The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 16: Summer 2020 | Page 10

8 NAMES FOR 8 WEEKS
EIGHT WEEKS OF LOCKDOWN
OFFERING ETHICAL INSPIRATI
The Business Exchange talks to 8 businesses and organisations across Bath a
weeks of strict lockdown. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals, org
have been rallying together to offer their support to the community in a variet
inspiration, they continue to make a positive difference as the country begins
far too many organisations to mention and so this article is in recognition
BA1 Radio
BA1 Radio, Bath’s non-profit community
radio station, has seen four times the
number of listeners tuning in as its
volunteers work hard to keep the city
informed and entertained throughout the
pandemic.
The organisation, which was set-up last
year to train and educate people in radio
broadcasting, currently has its 35 volunteers
broadcasting 12 hours of shows every
weekday, directly from their homes.
Shows include Bath’s Big Breakfast and
the popular Dad and Lad show (where father
and son duo Ian and Reuben take to the mics
for an hour of fun and games) alongside a
daily eclectic schedule ‘Made by Bath for
Bath’.
The Daily Good show, with local lifestyle
blogger Sarah Baker, has been focusing
on some of the incredibly positive initiatives
Rengen
Bath-based Rengen was established by
former Bath Rugby and Welsh international
Iestyn Lewis. The company specialises in
residential, student, leisure, commercial and
retail property schemes and owns a range
property throughout the region.
The group provides global property
services including development
management, structural and civil
engineering, project and cost management,
and quantity surveying. Throughout the
Covid-19 pandemic Rengen has offered its
support to key workers to help ease the
pressures they have faced.
Reduced-rate accommodation has been
offered to Royal United Hospital staff in Bath
and other key workers in need of secure,
self-contained living and working space.
At a time when such workers have needed
to self-isolate in accommodation close to
their workplace, this offer of support from
Rengen has been welcomed.
In total 40 self-contained rooms were
made available through the scheme.
CEO Iestyn Lewis said, “As we are
all aware, we have been experiencing
unprecedented times which have put
enormous strain on people, particularly
those working on the front-line for the NHS.
“When the pandemic first became
from right across the city, highlighting the
work of hundreds of organisations, charities
and businesses. Sarah shines a spotlight
on the remarkable work going on with daily
shout-outs.
Sarah said, “During this pandemic Bath
is awash with good deeds and community
initiatives, so sharing this with the city
really is a huge privilege. It’s made me feel
emotional too; hearing the efforts people go
to support others.”
The schedule includes specialised
programmes too, including the Keeping Busy
show, with tips on how to keep occupied at
home, and the Parenthood show with advice
on supporting children during lockdown.
There are also shows to help industry
professionals including Creative Champions,
a show presented by local filmmaker Luke
Taylor, sharing resources to support the local
For more info:
www.rengendevelopments.com
apparent, some hospital staff struggled
to find short term accommodation close
to hospitals. We were fortunate to be in a
position to help by offering some of our
empty accommodation at a reduced rate.
“At times like these it is more important
than ever to come together as a community,
whether that’s helping a neighbour with
shopping or offering logistical support from
a business.
“The care workers across Bath and
Somerset have done an amazing job to look
after people. They continue to work tirelessly
and on behalf of Rengen I would like to thank
them for their hard and dedicated work.”
6 www.tbebathandsomerset.co.uk