A north-east driving instructor is among many small business owners to have benefited from a community group’s funding for essential PPE purchases.
Mintlaw-based driving instructor Mike Ferris was one of many to welcome a much-needed cash boost from Mintlaw and District Community Council to help cover the cost of the safety gear.
Mr Ferris found out from another local business owner about the Mintlaw PPE Business Support Fund, and was “delighted” when he found out he was successful around 10 days after submitting his application for some financial help.
Mr Ferris said: “I know £40 may not sound like a lot of money, but it’s helped me a great deal with the additional costs of PPE.”
This funding has allowed Mr Ferris to purchase hand sanitizer, face masks and wipes to ensure the vehicle is safe for his students.
He said: “The car is also well ventilated during lessons and the steering wheel is cleaned regularly. Masks are worn during the lesson and normally students will bring their own, but there are some available if they forget theirs.”
When lockdown was announced in March, Mr Ferrier had no other choice but to stop driving lessons for five months.
He said: “Young people are definitely excited to get behind the wheel, they haven’t seemed nervous about continuing their driving lessons.”
Other local businesses and groups including Lawrence Dance Academy, Mintlaw Men’s Shed and LMR Hairdressing also received some of the £2,500 sum.