Hirsch Tailoring has reopened its premises, once again offering bespoke tailoring services to national and international customers. Operating across two sites in Cheshire, master tailor Brita Hirsch, employs one apprentice and eight students as a part of the Hirsch Tailoring Academy.
Having carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment, Hirsch identified and adapted several measures to make its premises safe for its customers, staff and students.
Brita spoke to us about the safe reopening of the sites:
“We worked for years to establish our company as a showcase for sustainable, local and ethical production. We work closely with heritage British producers, and our own production is 100% in-house. We don’t outsource our work and we don’t purchase our supplies from overseas because we acknowledge the importance of homegrown products, especially at this time of crisis.
As a master tailor, I also deliver essential award-winning skills training for individuals seeking employment in our industry. This will be especially important for economic recovery and the need to retain and create jobs in the future.”
The measures Hirsch Tailoring have put in place include:
- Regular scheduled disinfection of all work surfaces, machinery and toilets
- Introducing hands-free door openers and soap and sanitiser dispensers
- Allocating separate tools for each staff member, including foot-pedal operated sewing machines
- Limiting personal appointments at the premises and conducing fittings in homes where possible
- Using video technology for remote fittings
- Staggering arrival times and a one-way access system
- Installing screens for workstations and changing facilities
- Working side-to-side or back-to-back for all activities
Brita added: “The plan for reopening safely was borne out of dialogue with all our stakeholders. As more scientific evidence about how the virus spreads became available, we developed our plans further. And we used government guidance to identify and specify the measures we are introducing, and local manufacturers to develop prototypes for the equipment we are installing.”
The government has published COVID-19 secure guidance to support businesses to reopen, and keep workers and customers safe so they feel confident to return. To find out about measures your business needs to implement to reopen safely, there is an online tool, which will direct you to guidelines specific to your type of workplace.
If you run a business and would like to know which of the coronavirus support schemes you are eligible for, you can use the business support finder tool. It takes just minutes to complete and will help you easily find support for your business.
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