Independent companies are finding new and inventive ways to keep it business as usual during the Covid-19 outbreak.

As part of our Backing Local Business campaign, the Guardian is shining a spotlight on the firms that are innovating in the coronavirus crisis.

WITH the pandemic having a major effect on the pharmaceutical industry, Technoprint in Winsford is playing a key role in the supply chain.

The company makes information labels that go inside boxes of medication to explain to patients how to take it.

Overseas suppliers are commonplace in the industry, but the coronavirus is causing delays in logistics, which in turn presents the possibility of patients being deprived of time-sensitive medication.

Using a local supply chain during these times is a great solution to this problem – and that is where Technoprint has stepped up to the plate.

Alan Ryan, managing director, said: "Whilst we may not be on the frontline of this pandemic in the same way as the NHS, we feel a strong sense of civic duty here at Technoprint in current times and recognise that we form part of a vital supply chain into the pharmaceutical industry – a responsibility that we take very seriously indeed.

"Our facility has created around 30 jobs for the local area in Winsford and our incredible staff really have gone above and beyond the call of duty in this current crisis."

Local suppliers can be more reactive to current demand than global ones, therefore reducing possibility of a delayed lead time, meaning medication can reach those who need it when they need it.

Technoprint is the UK’s largest independent supplier of Information leaflets for the pharmaceutical industry, and it is currently open for extended production hours of 6am to 10pm in order to meet increased demand ensure continuous delivery.

Alan said: “Although we are able to supply patient information leaflets all over the globe, we recognise that there is a current need for a local supply chain.

"We are very proud to be playing such a vital role within the UK’s pharmaceutical supply chain and helping to ensure that medication is delivered on time to those who need it most.”

As part of the firm's efforts in the pandemic, Technoprint has created a 48-hour speed launch priority service, which enables them to offer pharmaceutical companies a reduced lead time service for individual batches upon request.

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And with safety at the top of everyone's minds at the moment, the company is keeping in line with Government guidance on social distancing.

Alan added: "Although we already have robust hygiene standards throughout our facility, we are now also very closely following the advice from Public Health England and have taken all necessary measures to ensure that all staff are following the recommended government guidelines on handwashing as frequently as possible."

For more information visit technoprint.net

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