Nottingham firm goes with ‘the Flo’ to support NHS

A Nottingham joiner is making desks featuring an inspirational quote from Florence Nightingale – and all the profits from sales will go to the NHS.

Alex Adgar, who started his business West Bridgford Joinery more than a decade ago, has been forced to close the doors of his business since Coronavirus struck – but is determined to help the NHS with his new endeavour.

Alex said he was at home and wondering what he could do to help “the cause,” when he came up with the idea.

“Everyone’s at home and facing difficulties with work and home life,” said Alex. “My wife works in the NHS and is still going to work every day. I felt I couldn’t sit and do nothing. I can’t be at the sharp end of what is going on, but this is my contribution towards assisting people’s lives in some way.”

The white desk, made from riga and valchromat, has been designed with homeworkers in mind. To keep them positive during the current pandemic, Alex has engraved each desk with a quote from Florence Nightingale: “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.”

Alex was preparing to launch a furniture brand called Tormar to his business when Coronavirus put paid to his plans and he was forced to furlough his staff. But Alex was keen to keep working – and came up with the idea of the desk.

He said: “Coronavirus has had such a massive impact on the way we all work and live. I wanted to keep on making furniture at home to make sure I was using my time effectively – that’s when I came up with the idea of the Tormar desk.

“I thought it would be useful for people working from home. I have called the desk The Flo – and I decided I would sell them at no profit so I could put as much money as I could into the NHS.

“We hear the stark news from the NHS every day; there is so much that it needs in terms of staff and resources. I wanted to help in my small way. I thought the Florence Nightingale quote would be relevant – not just for the times we are currently living in, but also to inspire people who are working alone at home and could be doing for many more weeks to come.”

The Flo desk is £260 with 20% of this going to the NHS locally in Nottingham. Alex is offering free delivery in the Nottingham area and £30 deliver elsewhere in the UK. The desk arrives as a flatpack ready for easy assembly.

For more information on how to buy the desk, visit www.tormar.co.uk

Pictured main: The Flo desk

Pictured inset: Alex Adgar