A delegation of Chinese wool industry are in the UK to gain a greater understanding of the UK wool industry and visiting a number of key sections of the UK wool supply chain. The study visit, organized by the Nanjing Wool Market to look at the wool supply chain from farm to auction in the UK is hosted by British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).

BWMB chief executive officer Ian Hartley said that the delegates from a wide range of Chinese textile organizations are in the UK to learn more about British Wool, as there is significant rise in the volume of UK wool exported to China in the recent years.

Exports of British Wool to China accounts for about 30% of auction sales hence become important for the Chinese understand the workings of the British wool industry and also facilitated industry networking between the two countries.

The visit would include time spent on the farms of Bedwyr Jones, BWMB North Wales Board Member in Snowdonia and Malcolm Corbett, former BWMB Chairman in Northumberland with visits also to the Wool Testing Authority (Europe) laboratory and BWMB’s headquarters and auction venue at Bradford.

Mr Hartley added that the diversity of wool types available in the UK meant there was a wide range of uses for UK wool in China and it was important to demonstrate the stringent quality control measures in place in the UK. The Chinese customers are important to the success of the UK wool trade and this visit is a great opportunity to engage with them.

Delegate Wu, Yan Wen, the vice secretary of the China Wool Textile Association said that the visit was an ideal opportunity to investigate the possibilities of working more closely with BWMB and others in the UK to help China’s carpet manufacturers build brand awareness. As British wool is widely used in China to produce good quality carpets and this trip will be beneficial to all involved in the wool industry in China and the UK.

Meanwhile, Zhou Ge of the JiangYin Hen Hao Wool Textile Co said that he was looking forward to visiting farms to gain a greater understanding of farm management in the UK. He is also interested in the grading, packing and testing processes.

The Chinese delegates are keen to understand as much as possible about the varying British wool types.