E-Service MD Mike Clokie has shared his thoughts on the changing face of international distribution, assuring customers that the company “embraces the complexity” of managing the multiple logistical, geographical and economic challenges that come with supplying the UK industry.
In an increasingly complex environment for international trade, E-Service has assured customers of the measures it has in place to ensure a consistent supply.
Speaking to Coinslot, MD Mike Clokie said the distributor “embraces the complexity” required in managing a breadth of logistical challenges to keep customers well-stocked.
“For companies like E-Service, which supplies spares and components across the UK gaming and amusement industry, managing the supply chain has become as strategic as it is logistical,” said Clokie.
“While the public face of the business may be parts, printers and payment systems, behind the scenes, the company operates more like a micro stock exchange – constantly balancing currency risk, global politics, manufacturing trends, and consumer preference to stay ahead of the game.”
One major challenge is what MD Mike Cloke calls “The China Equation”. With overseas shipping requiring pinpoint scheduling at the best of times, the delays caused by the current global political disruption mean that the job of maintaining a reliable and consistent flow of components demands increasing levels of logistical strategy.
Alongside this, E-Service trades in euros, pounds, and US dollars, so the in-house team must monitor financial markets daily to buy currency when rates are favourable, buying at the right time and passing savings on.
“Did we expect to be currency traders? No,” said Clokie. “But it’s become essential. It’s all part of protecting our customers from volatility.”
Distribution itself has also changed, with manufacturers demanding larger order numbers in return for competitive pricing, requiring major stockholding, serious capital investment, and increased risk. Especially with disposal legislation and environmental regulations adding “another layer of complexity” if the company were to be left with obsolete stock.
“In today’s market, being a distributor is about far more than moving goods,” noted Clokie.
“The team at E-Service embraces this complexity because they know one thing for certain: their success is tied directly to their customers’ ability to keep games running and players playing. And that’s a responsibility they take seriously; no matter what’s happening on the world stage.”
The internationals
Mike Clokie said… “Did we expect to be currency traders? No.But it’s become essential. It’s all part of protecting our customers from volatility…
