A message from our Managing Director

The COVID-19 pandemic has been incredibly hard on most small businesses, more so those directly or indirectly ( like ourselves ) connected to the hospitality sector. Its seriously frustrating that since March 2020 when the first national lockdown was announced, the government deemed the term ‘hospitality sector’ suitable to cover vast swathes of this wonderful industry, lumping together all manner of businesses operating within the wide parameters of hospitality; from the bars, to restaurants to the large city chain hotels and the small, rural boutiques.

As the UK’s 3rd largest employer responsible for 3 million jobs directly and a further 1.8 million indirectly, I feel the hospitality industry still needs a clear and strong voice as many of the restriction challenges businesses have faced may have been avoided if representation in government had a deeper understanding of the sector.

Like those hospitality businesses, suppliers such as ourselves are also working in exceptionally difficult circumstances. As managing director of Walter Geering I found that it was important to have a daily routine and keep a plan of action to keep focused on what is happening every day to help get through these indifferent times. Routine, and having something to keep our minds and business focused has been essential. Through discussions with my own management team and dedicated staff we have worked hard to implement the correct changes so that once the pandemic eases and the hospitality doors re-open we have a business that can continue to grow by supporting our customer base.

I’d like to reassure our customers that our website continues to be operational and or sales lines are open should you require products now or if you are getting ready to re-open. Alongside our sustainable toiletry collections, we have some fantastic new services which have been developed, including new dining and tableware ranges, in-room entertainment supplies, extensive ranges of toiletry and cleaning packs alongside an exciting new White Label ( bespoke ) manufacturing facility and service right here in our Ashford factory that allow you to create your own toiletry collections with very low MOQ’s. Please look out for the announcements here on our website and blog page.

As everybody is experiencing lockdown together, I feel we are all learning new characteristics and passions about ourselves and about our businesses that we didn’t know before. Staying motivated during these times is difficult, but together we can do this! I continue to be grateful for the way in which the entirety of Walter Geering Ltd, has responded and coped with the turbulence of the past 12 months. There have already been many challenges and I’m sure there will be more to come, but I am proud that our staff has stayed strong and adapted quickly to continue delivering the high level of service expected by our customers, clients and supply partners.

As the UK approaches 1 year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, I have every confidence everyone will continue rising to the challenges in front of us and come out the other side, safe and well with compassion and togetherness which are messages that I hope will remain once the restrictions are lifted.

Thank you to all of our loyal staff, customers and supply chain partners.

Please get in touch if you want to share and discuss your business frustrations or positive stories related to lockdown. It’s always good to talk.