About Us
Who We Are
West Berkshire Metal is a new approach for UK scrap suppliers to sell to India. UK suppliers know that the traditional selling model, which involves agents and intermediaries can sometimes be complex, inefficient and costly.
Equally, Indian Factories know using agents and intermediaries adds costs and increases the chance of problems arising.
Before we set the company up, we interviewed many experienced players in the scrap metal market. Here's what we heard time and time again:
Deals often still use the traditional complicated 'long chain' practice of the UK supplier having to work deal by deal via one or more third party intermediary and finally to the end user Indian factories. There can be 4 or more links in this chain. This model came about in the 20th Century and - while it works up to a point - has many drawbacks.
First, use of intermediaries often adds little value to the UK supplier, compared to dealing directly with the end user.
Secondly, it can prove unpredictable for the UK suppliers as deals can fall apart.
Thirdly it can be unreliable (and uncertain) for Indian factories who need to plan ahead.
Fourthly, it can be expensive when things go wrong. The more links there are, the more opportunities for mistakes or misunderstandings.
Finally and most importantly, one off deals don't build trust and mutual win/win long term benefits for either the supplier or the end user. Anyone who knows the industry in the UK also knows stories of overseas buyers not acting in the best interests of suppliers. Equally, many overseas buyers have stories of things going wrong with UK suppliers. In reality, the best way of doing business is to build trust and confidence and ensure everyone wins.
How West Berkshire Metal is different
West Berkshire Metal was set up using a modern supply model, where unnecessary steps and costs are eliminated entirely. UK suppliers get direct access to Indian factories. There are no intermediaries. That means transactions are clear, transparent and robust. Everyone can get on the same page, rather than relying on second or third hand information. Everyone is working on a common goal of treating each other as long term partners, rather than try to 'score' on one-off deals.
Since opening for business in 2022, West Berkshire Metal has grown rapidly offering this new approach. We are delighted that 14 major UK suppliers already choose to work with us today.