spikey Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Just out of curiosity, does anybody know what "a Government enforced 5-6 week despatch operation shutdown" is in plain old-fashioned English? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Neal Ball Posted March 23, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 23, 2020 The much anticipated lockdown I would imagine. Boris Johnson is due to address the nation @7pm UK time tonight. I'm in Spain and we are due to be on lockdown for at least 4 weeks at the moment - just starting our 2nd week. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators AY Mod Posted March 23, 2020 Administrators Share Posted March 23, 2020 I would say it's more of a pre-emptive position in case of enforced closure of non-essential retail rather than restrictions on distribution - I have not heard of instances of the latter in other countries. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Joseph_Pestell Posted March 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2020 I can't really see the advantage in a total lockdown. There must be some businesses that could continue albeit at a reduced rate rather than close down completely. The guy who was doing some building work for me today has had three jobs cancelled (or postponed indefinitely). Likewise, my neighbour who has a flooring business. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted March 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2020 53 minutes ago, Neal Ball said: Boris Johnson is due to address the nation @7pm UK time tonight 8:30 on BBC 1... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Nickey Line Posted March 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2020 As far as Hatton's is concerned, I think that's a unilateral decision on their part, and very unlikely to be widely implemented... I hope. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
truffy Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 21 minutes ago, Nickey Line said: As far as Hatton's is concerned, I think that's a unilateral decision on their part, and very unlikely to be widely implemented... I hope. Rails are still showing business as usual, as are KMRC for mail. Hopefully Bozza doesn't do a ... um ... Bozza! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Hroth Posted March 23, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 23, 2020 Soooo... Does BoJos announcement mean that Hattons mail-order service is now shut too? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave56 Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 44 minutes ago, Hroth said: Soooo... Does BoJos announcement mean that Hattons mail-order service is now shut too? BBC web site says " retailers will still be able to take online orders and deliver items to your home"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52011915 Had an email off Kernow model centre they are continuing with Mail order only for now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post richarddavies Posted March 23, 2020 Popular Post Share Posted March 23, 2020 Hi I'm Managing Director of Hatton's We are very much operational. Todays communications have been the start of sending a signal that we are bracing ourselves to temporarily close the doors - if it comes to that point. Tonight's speech by the PM does still leave the door open to a "total" lockdown i.e. being told we have to totally shutdown operations at Montague Road I am aware that some have got the impression we are definitely temporarily closing the doors - will try and remedy this tomorrow. Apologies to those who got that impression Regards Richard Davies Hatton's 4 9 3 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium John M Upton Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 24, 2020 This is the latest announcement from Hattons suggesting they are trying to coordinate a hobby wide shut down of mail order services?!? Questionable legality.... 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold D9020 Nimbus Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 24, 2020 Yes, this appears to be anti-competitive. Significant that no other company has done this. What a terrible way to communicate—glad that I don't usually buy from them. 2 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
6412 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 (edited) There is no reason that I can see for this and as said it sounds anti competitive. Would thought that manufacturers such as Hornby will not be happy either. Edited March 24, 2020 by 6412 Spelling 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold TheSignalEngineer Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 24, 2020 (edited) The government has already suspended competition laws in some industries. No doubt they would like more people to stay at home rather than travelling to pack parcels. Another factor will be if lots of postal workers and delivery drivers go sick next week I can see the government wanting to take control of whatever courier capacity is available for essential deliveries. Edited March 24, 2020 by TheSignalEngineer 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markn Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 I don't think this sits well, especially when smaller / family run model shops which have shut may be relying on any orders they can muster online or via phone to live. Carnforth for example are posting any orders once a week. If Hattons want to close then that's cool, but they can't expect others to follow suit. 1 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
amarr40 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 18 hours ago, richarddavies said: Hi I'm Managing Director of Hatton's We are very much operational. Todays communications have been the start of sending a signal that we are bracing ourselves to temporarily close the doors - if it comes to that point. Tonight's speech by the PM does still leave the door open to a "total" lockdown i.e. being told we have to totally shutdown operations at Montague Road I am aware that some have got the impression we are definitely temporarily closing the doors - will try and remedy this tomorrow. Apologies to those who got that impression Regards Richard Davies Hatton's Hello Richard, Will you be despatching the items that you have charged to customers credit cards before you possibly shutdown? Ive had 3 x Class 66's charged for in the last 24 - 48hrs. Sorry got to ask. