Independent companies are finding new and inventive ways to keep it business as usual during the Covid-19 outbreak.

As part of our Backing Local Business campaign, the Guardian is shining a spotlight on the firms that are innovating to survive the coronavirus crisis

ONE hundred years since it launched, a Middlewich business is striving hard to ensure kids can stay creative in the current climate.

From paints, crayons and adhesives, to chalks, clay and modelling materials (textiles) – there’s probably not a schoolchild in the UK who hasn’t unleashed their creative side by using art and craft items manufactured or supplied by Scolaquip.

Jane Reynard, managing director of the Dalton Way firm, explained: “The company started in 1920 exporting worldwide, has diversified over the intervening years and now we are proud to be of the few manufacturers of art and craft items in Great Britain.

“We manufacture and supply the biggest range of paints, crayons, modelling materials and adhesives and our brand name Scola is linked with quality products which are safe, good value and easy to use.

“Our main business is the education sector and our products are usually found in every primary classroom in the UK”

But with schools closed for the foreseeable future, the company, which should have been celebrating its centenary anniversary this month, has quickly needed to adapt.

“Of course, the current situation has had a knock-on effect to our business, so we’ve been looking at how we can continue and maintain our staff’s safety while still providing a service.”

Having completely closed operations during the first three weeks of lockdown Scolaquip has resumed business with a skeleton staff and like many other companies is focussing on the online marketplace. 

So if you’re one of the many families home-schooling during this difficult time, the chances are you’ll soon find some of the companies favourite products in your home.

Jane explained: “As manufacturers it’s been a challenge to try to run the business in a different way, but our wonderful team of colleagues has been incredibly flexible and helping keep things up and running.

The company has decided to streamline its product range and is currently working with a handful of major online stores but is hopeful business will return to normal as soon as possible.

Jane added: “We cannot thank our incredible staff and customers enough. These are very challenging times, but we have reached 100 years in business and while we can’t celebrate just now, hopefully we will be able to in the coming months, and hopefully we will continue to be in business for the next 100 years.”