SM1 Print Studio has remained open to provide essential printing for various industries and proudly support the NHS during the pandemic.

Although the company had temporarily closed production on 23rd March 2020 to allow its staff to stay home and protect the NHS, our MD Sam Eason had put email and telephone support in place so that urgent orders could be fulfilled, as and when they came in. As the end of the first lockdown was in sight, there was a demand for Essential Healthcare Printing, which included Posters, Floor Stickers and informational Banners. It was indeed a very anxious time; however, with Rishi Sunak allowing part-time furlough, the Production staff were able to work on reduced hours with safe social distancing. Essential Healthcare printing kept employees and their customers safe and helped businesses to reopen again.

It was important to SM1 Print Studio to also support new local businesses, who had planned their openings before the reality of COVID-19 had changed how their industry operated. For example, a new Italian restaurant in Carshalton, dedicated to the owner’s grandfather who had planned to open in October 2020, has now changed their business model to a takeaway service only during this time.

Adapting products and thinking of new ideas became a fundamental daily task. Informational Brochures, Leaflets and Posters have become very popular products. Single address deliveries were replaced with multi-drop and split deliveries so that employees were no longer tasked with going into the office and organising distribution.

Remaining open through the lockdowns has had its challenges, but December saw an opportunity to fire up our machines and assist the NHS by printing thousands of Medical Forms, Vaccine Advice Booklets and Vaccination Cards; all to help the NHS with its drive to secure the health of the nation and prevent the long term suffering of COVID-19.

Sam commented: “We have been living through unprecedented times, on behalf of myself and the team we wish everyone well. We have taken all necessary steps to protect our staff and are thankful for the schemes put in place by the Government; allowing us to be work safely, keep operating and provide our essential services. We are very proud to have been able to offer support to the NHS at this very critical time.”