Flooring group reassures shareholders it’s business as usual
Bury-based flooring company James Halstead has reassured shareholders and investors that it is ‘business as usual’ during the current coronavirus crisis.
In an update to the stock market this afternoon (March 23), chief executive Mark Halstead said the group has introduced measures to safeguard its employees, and is able to meet current business requirements.
He said: “With the status of COVID-19 evolving rapidly, it provides a highly dynamic and challenging scenario for our business to operate within. Our priority is ensuring the safety of our employees, customers, partners and suppliers.
“To assist with this, we have put in place appropriate measures to ensure social distancing in the workplace, homeworking where appropriate and effective use of technology to assist in the operational activities of our businesses.
“We continue to follow the guidance from international and local health authorities around the world in the territories that we operate within.
“At this point in time we must make it clear that our businesses are operating as usual and able to meet the needs of our customers.
“The distribution businesses are well stocked, our factories are operational, our supply chains are robust and, with the exception of localised issues, we can meet current business requirements.
“Communication channels across our businesses remain open.”
He added: “These are exceptional times and as the situation evolves, I will continue to inform where there are material changes to the above. Our business relationships are important to us, should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees who are working hard to ensure we can fulfil our commitments and wish all our partners, employees, customers and suppliers good health in these uncertain times.”
The group’s interim results to December 31, 2019, will be issued on March 31, 2020.
On January 31, the group said in a trading update that it was on course for record profits for the first half of the year. It also expected to attain record turnover for the half-year, adding: “Our balance sheet remains robust.”
