MEMBER NEWS
Business swapping service is launched during lockdown
Three Derby-based entrepreneurs have created and launched a swapping service for small businesses during the Covid-19 lockdown. Inspired by an idea from Tracy Harrison, CEO of Derby’s Safe and Sound Group, the Derby Swap Shop has been pulled together in two weeks by three Derby-based businesses. The much-loved, multi- coloured Swap Shop design from the 70s and early 80s has been modernised for the 21st Century, to create a dynamic webpage to host the project. The idea has been led by Rachel
Hayward of the award-winning, bid writing consultancy service, Ask the Chameleon. She said: “I knew that the Derby
business community would want to help each other during the lockdown, but I needed help to bring this to reality. I knew exactly who to call and the outcome has far exceeded original expectations.” The Derby Swap Shop team
includes Dean Jackson Founder, Owner and CEO of the internationally recognised, Derby- based sports apparel brand, Huub and newcomers to the Derby
The founders of the Derby Swap Shop; Dean Jackson, Rachel Hayward and Lee Marples
‘The whole idea is based on retro trading and is ideal for what we need for our businesses right now’
market think3 led by Lee Marples and three other young entrepreneurs.
The smart way to keep builders safe
A1 Comms Business has linked up with Hodgkinson Builders by providing a smartphone which will test its team for a key Covid-19 symptom. The Cat S61 Android Smartphone has an integrated thermal imaging
camera, which detects elevated skin temperature, a sign of fever. If the temperature of the skin is above average, then the individual can be advised to seek further screening. A1 Comms Business Managing Director Steve Heald said: “This is a terrific
way in which we can help business feel confident of moving forward in these difficult times. “Hodgkinson Builders is an excellent, go-ahead company which wants to
fulfil orders and make sure their staff are as safe as possible, so we were delighted to help. The smartphone is simple to use and can be hand-held or mounted on a tripod in less than ten minutes. It is also very durable, which means it can be fully submerged frequently in soapy water or sanitisers can be generously applied to keep the device virus-free. “Indeed, it is the perfect fit for construction companies because it can
withstand six feet drops onto steel, exposure to chemicals, bleaches and detergents.” Ian Hodgkinson, Managing Director of Hodgkinson Builders, said: “We
are delighted to be collaborating with A1 Comms Business after being a customer for over ten years. The smartphone is functioning well. "Hodgkinson Builders has implemented new Covid-19 safety procedures,
enhanced PPE and has now introduced this high-tech Cat-phone to our sites, which means we can test our workers at the start of every day. “We recognise that the health of the nation comes first, so it is essential
to work within the Government’s parameters while getting the economy going again.”
business network June/July 2020 5 It plans to connect individuals,
businesses and charities from across Derby and Derbyshire who
are looking for help, and in return they will provide a swap offering services or goods. Over 40 people were present at
the Zoom launch, to hear how they can keep their organisations going during lockdown. Twenty-four new member accounts were created in the first ten minutes of the site going live. Dean said: “The whole idea is
based on retro trading and is ideal for what we need for our businesses right now – we need to keep going and Derby Swap Shop is the perfect platform – we are now keen to see just how many swaps we can support “ Lee said: “The Derby business
community really is like no other. Where else, but in Derby, would three businesses come together during the lockdown and create a service for the wider community that really harnesses the spirit of collaboration and partnerships. The think3 team is extremely proud to have been asked to be part of the Derby Swap Shop.”
To create an account for the Derby Swap Shop, visit
www.derbyswapshop.co.uk
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