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.
Snapshot
| Industry & Product Category | Energy, Oil and Gas |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Team Size | 10 employees |
| Annual China Purchase Volume | $500,000 |
| Hiring Location in China | Beijing |
Challenges Faced
Before engaging 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 & Responsibilities
China Country Manager
- Acts as the company’s on-the-ground representative.
- Developed a robust procurement strategy tailored for the China market.
- Built and maintains an approved vendor list.
- Coordinates with third-party partners on exports, logistics and project delivery.
- Manages high-stakes procurement projects from inception to completion.
Bespoke Advisory and Support
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
Partnering with The China Desk yielded tangible, high-impact outcomes:
- 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
What Our Client Says
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.
Improve Your Supply Chain Operation 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.
