A HAULAGE and freight businessman has turned his hand to delivering medical supplies and food products during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Paul Barker is working with local logistic companies as an LGV driver delivering food and medical supplies to distribution centres throughout the UK.

His company, Transport & Warehouse Solutions (NE) Ltd, on Drum Industrial Estate, Chester-le-Street, provides a haulage and freight service throughout the UK and in most countries around the world, plus a secure warehouse storage facility and forklift truck driving training courses.

Mr Barker said: “This is challenging time for all businesses, and the pandemic has stopped many services in their tracks, but it hasn’t stopped the need for the delivery of much-needed food and medical supplies throughout the country.

“I can't gain access to any of my customers’ premises to carry out training and clients that require cargo movements throughout the UK and Europe are on shut down until further notice, so it makes complete sense to put myself to good use and help others during, and beyond this pandemic, while also maintaining some revenue for my business.”

Mr Barker started his business last year after being made redundant from a freight forwarder firm after three decades, using his notice period to do training courses and prepare.

He said: “As a small start-up I was able to respond quickly to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected entire industries and has changed how businesses everywhere operate. Transforming and pivoting to a new direction is the only way many companies will survive”.