As the situation surrounding Covid-19 evolves, so to does the impact on businesses and the public. In a bid to ease minds, and provide as efficient service as possible, we aim to publish daily updates to ensure our customers are informed of the current status of SOHO Commercial, how we are enacting on Government advice and NHS guidelines, and what this means as for you as we move forward.

The following post contains the latest information regarding communication channels, despatch and the delivery networks on which we depend.

Telephones

As mentioned in yesterday’s update, our I.T. support team is working hard to ensure that all staff working from home can receive phone calls. However, at present, staff have limited access. Therefore we ask, and thank you, for your patience during this transitional period.

As all staff have access to email, and we ask that you contact your sales representative directly using their email address. If you do not have a sales representative, please use sales@sohocommercial.com.

Despatch of Goods

Our despatch team are reporting that, due to the reduced workforce, there is a delay in the expedite of parcels into the courier network. They are working tirelessly to ensure that all parcels are prepared for shipping in a timely fashion.

Please note that priority is being given to those waiting on hand sanitiser, hand hygiene stations, and other goods that prevent the spread of Covid-19.

If you have any queries regarding your order and its status, please contact your sales representative via email, or contact us at sales@sohocommercial.com

Couriers

At SOHO Commercial, our ability to despatch goods is wholly dependent on the operation of four UK couriers – DPD, UKMail, Tuffnells and Palletforce. All of these companies will, in some way, be affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Where possible, we aim to keep you updated regarding any changes in service that may impact the timespan within which you receive goods. Therefore, it is important that you take note of the following:

DPD

• Staggering start time of drivers to ensure social distancing requirements can be upheld
• Providing customers with contact free delivery that can be arranged using the DPD app and editing delivery preferences
  • Alternatively, a note can be left on door to instruct driver to “leave in a safe place”
    • If there is no “leave in a safe place” instruction, the parcel will not be delivered and returned to depot.
• Contact-free delivery requires no signature from recipient, and a photograph will be taken as evidence of delivery

Further information can be accessed at https://www.dpd.co.uk/content/products_services/covid-19-bulletins.jsp

UKMail

• Delivery windows have been increased from 1 hour to 4 hours
• Reporting increase of 75000 more parcels entering network, including large numbers of oversized items such as gym equipment
  • 75% of these are for delivery in London and South East which means delays are likely
• As a service, they are prioritising fresh foods, medical supplies and cleaning products to help combat covid-19
• Significant staff shortages in customer service and operational services which could lead to delayed deliveries and slower response time to enquiries
• Despite challenges faced, UKMail believe they can continue to operate throughout the crisis

Further information can be found at https://www.logistics.dhl/global-en/home/global-news-alerts/global-messages/coronavirus.html

Palletforce

No reported issues

Tuffnells

No reported issues

Once again we offer our sincerest thanks to all of our customers for their patience during this testing time. We remind you to continue washing your hands, applying hand sanitiser and maintaining social distancing of at least 2 metres to prevent further spread of Covid-19. Most of all we urge you to stay safe and healthy.