Smith Brothers Covid-19 Update

As the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to escalate worldwide, Smith Brothers Stores Ltd has implemented a number of precautionary measures to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of its employees and customer base. This update will no doubt be superseded as things continue to develop on a daily basis, but we are keen to highlight our commitment to minimising the risk of infection, both internally and externally, reducing any further spread of the virus.

All of our staff have been given guidelines in line with Public Health England advice on how best to protect themselves and others against this virus. Greater hygiene measures have been put in place to ensure the welfare of our people and the wider community. Increased sanitation aids, regular cleaning routines (vehicles and premises), non-essential travel and meetings are just some of the safeguarding measures implemented.

At present, we would reiterate that from a service perspective, trading operations remain unchanged at this moment. Material deliveries and collections continue as we endeavour to support our customers. Methods are in place to protect all parties during these transactions.

With the situation of Covid-19 likely to worsen, there is the potential that supply chain issues may arise within the industry. Smith Brothers anticipated supply chain issues some months ago with the Brexit situation. At that time stocks were significantly ramped up to negate any ‘Brexit effect,’ and we have recently ramped up stock levels again to ensure we are best placed to maintain supplies and service levels throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

The situation is constantly evolving and if such time arises, whereby the Government enforces any sanctions that would impact the daily operations of Smith Brothers Stores Ltd, contingency plans will be activated to limit the impact on our customers.

We recognise the situation is unsettling for all parties, and although much of what is happening remains firmly out of our control, rest assured Smith Brothers Stores have, and will, continue to put necessary measures in place during this difficult period.

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