Despite life in the UK being almost back to normal thanks to the success of the vaccine rollout, the ability of monumental masons to supply memorials in cemeteries remains limited. This is due to ongoing disruptions in the supply chain that have been caused by Covid 19.
The shortage of hauliers in the UK is well documented. However the problems start beyond these shores. Containers are in short supply across Asia, having been stuck on the wrong side of the world during lockdowns. As Sarsfield and many other masons source much of our material from India, this has had an impact.
Due to there being less containers to load their products on to, suppliers have reduced production. In turn, shipping lines have cut capacity, pushing up prices with additional surcharges being introduced to guarantee loading. The end result of this had been the doubling of shipping costs. There have also been added delays due to the Suez Canal being blocked for six days earlier this year when the Ever Given got stuck in it.
The impact for this at Sarsfield Memorials is that whereas we could once have your memorial supplied and fitted within eight weeks of ordering, it is now more likely to be eighteen. Although we have tried to keep our most popular designs in stock, demand has been outstripping supply. We will give you estimated timescales when orders are placed, but cannot offer guaranteed dates for completion at this current time.
We are hopeful the situation will begin to improve in the first few months of 2022, but unfortunately we will have no option but to raise prices at that time. We have managed to hold prices in 2021, but delivery costs have increased and we cannot sustain this.
Despite the difficulties faced, Sarsfield Memorials, Liverpool’s longest established family run monumental mason business, remains committed to providing a high quality and attentive service. We remain open for business and although we may not be able to fulfil your order as quickly as we’d like, you will receive the same standards of care and attention in these difficult times. Please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements, provide a no obligation quote.