Major builders merchants who have closed their branches will now offer a delivery service to keep essential services running.
Jewson, Buildbase and Travis Perkins announced that they would shut all their outlets yesterday.
But having sought further advice, Travis Perkins said that it would still run deliveries from “selected branches” from today to specific sites such as hospitals, food retailers and social housing for emergency repair and maintenance, as well as for critical infrastructure such as utilities and transport. The service is for trade customers only.
Travis Perkins said: “Where we are confident that we can safely operate, strictly observing social distancing guidelines. The health of our colleagues and customers is our top priority and we are committed to playing our part in preventing the spread of covid-19.”
Jewson said it would keep branches closed but would run a delivery service to existing trade customers only from today until further notice. Orders can be placed through its local branches by phone or email. It won’t ask customers to sign for deliveries but instead drivers will take a photo of the delivered items and sign on the customer’s behalf.
The Grafton Group, which runs Buildbase, said: “We believe the responsible approach is to suspend trading for the next three weeks in all our branches. With immediate effect all Buildbase, Hirebase and Electricbase branches will be closed for deliveries, collections and online orders. Subject to receiving clarification from government, we aim to continue with the supply of materials through a small number of branches to support essential repair and maintenance activity.”
Meanwhile Selco Builders Warehouse has closed its 68 branches for the next three weeks due to the covid-19 situation. Any customers with outstanding delivery or Click & Collect orders will be contacted by their local branch.
