How we helped ReAgent deliver on their expansion ambitions

ReAgent is a UK-based chemical manufacturing company specialising in bespoke chemical solutions for customers around the world. As part of their international expansion, they began supplying customers in China and the wider Far East.

This required setting up an export process from scratch, including freight, customs clearance, and warehousing. They turned to Cardinal so we could help them build a reliable supply chain and navigate the complexities of international logistics.

Here ReAgent Director, Jessica Clifton, details just how Cardinal supported them with their supply chain goals.

The challenge

We were working with a customer in the Far East who required us to arrange freight and handle all customs processes ourselves, which was something we hadn’t done before at that level. It was a steep learning curve, and we needed to move quickly. We reached out to the Department for International Trade, and they introduced us to Cardinal.

Time was tight, and we didn’t want to make mistakes which might have held the process up. We needed a partner who could help us get everything set up quickly, but also give us confidence that nothing would fall through the cracks.

We were entering a new market with different cultural, legal, and logistical requirements, so we needed someone who could guide us through those differences and help us avoid costly errors.

How Cardinal helped

The products we were exporting needed temperature control and had to be stored in a bonded warehouse, all before customs clearance. Cardinal were able to offer solutions straight away. Their team worked closely with us to design a compliant and efficient supply chain, and thanks to their responsiveness and knowledge, we were able to get everything up and running quickly.

Cardinal sourced temperature-controlled warehousing with bonded capabilities, helped manage customs clearance, and handled freight forwarding. Their ability to coordinate everything under one roof made a huge difference; it reduced stress on our side and gave us confidence that everything was being managed correctly. Their office in Shanghai particularly supported us with local knowledge, and helped bridge the regulatory and language barriers we encountered.

They guided us through every step of the compliance process, from paperwork to procedures. Their team ensured that all documentation was completed accurately and

on time, and they handled communication with customs authorities on our behalf. This gave us peace of mind and allowed us to focus on serving our customer.

Impact

Cardinal’s support gave us the confidence to commit to our customers in the Far East, knowing that we could deliver on time and in full. The relationship with Cardinal has been more like a partnership than a traditional supplier/customer arrangement. There’s an open flow of dialogue and planning, and they’ve taken the time to really understand our needs.

Winning the King’s Award reflects our sustained export growth and operational excellence. Cardinal played a key role in enabling that growth. Their logistics expertise allowed us to reach new markets, meet customer expectations, and build strong international relationships, all of which contributed directly to the success that led to the award.

Our partnership

We work with Cardinal in a genuine partnership. They don’t just move products for us, they work with us to understand our customers’ needs and help us deliver on time, in full, and to spec. They’re proactive, reliable, and responsive.

As our international business has grown, so has the scope of our partnership with Cardinal. What started as sea freight has expanded to air, road, and more recently import customs clearance through their bureau office. Volumes have increased year on year, and Cardinal has adapted their support as our needs change. We’re well aligned culturally.

Both our companies invest in their people and focus on continuous improvement. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect, and we see it continuing to grow alongside our businesses.