The Hut Group launches multi-million pound coronavirus aid package

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 2, 2020

E-tail giant The Hut Group, which is a major retailer of beauty products, has set up a £10 million package due to the coronavirus crisis to support vulnerable communities, as well as key workers and the emergency services in the UK and abroad.

The company is based in Manchester and around half of the multi-million pound package will be spent in that area. The rest of it will be spent in the UK and also in its international markets. 

That £5 million being spent in its home city will include £1 million going to charities to help with issues such as homelessness. In addition, it will look at “critical products and services, which are currently in acute shortage across the world” and distribute them to groups such as frontline health workers.

The company has recently increased its staff levels by around 500 in its home market, as well as in Europe, Asia and the US, as it ramps up production of in-demand products such as vitamins, food supplements and hygiene items. It has increased its production of hand sanitiser in particular and is distributing this free where needed.

Founder and CEO Matthew Moulding said: “These are unprecedented times and THG has an obligation to support those in need, not only as a major regional employer but because we have the ability to do so. Everyone at THG wants to help in any way they can. Manchester and the surrounding areas are our home and we have a huge sense of loyalty to the local community.”

The company is also responding to concerns that have been expressed by many workers staffing the online operations of multiple e-tailers and is in the process of installing thermal imaging technology across its operations. It said this would monitor the well-being of its workers.