Borders firms join forces to offer manpower to those in need during Covid-19 lockdown

Jedburgh auction house Brown and Turner is working with StorageXpress and marquee hire firm Best Intent, both based in St Boswells, in a bid to diversify their businesses and lend a helping hand during the lockdown period put in place by the UK Government this week.

Ronan Brown, who owns Brown and Turner and StorageXpress said: “We are launching a support network, utilising our and other vehicles and manpower, to help those suffering due to Covid-19.

“Best Intent are on board too, and we are looking for others should the demand warrant it.

“We want to offer support to those who are vulnerable or have had to self-isolate, primarily in rural and hard-to-reach locations, people whose families may be farming, providing front-line services and unable to help their loved ones.

“Supplies can be collected from local business, butchers, bakers and grocers to get what people want from their local suppliers and any extras could be collected utilising the click-and-collect system.

“The concept is to fund this purely from donations, which will be used to subsidise the wages and costs of those involved. It is not for profit.”

Saturday’s upcoming auction in Jedburgh has been cancelled.

“This is a very hard time for everybody throughout the country, and we want to adapt our business to ensure the safe continuation of our services to all our customers,” Mr Brown added.

“Today’s challenges are not welcomed, but they will be met with a determined and flexible approach, utilising technology and everything in our armoury to ensure we ride this storm.

“These are very challenging times for everyone, and we are committed to provide additional support to those who need assistance and are looking into a web-based valuation system. We hope to have this up and running in the near future.”

Anyone needing assistance can call 01450 390041.