hour Call Out • Servicing & General Plumbing Call Steve on 07840 531403 During these uncertain times I would like to assure you that I am available for emergency work and oil tank work We are a family run business and have been servicing the area for over 20 years. Our prices are competitive and we pride ourselves on delivering an excellent standard of customer service. We offer discounts to the NHS and the North East Lincolnshire Council, so give John Smith Auto Repair Ltd a call today for engine diagnostics in Cleethorpes. • Servicing • Repairs • MOTs • Diesels • Catalysts • Specialist Engine Tuning JOHN SMITH ––– Auto Repair Ltd ––– “For All Your Motoring Needs” Rear of: 120 Daubney Street, Cleethorpes DN35 7NU Tel: 01472 240 800 www.jsmithautorepairs.co.uk Delivering essential cleaning and hygiene solutions to local businesses Unit 14, Jessop Close, Brunel Business Park, Newark NG24 2TT Tel: 01636 642740, Email peter.cussans@chemexuk.com, www.chemexuk.com J & J FUELS BOSTON Oil in South Lincolnshire is available at a fair price and with a reliable service from family run J and J Fuels. We are here to ensure you receive the very best service and at a time that suits you. We cater to the general public, households, farms and other businesses. Based in Boston, we will deliver within a 30 mile radius of Boston in Lincolnshire. 01205 760 638 Bakers Lane, Freiston, Boston, Lincs PE22 0PH www.jandjfuels.com 50-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:35 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 53 LOCAL HEROES the government’s commitment to continue to build the skills capabilities the country needs now and in the future. Among these commitments is introducing flexibilities to allow furloughed apprentices to continue their training as long as it does not provide services to, or generate revenue for, their employer; encouraging training providers to deliver training to apprentices remotely, and via e-learning, as far as is practicable, and allowing the modification of end-point assessment arrangements, including remote assessments wherever practicable and possible in order to maintain progress and achievement for apprentices. All of which Riverside Training is fulfilling. John Smith Auto Repair, a car servicing specialist based in Cleethorpes, is not only open everyday to take calls from old customers and new, but is continuing to pick up and drop off cars for repairs, servicing and MOT. Vehicle owners have been granted a temporary MOT exemption to minimise disruption during the COVID-19 outbreak and for frontline workers to get to work and to ensure people get essential food and medicine. However, for those workers that have been furloughed or are now based at home, now is an ideal time to get their motor seen to. The reason being that, in six months’ time, there’ll likely be a massive surge in demand for MOTs, potentially making it harder to get your own vehicle seen to. But fear not, John Smith Auto Repair is still carrying out MOTs, essential maintenance, and repairs for all your motor needs. Companies, contractors and service providers that had already been performing a valued and necessary function before the crisis have become even more indispensable now. One such example is Kevin Johnson Agricultural Contractor. It offers a wide range of contract services to farmers and landowners – for example, if a field needs ploughing as soon as possible, it can provide an extra tractor or harvester and operator. This is especially important during the crisis with many predictions circling that the supply of essential farm labour could be disrupted by travel restrictions. Its keenly felt here in Lincolnshire, which grows much of the nation’s fresh produce. Therefore, ensuring that farmers and agricultural businesses don’t experience any gaps in productivity and are able to continue to serve the county and, indeed, the country’s needs is absolutely critical. Kevin Johnson Agricultural Contractor is taking calls from clients old and new to help with agricultural services, but it is also undertaking jobs it wouldn’t normally during these unprecedented times such as digging drains and land clearage. Elsewhere, businesses that had been predominantly based out of shops are switching things up to continue to serve the public and key workers. For example, Brigg Beds’ shop is closed but the company is delivering to local authorities, care homes, people setting up rooms for family to isolate and those needing to sleep separately from their partners like NHS staff. The company still has decent stock levels across its price range and is happy to discuss requirements over the phone and to deliver within its guidelines. It is also working with local councils and supply beds for foster workers, so that children have somewhere 55 Á © Shutterstock /Jimj0will © Shutterstock /4 PM production 50-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:35 Page 454 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Improve your CV and receive more job offers Our short courses are written by industry professionals with an expertise in the subject and a wealth of knowledge to share. They are designed to be simple and easy to navigate, and are accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a computer, mobile, or tablet. One of the many advantages of online learning is you can access your course at any time and work at your own pace. After buying a course, you will be able to access the learning material anytime, anywhere, so you can fit learning around your schedule. Find out more by emailing: suzie@riversidetrainingspalding.co.uk “For those times when you need a helping hand on farm or on land” KEVIN JOHNSON AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS 4 Church Road | Wittering | Peterborough | PE8 6AG Tel: 01780 782924 | Mobile: 07860 608825 enquiries@kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk www.kevinjohnsoncontracting.co.uk Kevin Johnson Agricultural Contractors provide a wide range of contract services to farmers and landowners in Cambridgeshire. Creating partnerships with landowners and farmers is an important part of our business. Whether you require a single service such as baling / straw stacking, or a more complete crop or farm management service, Kevin Johnson Contracting can help! If you are interested in a more comprehensive agricultural management program, we will be happy to advise on the most efficient way forward for your