What measures have you had to implement to ensure production is not affected?
We have segregated our production areas and production shifts. So we all have very limited contact with each other and staff on opposite shifts do not see each other at all. We have to create two new staff break/kitchen areas in order to do this. It is critical that if a staff member becomes ill that it does not affect the rest of us. We could cope with 2-3 staff off at one time, but no more than that. We would grind to a halt.
Have you seen an increase in orders from suppliers/supermarkets rushing to replace the products whipped of the shelves in panic buys?
We have not seen a dip in orders yet, I would not say that we have had much increase but we do not supply many suppliers of the supermarkets. We do however supply a lot of labels into the hospitality industries and we have been told that those customers have cut their sales forecasts by 50%. We do not expect a single order from them now until June. Which is very worrying. But we are working the problem and trying to diversify where we can.
Have you received much in the way of advice, outside of general public information from the government, about how to keep business going?
Received lots of advice, from various other sources BPIF, our banks, Bucks Business First, Alcumus (our HR&H&S Consultant) but the truth is everyone is taking it day by day or even more like hour by hour. No one can truly predict how this crisis plays out.
Do you seen any problems arising with your supply chains?
Lead times on raw materials have already extended. This is a concern too, if we get urgent work and we cannot get the material.
