factories / purchasing
The Group sources supplies of finished products from specialist manufacturers around the world - predominantly in different parts of Asia. Although price competitiveness is of crucial and on-going importance, sourcing decisions are not based on price alone - speed of delivery, product quality and service reliability are amongst the many other factors which are also carefully judged in each case.
Whilst there are a number of very close and long-standing relationships with suppliers, one of the company's strengths comes from the ability to be flexible in its supply arrangements. This provides virtually unlimited capacity, very competitive pricing, high quality levels and access to sophisticated manufacturing technologies.
In addition to monitoring on-going Quality Control, factories are visited regularly by staff from the UK and from Singapore. Factory audits are also periodically undertaken and, where required by customers, these involve independent organisations such as Bureau Veritas. All suppliers used are substantial competitors in their fields and therefore serve many other major international customers. This means that they ensure factory and other practices are in line with international standards, demands and expectations.