Since joining NPL in 2008, Andy has been key in supporting UK industry by improving UK SME manufacturer businesses through better validation processes and technologies. When Coronavirus hit the UK, as the UK’s National Metrology Institute, NPL provided support to organisations by offering our experience of standards, testing and product requirements. Andy was instrumental in NPL’s response by leading his team on several projects.
When the cases of Covid-19 started to rise, the demand for PPE sky-rocketed. To meet this demand UK industry from the smallest to the largest companies stepped up to produce PPE which was often outside their usual scope of expertise.
Ensuring the PPE was safe for use and fit for purpose was vital. NPL North of England, led by Andy, provided consultancy to companies to help them understand all regulations and ensure the PPE they manufactured passed all rigorous standards and is fit for use across the NHS. The team also worked with the PPE Make team at BEIS to share information and maximise production or safe equipment.
Andy and his team played a key role in supporting start-up company, Protecting Heroes, in the production of their Protective Face Shield. The Protecting Heroes team identified that as a global crisis, PPE from a sustainable source is vital to ensuring all medical professionals have the protection they need, for as long as they need it.
The team we worked with Protecting Heroes to offer help and support at all stages of the process, including looking at revisions and evaluation of the design and working alongside them to make sure the product meets standards and advising on supply chain and safe assembly.
Andy Morris states: ‘I’m deeply honoured to have been given this award and also most surprised and humbled. As is often the case with accolades I am the face of a team of wonderfully talented people who have helped a lot of businesses to start manufacturing PPE and associated devices for the protection of health workers and the general public. There are a lot of people in our organisation who should share this accolade and I am extremely appreciative of their support. I am also very grateful to NPL who allowed me and my team to spend time helping these businesses in what has been a very tiring but also extremely rewarding period’.
Professor Roy Sambles FRS has also been recognised in this year’s honours. Professor Sambles who joined NPL has a Distinguished Visitor to support and challenge NPL on science and technology to enhance NPL’s scientific capabilities, has received a knighthood for services to scientific research and outreach.
Speaking about the award to Exeter University where he is professor of experimental physics, Sambles states: “It is an absolute honour to receive a knighthood. I have been fortunate to receive support from so many places, including my amazing wife Sandy, our children and grandchildren, and my Christian faith and God’s guidance.”
Commenting on the awards, Pete Thompson, NPL CEO said “I am delighted that Andy’s contribution to the Covid-19 response has been recognised with his award of an MBE. His contribution to identifying and setting standards for PPE, and his support and advice to industry have been achieved in the most difficult of circumstances. I am sure everyone wishes to join me in congratulating Andy on this award.
I have worked with Sir Roy for over 15 years and am personally delighted that he received this honour. It reflects his passion for world leading science, his nurturing of scientists and engineers and his contribution to the well-being and security of the UK.”
12 Oct 2020