We are informing you of global challenges directly impacting our industry. This is highly likely to impact your buying decisions immediately so hopefully the following update will allow you to plan and prepare as much as possible.
COVID
Progress is being made with the advance of new vaccines, but the pandemic continues to ravage the world.
BREXIT
Britain has now left the European Union after securing a “free trade deal”.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
China is celebrating their annual holiday, when factories close from 3-22nd February.
BREXIT
Britain has now left the European Union after securing a “free trade deal”.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
China is celebrating their annual holiday, when factories close from 3-22nd February.
RAW MATERIALS/DEMAND
The H&S industry has been severely impacted by the delays surrounding sourcing raw materials, particularly from China, due to the spread of the Covid virus. With a huge increase in global demand for PPE and H&S-related products, Chinese production is already under severe strain. On top of this, the Chinese government has gone ahead with the annual closing of Chinese factories at a time when demand already heavily outstrips supply, the holiday this year is also longer than usual.
PORTS/CUSTOMS DELAYS
Globally, ports have been struggling to manage due to a number of factors including a lack of empty containers available in Asia at the busiest time of year. Further impacting the situation is the huge demand of medical supplies from Asia. And then Brexit!
Couriers are experiencing major problems with delays around the integration into the UK customs service. Many suppliers into the UK have been caught unawares with the extra paperwork required now compounding already lengthy delays. On the plus side, the Chinese New Year holiday should bring an easing to the UK Port congestion, and we should see things return to a much better situation within a few weeks.
CHARGES
Global shipping rates have continued to rise steeply, with prices for a 40ft container pre-Covid being £950 having now risen to anywhere between £10,000 - £12,000- a whopping increase! There is genuine concern that these major price hikes will have a significant impact on product availability, as many suppliers will struggle to absorb the increase. And Brexit again - despite being announced as a ‘Free-Trade Deal’ most goods arriving in the UK whether from Europe or outside Europe are subjected to increased carriage and import costs.
REDUCED AVAILAILITY/DELAYS
Reduced availability of products will impact you directly - some products which have “always been in stock” may become unavailable or out of stock. The delays to stock coming into the UK will also likely have a direct knock-on effect to your requirements and orders, resulting in longer-than-normal lead and delivery times.
PRICES
The cost of many core products is likely to rise in proportion to the costs and charges already outlined.
ALTERNATIVES
Due to the reduced availability and price increases, it is likely you will wish to be made aware of alternative products.
Reduced availability of products will impact you directly - some products which have “always been in stock” may become unavailable or out of stock. The delays to stock coming into the UK will also likely have a direct knock-on effect to your requirements and orders, resulting in longer-than-normal lead and delivery times.
PRICES
The cost of many core products is likely to rise in proportion to the costs and charges already outlined.
ALTERNATIVES
Due to the reduced availability and price increases, it is likely you will wish to be made aware of alternative products.
COMMUNICATING
We are communicating every day with our global suppliers, and we want to share with you, our valued customers, the benefits of our experience. We are going to be in touch with you to help you and your company through these challenging times.
RE-SOURCING
Our procurement team are actively sourcing new lines of supply, and reviewing every product to ensure continuity of product, and that prices are kept to an absolute minimum. Our sales team will be proactively suggesting alternatives when products are ordered which are affected by the current crisis.
INCREASING CAPACITY
We have increased our warehouse team capacity in order to achieve the quickest turnaround possible on stock items. Our goal is to despatch orders of stock items within 24 hours. Our warehouse is full, and we are committed to keeping things running smoothly for you.
We are communicating every day with our global suppliers, and we want to share with you, our valued customers, the benefits of our experience. We are going to be in touch with you to help you and your company through these challenging times.
RE-SOURCING
Our procurement team are actively sourcing new lines of supply, and reviewing every product to ensure continuity of product, and that prices are kept to an absolute minimum. Our sales team will be proactively suggesting alternatives when products are ordered which are affected by the current crisis.
INCREASING CAPACITY
We have increased our warehouse team capacity in order to achieve the quickest turnaround possible on stock items. Our goal is to despatch orders of stock items within 24 hours. Our warehouse is full, and we are committed to keeping things running smoothly for you.