Bolton firm sees surge in orders for social distancing signs

A North West business that sells traffic products online has seen a 30% spike in demand from companies looking to promote social distancing measures among their workforce.

Bolton-based Street Solutions UK sells traffic cones, traffic barriers and kerb ramps to consumers, but has been flooded with orders after customising their products with the two-metre safety guidance advice.

Founder Sam Eastwood said the orders were coming from all sectors as businesses prepare to return to work after the COVID-19 lockdown.

He said: “All the increase in demand has come from people wanting social distancing products as they prepare to return to work. They include retailers, supermarkets, corner shops and manufacturers.

“What we did is customise all our products with stickers promoting the two-metre distancing advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading.

“We’re also getting a lot of requests for stickers that can be stuck on floors and walls with the same safety advice.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to deliver an address to the nation on Sunday in which he intends to unveil a ‘roadmap’ setting out how he intends to unlock the UK economy.

The Bolton entrepreneur said he’s noticed a distinct change in attitude as businesses step up plans for a return to work.

“Those businesses that have stayed open during the lockdown, like supermarkets, have been putting markers on the floor and introducing one-way systems to enforce the rules on social distancing,” he said.

“As the DIY centres have re-opened they’ve followed suit with their own social distancing measures to protect staff and customers.

“Now, what you’re seeing is the non-essential retailers and some of the furloughed businesses are preparing to re-open after the lockdown.

“That’s why we took the decision to personalise our traffic products with social distancing stickers and they now account for about a third of our orders. The key for our customers is they want the products quickly.”

The surge in orders at the end of April helped Street Solutions hit £1m turnover for the year – just two years after being launched.

Mr Eastwood said: “Although it’s had a knock-on effect for our business, the most important thing is helping companies keep their staff safe as they return to work.

“As the phased re-opening takes place at schools, colleges, hairdressers and restaurants etc, we’re expecting the growth in orders for our products to continue.”

Mr Eastwood launched Street Solutions UK in March 2017 after noticing the huge number of orange traffic cones and barriers on the side of the road.

The company initially started selling cones, traffic barriers and kerb ramps to consumers, especially wheelchair and mobility scooter users, but recently extended the product range to include personal protection equipment (PPE) like gloves, helmets and workwear, along with light plant equipment.