24th February, 2020

Dear Customer,

I was hoping not to be putting pen to paper regarding what has happened in Wuhan, China and now appears to be crossing borders into most continents. However, and primarily, all at BEESWIFT are thinking of our partners and friends in China and wishing them all a safe and healthy passage through this worrying period of time.

The impact on business is going to be significant and long term, especially within complex supply chains that require multiple components from different source countries bringing together in one plant to create an end product.

The closure of large parts of China, the massive back log at the docks with ships leaving at well below capacity, the drain on empty containers being available in country due to build ups in Chinese ports, the cost of re exporting and the reliance on third country CMT of Chinese made components will without doubt cause significant shortages, delays and frustrations for all.

My colleagues will have been to visit you in the past months warning that stock is the NEW gold and that you should forward order, forecast and invest in stock for your customers.

We are attempting to drip feed stock out, so please do not be surprised if you are refused stock if you have never bought that product from BEESWIFT previously. For regular loyal customers please speak to your Area Sales Manager and place forward orders for fair and reasonable quantities of your normal requirements.

Please also be very aware that pricing is AFFECTED across the board for the reasons highlighted above. Some short supply items have or are being flown in, alternative supply chains are being utilised (the majority of these are all BEESWIFT approved suppliers and meet our SEDEX and 3C’s standards). This affects the majority of BEESWIFT brand products as well as many partner brand items. Therefore, please do not be shocked or hurt when your prices increase as they inevitably will, if they have not already.

Finally, on a personal note, we would like to thank our friends in various countries unaffected as yet by the virus and who have come to the rescue in supplying a wide range of seriously in demand products at short notice.

We will endeavour to provide further ongoing updates as and when required.

Thank you,