Foundation plans support throughout pandemic

THE Brian Bell Group and Sir Brian Bell Foundation plan to continue supporting the country in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are doing everything in our power to maintain our consistent flow of products to each of our stores where we can, including changing the way we import more time-critical products like facemasks and cleaning products – via airfreight,” Brian Bell Group chairman Ian Clough said.
“In changing these freight requirements (to ensure supply) and competing for stock in a heavily challenged global market for urgent health and hygiene items, this means some prices have increased.
“We are doing everything within our power to minimise the impact of these price increases on our communities.
“In our emergency planning of product-purchasing and delivery, we were faced with buying at significantly higher prices due to global shortages.
“We have made the right decisions to purchase irrespective so we can support the population and essential government services.
“We had the option of not purchasing; however, the risk this created was far too high, hence we chose to import the products and absorb price increases where possible.
“As we are working daily with our international supply chain partners to move stock and to ensure we have enough supply to meet people’s needs, I reiterate that any price increases that have occurred within our stores is due to global demand pressures.
“We do not ever condone the practice of profiteering or price gouging in times of crisis.
“I want to be clear that our organisation is under pressure like many others to maintain our workforce, deliver safe work environments and continue to deliver critical products, including health and sanitising products for the nation.
“We are positively delivering on each one of these areas; with our plans and strategies being implemented effectively across all divisions.”
Clough said the Brian Bell Group was not unfamiliar with facing challenges head-on and delivering the necessary support to communities no matter where they were located.
“Over its 62 years, as a proud 100 per cent PNG-owned company, the organisation has never shied away from donating funds, allocating resources and products to make the real-world difference.”