Inn Express Trading Update

02 June 2021 - Inn Express

Given the industry-wide stock issues we're all experiencing, we wanted to update you on the current situation.

We have seen a phenomenal uplift in sales since we returned. With each step of lockdown, easing has seen our stocks squeezed from all sides, as you're no doubt aware.

The first sign of things to come were problems with customs clearance; from the occasional order delayed due to paperwork issues in the first quarter, we were suddenly encountering issues with 30% to 40% of orders. The stock was arriving on time, but clearing agents couldn't cope with the volume of work. Some orders were delayed by a day, some by two weeks or more. Next, it was driver and equipment shortages. Then as we moved into May, we were made aware of the problems becoming more widespread; many of our key suppliers faced shortages of containers hampering collections from Italy, and a lack of trailers started to impact other areas. Productions in other parts of Europe have also been affected as lead times for dry goods have, in some cases, doubled due to staff shortages and social distancing protocols. Many of the issues were then compounded by many transporters choosing not to even come to the UK at all.

This choice was due to the prospect of costly delays, the abundance of work on the continent, and in some cases the DVS2020 standards coming into force in London from 1st March (requiring HGVs to be fitted with additional safety equipment or face £550 per day fines).

This meant there were much more attractive options than the UK for transporters to choose from. The backlog of overdue uncollected loads was growing by the day.

Due to the lack of available transport, our usual 2-day lead time we run to on many of our main suppliers has extended to 7, 10 days, or even two weeks on some occasions. As a business, we have committed to making a substantial investment in extra stock holding to cover increased lead times, but that depends on getting the stock in.

We want to assure you we are doing all we can as a business to resolve these issues. Stock and availability are at the top of everyone's to-do list, and though we can't guarantee we will always have what we want, we can guarantee we will do everything possible to help you out and find the best solution we can. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through a jam-packed summer together and thank you for supporting independent business.