Far East Trading

At The TC Group across all our sales divisions our strategy is to have in place primary and secondary sources of supply for all items, especially those of Far Eastern origin and to supplement this with robust logistical options, thereby ensuring the necessary degree of flexibilty required to respond positively in the event of a failure:

 

 

Overseas Suppliers

As well as sourcing from Europe, many gifts are imported by air or sea from the Far East. This enables very considerable cost savings, as well as providing the opportunity to create your own brand products targeted to precise promotional objectives.
 
Import – Export
 
All freight is operated by Air and Cargo Services Ltd. our appointed freight agents, with whom we have been working for over 10 years. They can handle all import and export procedures in the UK for both air, ocean and trailer shipments. Their customs clearance processes are highly automated with a direct link into the HM Customs computer system, to enable fast-track clearance and delivery.
 
Key services include the following:
 
·         Cargo assembly from multiple suppliers
·         Pre-allocated space and flexibility of carrier choice
·         Goods handled/stored in a secure environment
·         ERTS warehousing operating 24/7

Ethical Trading

The TC Group aims to supply products from manufacturers in the UK primarily, or Europe. In these instances we endeavour to ensure that these manufacturers conform to acceptable working conditions and that workers have access to a Union, if required, or a proper staff forum to protect their legal working conditions and rights.
When purchasing from the Far East for clients, The TC Group has ensured that the small number of factories we use adhere to International Labour Organisation Standards. The directors regularly visit these factories in China to validate documentation they have supplied. Once approved the factories are monitored to ensure that these standards are maintained.
 Labour Policy
The TC group will not supply goods produced in unacceptable conditions using child labour and makes every effort to verify the standards in the factories we use. Our freight agents, Air and Cargo Services who move 90% of the goods we import have agents in all ports and airports despatching traffic to UK and are part of our inspection arrangements. In response to concerns raised by clients during last year, factory visits have been organised with them to China to confirm the statements we make in this regard.
Child Labour
The TC Group does not and will not use child labour. The TC Group supports ILO Convention 138 (Convention concerning minimum age for admission to employment) and endorses the objectives of bringing an end to child labour. The overwhelming majority of The TC Groups’ suppliers around the world are covered by national or industry wide regulations which specify minimum ages of employment. Our supplier companies all have in-house minimum age employment rules which conform to national or industry regulations. In practice, our manufacturing/production companies apply a minimum age requirement of 16 years.
Products
Promotional gift trade shows in the UK, Europe and Hong Kong, are regularly visited to source new or improved products. In addition we receive regular product offers are received from suppliers in the UK and overseas. Products that we feel are innovative or appropriate will be offered to you.
Expertise is not restricted to the standard product range. Appropriate new bespoke designs will also be offered.