A Kenilworth-based family businesses has been chosen to take part in a government led initiative aimed at supporting social enterprises nationwide.

Local PPE suppliers SanHanzUK will become part of the 'Buy Corporate Challenge', which was started in 2016 by Social Enterprise UK on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

The project is aiming to encourage a group of high-profile businesses to collectively spend £1 billion with social enterprises through their procurement.

Buy corporate, therefore, helps both big businesses reach a range of innovative, sustainable suppliers and gives social enterprises a chance to expand their revenues by tapping into corporate purchasing power.

SanHanz, which was started by Kenilworth sisters Ciara and Seanna Hamill at the start of the pandemic, is the only PPE provider listed in the campaign.

The girls said: "This is a fantastic achievement for us as the only ethical PPE provider on the list, it is so encouraging to see large corporate entities putting their money where their mouth is. In supporting social enterprises across the UK they breathe new life into our emerging sector.

"Social enterprises are businesses that are changing the world for the better. Like traditional businesses they aim to make a profit but it's what they do with their profits that sets them apart – reinvesting or donating them to create positive social change."

Having initially been launched with seven corporate partners, the challenge now involves over 25 big businesses including Barclays, Deloitte and AstraZeneca.

The partnership with the Buy Corporate Challenge comes as SanHanz has unveiled plans for expansion.

The girls will soon be launching a second social enterprise, Pangea Clothing. Pangea will 'up-cycle' indian suits for resale with proceeds used to benefit female refuge centres. Unused clothing will also be given to families impacted by the financial impact of this pandemic.

You can find out more on twitter @ClothingPangea and Facebook @PangeaSAClothing

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