Marisa from Safety Forward in Penkridge uses grant to take on new staff

A South Staffordshire business struck hard by the Covid-19 pandemic has bounced back to win major industry awards and up-skill new staff thanks to a local growth grant.

Construction health and safety consultants Safety Forward Ltd saw 30% of its business disappear overnight in the first lockdown, but now has a turnover of almost half a million a year.

The Penkridge-based company has doubled their pre-pandemic turnover thanks to their ethical commitment to other businesses during Covid and a ‘Thrive’ grant from Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire Council.

Rather than go under when Covid-19 struck, Director Marisa Firkins turned Safety Forward into a new wellbeing service that helped their construction clients take care of their staff during the pandemic with free guidance and the development of a virtual training lounge.  Rather than just supporting with physical health and safety advice, the business also helped businesses focus on their employees’ mental wellbeing.

Marisa said:

"It has been an incredibly challenging 2 years, but with the support of the community and my clients, and grants like that from the Staffordshire Means Back to Business scheme, we’re definitely on the up.

Thanks to the grant, we’re training two new members of staff up to consultant level, as well as investing in the virtual training package. Our staff bring with them fantastic fresh talent that we can mould, as well as great ideas for our clients to help support their employee’s mental health and wellbeing".