Following recent communications regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), I wanted to provide a further update given the ever-changing situation.
Before I do, let me say a huge thank you to the team here at VOW. They have demonstrated great commitment and have worked with positivity and dedication to try and conduct ‘business as usual’ whilst having to adopt new processes and contend with the personal and professional challenges of these truly unique circumstances.
Can I also thank you and your teams for your support and understanding which has been truly remarkable given the challenges they are facing at home and at work – we are very humbled to have such fantastic support from you at this time.
The health and safety of all our staff, and those up and down the supply chain, must remain the highest priority. As you know from my previous letter, we are following all the advice from the government, NHS, Public Health England and the H&S Executive. I am pleased to say that so far as we can tell, this is being effective.
I am delighted that we remain open for business. Our supply lines are currently holding up strongly and we are confident that we will be able to continue to service your business for the foreseeable future.
Many dealers have increased the proportion of their business going through our WRAPIDE direct consumer delivery service and this is something that we encourage you to consider. As well as reducing the number of potential contact points, it is also an efficient and timely process.
The message is overwhelmingly positive, but clearly there is increased strain within the supply chain, and we need to recognise this. Reduced staff availability, applying social distancing for key workers within and en route to our Arrow Distribution Centre, peaks and troughs in demand and challenges in sourcing some products due to factory closures mean that we do need to review our service proposition.
Whilst the COVID-19 crisis continues to cause disruption, we will continue our best efforts to deliver next day as standard, but we can no longer guarantee that we will be able to achieve this in all cases, both dealer and consumer deliveries.
It’s been said many times, but these really are unprecedented times, for the country and our industry. We have always rightly been proud of the service and value that we collectively provide, and I believe despite incredible challenges, the wholesaler/reseller channel continues to do a fantastic job.
I thank you for your continued support and hope that you and your loved ones are, and remain, in good health.
Kind regards,
Adrian Butler
Managing Director VOW UK
