Warwick-based engineering firm launches range of multicultural PPE which is a 'first for the UK'
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A Warwick-based design business has diversified its offering to create a range of multicultural headwear which is a first for the UK.
Contechs’ move into PPE manufacture followed the Government's call for more of the equipment when the first UK lockdown was announced in March 2020.
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Hide AdThe company has formed a dedicated division – Contechs Medical, creating over 250 jobs.


Initially designing a multi-use gown for University Hospitals Birmingham for which they quickly gained a CE Mark, all products including the new range of culturally appropriate PPE headwear (pictured) have been embraced by University Hospital Birmingham with further new products in the pipeline.
The headwear has been designed to help the UK’s medical and care professionals combat against the Covid-19 pandemic
Pete Jarvis, Managing Director of Contechs, said: “We quickly identified that culturally appropriate PPE – especially headgear – wasn’t available to those with religious or cultural beliefs.
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Hide Ad"Indeed, this isn’t just limited to medical environments, it’s the same for any situation where hair has to be covered such as scientific research labs and food preparation areas, for example.


"Contechs’ innovative and forward-thinking approach therefore allowed us to diversify and expand our PPE products for medical and healthcare professionals across the UK.
“We’re proud to be supplying Britain’s brave key workers and medical staff with high-quality culturally appropriate protective equipment during their fight against the epidemic, making their working lives easier and making those with cultural or religious requirements to feel more comfortable.”
Simon Clarke, managing director of BHA shared procurement services, has praised the company for their innovative and flexible approach.
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Hide AdHe said: “Contechs was one of the early adopters following a call from the West Midlands Combined Authority and University Hospital Birmingham Trust. It was a critical time when the Trusts were not receiving the necessary PPE to keep staff safe.


“Although new to the sector, Contechs was unfazed drawing upon their manufacturing prowess they consistently pushed the boundaries.
"They were the first to come forward with a surgical gown design, the quality of which was far superior to that being used nationally and for which they have now received a CE mark.
“Now they at the forefront of the development of a new range of PPE equipment to meet our cultural ethnicity requirements.
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Hide Ad"It is quite astonishing that this need has not been catered for yet so it’s great to see companies such as Contechs applying an innovative and culturally sensitive approach to PPE in order to make medical and healthcare professionals feel more comfortable in the workplace."
“As a manufacturer Contechs has gone above and beyond and has consistently demonstrated that irrespective of the challenge ahead they have the resilience and sustainability to meet the demands of the NHS.”