Leeds-based Clipper Logistics sees increase in requests from grocery customers

Clipper Logistics, which distributes goods for retailers such as John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Asda and Morrisons, said it has received "notable additional requests" from several of its grocery customers to provide supply chain support to their existing infrastructure as a result of the demands placed upon them by COVID-19

Leeds-based Clipper said this includes warehousing, cross-dock, picking and transportation, and the firm is now actively engaging with all the major food retailers to provide such support services.

Steve Parkin, executive chairman of Clipper, said: "These are unprecedented times for retailers struggling to cope with panic buying throughout the UK and Europe.

"Clipper is working tirelessly to fulfil gaps in the supply chain and to help its clients meet significant increased demand for a wide range of products.

"The company will continue to provide support through utilising and mobilising its Europe-wide sites, personnel and fleet thereby alleviating significant supply chain pressure which benefits retailers and consumers alike.

"This whilst ensuring the utmost health and safety of our employees. Our response is a classic example of Clipper's agility and our ability to provide new and adapting services to retailers in short timescales."

Clipper said it is continuing to monitor the overall impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the business, both in terms of its operations and the effect on its customers.

The firm added that it will update the market in due course when the position becomes clearer.

However, Clipper noted that its contract mechanisms in the logistics sector both in the UK and Europe provide a good degree of profit protection and cash generation in the event of volume reductions, and this has resulted in only a modest impact on the company's performance to date.