Turned out to be our mantra during this pandemic.
It has been and continues to be an interesting period and one that will be recounted for generations to come.
At Fairport Containers Ltd, we took this time to focus on the safety of our staff and customers, resulting in many of our employees being put on furlough during lockdown. Whilst working hard to ensure their welfare was met, we gained the COVID-19 Secure 2020 certification by Health & Safety Executive. This has allowed our essential workers back to work.
Nevertheless, all of this had little impact on our business, and we were strangely busy with new opportunities and partnerships presented to us. When suppliers for waste management organisations were unable to meet demand, we supported those who had to carry on.
Some companies were faced with managing medical COVID related waste and required new ways of storing and transporting. Due to our steel fabrication expertise, we were able to help meet bespoke requirements.
Additionally, charities unable to open their shops, though still needing to raise funds, had to engage in new methods of gathering donations. All leading to the necessity of second-hand refurbished waste containers.
One particular highlight during this time was our continued support to the Exeter Council’s initiative, Ocean Recovery Project along with Keep Britain Tidy. Leading toward a further provision to the founding organisation of plastic recovery from our coastlines, Odyssey Innovation – Net Generation. They launched, back in 2018, the Paddle for Plastic global campaign, not just collecting waste but also reusing it, through the complete recycle of all reclaimed resources.
This collaborative passionate partnership has gained much deserved recognition with two finalist nominations for The Excellence Awards 2020 and the MRW National Recycling Awards 2020. We very much hope that they succeed!
Astonishingly, in the midst of the pandemic we went through a full inspection in-line with our ISO and OHAS certification reassessment, conducted by the British Assessment Bureau. At the time, many of our senior management team were shielding and our newly appointed HR Manager Naomi Hurst had to take charge. With limited resources, the team were able to evidently demonstrate why Fairport should be accredited once again.
For the 9th consecutive year now, we are the only organisation of its kind to achieve all three accreditations. Exhibiting our expertise and dedication to providing the highest quality work, whilst ensuring we are environmentally friendly and uphold the best health and safety standards throughout.
At present, most face-to-face contact is now being discouraged and gatherings such as our much-loved conferences are cancelled. Thankfully, the LARAC conference organisers have utilised digital innovations and moved online. This is a fantastic response to the current situation, allows us all to learn, network and celebrate each other’s contributions this year.
We are very excited to be sponsoring this revolutionary event, which boasts an excellent programme as well as new ways to revel in others’ efforts. We hope to see many of you attending and please drop by our “stand” .
