The coronavirus is significantly impacting with all businesses feeling the effects. Here Bolaji Sofoluwe explains how ETK Group has expanded its services in response to the pandemic. There is no question that the outbreak of Covid-19 has had a
huge impact on services, supply chains and staff provision. The disruption affects
new trade relationships between the UK and Africa, so it is important that, as
a company, we respond to the new demands. To help our clients, and potential new business, we are adapting our services. We know that it is very uncertain around the world, and that in a lot of cases, systems as we knew them before, are on a temporary go slow. In response, ETK will be offering support with expediting payments, managing human resource relationships, in-country representation, supply chain interruption and resilience consulting.
Payments
Anyone experiencing delays in receiving payments from African suppliers or businesses can be helped by our finance and credit control experts. We have several trusted partners with whom we can work to ensure our clients experience the minimum possible hold-up. Our partners offer tailor-made, robust solutions to ensure that our clients receive their business-critical payments – vital in today’s climate.In-country representation
This is handled by ETK’s global associates who work on the ground in Africa. The service is aimed at people who have been forced to cancel their trips to Africa due to travel restrictions. However, they still need to progress negotiations. Our team can represent our clients in many ways. ETK can provide help with crisis management in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania and Angola.Supply chain interruption
ETK can communicate with existing suppliers or source alternatives for businesses who require help with supply chain interruption and resilience consulting. This is the case for both internal interruption such as the breakdown of vital machinery, or external, for example the disruption to the flow of raw materials or parts to the business. We will work with companies to undertake a comprehensive business impact analysis to prepare their firms to address the impact of possible future supply chain disruption. This will strengthen the existing supply chain, identify alternative supply chain partners and look at ways to manage product demand, and as a result, will protect sales, revenue, cash flow and business reputation.