The Hut Group (“THG” or the “Group”), the global, consumer brand & proprietary technology group pre-eminent in Beauty and Wellness, is today donating 3.5 million units of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the health and care system in Greater Manchester. 

Utilising its global supply chain, in recent weeks Manchester-based THG has sourced more than 25 tonnes of medical-grade PPE and is airfreighting the goods to the UK, with the project worth £2 million. The first batch of which is now at THG’s UK distribution centre in Warrington, is ready for distribution this week.  

The total shipments include: 

• 150,000 face masks 
• 50,000 disposable masks 
• 950,000 surgical gloves 

• 184,000 face shields 
• 24,000 medical gowns 
• 1,500,000 single gloves  
• 750,000 of FFP2 masks 

THG is working closely with the NHS in Greater Manchester and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to ensure the PPE is distributed across the city- region to those working for the NHS and frontline social care services, including hospices.   

Alongside this donation, THG is also airfreighting additional PPE for its staff. The safety of its employees is of utmost importance and since January the Group has implemented strict world-leading safeguarding measures across all warehouse and manufacturing facilities.   

Matthew Moulding, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of THG, said: “NHS and frontline workers are doing an outstanding and vital job to protect people in the UK. It is only right that we play our part and utilise THG’s global network to source, buy and donate essential PPE. We want to show our appreciation and play our part in helping keep them safe.   

As this pandemic evolves, we will continue to do all we can to provide support to those who need it most. The PPE donation is in addition to THG’s £10 million aid package to support vulnerable communities, key workers and emergency services in Manchester, the UK and other markets during the COVID-19 crisis.

Announced in March, the £10 million pledge includes cash donations to two Manchester-based charities, along with critical products and services distributed across the region and internationally.  

THG also pledged all 70 rooms in both of its prestigious Manchester city centre hotels – Great John Street Hotel and King Street Townhouse – to NHS staff and Greater Manchester Police, fully staffed and catered free of charge.   

Mayor Andy Burnham said: “This is a truly amazing gesture by The Hut Group donating over £2m of vital PPE for frontline NHS and social care staff and freight costs. I’m proud that a Manchester-headquartered global business has used its international contacts and purchasing power to support us in our hour of need to save lives and protect the NHS. This comes on top of what they’ve already donated to support our frontline staff across Greater Manchester. What a great example of business stepping up to help others.