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators AY Mod Posted March 24, 2020 Administrators Share Posted March 24, 2020 1 hour ago, John M Upton said: This is the latest announcement from Hattons suggesting they are trying to coordinate a hobby wide shut down of mail order services?!? Questionable legality.... Please see my comments here - 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium John Isherwood Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 24, 2020 1 hour ago, John M Upton said: I'm quite sure that, if the Government felt that the continuance of mail-order business would contribute to the spread of Covid-19, or divert resources needed elsewhere, we would by now have had an official statement banning such operations. Until that time, Hattons can make their own decisions - but seeking to influence their competitors strikes me as being very revealing as to where their true motives lie. For me, and I suspect for many other fellow modellers, this announcement will backfire and significantly influence my purchasing habits in future. John Isherwood. 14 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 24, 2020 50 minutes ago, AY Mod said: No, do not get into any panic buying or stirring any panic here. Please do not assume a likelihood of this universally happening. Andy - thank you, that is reassuring, but in the absence of your commentary, I would find it hard to interpret the update from Hattons in any way other than an attempt by them to shut down all model railway mail order business 'for the duration', for reasons not stated. 4 minutes ago, cctransuk said: I'm quite sure that, if the Government felt that the continuance of mail-order business would contribute to the spread of Covid-19, or divert resources needed elsewhere, we would by now have had an official statement banning such operations. No doubt any organisation, including the postal service and the 'delivery industry' has it's tipping point, but I've seen no indication anywhere that the use of said couriers and postal staff for non-food or non-medical items is harming the delivery of important and essential supplies for the nation. If that 'tipping point' should be reached in future, of course, then the suspension of the distribution and delivery of 'non-essential items' is a no-brainer but until then, it occurs to me that there could be a great many folk self-isolating or quarantining themselves out there, maybe living on their own, for whom their hobby has assumed a greater level of importance in terms of maintaining good mental health. 1 7 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
atom3624 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Just a question. When you go out - and I don't mean the 20,000 on Brighton beach approach either - are you VERY aware of others around you, if walking down the road, or indeed when in a Supermarket? The answer is probably YES. When you receive a package, no matter what - letter, parcel, etc - are you taking similar precautions? I have been for at least 2 weeks, wiping down with alcohol wipes. I'm fairly certain not many others do this. This COULD be a way of 'unfortunate and avoidable transmission of virus', so whilst the manner and wording may appear to have been a bit primadonna-like in 'I think therefore we all should do', the initiative I believe is VERY sound. Just seeing those photos of people in tube trains, on the beach, on the common in SUCH LARGE NUMBERS was irresponsible - let's move on from that and eradicate this virus. Hopefully, we will all get through this. I sincerely hope so, but I also believe waiting another 2 months to ensure we're all safe is MUCH more important than the 'I must have that part now' mentality some still appear to have. WELL DONE HATTONS AND THANK YOU. Alan. 2 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
richarddavies Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Hi We hope to encourage the industry to "rise above" short term opportunities to capitalise on the situation The Government will support PAYE workers and self-employed too. We will help any model railway retailer who has short-term cash flow challenges, whilst the government rebate is pending Giving couriers parcels, means you are expecting them to employ people across their network, and therefore spreading it unnecessarily I understand that there are lots of viewpoints on this. I agree it's a risk to raise our head above the parapet - we have always been that kind of company to be honest Richard Hatton's MD 4 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Gwiwer Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 24, 2020 3 minutes ago, atom3624 said: This COULD be a way of 'unfortunate and avoidable transmission of virus' As could the delivery of cooked meals in packaging, medical supplies and indeed any other form of solid object passing from one person to another. We are asked to understand that there is next to no risk with mail. By all means take precautions as you see fit - not least because everyone's situation differs and some will be isolating for very good medical reasons - but I see this in much the same light as Andy Y and would not expect a widespread shut-down dancing to Hattons' tune because they wish it to be so. 2 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 81C Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 24, 2020 They don't want to miss out on their share of the market if they shut down and others don't, money driven methinks. 1 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium John Isherwood Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Premium Share Posted March 24, 2020 2 minutes ago, Captain Kernow said: .... it occurs to me that there could be a great many folk self-isolating or quarantining themselves out there, maybe living on their own, for whom their hobby has assumed a greater level of importance in terms of maintaining good mental health. My sentiments entirely! Up until today, I have been trying to keep Cambridge Custom Transfers going for that precise reason. However, pressure from my offspring, concerned that incoming mail and my visits to the post office could put my wife and I at increased risk, has persuaded me, very reluctantly, to close CCT for the duration. I regret the inconvenience to my many customers, but I dare not risk the consequences of contracting Covid-19; especially for my wife who has COPD and sarcoidosis. Regards, John Isherwood. 1 16 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold 57xx Posted March 24, 2020 RMweb Gold Share Posted March 24, 2020 2 minutes ago, richarddavies said: Hi We hope to encourage the industry to "rise above" short term opportunities to capitalise on the situation The Government will support PAYE workers and self-employed too. We will help any model railway retailer who has short-term cash flow challenges, whilst the government rebate is pending Giving couriers parcels, means you are expecting them to employ people across their network, and therefore spreading it unnecessarily I understand that there are lots of viewpoints on this. I agree it's a risk to raise our head above the parapet - we have always been that kind of company to be honest Richard Hatton's MD All credit to you for taking that risk for what you think is right in what is totally unprecedented times. 2 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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