Case Studies Archive - Kinyu https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/ Supply Chain Management Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:34:51 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cropped-Favicon-Red-32x32.png Case Studies Archive - Kinyu https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/ 32 32 Hiring a Project Manager in China for Smart Home Firmware https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/hiring-a-project-manager-in-china-for-a-smart-home-firmware-brand/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 01:11:02 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=24422 How a multinational telecommunications firm used The China Desk, Kinyu's supply chain–focused Employer of Record service, to hire a technical project manager on the ground in China – resulting in improved firmware delivery, stronger supplier relationships and business continuity.

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]]> The Challenge

Before partnering with The China Desk, the client’s UK team struggled to cooperate effectively with the firmware team at their Chinese supplier. The consequences were costly.

Communication Breakdown

Time zone and language barriers meant important information was not being shared or communicated correctly between the UK office and the Chinese supplier.

Costly Development Processes

Without on-the-ground oversight, product development processes were inefficient and expensive.

Delayed Issue Escalation

The Chinese supplier failed to raise issues in a timely manner, resulting in expensive reworking and missed deadlines.

Positions Hired

Technical Project Manager

Tianjin

A technically capable professional with experience in firmware development and manufacturing for major Western companies operating in China. Oversees the supplier’s firmware team, communicates with all relevant UK stakeholders and acts as a vital bridge for key product development projects.

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond recruitment, Kinyu’s General Management function provided strategic and operational support to ensure long-term success:

Strategic Hiring Solution

Kinyu proposed hiring a local manager as part of a strategic plan to improve cooperation with the Chinese supplier.

Supply Chain Support

In addition to the full-time employee in Tianjin, Kinyu assisted the UK team in managing QC inspections and communicating with the supplier’s supply chain team.

Team Building & Engagement

Quarterly events for team collaboration and annual trips for the employee to the UK for team building.

Supplier Relationship Management

The Kinyu senior team visits the supplier quarterly on behalf of UK senior management to maintain high-level relations.

Results & Impact

Improved Project Delivery

The technical project manager coordinated supplier activities, ensured proper task prioritisation and delivered key project components in the correct order and on time.

Strengthened Supplier Relationships

Clearer communication improved the working relationship, even during challenging periods.

Enhanced Functional Testing

On-site presence at the factory allowed functional testing with the client’s app before shipment.

Business Continuity

Having key personnel on-site ensured projects could move forward. Without this support, the client would have struggled to deliver products according to business needs.

Without Kinyu’s support our project simply would not have progressed this far. There is a significant gap between our expectations of a supplier and the level of service received by the hardware supplier for this project that Kinyu successfully bridged for us.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Improve Your Supply Chain Operation in China?

Whether you want to boost product quality, streamline supplier management or reduce operational costs, building the right team on the ground can make all the difference.

Get in Touch

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]]> Improving China Furniture Sourcing with a Local Team https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/improving-china-furniture-sourcing-with-a-local-team/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:06:09 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=24419 How a fast-growing UK furniture company used The China Desk, Kinyu's supply chain–focused Employer of Record service, to build a dedicated quality and supplier management team in China – resulting in major cost savings, improved product quality and more efficient vendor management.

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]]> The Challenge

Before partnering with The China Desk, our client faced significant hurdles managing product quality and supplier relationships from the UK across an annual import volume of 500 containers.

Non-Compliant Employment Structure

The company relied on a third-party inspection firm that only reported issues without offering solutions, and lacked deep knowledge of the company’s products and specific quality standards.

Remote Supplier Management

Delayed lead times and product defects were difficult to resolve from a distance due to time zone differences, language barriers and cultural misunderstandings.

Positions Hired

Supplier Account Manager

Tianjin

Ensures factories meet contract requirements and maintains direct communication with vendors.

Quality Control Supervisor

Tianjin

Leads defect analysis, coordinates quality inspections and creates improvement plans.

Quality Control Inspectors

Tianjin

Handle pre-shipment checks, flag issues early and keep suppliers accountable.

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond recruitment, Kinyu’s General Management function provided comprehensive, tailored support to ensure long-term success:

Compliant Onboarding of Existing Team

Savings of up to 70% compared to industry-standard recruitment firms.

