Cranfield University’s definition of the Supply Chain is “the network of organisations involved, through upstream and downstream linkages, in the different processes and activities that produce value in the form of products and services in the hands of the ultimate customer”.

Supply chains, especially in international defence and aerospace industries remain tentative as geo-political events, government response and stringent corporate governance take their toll on the free movement of goods.

Strategic Shipping has taken three separate but linked approaches to this problem:

• First, we try hard to understand extensively the demands of all other organisations in the chain.

• Secondly, we ensure that within our own sector we have exceptional facilities, knowledge and ability. Strategic staff are fully trained which means they are confident of the service we offer. This results in employee longevity and ensures contact continuity for our customers. Personal communication is available 24/7.

• Thirdly, we analyse the supply chain making contingency plans and applying damage limitation to areas or events beyond our control.

Combined, we believe that these approaches enable us to support steady state transactions and be prepared for all supply chain eventualities.