As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are all having to adapt, to work in different ways and to confront new challenges.
Whilst trying to remain safe is everyone’s highest priority, we are beginning to see businesses return to work, either remotely or through the physical re-opening of workplaces. Commercial realism seems to be the order of the day, with staying alert replacing staying at home.
We have been incredibly impressed by the way that our supplier partners have responded to this situation and supported us throughout. Not only are they continuing to supply their standard product offering, but the speed and efficiency with which they have been able to diversify and bring new solutions to us has been remarkable. Their efforts have enabled us to significantly expand our portfolio of PPE, cleaning and home office products for dealers in a very short period of time and I would like to say thank you to each and every one of them.
Dealers in turn have responded with swiftness and flexibility to take these new products to market and we have seen some truly impressive new business gains during April and May. Business being won in these new areas provides the opportunity to diversify sales into a wider product range longer term and is highly encouraging for the future. I would like to say a personal thank you to our dealers for their unwavering loyalty and commitment to VOW during this time.
Finally, all my colleagues throughout VOW have performed with great professionalism and commitment. I want to publicly acknowledge their tremendous work in ensuring that we have been able to maintain our product and service offering during these unprecedented circumstances. We look forward to welcoming back those who have been furloughed and thank those who have continued to work, often taking on additional workload and responsibilities. The attitude of all VOW colleagues has blown me away and I can’t thank them enough for their dedication and service.
No one can say exactly when or how the market will recover, but recover it will. Until then, we face this challenge together. The response we have collectively delivered – driving innovation, expanding our product portfolio, refining our service proposition and working more collaboratively – stands us is great stead.
Once again, thank you to all of our suppliers, customers and colleagues for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Adrian Butler
Managing Director,
VOW Wholesale