Coronavirus – Important Update from MI Supplies Ltd

16th March 2020

As of 16th March 2020, MI would like to update all our customers and contacts, that we are fully open for business. We have been taking precautions for the past four weeks, and following any further guidelines set out by the UK Government to ensure we can remain open and ensure the Health & Safety of our staff is of the highest priority.

Due to our product range which is vast, this has been utilized significantly since February. We have made significant investments for higher stocks to support our regular ongoing customer requirements. Our supply chain is vast, with a number of suppliers from all areas of the globe. The supply chain has been hugely effected by the current climate, due to the products they are (respirators, coveralls, sanitisers, gloves) and the origin of production, with a number coming from China.

Coupled with this, on March 4, 2020, the German federal government implemented export restrictions on specific protective equipment produced in Germany, including goggles, spectacles, coveralls and masks. This effects a number of major brands in the industry, such as 3M, Moldex, Uvex. We will keep working with this information and look to offer alternative products if required through our alternate supply routes. Our information from supply chain and our own knowledge has proved invaluable in trying to mitigate delays.

Our business is a long term, strong and proud one focusing on customer service and doing the absolute best for people. I have been hugely proud of the work of my team and our business as a whole, in terms of working diligently with our customer base, rationing stock where required and having very pro active conversations with EVERY customer to help them prepare their supplies. We know this isn't done by all companies and to do this whilst not looking to benefit excessively in inflated prices is testament to what we have been doing for 15 years in business.

For the past three weeks we have already taken a number of precautions to protect staff, visitors and the smooth running of our business. Due to IT investments made a number of years ago, we have enabled 20% of our staff to work remotely. We have restricted any business travel, which included visits to two countries this week. All entrance areas to our offices and warehouse are now sanitised daily with no entrance available to the general public without prior agreement first. All worksurfaces are sanitised daily.

We are taking every precaution possible, but are expecting further delays in the supply chain during the coming weeks, due to global demand and Chinese factories only coming back to full production this week. We also may expect delays in enquiries or phone calls we receive if we are in a position of staff absences, this hasn't happened as yet but we need to prepare for this also.

Our business is very carefully managed throughout, with an extremely diligent overview on costs and cashflow to enable the company to trade through difficult times. This is proving to be more than important during this current difficult economic time for us all.

Any questions or queries, please email us and we will help all we can, enquiries@misupplies.co.uk

Alex Ingham - Managing Director

Public Health England (PHE) recommends that the following general cold and flu precautions are taken to help prevent people from catching and spreading COVID-19:

• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze. See Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
• put used tissues in the bin straight away
• wash your hands with soap and water often – use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available. See hand washing guidance
• try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
• clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

If you are worried about symptoms, please call NHS 111. Do not go directly to your GP or other healthcare environment.