Biggest firms tell minister they want to keep supply chains moving
The three largest builders鈥� merchants have written to the government to offer their support in the face of the growing economic crisis.
Travis Perkins, Grafton and Saint-Gobain sent the letter to Alok Sharma, secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, offering to help in delivering materials and keeping supply chains running.
Collectively they wish to help facilitate the repair of hospitals, prisons and public buildings and offer support for over one million tenanted social housing properties with the necessary materials and supplies.
>> The coronavirus crisis: What does it all mean?
The letter outlines how the trio, along with partners across the industry, can mobilise a huge fleet of vehicles and drivers to support supply chains as coronavirus spreads across the UK.
The letter said: 鈥淲e are urgently seeking a meeting with you to discuss the importance of allowing the UK鈥檚 builders鈥� merchants to continue to support the trade during this difficult time 鈥� providing essential materials and services to keep the country operational.鈥�
It was signed by Nick Roberts, chief executive at Travis Perkins, Gavin Stark, group chief executive at Grafton and Saint-Gobain鈥檚 CEO Mike Chaldecott.
It comes after the Builders Merchants Federation advised the government on the likely impact of coronavirus on construction and its supply chains.
John Newcomb, the BMF鈥檚 chief executive, said: 鈥淚t is exactly at times of business uncertainty that any industry needs a strong, reliable and effective trade association to represent its interests.
鈥漈he BMF will do all we can to help and support members through this very difficult period.鈥�
No comments yet