ENTREPRENEURS from Henley are staving off the pandemic’s impact on their businesses by collaborating on a community venture which is also supporting a charity.
Henley House and Henley Printing have joined forces to produce branded face masks responding to a forecast demand driven by easing of lockdown restrictions.
They are also supporting neighbouring local charity Molly Olly’s Wishes which will receive a percentage of the profits.
Both businesses, which have been forced to close throughout lockdown, are already seeing a huge demand for the masks from other local firms.
Ste Barrett, owner of 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. Not just logos – we’ve also had orders for rainbows, smiley faces and even football club emblems.”
Tom Cross recently took over the running of menswear and grooming business Henley House from his father.
He said: “It’s been really tough. 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.”
Both men have pledged a donation to Hatton-based charity Molly Olly’s Wishes which supports children with terminal or life-limiting illness and which recently worked with a family in the Henley community.
The charity gifted Henley teenager Ella Richards, who was last year 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 gruelling 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 Wishes 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.
Charity founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “We 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.”
Visit www.mollyolly.co.uk for further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes.
Visit www.thehenleyhouse.co.uk to order masks.
