The 2020 Miriad journey to a new location
We at Miriad had great expectations and foresaw a positive 2020 full of opportunities ahead. We’d mapped out our journey and had started to build on our successes when a bump in the road threw us all off course : The Covid pandemic.
Initially, in March and April, business stagnated as the country slowed down right at the start of the leisure industry’s traditional peak season. Then, as restrictions lifted, peoples’ eyes were opened to the benefits of the open road and the #staycation market was born. Consumers were enthused to holiday in the UK and the freedom of caravanning appealed to more. The caravan industry boomed and we all struggled to meet the needs from an increasing volume of customers, with growing pressure on the supply chain.
Gratefully, many retailers in the industry turned to Miriad to provide trusted support, expert knowledge and service for all of their leisure equipment and accessories when they needed it most. We went the extra mile to support our retailers, manufacturers, and dealer network.
It’s certainly been a different, more challenging journey than we had expected but we are proud of the entire team here, who have shown such strength and forged ahead. Seven of our existing team members have moved up the career ladder, including Nathan Harding’s promotion to Commercial Director. We’ve also strengthened the skills of the leadership team with the recruitment of Vicki Williams as Finance Director and welcomed Hannah Hankin in the key role of Buyer.
As we navigate our way to the end of the year, we’re busily preparing to understand and anticipate the implications of Brexit. We are continuing to welcome stock daily from our (mostly) European suppliers, and we are modestly optimistic about our sustained growth into the coming year.
Our expanding business has outgrown our existing premises, and we are extending our product ranges to ensure we have the space to reliably support our growing trade customers. Just as caravanners have discovered new horizons, we too have set our sights on a short journey up the A50 to a fabulous new warehouse facility in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. We assure you of an uninterrupted service as we move and look forward to sharing more information on this transition in the coming days.
We’re looking ahead to 2021 with enthusiasm and excitement, we will innovate and strive to support trade customers to grow and remain relevant to the new entrants in our traditional marketplace, whilst continuing to provide outstanding customer service and an efficient delivery network.
Finally, we wish to thank you for joining us on our journey this year, and we look forwards to continuing this in 2021 and beyond. Best wishes from me and the team at Miriad Products Limited for a safe, warm and festive Christmas.