University student & entrepreneur gets the SPEED to support care workers

Gabriele Morsillo, a University of Wolverhampton Business and Marketing student has been working closely with a University sponsored business support project called SPEED to grow his screen printing business, EGM Printing.

Based in Wolverhampton, EGM were screen printing for clients across the West Midlands, the UK and Europe before the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting Gabriele’s native Italy.

Gabriele joined the SPEED business programme, which aids students and graduates of the University, because he wanted to help his family community in Italy. He designed and produced T-shirts and tote bags to generate money that could then be donated to Italian hospitals. Unfortunately due to the current climate, EGM Printing only secured a few sales overseas but not to be deterred, personal savings and other contributions ensured he was able to forward a substantial donation to the Italian Red Cross via GoFundMe.

As COVID-19 took hold in the UK, EGM Printing faced serious challenges that have resulted in temporary closure. But not wanting to give up, Gabriele found opportunities to support his local community in the West Midlands. After extensive research he began purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), selling some to private organisations (to cover the purchasing costs) and then donating the remaining stock to care workers and nursing homes.

He has helped many smaller organisations and individual care workers with small donations of PPE, and has made a large gift of supplies to Compton Care. Gabriele is so committed to helping those in need, he’s also currently helping vulnerable and elderly people with food delivery parcels to their homes.

In a post on their Facebook page, Compton Care said “We’d like to say a huge thank you to local businessman Gabriele Morsillo of EGM Printing who visited us at the weekend to donate much needed face masks… These masks will be worn by family members and loved ones whilst visiting those currently staying with us on our inpatient unit.”

Gabriele feels privileged to be able to contribute during these challenging times, saying “[their] appreciation is worth more than any money. Thanks for everything [they] do for the vulnerable!”

You can find our more about Gabriele and EGM Printing on their website www.egmprinting.co.uk. More information is available about the SPEED business support programme for University of Wolverhampton students and graduates at www.wlv.ac.uk/SPEED.