The safety, health and wellbeing of all our stakeholders is a priority. All of us at Tower therefore hope you, your colleagues and families well.

We all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

As a distributor of personal protective equipment, Tower continues to operate to supply those working in critical sectors such as Health Care, Childcare, Local Government, Public Safety, Transport and Utilities.

We are managing our Supply Chain carefully to support all our valued clients, who include the NHS, TfL, PHE and HM Prison Service, and we appreciate that our stock availability is vital.

Please scroll down to read the latest on the Tower Team, Products and Supply, Order Cut-Off and Deliveries and Outstanding Orders.

Should you require any further info Contact Us. Stay safe and well.

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Tower Team

With effect from 25^th March all Tower staff who could carry out their role and provide continuity of service to stakeholders without being in the office, started working from home – over 90% of Tower’s office.

Rest assured the teams at Tower who this applies to will be working at the times you're accustomed to. Our business continuity plan for phone calls will be mobilised but if you know the direct number for the person you need, then use that as the call will be diverted to them.

Customers that we meet face-to-face will have continuity of appointments by us using video conferencing.

Our Distribution Centre team have been split into two groups to provide continuity of service whilst supporting social distancing in the workplace.

Our Trade Counter remains open to serve fellow local essential businesses.

Products and Supply

Traditionally, Tower are a very large stock holder and on some items we have carried more than 6-months stock, even 12-months in some cases. However, the current demand has put stock availability under extreme strain.

Challenges

• Exceptional demand for products recommended for COVID-19 such as disposable gloves, clothing and masks, respirators, face shields and sanitiser (for hand and surface).

• Lead times from suppliers that are longer than normal.
• Manufacturers’ capacity is absorbed by health sector requirements.
• The cost of raw materials is increasing – in some cases, prices of these raw materials have risen by 300% over in a week alone.
• An increase in the costs of delivery.
• Shipping times are longer due to delays and restrictions at customs.

Actions

• New relationships in our Supply Chains from end to end.
• Investment in critical stock items.
• Regular communication.
• Exploring the opportunities to make and certifying more products in the UK.

Order Cut-Off and Deliveries

Our Distribution Centre is operational. Our standard order cut-off time for next day delivery of stocked products remains unchanged - 2pm.

Please note that what we may usually be able to deliver next day from stock may be affected by COVID-19 – see Products and Supply.

Outstanding Orders

We understand that the Government’s measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 and restrictions of businesses that can continue to operate may have an impacted you. 

As a result of this, some of our customers have had to change or cancel their orders. 

Please consider reviewing any outstanding orders with Tower. If your need for COVID-19 product is not as urgent as it was when you placed the order, then let us know as this will may enable us to support businesses that are in urgent need of supply.