Supply chain and logistics consultancy SCALA has announced the launch of an emergency working group, which aims to bring together companies supplying the grocery retail sector to ensure that the industry can ‘feed the nation’ during the coronavirus outbreak.
The working group, known as the COVID-19 Supply Chain Collaboration Group, has already had commitments from over 20 of the UK’s leading grocery manufacturers. The group aims to initially bring together the main manufacturers and suppliers of food, drink and other consumer essentials, and then expand rapidly to link with retailers, foodservice and logistics companies.
The first online working group meeting will take place tomorrow (25th). Companies will work together to co-ordinate ongoing industry initiatives, share ideas and collaborate with one another and the wider industry, all with the goal of supplying the UK and ensuring businesses and consumers alike have the essentials they need to during the coronavirus outbreak.
Group discussions will take the format of both a private discussion forum where members can share ideas, as well as weekly virtual conferences each Wednesday with all members invited to collaborate, with membership free to all organisations that wish to join. As well as bringing the group together, SCALA stated that it will act as a trusted neutral advisor, ensuring confidentiality and best-practice is followed at all times.
The coronavirus outbreak has caused major disruption throughout the supply chain as businesses struggle to ensure that shelves are restocked quickly, while dealing with staff shortages that have cut available manpower by as much as 25%.
John Perry, Managing Director at SCALA, said: “In these uncertain times, it has never been more important for us to all join forces, share our expertise and work together to combat the volatility of COVID-19 and keep the nation fed.
“The UK is relying on the supply chain industry arguably more than ever before, and no-one should underestimate the efforts that will be required from drivers, key warehouse staff, planners and management teams over the coming weeks. As an industry renowned for its resilience in the face of adversity – the last few years of political turmoil being a prime example of this – we’ll get through this, but collaboration will be key.
“We are proud to be assisting in the initiatives in bringing the industry together, and would urge any business that is looking to offer their support, or is unsure of what the coming weeks may bring, to come and speak with us.”
