A Medway firm specialising in hot drinks and snack machines has shrugged off the challenges posed by the pandemic and opened a new showroom.

Fairtrade Vending, based on the Medway City Estate, has unveiled an appointment-only showroom featuring a range of its machines - among them those harnessing new 'Air Touch' distance selection technology to cut down on touch points in the workplace.

They work by holding your finger 2cm away from the drink you're after rather than having to press a button.

It hopes the new technology, along with antimicrobial shields and contactless payments will reassure firms looking to introduce the machines to the workplace as people return to work.

Managing director Mike Steel explains: “The impact of Covid-19 on day-to-day business over the past 12 months has seen many of our customers either close down or operate with a reduced workforce, so demand for our services and supplies varied between 50 to 80% downturn in trade.

"Yet despite the loss in day-to-day business, we were successfully awarded three big new vending contracts and several smaller orders, which in fact increased our turnover and profitability on the previous year. Already this year, despite the recent lockdown we are on track to grow again. These are very positive signs that the markets with recover quickly from the pandemic, although we are under no illusion, we still have a long road to recovery and there remains a threat that the virus may raise its ugly head again."

The new showroom is part of a major investment in the business which includes the hiring of two new staff to operate the new facility.

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