For the next instalment of our Business in Focus series, we talk to Ron Moss, CEO of MyOfficeInChina which, as the name suggests, supports UK companies trading with China. Here’s how he built a business in a tiny niche, what he’s learnt about types of customers and why he believes early starts are best.
Born and bred in London, Ron Moss embarked on a decades-long journey when he decided to establish a business to support trading to and from China. He now bounces between the UK and China, leading a company that is a vital link for businesses selling in China. Let’s find out how it all began.
MyOfficeInChina was born, offering tailored assistance to UK businesses importing from China, including product-factory matching, supplier evaluations, quality control inspections and door-to-door shipping.
Today, the business also acts as a purchasing consultant for UK companies, taking care of the A-Z process of manufacturing and importing from China, as well as responding to customer briefs on engineering, prototyping, sampling, testing, certifying and manufacturing products.
There are some achievements along the way that Ron is particularly proud of.
“We've created functional products for the visually challenged that make using tech products much easier for them. We have been working with this group for 10 years, developing a new product every year,” he said.
“There are three types,” he says. “Those that require development of a new product, from the initial design stage through to mass production, as well shipping to their door and looking after all the importing process. Then there are those that require a specific product to be personalised to their specifications. Finally, there are those who need advice, guidance and help importing from China.”
With such distinct customer profiles identified, MyOfficeInChina can offer a tailored selection of services to each.
“China’s factories embellishing the truth doesn't help the industry. This has created a culture of ‘want it today, get it tomorrow’.
“One of the difficulties I face in my line of work is customers not understanding the time required for developing a new product. Typically, it can take six to 12 months from design stage to delivery,” he said.
Armed with an understanding of this culture, Ron has become an expert in managing expectations by setting out realistic timelines from the outset of a project.
“Mornings are best for me, so I start early, typically at 7 am. I prepare my working day via pen and paper notes. Given global time differences, I'm on alert outside of normal working hours as we have customers in different time zones,” he tells us.
Ron prioritises “easy” emails, leaving difficult ones for later after he’s spoken with his team, customers and suppliers.
He stays on top of order progress and answers queries on a daily basis. When it comes to business formalities such as tax, accounts and legal, Ron’s approach is to “leave it all to the accountant”, leaving him free to lead.
And, what do the best days look like?
“Typically when a new developed product with new features has come off the production line and the customer is happy with the finished product. But there are many!”
“I relish giving advice on all things China-related. I also enjoy getting involved in lighthearted banter, whether in the business section or Time Out,” he laughs. “It’s a change from the day-to-day routine of running a business.”
Find out more about MyOfficeInChina by following @MyOfficeInChina on the forum.
Born and bred in London, Ron Moss embarked on a decades-long journey when he decided to establish a business to support trading to and from China. He now bounces between the UK and China, leading a company that is a vital link for businesses selling in China. Let’s find out how it all began.
Find a gap in the market
30 years ago, Ron spotted an opportunity. “There was a niche at the time, to bring in 'fashion' products from Hong Kong and China. The UK manufacturing industry was declining steadily at the time, due to lack of research and development, innovation and investment in machinery, while the Chinese market offered better pricing, an abundance of factories and a component supply chain.”MyOfficeInChina was born, offering tailored assistance to UK businesses importing from China, including product-factory matching, supplier evaluations, quality control inspections and door-to-door shipping.
Today, the business also acts as a purchasing consultant for UK companies, taking care of the A-Z process of manufacturing and importing from China, as well as responding to customer briefs on engineering, prototyping, sampling, testing, certifying and manufacturing products.
There are some achievements along the way that Ron is particularly proud of.
“We've created functional products for the visually challenged that make using tech products much easier for them. We have been working with this group for 10 years, developing a new product every year,” he said.
Understand the customer
There are plenty of hurdles to jump when working in an entirely different market. Alongside having a strong presence in the location to build trust and reduce risk, Ron believes the key to smooth operations is a thorough understanding of the customer.“There are three types,” he says. “Those that require development of a new product, from the initial design stage through to mass production, as well shipping to their door and looking after all the importing process. Then there are those that require a specific product to be personalised to their specifications. Finally, there are those who need advice, guidance and help importing from China.”
With such distinct customer profiles identified, MyOfficeInChina can offer a tailored selection of services to each.
Manage expectations
One of the greatest challenges is meeting customers’ demanding expectations.“China’s factories embellishing the truth doesn't help the industry. This has created a culture of ‘want it today, get it tomorrow’.
“One of the difficulties I face in my line of work is customers not understanding the time required for developing a new product. Typically, it can take six to 12 months from design stage to delivery,” he said.
Armed with an understanding of this culture, Ron has become an expert in managing expectations by setting out realistic timelines from the outset of a project.
All in a day’s work
Ron’s business is highly productive – and so is he.“Mornings are best for me, so I start early, typically at 7 am. I prepare my working day via pen and paper notes. Given global time differences, I'm on alert outside of normal working hours as we have customers in different time zones,” he tells us.
Ron prioritises “easy” emails, leaving difficult ones for later after he’s spoken with his team, customers and suppliers.
He stays on top of order progress and answers queries on a daily basis. When it comes to business formalities such as tax, accounts and legal, Ron’s approach is to “leave it all to the accountant”, leaving him free to lead.
And, what do the best days look like?
“Typically when a new developed product with new features has come off the production line and the customer is happy with the finished product. But there are many!”
Best advice for branding out into new markets
Ron has three top tips for businesses branching out into other markets:- Don’t be afraid to say “no”
- There’s always more than one “right” solution
- Understanding both the Chinese and UK mindsets is paramount
The value of being a trusted UKBF member
For Ron, UKBF offers the opportunity to get involved with like-minded business people and gives him a platform from which to help.“I relish giving advice on all things China-related. I also enjoy getting involved in lighthearted banter, whether in the business section or Time Out,” he laughs. “It’s a change from the day-to-day routine of running a business.”
Find out more about MyOfficeInChina by following @MyOfficeInChina on the forum.
