Furniture business designing bespoke social distancing screens for US hospital

Nick Welsh and screens designer Paul Crofts

A Runcorn-based business has launched a range of products to help offices comply with social distancing restrictions.

Among its latest deals is a request from a hospital in New York to design special screens for its waiting areas to maintain social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NPIF & FW Capital-backed commercial furniture specialists Isomi, has launched a range of products to help offices comply with social distancing restrictions.

In 2018 Isomi received investment from NPIF-FW Capital Debt Finance, managed by FW Capital and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), to help it move into a new factory and fit out the premises.

The Wellness Screen collection includes freestanding screens, desk dividers and desktop screens.

Each piece in the collection is produced in solid surface – a non-porous material with a smooth, seamless finish – with inset glass.

The company was set up in 2011 and is run by Nick Welsh, Jenny Welsh and Mike Davies who, between them, bring 55 years of experience in the industry.

Nick Welsh said: “We work with clients across a range of sectors including corporate and healthcare and many are starting to think about how their staff will be able to return to the office in the future.

“Our customers have asked us to design and supply high spec screens suitable for offices and reception areas to protect staff and visitors.

“As well as our UK customers, we have customers in the USA including a New York hospital which has asked us to design and develop screens for its waiting areas. They have many properties throughout New York and already use Isomi desks as standard.

“We believe this is a significant area of growth for us and have received lots of interest in our Wellness Screen range from both new and existing customers.”

FW Capital portfolio executive Siobhan Jones said: “Many office spaces are open plan and businesses will be thinking about how they can bring their employees safely back in to the workplace.

“Isomi is renowned for its design-led approach and a lot of thought has gone into making the new range look good visually whilst at the same time ensuring maximum protection.

“The directors are very experienced, with a good mix of skills and I am confident that the business will continue to thrive even during the economically-challenging months ahead.”

Sean Hutchinson, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “It is impressive to see fast-moving companies like Isomi innovate their products to meet the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace.

“NPIF has continued to provide vital funding to businesses thoughout these challenging times, right across the North of Engand.

“To see another NPIF-backed business make a difference in the Halton area is really encouraging and shows how important the fund is for the North’s economic prosperity.”

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank.

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