Hiring Strategy

Advised the client on the cost and quality improvement benefits of building an internal QC team versus continued reliance on third-party inspectors.

Full HR Management

Managing travel expense reimbursements, bonus calculations, employee reviews and visa applications.

Team Building & Engagement

Quarterly events for the team to share challenges and celebrate successes.

Local Resource Introductions

Connected the client with a sustainable packaging supplier to eliminate single-use plastics from their packaging.

Alternative Supplier Sourcing

Encouraged the team to identify backup suppliers, reducing risk if issues arise with key vendors.

Results & Impact

Major Cost Savings

50% reduction in QC management costs compared to the previous third-party arrangement.

Improved Product Quality

Defect rate dropped from 5% to 2%.

Greater Supply Chain Resilience

Safety stock levels increased with core suppliers.

Operational Excellence

Increased supplier compliance and greater visibility across the entire supply chain.

Kinyu helps manage our China supply chain effectively, providing reliable boots on the ground. They have enhanced our operation and we look forward to growing our team.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Improve Your China Furniture Sourcing?

Whether you want to boost product quality, streamline supplier management or reduce operational costs, building the right team on the ground can make all the difference.

Get in Touch

The post Improving China Furniture Sourcing with a Local Team appeared first on Kinyu.

]]> Employing a Quality Team in China for an E-Bike Specialist https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/employing-a-quality-team-in-china-for-an-e-bike-specialist/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:48:14 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=24417 How a specialist e-bike product development and quality management company used The China Desk, Kinyu's supply chain–focused Employer of Record service, to transfer their existing China team onto a fully compliant employment structure – resulting in proper payroll, social insurance compliance and a well-structured HR framework for their quality team.

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]]> The Challenge

Before partnering with The China Desk, our client’s China-based quality team of four had been employed informally through a local factory arrangement. When the factory decided to discontinue that arrangement, the client was left urgently needing a legitimate, cost-effective HR solution – and the problems ran deeper than headcount.

Non-Compliant Employment Structure

The team had been employed through an informal factory arrangement that left the client exposed to significant legal and financial risk under Chinese labour law.

Unpaid Social Insurance

Social insurance contributions had not been paid correctly, leaving team members without proper statutory entitlements and the client open to liability.

No Attendance or HR Framework

There was no formal system for tracking attendance, holiday entitlement or overtime – and no employee handbook or structured HR policies in place.

Payroll Opacity

Payroll was not structured in compliance with Chinese labour law. Employees lacked clarity on their salary, tax deductions and entitlements, creating uncertainty and eroding trust.

Positions Hired

Quality Team (x4)

Guangdong

A team of four quality personnel covering product quality inspection and quality management for pedelec and battery technology. Previously employed informally through a factory arrangement, transferred onto The China Desk with full employment compliance from day one.

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond onboarding, Kinyu’s General Management function provided hands-on advisory and operational support to establish a professional HR foundation:

Compliant Onboarding of Existing Team

All four employees were transferred onto The China Desk employment structure, ensuring full compliance with Chinese labour law from day one.

Social Insurance Remediation

Kinyu explained the correct social insurance framework to both the client and the team, and ensured contributions were set up and paid correctly going forward.

Payroll Transparency

Clear, direct communication with each team member about their salary structure, tax deductions and payslips – building trust and reducing uncertainty.

Attendance Management System

A formal attendance tracking system covering daily attendance, holiday entitlement and overtime – giving the client visibility and the team clarity.

Ongoing HR Support

The team now have a dedicated HR function to field questions on holiday entitlement, payslips and employment rights, reducing the burden on the client’s management.

Results & Impact

Full Employment Compliance

The team is now legally employed with correct social insurance contributions, removing the client’s exposure to labour law liability

Structured HR Framework

Clear attendance tracking, a formal employee handbook and professional payroll processes have brought consistency and transparency to day-to-day HR management.

Employee Confidence

The team have a much clearer understanding of their entitlements, pay and working conditions – resulting in a more settled and professionally managed workforce.

Cost-Effective Solution

The client secured a fully compliant EOR arrangement for four employees without the overhead of establishing their own China entity.

