Thursday 19 March 2020
Dear Valued Customer,
In these challenging times, it is our objective to keep everyone fully informed and supported, while continuing to provide best in class service. As part of that, along with our determination to be closely connected to the industry, we are ensuring that we have the right structures in place to help you be successful and in position for future business growth.
As you will be aware, the government has announced the closure of schools across the UK from this weekend, which will have consequences for many people.
In light of this, we have set robust contingency plans in place to maintain our nationwide branch network and protect your supply chain.
Actions taken
Increased investment in stock
We have invested in further stock increases to maximise availability for our customers…sometimes biggest is best!
Branches open as usual
For materials and advice. Arrangements in place to ensure continuity of service locally, with full delivery services.
Operational HUBs
Contingency plans for all 10 of our UK facilities will be deployed from Monday 23rd March to ensure continuity of service locally. Employee rotas have also been adapted to best possible social distancing, allowing employees to support local community/family dependency as best as possible whilst maintaining 100% supply chain capability.
Buying options
Our Central Sales Office is fully operational. Additional resource has been provided through employee redeployment and enhanced technology to ensure smooth order management, along with answering technical and general enquiries. In addition, for extra convenience for you, we are offering a ‘Call and Collect’ service, whereby you place your order over the phone and we have it ready for when you visit the branch, this provides you more time on the job, while being in line with government guidance on social distancing.
External sales team meetings
Currently maintained where we have the agreement of customers, but with the flexibility to hold meetings via phone, Skype, and email as the unfolding situation dictates. Open communication. Our objective is to keep customers, suppliers and our people fully informed and supported through regular communications.
School closures announcement
We are working closely with our colleagues who will be affected by this to find solutions that will support their childcare needs while balancing the requirements of the business so that we can continue to service you our customers. These measures include flexible working, working from home and utilising technology, such as video calls, to maintain open channels of communication. For those working from home we are issuing guidelines to help them structure their day and ease any feelings of isolation. Events can be unsettling for everybody, so we are encouraging everyone to be conscious of their colleagues, maintain a sense of community and reach out to those who may be feeling anxious.
Hygiene regime
In the meantime, we are emphasising the importance of maintaining strict hygiene protocols with regards to COVID-19, such as proper hand washing, social distancing and self-isolation. In this way, both customers and employees can help safeguard themselves and those they are in contact with. We will always follow official guidance on this. To help reassure and protect you when visiting our branches, we have put measures in place to make sure strict hygiene and social distancing protocols are in place. Clearly the situation remains very fluid and we will endeavour to keep you up-to-date as much as we can. If you have any queries or require additional information please contact your SIG Account Manager. Remember, we are here to help!
Yours faithfully
For SIG Roofing
Ashley Chivers
Sales Director
