Your Total Guide To Business

My Strategy For Surviving Corona Virus

By Christian Olejnik, managing director of Sweetnam & Bradley Limited Sheet Metalwork Specialists of Malmesbury. The company is over 60 years old and is known as a market leader in sheet metal fabrication and finishing. It was bought out last year by entrepreneur Nigel Roberts and is now part of the Megasteel family – yet still run day to day by former owner Christian.

When did you realise the Coronavirus could be a problem for you and your business?

We knew straightaway that it was going to be problem and we were very aware that it would impact the whole economy and we began to prepare for what that could mean for our business and our team.

What has been your plan to continue?

We decided early on that because many of our customers are in key industries including medical and transport that we needed to adapt, keep abreast of restrictions and changes, and carry on as we would need to ensure that they had the necessary equipment we manufacture for them.

We also decided it was time to get innovative and we brainstormed some product ideas which we felt would help at this time - and especially as it became clear that while lockdown was imposed quickly, recovery would not be quick.

We came up with the idea of the KoronaGadget which enables people to 'be touch free' and reduce the worry of touching multiple and many hard surfaces on a daily basis as we come out of lockdown. We recognised that fear was going to be a huge issue.

How have you changed your business as the weeks are passing?

We have strict health and safety procedures in place anyway so it' was not too much of a stretch to implement social distancing, more frequent hand washing and providing any necessary PPE. We've also looked at some of our internal procedures and made some changes there.

The KoronaGadget has also made us consider marketing in a way we have not previously. Bringing a prototype to market so quickly is unusual and we needed to spread the word. We've already sold thousands of these gadgets.

Have you accessed any government support or funding?

We know there is support out there however, to date, we've not needed to do this and we will only explore that option should it become necessary. There are businesses out there which really do need help at the moment and we've been able to leave that funding for them at this stage.

What have you seen about business which has been positive?

For our business, we've been lucky and seen an increase in medical sales and we have explored new opportunities – The KoronaGadget. However we've been thrilled by the support from the local community about our new product and for the way in which the local media have supported us in getting the word out there. It's much appreciated.

What have you seen about business which has been negative?

Some companies in different locations (Scotland/Wales) have commented on social media that it is not fair that different areas have been given different guidance. So that has been confusing I think. Otherwise we have a positive ethos and are trying to stay positive.

What can we do to help each other?

That's easy - be understanding and kind in business and in life generally.

Your parting thought?

We will get through this.

For more information visit https://www.sweetnam-bradley.com

Scott Media

Scott Media is run by a UK-based journalist with more than 20 years' experience in the media - print, radio and television.

6 Gold View, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8GZ

Website Email 07789 270030

More Details

Lydiard Park Hotel & Conference Centre (Animated Ad)