Our Vision

We aim to be the most trusted and respected sourcing company in Europe, working closely with a select group of clients and world class suppliers who share our ethical & environmental values. Respected for our professionalism, creativity, innovation, quality of service and ethical principles.

Who are we?

The Sourcing Team is currently in its 14th year – our wonderful blend of people have various lifetime experiences that add passion and flavour to our environment. We all work hard and take our work very seriously but we also know how to have fun.  Those lifetime experiences include a wealth of backgrounds and interests; music, theatre, motherhood, sport, fashion, travel, multi-national – from hot-blooded Italian to Chinese calm. 

What do we do?

Global sourcing without compromise! We protect your brand and reputation by ensuring quality & safety, from ethically approved partners around the world.

Our role is to answer your brief with the best price and supply option relating to the budget and the time available. 

We pride ourselves on our friendly yet professional approach – we take excellent care of our customers throughout the buying process.
We ensure that all our partner suppliers share our ethical and environmental ideals and we work together to create new and exciting products that meet all conformity and safety requirements.

Our Customer relationships?

We believe an excellent indication to our customer service and satisfaction, is the growth of key account customers and continued repeat business.  In addition, existing client recommendation has derived the majority of our new clients.  Many of our customers have been retained in excess of 7 years, some to the date of our incorporation.  We have built these long term relationships through a mix of service, creativity, value and commitment – we care and we deliver.

What sort of companies do we work for?

We work with a range of organisations to support their own brand marketing through to major blue chip clients.  Working directly with client companies across a wide range of sectors on both the consumer and b2b side.  We also work with all types of marketing agencies; on trade, b2b and consumer promotions.

Our Team

Gill Thorpe MCIPS - Managing Director – As MD with 23 years of experience, Gill has a multi faceted role within the business and industry. Qualified in purchasing and supply chain management, sitting on the CIPS council from February 2009 and Chairperson to the bpma (the industries largest trade association). Gill also lectures for the Institute of Sales Promotion (ISP).  Her industry knowledge, coupled with her agency background, gives her a unique insight and ensures that TST continues to develop and grow, adapting to the changing market and needs of our clients.

Becky Fitch - Senior Account Director – Over 15 years experience in the industry allows Becky to specialise in delivering bespoke solutions for our customers from around the globe.  Working directly with our Hong Kong office, Becky enables TST customers to access cost effective, creative solutions in our competitive market place.  Becky is ISP certified and is actively involved in the Diploma course, marking the Project Management papers.

Debbie Millis - Client Liaison & New Business – Debbie’s role is on going, liaising with our customers to ensure they are totally satisfied by our customer service.  In addition she  supports our account managers with customer feedback and ongoing development of our key account and new customers.

How do you benefit from our service?

The key reason to work with an experienced premium sourcing company is that they buy merchandise day in day out.  At The Sourcing Team we will find or create the product (s) you require for your promotional activity.  Depending on your delivery time and budget we’ll find the best factory either within Europe or, from the Far East from our vast database of tried and tested factories.  We price check against three preferred suppliers to ensure we give you the most competitive price at the right quality. 

Our experienced team  can help you speed up the overall process, whilst creating a hassle free experience for you the buyer.  You can depend on our account management, sourcing from pre qualified suppliers, product creation and development, project management. import and export functions – including packaging, shipping, product testing, quality control, customs clearance – ensuring you receive perfection every time.  We will save you money and protect your reputation.

Following an assessment by an independent body The Sourcing Team has been awarded ISO 14001:2004 certification in addition to our ISO9001:2008 quality award.  These prestigious awards show our commitment to the environmental and quality management systems and are recognised worldwide.
Gill Thorpe MCIPS – Managing Director of The Sourcing Team comments – “I am delighted to add ISO140001:2004 to our increasing list of accreditations.  We are constantly improving and updating our business for the benefit of our clients and this environmental award sits with our membership of SEDEX as proof of our commitment to our Corporate Social Responsibility.”

To request copies of any of our Policy or Accreditation documentation please click here