Published on the 1st May by the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) ‘COVID-19 & Social Distancing: Practical Guidance for Electrical Wholesale Branches’ covers every aspect of a typical branch structure giving ideas and advice on how to adapt processes whilst continuing to trade safely during the pandemic.

Developed by the EDA and a group of expert wholesalers, the guidance is available to download through the Association’s specially created online Hub.

Margaret Fitzsimons, CEO at the EDA, explained why the guidance was needed, “The safety of our members’ employees, customers and suppliers is vital and this guidance provides practical suggestions and ideas that can be adapted for branch operations of all sizes and layouts. Our guidance does not replace companies’ existing health and safety procedures, rather it is complementary.

“At this stage in the pandemic no one knows how long social distancing will be with us but as a sector we need to plan ahead, and our guidance can help members develop safe yet responsive working practices.”

The EDA’s guidance is based on Site Operating Procedures (SOP) produced by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and the expert group of wholesalers are from these EDA member businesses:

• ANEW Ltd
• AWEBB
• BEMCO – British Electrical and Manufacturing Company
• BEW Electrical Distributors Ltd
• City Electrical Factors Ltd
• Edmundson Electrical Ltd
• ETC Electrical Supplies
• Fegime UK
• KEW Electrical
• LEW Electrical Distributors
• The IBA Buying Group
• Stearn Electric Company Ltd