We are impressed by their easy and professional communication.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Bring Your China Team into Compliance?

Discover how The China Desk can provide a fully compliant employment structure for your existing team in China – without the cost and complexity of setting up your own entity.

Get in Touch

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]]> Kinyu Helps UK Energy Firm Cut Costs and Improve Quality https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/kinyu-helps-uk-energy-firm-cut-costs-and-improve-quality/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:47:05 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=24393 British energy companies sourcing from China often struggle with unpredictable quality and costly delays.

For one London-based firm, the solution was hiring a seasoned China country manager through The China Desk, transforming their procurement strategy and boosting supplier reliability overnight.

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]]> The Challenge

Before partnering with The China Desk, the company faced several persistent issues:

No formal procurement or vendor selection process, which often resulted in subpar products.

The company struggled to manage supplier relationships remotely.

Sourcing activities were slow and costly.

Miscommunications and cultural differences complicated the company’s dealings with Chinese suppliers.

Positions Hired

China Country Manager

Beijing

Acting as the company’s on-the-ground representative in China, the manager developed a robust procurement strategy tailored to the local market and built and maintains an approved vendor list. Day-to-day, they coordinate with third-party partners on exports, logistics and project delivery, and oversee high-stakes procurement projects from inception to completion.

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond recruitment, the client also gained direct access to the Kinyu GM Function — a local management team offering strategic advice and practical solutions for supply chain challenges.

Partner Introductions

 Introduced the client to strategic supply chain service partners, enhancing both efficiency and risk management.

On-The-Ground Support

Supported the client during visits to China, including on-site factory tours and senior-level meetings in Beijing.

Results & Impact

Efficiency Gains

Streamlined procurement processes and reduced lead times by implementing an approved vendor system

Operational Benefits

Improved supplier compliance and transparency, providing the client with clearer oversight of its supply chain operations in China

Thanks to Kinyu SCM, we have achieved $1.5 million in business dealings with China. Kinyu SCM has delivered all tasks on time and demonstrated stellar project management — they’ve exceeded our expectations. Kinyu’s strategic networking and professionalism are exemplary.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Build Your Team in China?

By working with The China Desk, this U.K. energy company improved its China procurement, gained more control, cut costs and set itself up for future success. Want to see how we can help your business? Get in touch.

Get in Touch

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]]> Building a Quality Control Team for Home Goods in China https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/building-a-quality-control-team-for-home-goods-in-china/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:17:42 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=24318 Quality control matters when your customers trust you with their homes. From kitchen appliances that need to work reliably for years to garden equipment that must withstand the elements, every product must meet strict standards. That’s why having boots on the ground in China makes all the difference.

The post Building a Quality Control Team for Home Goods in China appeared first on Kinyu.

]]> The Challenge

This case study explains how a U.K. home goods company used The China Desk, Kinyu’s supply chain-focused Employer of Record service, to build a dedicated quality team in China. The result: better products, lower costs and happier customers.

Before working with The China Desk, the client faced several critical issues:

  • Unreliable outsourced quality assessments: The third-party sample assessment service failed to meet the client’s quality team requirements, lacking deep product knowledge and failing to provide actionable solutions.
  • Inconsistent product documentation: Instruction manuals varied in quality and clarity, creating confusion for customers and weakening the brand experience.
  • Poor purchase order management: Limited follow-up on orders led to delayed production schedules and missed shipping deadlines, disrupting the entire supply chain.
  • Expensive and opaque inspections: The company used costly third-party inspection firms without transparency into on-ground operations or meaningful supplier relationships.

Positions Hired

The China Desk enabled the client to recruit and manage two key roles, each tailored to address their operational gaps in China:

Quality Assurance Supervisor

Guangzhou

  1. Oversees complete sample assessment programme
  2. Manages product testing, reporting and action planning
  3. Communicates directly with suppliers on quality issues
Senior Merchandiser

Guangzhou

  1. Tracks purchase orders from issuance to shipment
  2. Ensures suppliers meet inspection and loading deadlines
  3. Supports sample shipments between offices
  4. Assists U.K. buying team during China visits
Technical Author

Guangzhou

  1. Coordinates product documentation delivery
  2. Creates ratings labels and instruction manuals
  3. Works with suppliers on clear product drawings
  4. Ensures user-friendly instructions
QA Engineer

Guangzhou

  1. Conducts sample assessments across product ranges
  2. Writes detailed reports and corrective action plans
  3. Performs factory audits for supplier compliance

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond recruitment, the client also gained direct access to the Kinyu GM Function — a local management team offering strategic advice and practical solutions for supply chain challenges.

