A MALDON-based firm that helped in the national effort to produce ventilators for Covid-19 patients has secured a loan to help it restructure for the future.

DC Electronics Motorsports Specialist Limited, based at Quayside Industrial Park in Bates Road, is an award-winning supplier of electrical systems to the motorsport industry. When the coronavirus pandemic struck in March, all workers at the 23-year-old business were initially furloughed.

However, husband and wife team David and Sandra Cunliffe soon realised they could diversify their business to help provide vital medical equipment by manufacturing ventilator harnesses.

David, the company's director, said: "Our industry was hit hard by the lockdown. When the opportunity emerged to support the national effort in the manufacture of ventilators, our highly skilled harness fitting experts were delighted to be able to make a tangible difference.

"It's been a huge morale boost for the whole team."

Demand for the firm's power steering system has also remained strong, with use in classic cars, boats, racing cars, self-drive vehicles and even film industry stunt cars.

Now under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), the company has secured a £50,000 loan through Barclays to help develop and restructure its work.

David added: "The CBILS loan has been a lifeline."

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Rob Shadbolt, the Barclays business relationship manager who works with David and Sandra, said: "It's great to see that the team at DC Electronics have been able to use this funding and their expertise to support the nation in its hour of need."