Frank Key Group announces that its network of five building supplies branches and 15 plant and tool hire branches will suspend trading until further notice, in an attempt to help control the spread of Covid-19.
James Norton, Managing Director, Frank Key Group, says: “We believe suspending trading is the responsible approach to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all our colleagues, customer and partners during this public health emergency.
“Frank Key Building Supplies is contacting customers regarding outstanding orders that will now not be fulfilled and are closing our sites. Please do not call to place an order, all of our sites are closed to public access for the health and safety of our staff, customers and business partners. Frank Key Plant & Tool Hire is also closed to all business. We are collecting any final off hired equipment, with a view to fully closing at noon today (25 March 2020).
“We are acting independently of yesterday’s Construction Leadership Council Taskforce briefing with the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, when the Builders Merchants Federation received clarification on builders’ merchants’ operational status following the additional restrictions announced on Monday 23 March by the Government.
“Whilst this confirmed that merchants are a vital part of the construction supply chain and that it is important that they continue to support the construction industry to operate on sites, our priority remains the health, safety and welfare of our colleagues, customers, business partners and the wider community.
“We extend our warmest thanks for the positive support that we have received from our customers, our colleagues and their families, and our business partners. We will continue to update our website and social media over the coming days and weeks and look forward to serving you in the near future.”
Patioworld by Frank Key, based at Brookfields Garden Centre in Mapperley, closed on Tuesday 24 March following the government’s trading restrictions on non-essential shops.