• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Bedfordshire
  • Milton Keynes
  • Northamptonshire
  • Awards
  • Knowledge Hub
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
    • Sustainability
    • The Podcast
    • ATB TV
All Things Business

All Things Business

First For Local UK Business News

  • Education
  • Professional Services
    • Legal
    • Finance
    • Recruitment & HR
    • Creative Marketing
  • Property
  • Environment
    • Wellbeing
  • Industry
    • Industry
    • Manufacturing
    • Motors
    • Logistics
    • Technology
  • Events
    • Events
    • Food & Drink
    • Sport
  • News

Fresh fruit supplies thanks to loan

Food & Drink, News | August 28, 2020

Blue Skies, the Pitsford-based international fresh fruit company, has ensured continuity throughout its supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to a seven-figure loan from HSBC UK.

The loan, through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), helped Blue Skies in pivoting its distribution model, as it took  steps to reduce the impact of supply chain disruptions. 

Founded in 1997, Blue Skies provides high-quality, fresh-from-harvest fruit to major retailers across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During peak seasons, the company employs up to 5,000 people and exports approximately 80 tonnes of fresh fruit per day, made up of 220 product lines. 

As a large exporter of consumer goods, the company has taken decisive action to retain its highly skilled staff, support farmers and invest in logistics during these challenging times to ensure continuity across its entire supply chain, and most importantly, provide its customers with a consistent supply of fresh fruit.

Anthony Pile, Chairman and Founder of Blue Skies Ltd, said: “As a company that relies on a fluid supply chain to get our fresh-from-harvest products to market, the challenges caused by COVID-19 have led to us implementing important measures across our entire logistical programme. I would like to thank the team at HSBC UK, including our Relationship Director Nick Clements, for being supportive and understanding the unique challenges faced by our business in the UK and our export markets during these uncertain times.” 

Simon Pyatt, HSBC UK Area Director South Midlands Corporate Banking, added: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting its customers during this period of uncertainty. Blue Skies has a responsibility to the customers and communities it serves, more so than ever during these difficult times. We were delighted to provide additional support to the company as they continue to keep retailers’ shelves stocked and provide the public with access to fresh fruit.” 

In April 2020, Blue Skies was awarded its fourth Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category, in recognition of the company’s pioneering sustainability plan.  HSBC UK is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need.


For tips and advice for businesses around planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus

Northamptonshire

Related stories

  • Northamptonshire
    May 26, 2022

    Planning application for saints’ new high performance centre approved

    Northampton Saints are delighted to confirm that West Northamptonshire Council Planning Authority have approved the Club’s application for the construction of a…
  • East Hunsbury Primary School Northamptonshire
    May 26, 2022

    New Headteacher for East Hunsbury Primary School as tributes are paid to retiring Head after 21 years’ service

    “Be kind, work hard, believe” – that is the message to children at East Hunsbury Primary School from new Headteacher Kathryn Pennington,…
  • Windfall tax on energy companies: Chancellor and business secretary need to stand their ground against the windfall tax siren calls – MHA comments Northamptonshire
    May 23, 2022

    Windfall tax on energy companies: Chancellor and business secretary need to stand their ground against the windfall tax siren calls – MHA comments

    Following the growing calls to impose a windfall tax on the profits of energy companies, to address the cost of living crisis,…

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Stay up to date on All Things Business

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive the latest business news.

Online Edition

Northamptonshire edition, click here
Milton Keynes edition, click here
Bedfordshire edition, click here

Most Read

  • East Hunsbury Primary School New Headteacher for East Hunsbury Primary School as tributes are paid to retiring Head after 21 years’ service
  • Howes Percival A trio of new partners in East Mids among five senior promotions
  • centre:mk Centre:mk welcomes brand new Ted Baker store to Milton Keynes
  • Windfall tax on energy companies: Chancellor and business secretary need to stand their ground against the windfall tax siren calls – MHA comments Windfall tax on energy companies: Chancellor and business secretary need to stand their ground against the windfall tax siren calls – MHA comments
  • Workplace Wellbeing Why It's So Important Workplace Wellbeing: Why it’s so important

Footer

REGIONS

Northamptonshire
Milton Keynes
Bedfordshire
 

COMPANY

About Us
Contact
Awards
Podcast
Knowledge Hub
Sustainability
Request A Copy

Northamptonshire Office

1 Queensbridge, Northampton
NN4 7BF
Tel: 01604 267677

Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire Office

The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes,
MK9 1BP
Tel: 01908 030688

London Office

25 Bedford Square
London
WC1B 3HH
Tel: 0208 1760176

Follow us on

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

All Things Business is a publication produced by All Things Management Ltd. Registered in England No. 9590677


Privacy Policy