華海慶 先生 COLIN COLVIN 先生

英國 家具 采購 中 英國 飛翔 集團 總裁
心 董事會 主席
中國 及亞 洲策 劃
人

AIR ACTION GROUP

PROJECT FOR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND PROVISION OF
WHOLESALING FACILITY OF FURNITURE FROM CHINA TO UK

1 Introduction
A recent paper produced for the UK furniture supplies good background to the project
(see attached).
2 Background
This project has come about as a result of opportunities identified through experience
gained in the UK furniture market and visits to UK and Chinese exhibitions to meet
furniture retailers and manufacturers by Air Action MD, Route Development Director Far
East and Business Development Manager, China. Industry meetings have been conducted
over a period of three months.
3 Opportunity
UK furniture retailers source their products mainly from wholesalers and manufacturers
in UK, Europe, Far East, India and USA. Major retailers have their own buyers travelling
to meet major producers and attending exhibitions like the Furniture show held at NEC in
January. Smaller retailers rely more heavily on the NEC and other exhibitions and direct
contact with UK manufacturers and wholesalers. The buying activity is expensive and
time consuming. The Furniture shows provide a cost effective ‘showroom’ for
manufacturers but timeframe for selling is restricted and the cost to exhibitors is high.
Chinese manufacturers who do not have the skills or inclination to set up resources and
do not have existing agents or connections have shown an interest in co-operating with
Air Action to enable a wholesale activity to be launched in the UK.
4 Proposition
The core proposition is for Air Action to provide a warehouse facility in the UK, probably
on a main trunk route from London, which UK/European retailers could access and view
a range of Chinese furniture manufacturers’ products. The warehouse could be of low
height, low office content providing access was good (potential to add retail in medium
term) and, initially, lease period and rental terms were flexible. The manufacturer would
commit to a space for a period concurrent with AA’s lease. AA would provide
‘consultants’ and administration to assist buyers select product and place orders. A
minimum order would consist of container load. AA and its partner/agent in China would
liaise to provide financial arrangements, collection, consolidation, documentation,
shipping and UK delivery. Quality control of packing and documentation and
manufacturer liaison would be undertaken by AA China representatives.
5 Proposal
The proposal is that a project team be set up to identify suitable property and personnel to
operate the facility and provide the framework for a service offering to Chinese
manufacturers and assess market potential and project financial return by end July 2008
with commencement October 2008.
SJC April, 2008.