Cost-Effective Recruitment

Achieved savings of up to 85% compared with standard recruiting firms.

Full HR Management

Handled travel expense reimbursements, bonus calculations and employee reviews seamlessly.

Team Building & Engagement

Organised quarterly events where the team discusses challenges and enjoys dinner together, fostering collaboration and morale.

Fully Equipped Office Space

Provided over 100 square metres of office space with outdoor areas for sample assessments. The office was refurbished according to team needs, including furniture, testing equipment, water station and Wi-Fi.

Supply Chain Resource Introductions

Connected the client with a graphic design consultant to improve instruction manuals and quality management software enabling factories and QC teams to self-report on inspections.

Results & Impact

Enhanced Efficiency

The in-house sample assessment function provided the quality department with increased capacity to handle growing workloads.

Strategic Control

Having a dedicated in-house team allowed the client to plan long-term China operations effectively.

Better Customer Experience

Coherent and consistent instruction manuals improved the customer journey and strengthened brand reputation.

The Kinyu team demonstrated a deep cultural understanding of both the U.K. and China, which contributed to the project’s success.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Build Your Team in China?

Whether you want to boost product quality, streamline supplier management, or reduce operational costs, building the right team on the ground can make all the difference. Want to see how we can help your business?

Get in Touch

The post Building a Quality Control Team for Home Goods in China appeared first on Kinyu.

]]> Outsauced! Hiring a Sourcing Manager in China for a Spanish Food and Beverage Company https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/outsourced-hiring-a-sourcing-manager-in-china-for-a-spanish-nutrition-company/ Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:25:21 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=24059 How a nutrition-focused Food & Beverage company leveraged The China Desk, Kinyu's supply chain–focused Employer of Record service, to hire and manage their team on the ground in China — resulting in faster lead times, better supplier relations, and complete visibility into their ingredient supply chain.

The post Outsauced! Hiring a Sourcing Manager in China for a Spanish Food and Beverage Company appeared first on Kinyu.

]]> The Challenge

Before partnering with The China Desk, our client faced significant obstacles in managing their China-based supply chain from Spain. With an annual procurement volume of $8-10 million in food ingredients and nutritional products, effective quality control and supplier oversight were critical — yet difficult to achieve from thousands of miles away.

No Coherent Quality Control Strategy

Without a structured approach to quality assurance in China, the client struggled to maintain consistent product standards and catch defects before shipment.

Remote Supplier Management

Managing supplier relationships from Spain created communication delays, misunderstandings, and an inability to build the trust necessary for long-term partnerships.

Cultural & Language Barriers

Miscommunication with Chinese suppliers led to errors, delays, and frustration on both sides, hampering negotiations and operational efficiency.

Limited Supply Chain Visibility

The client lacked clarity on their upstream supply chain, making it difficult to verify ingredient origins and ensure compliance with nutritional standards.

Positions Hired

Sourcing Specialist

Guangzhou

Responsible for managing suppliers across China and Southeast Asia, leading cost negotiations, securing optimal purchase conditions and terms, and ensuring quality standards are met throughout the supply chain.

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond recruitment and payroll, Kinyu’s General Manager function provided comprehensive, tailored support to ensure operational excellence:

Sample Logistics Setup

The Sourcing Specialist uses Kinyu’s office facilities to review samples before sending them to head office in Spain — eliminating reliance on suppliers for small parcel shipments.

China Vendor Payments

Kinyu manages payments to the client’s smaller vendors, consolidating them into a single invoice for a smoother, more efficient finance operation.

Quality Control Process Development

Kinyu connected the client with multiple inspection agencies and coordinates the inspection plan on their behalf, ensuring consistent quality standards.

