Neil Turton managing director of wholesale group Sugro is to stay on at the firm to help its members and retail customers to “pull together” during the coronavirus crisis.

The convenience industry veteran was due to step down on 1 May, as revealed by Better Retailing on 4 February. However, a message sent by Turton to customers read: “Sugro members and the wholesale industry are facing some unprecedented challenges right now.  I am sure that our suppliers will be as supportive as you can be.

“I just wanted to let you know that we all want to pull together right now so the board and I have agreed that I will stay on with Sugro during the crisis to support the team and ensure continuity. Managing director recruitment has been paused until these unprecedented circumstances start to normalise.”

Sugro UK is a buying co-operative made up of more than 84 wholesalers with more than 21,000 independent retail customers between them. Collectively its members have more than 300 delivery vehicles and 300 field and telesales staff supporting store owners.

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers