Burberry wins contract worth half a million to make gowns and PPE for NHS

Burberry has received more than half a million pounds to make PPE equipment for the NHS, according to newly released Government records.

In April the London based luxury brand used its extensive global supply chain network to deliver over 100,000 surgical masks to the UK National Health Service, for use by medical staff. The fashion house also retooled its trench coat factory in Castleford, Yorkshire, to make non-surgical gowns and masks for patients.

According to reports published on Wednesday, the luxury brand was given a £573,000 contract two months later to make further NHS gowns and PPE.

According to the new information, this contract was not advertised to other suppliers. This is likely due to the fact EU rules allow the Government to circumvent the usual processes if only one supplier is capable of delivering on the contract, or if unforeseen events mean that speed is vital.

At the start of April, Health Secretary Matt Hancock praised Burberry for its help in supplying the NHS with the PPE it needed.

Mr Hancock said: 'I'll give a shout-out to Burberry who have turned over their production to the production of gowns to add to the stockpile and to get PPE to people who need it which is another part of the national effort.

'I think Burberry deserve credit for what they've done so far for the nation and hopefully lots more Burberry gowns to come.'

At the time Marco Gobbetti, Burberry’s CEO, also said in a statement: “In challenging times, we must pull together. The whole team at Burberry is very proud to be able to support those who are working tirelessly to combat COVID-19, whether by treating patients, working to find a vaccine solution or helping provide food supplies to those in need at this time.”

Weeks later Burberry highlighted the PPE it had donated in an update to investors. “Our trench coat factory in Castleford is now manufacturing non-surgical gowns and supplying them to the UK National Health Service.

“We are also sourcing surgical masks through our supply chain and supplying them to the NHS and charities such as Marie Curie, which provides nursing care for families living with terminal illness in the UK. To date, we have donated more than 100,000 pieces of PPE.”

So far, Burberry has donated approximately 160,000 items of PPE.