Birchall drivers proudly display vaccination badges

Birchall Foodservice, a leading food wholesaler in the north west, has increased its efforts to protect its customers, employees and suppliers from Covid-19. 

Like many businesses, Birchalls has cancelled its annual Christmas party to prevent departments mixing, and has instead purchased gift vouchers from the party venue, which employees can spend on a meal and drink with family and friends at their convenience. 

A major supplier to care homes, schools and hospitality venues across the north, the wholesaler has also encouraged all employees to get vaccinated and have their boosters. Uptake has been high, and delivery drivers are now proudly wearing badges to highlight their vaccination status, which has put many caterers’ minds at ease, particularly those who work in care homes.

Nicola Watson, operations director at Birchalls said, “As a supplier to vulnerable sectors, such as care homes and schools, we have listened to our customers’ concerns, and are ensuring we’re doing everything we can to protect them and ourselves. Our drivers have a great relationship with our customers and are happy to wear badges to show they’ve been vaccinated”

The family-run wholesaler has had a relatively low number of Covid cases throughout the pandemic because of its commitment to Covid protocols and safety. They have been weekly flow testing all employees for over 12 months and this will continue into 2022.