In an opinion piece for The Morning Advertiser, Goldney said: “There can be no doubt the on-trade sector has never faced such a time of challenge.
“I can only imagine how it must feel to close the doors on a business you’ve put your heart and soul into, not knowing when normality will resume or if it will resume at all.”
Worst nightmare
He continued: “For any business owner, this is your worst nightmare and it’s currently being experienced by thousands up and down the UK.
“Sadly, this is also the reality facing wholesale businesses right now. Unitas Wholesale has more than 170 independent wholesale members, 25 of which are specialist on-trade wholesalers and a further 20 dedicate part of their business to supporting pubs, and these family businesses are facing stoppage, just like your business, as demand disappeared overnight.
“Wholesalers play such an integral part in the hospitality sector, offering far more than just delivery of goods, but a genuinely invaluable flexibility, credit support, bespoke ranges just for pubs and a knowledge of your business and its specific needs.
“Our wholesale members work in partnership with you, cheering on your progress, knowing that your successes are our successes too.”
Ask for your help
Goldney added: “With that in mind, wholesalers across the UK have united to ask for your help. In the past week or so, more than £3bn of Government funding was transferred to local authorities and many of you will be receiving grants to support your business.
“We’re imploring you to help move some of it up the supply chain by settling any bills for stock our independent wholesale members had already delivered before lockdown.
“This will enable our wholesalers to pay suppliers to keep the wheels of this incredible industry turning and ensure we’ll be around to support you once restrictions are lifted, with the stock and support you’ll expect when the doors open once again.”