WHN has extended its support to the local communities in which it operates by committing to bringing its supplier chain closer to home.
The initiative – aimed at keeping money locally and giving independent businesses a boost – has seen the firm, which has eight offices across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, switch to using smaller – and often family-run – businesses.
These firms include Bury-based printing and promotional merchandise provider Brand Idol, which has also helped supply WHN with PPE throughout the pandemic, while recruitment consultant Square Peg Associates will headhunt some of the region’s brightest legal talent to aid WHN’s ongoing growth plans.
Elsewhere, Accrington-based Caxton Printing has started to provide WHN with printing solutions and Baxenden-based building contractor David Rispin has transformed WHN’s eight offices into COVID-secure spaces ready for the safe return of the firm’s staff and clients
Simon Brown, managing director at WHN Solicitors, said: “With smaller businesses being some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, we wanted to extend a hand and do whatever we can to help, so we’ve made a real effort to partner up with suppliers local to each of our offices.
“We’re a business that aims to show our support to other local firms, charities and communities wherever possible, so this initiative really reflects that commitment while also helping local people and smaller firms within the Greater Manchester and Lancashire areas.”
Commenting on how the support has benefited the business, Helen Smith, director at Brand Idol, said: “The main core of our business is supplying commercial printing and exhibition products for charity events, conferences, product launches and training days, so coronavirus hit us almost instantly – and hard.
“The beauty of running a small business is the close relationships we’re able to nurture with local clients, so we’re really appreciative of WHN for helping us keep our heads above water during this challenging time.”
David Rispin, who owns D P Rispin Building Contractor added: “I’ve been in the building industry some 45 years, and despite riding out many of the UK’s economic ups and downs, the coronavirus pandemic has by far been the most challenging.
“The past year has really helped bring local communities back together and instilled a greater sense of shopping local for many people. I’m really grateful to WHN for seeking out local solutions to their needs.”
