March 23, 2020, is a date etched in my memory for two key reasons:
- It would have been my father's 76th birthday, and it was the second one since his passing.
- The United Kingdom began its initial Covid-19 lockdown.
Fast forward five years, and the echoes of that turbulent period still resonate. Here at Formara, we reminisce about those defining moments that not only tested our resilience during the Covid Pandemic but also charted a new course for the company.
A Partnership Built on Trust
For two decades, Ipsos (previously known as Ipsos MORI) collaborated with Formara on various market research initiatives. Gary Welch, Research Director at Ipsos, reflects on this enduring alliance.
"For the critical REACT Study monitoring Covid-19's spread, Formara was our unequivocal partner. Their trustworthiness and ability to swiftly escalate operations with care and precision in handling sensitive data made them the ideal choice." - Gary Welch
In early April 2020, we received a pivotal call from Gary at Ipsos UK: “Can you handle printing materials for 20,000 Covid home testing kits monthly?” Our unequivocal response: Yes!
Upon confirming our involvement in the REACT Study, commissioned by the UK Government through Imperial College and Ipsos, we devised a strategy to manage the influx of materials for the test kits. A few weeks later, another call from Ipsos informed us of a new target—“230,000 kits each month!”
Unfazed, we adjusted our plans, ordered additional supplies, and expanded our team efforts. Picture a company rolling up its sleeves—that was Formara, executing its role to support public health.
Collaborative Fulfilment with The Finishing Line
With project demands growing exponentially, we teamed up with The Finishing Line in Basildon. Andy Mead, their Managing Director, shares insights into our collaboration.
"Having honed our skills across diverse supply chains, partnering with Formara on the largest survey of its kind in the UK was logical. Their agility and efficiency allowed us to deliver millions of kits, seamlessly working within stringent timelines." - Andy Mead
The Finishing Line played a crucial role, manually processing up to half a million packages monthly over six months, helping us navigate the logistical hurdles of this massive undertaking.
Ensuring Security and Sustainability
Formara and The Finishing Line both possessed critical certifications, such as ISO 27001 for data security and ISO 14001 for environmental management. These credentials assured our stakeholders of our commitment to protect sensitive NHS data and operate sustainably. Gary Welch emphasizes the importance of these standards.
"Given the sensitive nature of this data, secure, responsible handling was crucial. Formara's ISO certifications affirmed our confidence in their capabilities to maintain data integrity and environmental stewardship." - Gary Welch
Unwavering Quality and Precision
As the scale of the operation expanded, so did our dedication to quality assurance. To ensure error-free assembly of each testing kit, we introduced meticulous controls, like weighing each package to detect discrepancies. Every label and letter was matched for accuracy. Andy Mead highlights the criticality of maintaining data fidelity.
"Accuracy in every kit was imperative. Formara's detail-oriented approach ensured each package dispatched was perfectly composed." - Andy Mead
Reflecting on the Lockdown: Impact and Learnings
The magnitude of the REACT Study was awe-inspiring—2 million packs and 16 million components. Yet, the human impact was never lost on us. Gary Welch provides perspective.
"This initiative transcended typical business. It was a chance to contribute meaningfully—providing data that informed vital governmental decisions to mitigate the virus spread. Formara was instrumental in this fight." - Gary Welch
Looking back, we take immense pride in our contribution to this historic effort. The REACT Study wasn’t just an operational success; it was a testament to teamwork, security, and rapid scalability in challenging times.
Could We Rise to the Challenge Again?
If tasked with executing another project like the Covid REACT Study, my answer is a confident Yes! Not longing for another pandemic, but Formara is now even better equipped to manage high-stakes, data-driven initiatives. We've accrued valuable insights and fortified our operations, ready to tackle future challenges with assured precision.
Key Milestones of the Project:
- April 2020: Initial dispatch of Covid test kits.
- July 2020: Volume peak at 230,000 kits per month.
- May 2022: Culmination of the REACT Study with delivery of over 4 million kits.
Looking Back:
Between April 2020 and May 2022, the massive coordination of delivering crucial test kits mirrored many of our other projects. Yet, this particular campaign, marked by the dispatch of over 4 million kits to households, stands as a seminal endeavor. The data accrued from this undertaking played a decisive role in governmental policymaking.
Formara's significant role in this effort remains a source of pride—read more in our case study: Covid React Study Case Study
