A firm is offering to help small businesses in Blackburn with Darwen stay ‘open’ during the Covid-19 pandemic, by giving them infection prevention control support and guidance.

Knowlex, a company that works with the NHS on infection prevention is reaching out to employers within the borough to try and stop them from going under.

Samantha Taylor, who used to organise events for Darwen Town Council and regularly supports local businesses in the town now works for Knowlex, and said she wants to do all she can to help self-employed people in her home town.

Miss Taylor said: "A lot of my closest friends are business owners in Darwen and I can’t help but worry about them and their livelihoods.

"I'm worried about how they're going to pay their staff and keep their businesses going through all of this.

"If they close now, there’s a fear that they may not open up again when all this is over.

"I work for Knowlex, and we can try and help businesses in terms of providing decontamination for their shops and premises, as well as offering them advice on the best hygiene practices that will reassure their customers.

"Anything we can do to help, we will. We don't have to take this lying down, there are ways round this.

"Infection prevention is going to be something we have to live with for the future and if we can do this as a community and help one another out then it might change us for the better.

"It's time to be human and look after each other."

Knowlex Director, Kabir Master, said: "As a local business, we completely understand the struggle facing our local economy right now.

"Boris Johnson has advised people to stay away from pubs, clubs and theatres in an attempt to avoid mass spreading.

"Whilst we completely understand and respect this statement, we also know that if local independent businesses have to close now, their doors will remain closed long after this pandemic has subsided.

"We feel we have a duty of care to support local businesses during this time.

"We want to offer help and advice that can help them keep food on the table, whilst doing what’s best for their staff and customer safety."

From its Churchgate-offices in Bolton, Knowlex has been providing healthcare-infection prevention control support and guidance, to NHS management and teams, for over 15 years.

If you’re a local business who would like some impartial advice and support in the following months, please call Knowlex direct on 01204 938389.