At Collinson we have always been passionate about British farming, and now perhaps more than ever our UK farmers are working very hard to keep food supply chains open, even as many face challenges as the hospitality sector has closed whilst some supermarket shelves are empty.
We are all acutely aware of the challenges we all face as individuals, families, societies and businesses with COVID-19 in terms of our health, wellbeing and economic ramifications and so all decisions taken during these unprecedented times have been done so with great consideration.
So, what has changed . . . this pandemic has forced us all to adapt our daily lives but it is business as un-usual here at Collinson as it is for many others as we work hard to keep our economic wheels turning.
Our decision to continue working was taken by the shareholders and our management team after taking full account of official Government policy and guidance which asked manufacturers to ‘continue operations where possible for the greater good of the UK economy’.
Both before and following the lockdown of Monday 23rd March our team worked flat out to stay ahead of the curve, respecting all official guidance and introducing safe systems of working across all departments to protect employees, suppliers and our customers, this enabled us to continue operating throughout the lockdown period and we plan to continue doing so.
We’re keeping our agricultural site teams operational, manufacturing continues and we’re meeting deadlines to deliver projects. The optimism is great to hear, farmers are chatting to our team with ideas for new initiatives with plans to build a bright and prosperous future for the farming sector and not being halted by COVID-19.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my team, who as second tier key workers have gone the extra mile to rise to this unique challenge – with flexibility, resilience, courage and a caring heart. This could be one of our finest hours.
Since my Grandfather started the company in 1962, we have seen the UK farming community survive numerous business shocks; two Foot and Mouth outbreaks, Swine Fever, Edwina Curry food scares and recessions. All presented different challenges and this one will be different again. Each time we and our customers have acted quickly and adapted.
We believe that the UK agricultural sector will emerge even stronger after Covid-19 is beaten.
Collinson will continue to support the UK agricultural sector and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your positive messages and continued support.
Let’s keep Britain moving and farmers farming!
Sam Collinson MD
Together with The Collinson family, directors and the loyal and dedicated employees that make up Team Collinson!