farming requirements. Proudly serving the families of Gainsborough and the surrounding areas for over 50 years 41 Heaton Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2EA Tel: 01427 810619 www.cliffbradley.co.uk With sincere empathy and understanding, we serve your loved ones as if they were our own. As your local family run and owned funeral directors, we have dedicated our lives to guiding those in our community through the difficult times of bereavement. • Private Chapel of Rest • Day and Night Service • Pre-paid funeral plans C B liff radley and sons Funeral Directors Limited 50-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:35 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 55 LOCAL HEROES to sleep. Understandably, with the pandemic, there’s an emphasis on housing kids as safely and quickly as possible. This is especially timely as 11-24 May is Fostering Care Fortnight which will see councils in Lincolnshire help to secure foster homes for children which are needed more more than ever. With people forced to stay at home all day every day during the lockdown, they will be, understandably, using more fuel, so it’s critical that they don’t run out. As many properties, particularly prestige properties in Lincolnshire, run on external fuel tanks, maintaining supply is vital. In fact, there’s some 1.5 million properties in the UK not connected to the mains. JJ Fuels Boston continues to provide fuel to these external tanks during the crisis. As they are able to take orders and payment over the phone and can refuel tanks without needing to interact with homeowners, there’s no contact required whatsoever. This way social distancing is observed whilst people can still access fuel and be warmed. Domestic fuel tanks also form part of the service offered by Lincoln’s Steve Russell Plumbing Services, specifically maintenance. As with refuelling, this requires no contact with the homeowner itself. Although the company normally specialises in boiler repair and servicing, it has been undertaking emergency plumbing work to serve the community’s needs during the pandemic. For those emergency works inside, the company has a full hazmat suit so that works can be carried out without any risk of contamination or infection. So it has all the necessary PPE to continuing doing what it does as well as expanding its scope and offering for emergency works as well – no one should have to go without fuel and heating. Every aspect of society has been altered by the outbreak, from maternity right through to funeral care. Because of the lockdown measures, funerals have massively diminished in size, with only two people allowed to attend. There’s also been fears that, due to the rising death toll, there’ll need to be mass funerals and burials in order to cope with the strain. Needless to say, funeral directors have experienced an increase in business and the strain that goes with it. But how exactly are they coping? Based in Gainsborough, Cliff Bradley & Sons is an independent funeral directors with over fifty years’ experience in providing compassionate and professional funeral services. There’s no denying that the crisis has impacted funeral services and, in light of these uncertain times, the company is doing its utmost to provide services that the family – or the person who has died – would have wanted. The company is doing all it can to arrange a service that is fitting and personal, delivered in a respectful and dignified manner, whilst also adhering to government guidelines. “Our team are taking every step possible to ensure that funerals go ahead as planned, with services provided to the same high standard of care, but families should expect some disruption to their plans during these unprecedented times,” the company said. “We recognise how unfortunate any changes to your wishes or those of your loved one must be, but also understand how important and necessary it is for us all to adhere to the current government guidance.” What of those businesses that already served and supplied medical and healthcare customers? Chemex, a manufacturer, innovator and supplier of cleaning, hygiene and infection control systems and products, has understandably been busy of late. The company has been supplying vital chemicals, sanitiser and PPE to hospitals and care homes on the front line. As if that wasn’t enough, it has also donated hand sanitiser to Newark Hospital. For all these reasons and more, these companies and organisations are local heroes in every sense of word. But you, our dear readers, can also be heroes by supporting and investing in these businesses, contractors and service providers. Remember, we’re all in this together. © Shutterstock /U.J. Alexander BRIGG BEDS For that old fashioned service For a fast, friendly reliable service with free local delivery. Stockists of Memory Foam products, Futons, Bunks, Bedroom Furniture, Sofabeds, Divans, Headboards & Bedsteads. All sizes available including three quarter and super king size Bespoke sizes catered for. 01652 651828 Princes Street, Brigg, DN20 8HG email: briggbeds@hotmail.co.uk briggbeds.co.uk 50-55.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:35 Page 656 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ONLINE TRAINING 58 Á The importance of online training In the COVID-19 pandemic, “normal” training has gone largely out the window. But business never stands still and with online training, a crisis can become an opportunity. Over the last few months, there has been a widespread move online with training providers upskilling individuals, employees and apprentices from the comfort and safety of their own home. T raining comes in many forms, from a training provider visiting a business to educate and upskill staff, to employees being sent to a dedicated training facility for a session, seminar or course. But during the current situation in which social distancing is critical and lockdown measures are enforced by law, these types of training can no longer take place. Although online training has existed in one form or another for decades with many people – from students right through to senior staff – taking advantage of it. Over the last few months, however, it has exploded in popularity and usage as apprentices look to maintain their learning, companies complete their employees training and individuals that are now working from home or have been furloughed look to use the time to upskill. Outside of the