Office Infrastructure

Fully equipped workspace with facilities for sample storage, review, and coordination.

Results & Impact

Reduced Sourcing Costs

Strategic negotiations and on-the-ground market knowledge have driven significant cost savings across the supplier base.

Faster Lead Times

Proactive vendor management and direct communication have cut lead times, enabling more responsive supply chain operations.

Quality Assurance

Defects are now caught in China before shipment to Europe, dramatically reducing costly returns and customer complaints.

Supply Chain Visibility

The client now has complete transparency into their upstream supply chain, with confidence in ingredient origins and supplier compliance.

Ben and his team are very professional and also really close to us, which means a smooth relationship.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Build Your Team in China?

Discover how The China Desk can transform your sourcing operations and give you complete control over your supply chain.

Get in Touch

The post Outsauced! Hiring a Sourcing Manager in China for a Spanish Food and Beverage Company appeared first on Kinyu.

]]> Hiring a Senior Procurement & Logistics Manager for a Caribbean Construction Firm https://www.kinyu.co.uk/case-study/hiring-a-senior-procurement-logistics-manager-for-a-caribbean-construction-firm/ Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:47:50 +0000 https://www.kinyu.co.uk/?post_type=case-study&p=23947 How a leading property developer leveraged The China Desk, Kinyu's supply chain–focused Employer of Record service, to build an on-the-ground team in China—resulting in faster project delivery and improved production schedules.

The post Hiring a Senior Procurement & Logistics Manager for a Caribbean Construction Firm appeared first on Kinyu.

]]> The Challenge

Before partnering with The China Desk, our client faced significant hurdles in managing their China-based supply chain from afar. With an annual procurement volume of $2 million across 25 containers, the stakes were high—and so were the frustrations.

Remote Relationship Management

Time zone differences and fragmented communication platforms led to slow, inconsistent supplier responses that derailed project timelines.

Inefficient
Sourcing

Without boots on the ground, the sourcing process was costly and lacked the oversight needed to ensure quality and value.

Cultural & Language Barriers

Miscommunication with Chinese suppliers created friction, leading to errors, rework, and missed expectations.

Positions Hired

The China Desk enabled the client to recruit and manage two key roles, each tailored to address their operational gaps in China:

Senior Procurement & Logistics Manager

Guangzhou

Responsible for developing and maintaining the Approved Vendor List, overseeing complete vendor management, coordinating production delivery schedules, and liaising with logistics partners to ensure seamless shipments.

FF&E Project Manager

Shanghai

The primary operator for sourcing and delivering Furniture, Fittings & Equipment across real estate projects. Brings a keen eye for design and material selection, combined with exceptional project management expertise.

Bespoke Support from Kinyu

Beyond recruitment, Kinyu’s General Management function provided comprehensive, tailored support to ensure long-term success:

Cost-Effective Recruitment

Savings of up to 65% compared with traditional recruitment agencies.

Full HR Management

Handling travel expense reimbursements, bonus calculations, and performance reviews.

Team Building & Engagement

Quarterly events bringing the team together to discuss challenges and celebrate successes.

Fully Equipped Office Space

Complete office setup with dedicated space for samples and equipment.

Shanghai Storage Facility

Lease negotiated on the client’s behalf for sample and materials storage.

Results & Impact

Enhanced Sourcing Confidence

Head office now has the assurance to procure a broader range of materials and equipment from China.

Time & Cost Savings

Effective on-the-ground vendor communication eliminates cultural, language, and time zone barriers.

Operational Excellence

Improved supplier compliance and greater visibility across the entire supply chain.

Kinyu SCM has delivered speed, seamless communication with local vendors, and robust quality assurance. We’ve seen a significant improvement in our dealings with suppliers across Asia. The team has helped us reduce lead times and costs whilst providing round-the-clock communication across all time zones.

Client Testimonial

Ready to Build Your Team in China?

Discover how The China Desk can streamline your procurement operations and accelerate project delivery.

Get in Touch

The post Hiring a Senior Procurement & Logistics Manager for a Caribbean Construction Firm appeared first on Kinyu.

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