Hatton-based charity to get boost from two businesses teaming up for new venture

A Hatton-based children’s charity is to benefit from a new collaboration between two childhood friends and entrepreneurs fighting to stave off the pandemic’s impact on their businesses.

Henley House and Henley Printing in Henley-in-Arden, were forced to close at the start of lockdown and have joined forces to produce branded face masks.

They are supporting charity Molly Olly’s Wishes which will receive a percentage of the profits.

Tom Cross took over the running of Henley House, a menswear and grooming business, from his father Adrian recently, and has been flooded with orders.

He then brought in old school friend – and fellow businessman – Ste Barrett – on board.

“I needed to come up with an idea of something to keep the business afloat because our main source of revenue, weddings, have all been postponed.

"I also have a barber’s in the shop as part of the business and we have no idea how long it’s going to be before that is allowed to carry on either.

“I woke up one Sunday morning and thought, it would be a great idea to add logos, so reached out to Ste to see if he wanted to get involved, and it went from there.

“I think the time is exactly right for this sort of thing as I believe it will soon be mandatory for everyone to wear them outside.”

Ste, who owns Henley Printing, which designs and prints clothing and uniforms, said: “Early demand has been crazy. We received 150 orders in the first 24 hours alone and it’s not stopped since.

"Most local businesses have now ordered the customised masks, including restaurants, pubs, butchers, builders, and hairdressers.

“We feel that as we are nearing the end of lockdown the need for facemasks is vital in keeping ourselves healthy therefore hopefully taking the strain off the NHS".

Ste, who is being supported by his girlfriend Sally James, added: “Having been friends for years, we have helped each other out business wise with uniform making and helping each other source materials and suppliers, so decided to collaborate on this new venture as we are all out of work due to the coronavirus, this way helping both of our businesses to survive as well as helping the community to stay safe.”

Both men have pledged a donation to Molly Olly’s Wishes, which supports children with terminal or life-limiting illness and which recently worked with a family in the community.

The charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Olly’s Wishes are very grateful to the teams at Henley House and Henley Printing for their support at what is a time of particular need for the charity which has been severely impacted by Covid-19.

“We are so grateful to people for still thinking about us during what are such challenging times for their own businesses – and look forward to receiving our branded Molly Olly masks.”

The charity recently gifted Henley teenager Ella Richards, who was diagnosed with cancer, with a £500 Bullring shopping voucher.

Sixteen-year-old Ella, who is shielding due to the pandemic, says the shopping sprees helped her stay positive throughout her treatment journey as she was able to purchase false eyelashes and eyebrow products to help her overcome the hair loss – as well as indulging in her favourite jewellery at Pandora.

“Molly Olly’s were there for me at the most difficult time in my life. Their gift gave me something to look forward to on the most difficult days of my treatment and helped keep me positive,” said Ella.

“I am so happy that local businesses are supporting a charity that is so close to my heart and the face masks they are making could help make a real difference to vulnerable and shielding people and families like ourselves.”

Masks can be ordered at: www.facebook.com/HenleyPrintingCompany or by going to: https://www.thehenleyhouse.co.uk/