Ukraine

With the dreadful events that are unfolding in Ukraine, our thoughts are very much with the people who are being affected by the invasion.

If you have staff, operations, family or friends in Ukraine, CTPA sends its best wishes to them and to you, as we all watch the devastating news.

Cosmetics businesses are rallying to support their local teams in Ukraine and many are contributing to humanitarian aid in a variety of ways, to help those impacted by this crisis.

The following information may be of use to companies looking for ways in which they can offer support. The page will be kept under review and updated as appropriate.

Industry support for Ukraine

CTPA has been advised that in most cases, financial support for Ukraine is more effective than in-kind donations.

The UK Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal is being run by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and by the Red Cross. The DEC coordinates funds to 15 charity partners, meaning all donations are shared fairly between them.

Our thoughts are also with our colleagues at the Association of Perfumery and Cosmetics of Ukraine (APCU). If you have teams in Ukraine, the APCU website has information about ways in which people can offer help.

Neighbouring countries are offering their support. The Polish trade associations are responding on behalf of the industry, including helping refugees. If you have teams in Poland, it is suggested the fastest and most effective way to provide assistance is financially, via collections organised, for example, by the Polish Red Cross (Polski Czerwony Krzyż). The Polish Red Cross is one of the organisations that is recommended by the Polish Government. The funds raised will be prioritised to, among other things, purchase food, dressing materials and secure other priority needs. Another other Polish organisation involved in support is Caritas (https://caritas.pl/).

CTPA is making a donation to the UK Ukrainian Appeal, coordinated by DEC, and will also match any donations made by members of staff. CTPA pledges to review what more it could do as the situation develops. This may involve providing more practical help for refugees who have reached the UK and need assistance with hygiene supplies etc.

Government Advice

The UK Government has a dedicated section on Gov.UK in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This includes the Homes for Ukraine initiative.

CBI Advice

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has also launched an advice page and issued specific articles:

Cyber Security

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is seeing an increase in criminal cyber activity directed at businesses in Ukraine and surrounding territories. It is also anticipated that the UK could be targeted. The www.ncsc.gov.uk website highlights the need for heightened cyber security and has guidance for businesses. Companies are urged to check their resilience, carry out practice runs to see if data are sufficiently backed-up and can be restored quickly should a ransomware or wiper attack take place on their system. Denial of Service attacks are also increasing.