crisis, the appeal and popularity of online training lies in its flexibility. From a home office or smart device, it can be worked around any schedule, fitting in with other engagements and appointments. Until recently, it could also even be undertaken on to go, turning that daily train or bus commute into a learning opportunity. That same flexibility is what has given online training an edge over its counterparts, allowing an uninterrupted learning stream for all 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:38 Page 1© Shutterstock /fizkes 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:38 Page 2Are you the owner of an SME or micro businesses in Greater Lincolnshire? +DYH\RXRU\RXUVWDϑ been furloughed? Maybe you’re unemployed or facing redundancy. If you are over 16, HCUK Training is here to help. Speak to us today about our free, online courses. CALL TODAY ON 0300 330 1520 or email us on sswadmin@hcuktraining.co.uk for a full list of courses available 58 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY ONLINE TRAINING manner of individuals while they observe social distancing regulations. Of course, with a huge number of workers now based at home, bandwidth limits have been stretched and, in towns and cities especially, internet speeds have been affected. However, many training providers will offer apps and other digital resources with come ready downloaded with myriad tools and information, thereby ensuring that even when internet speeds waver, training can still take place. There’s no denying that the pandemic and the measures implemented in order to fight it have massively disrupted every aspect of our lives. It’s fundamentally changed our working lives and will likely leave a lasting impact on the corporate world. These disruptions were keenly felt by apprentices who, in many industries, have been forced to put their learning on hold, potentially putting their future careers in jeopardy. Although apprentices can pause their apprenticeship for up to 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:39 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 59 ONLINE TRAINING four weeks without affecting their ability to complete it, e-learning can help to minimise these disruptions so they can continue their learning and help to safeguard their future. The government has committed to supporting both apprentices and employers to continue to build the skills capabilities the country needs in the here and now and in the future. In this way, employers and training providers are indispensable for the continued wellbeing of the economy on a regional and national scale now and in the years to come. It is the government’s ambition to support “wherever possible” apprentices to complete their apprenticeships adding that “High-quality apprenticeships will be a vital contributor to the economic recovery that will follow the pandemic”. The government has therefore committed to working with training providers, end-point assessment organisations and external assurance organisations to mitigate the impacts of the disruption posed by the pandemic and to “maintain the integrity of apprenticeships”. Training providers like Gainsborough-based Riverside Training are supporting this commitment and ensuring apprentices can complete their apprenticeships and providing support and resources to other employees making the most of e-learning. No doubt misconceptions existed around online training before the pandemic with some employers perhaps reluctant to use them over the misguided perception that they aren’t the equal of in-person training or lack the range of subjects. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Online courses cover a diversity of subjects from health & safety, administration and quality assurance right through to management and everything in between. Because of the nature of e-learning and the flexibility we’ve already touched on, it means training providers are uniquely positioned to get creative with their content and how it’s delivered. This ‘out of the box’ thinking offers a great opportunity to make courses and learning content more engaging, memorable and, thusly, more effective. It also means that content can be continually refreshed and updated with the latest research and findings in a way that traditional location- based courses simply can’t compete with. Providers also have access to analytic data from which they can see what does and doesn’t work about the courses they provide and, crucially, they way in which they’re delivered. That’s certainly more reliable that learners filling out a feedback form after they’ve finished the course. So, whether it’s learning new skills for a career change, completing an apprenticeship, ensuring staff are operating to their fullest potential or making the best opportunity of the lockdown, online training is truly a blessing in these times. Although the coronavirus crisis presents an unprecedented hurdle for businesses to overcome, with the use of online training, a stronger, more skilled workforce is evolving, one that will be ready to help get the economy back on track and ensure future growth. As the corporate world evolves, no doubt e- learning and online training will be more commonly used for staff and individuals to achieve their potential and help create a more skilled workforce. © Shutterstock /Rawpixel.com Discover an adventurous and challenging career with Humber Maritime College Interested in a unique and rewarding career in the Merchant Navy? Working at sea can be adventurous and challenging and is not your usual nine-to-five job. The Merchant Navy is the international commercial shipping industry, made up of many shipping companies which transport both cargo and people to destinations worldwide. Shipping is a vital part of our economy with over 90% of goods coming in and out of the UK by sea. Start your career at sea at Humber Maritime College, recruiting now for engineering and navigation cadets to start this September. Based in Immingham, the college launched in 2019 to bring nautical training back to the region for the first time in 30 years. Following a successful first year, the programme is now set to expand to allow even more young cadets to take their first steps towards a career in the Merchant Navy. Visit humbermaritimecollege.ac.uk for more information about the cadetships on offer. 56-59.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2020 11:39 Page 4Next >