A COMPANY boss put his family firms on the fast track after an appeal from a former Formula One chief.

Ron Dennis, the ex-chairman and founder of McLaren Racing Ltd, needed new flooring for a Second World War aircraft hanger he had taken over as the operations hub of his initiative to provide free meals for NHS workers across the country fighting coronavirus.

His staff contacted Blackburn businessman Leo Flood who had provided floor coverings for the Grand Prix team's Woking headquarters.

The 76-year-old swung into action to ensure his two companies - Techfloor Services Limited of Evolution Park off Blackburn's Haslingden Road and Stylefloor near the M65 Junction 4 in Darwen - moved into top gear to provide the special non-slip surfaces required by 'Salute the NHS'.

He also used his contacts in the trade to provide the adhesive underlay and fitters needed to lay the flooring surface at the hangar near Bicester in Oxfordshire.

It took less than a week to complete the job covering 2,000 square metres at well below cost price so SalutetheNHS could get on with preparing and delivering a million high-quality meals and snacks to NHS trusts and hospitals across the UK.

Mr Flood said: "I was delighted to help.

"Our family firms had done the flooring for McLaren;s headquarters in Woking when Ron Dennis owned it.

"This Second World War aircraft hangar was an important job for the companies and their staff.

"I got our two warehouses in Blackburn and Darwen on the job right away and contacted the adhesive contractors and fitters elsewhere in the country we normally use.

"We got the job done in a week at well below cost price. Kenley's of Darwen provided the transport.

"It was a privilege to help such a worthy cause.

"It really brought a smile and a sense of satisfaction to my family and our loyal workforce to be involved in this.

"It was a great thing to be involved in and for Blackburn and Darwen to play their part in helping."

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council's growth boss, said: "It is wonderful to see businesses from the borough bringing their skills and expertise to such a worthy cause."