Byham's Dairy in Ballingdon operating at full capacity as demand soars for food delivery service due to coronavirus crisis

A food delivery service, which provides an extensive range of groceries from its site in Ballingdon, has been inundated with orders during the coronavirus outbreak.

Since the crisis took hold, Byham’s Dairy has experienced an overwhelming rise in demand for its goods from both existing and new customers who are being forced to stay indoors due to the nation-wide lockdown.

Nigel Byham, who is the forth generation to run the family business with his brother, Henry, said that, while the team was already operating at full capacity, it was working hard to support those in urgent need of supplies.

“We are trying to take on elderly and vulnerable customers where we can,” he said. “But, obviously, it’s all about getting out there with the products, and everybody is after the same thing at the moment. It’s going well, but it’s a difficult time.”

With a large number of businesses having closed to coincide with government guidelines during the outbreak, Mr Byham highlighted that people have been left with limited options on where they can purchase essential items.

“The places where people can buy things are few and far between,” he said, adding that the increase in demand had subsequently caused a knock-on effect with how businesses replenished their own stock.

“It’s hard to keep up with – we are all in the hands of our suppliers.”

Family members studying at university have been able to lend a hand at the business, after educational establishments across the UK were forced to shut to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

While the business provides a range of groceries, including a wide selection of milk, it also sells gardening supplies, such as compost, which Mr Byham said had been in high demand due to the mild weather.

An online initiative has been launched by Sudbury Town Council and business website thebestofSudbury to encourage people to buy from local businesses during the crisis.

Sudbury’s Virtual High Street can be viewed by visiting the town council’s website.