Coronavirus update – the latest news from Yorkshire businesses

Universal Credit claimants can now access British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters as part of a free Video Relay Service provided by Leeds-based company, thebigword.

The service can be used to help make a new claim or for those already claiming Universal Credit.

It allows users to make BSL interpreted video calls via their tablet, smartphone, computer or laptop. A professional interpreter then relays the call in English to a member of DWP staff.

This supports a package of measures put in place by the Department of Work and Pensions to provide quicker and easier access to benefits during the Coronavirus outbreak.

The move will support many of the 87,000 Deaf BSL users currently living in the UK.

Chief operating officer at thebigword, Mark Daley, said: “thebigword aims to breakdown communication barriers wherever they are found and we are delighted to be able to offer a Video Relay Service for Deaf BSL users accessing Universal Credit.”

thebigword supports the DWP with all of its language requirements including services such as Video Relay, face to face and telephone interpreting as well as translation.

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Pontefract-based online cards and gifts business Love Layla has launched its first range of downloadable e-cards, allowing it to start trading again after closing in mid-March in line with the lockdown.

The new range of over 500 designs includes thank you cards specifically for NHS and healthcare key workers, a topical ‘Tiger King’ inspired range and light-hearted lockdown inspired ideas.

The entire range of Love Layla greeting cards can also be sent as an e-card.

The cards are ordered via the company’s website, with a personalised message inside and then sent to the recipient’s email address or mobile phone number.

Stacey Dennis started Love Layla from her kitchen table in 2015 with just £30 after being made redundant as a designer. The company has since established a franchise in Australia and is eyeing new markets around the world.

Dennis chose to close her business for the duration of lockdown to protect her staff, customers and suppliers and has only this week launched the e-card versions of her comprehensive range.

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A North Yorkshire cheesemaker has fast tracked the launch of its new format feta-style cheese in a bid to help support its struggling sheep milk farmers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thirsk based, Shepherds Purse is set to launch its new format product, called “Fettle”, in 150g square blocks on May 4 2020 to coincide with the British Cheese Weekender on May 8-10.

At the start of the coronavirus health crisis, family-run Shepherds Purse was in touch with its sheep milk farmers who were in a distressed state.

Sheep milk has been disproportionately affected by the closure of foodservice and restaurants, resulting in sheep milk farmers losing 20 out of their 22 processors over the course of a few days.

To offer a lifeline to the sheep milk farmers, Shepherds Purse has taken the risk of increasing its weekly milk order by 75% to help with the deficit and made the decision to bring forward the launch of its new format Fettle cheese as a result.

Caroline Bell, managing director of Shepherds Purse, said: “From the beginning of the crisis, we have been acutely aware of our place in the food chain and our responsibility to support our suppliers and our customers as much as possible. We rely on them and they rely on us.

“Every change in the supply chain and every gap has significant knock-on effects.

“We’re working hard for our cow’s milk and water buffalo milk suppliers too, but with this project we are working hard to counter the market distress for our sheep milk farmers, and we will need the support of retailers, and ultimately customers, to ensure its success.

“It has taken a tremendous amount of work from our small team and our key partners to get this reformatted product ready for market so quickly.

“From making the extra cheese to designing and printing the labels and the outer case packaging, and extra design work for the campaign, it’s been incredible,  I couldn’t be more proud of our team and our partners.”

Simon Stott, of Sheep Milk UK, said: “Any help we can get at the moment is vital and this new Fettle product is a big lifeline for us.

“Some of our farmers have already had to dry off due to the massive drop in demand, so the future of the British Sheep milk industry is still far from secure.”