China Strategy, Sourcing & Intelligence

A London-based advisory firm helping Western brands, manufacturers, investors and mining companies make better decisions about Chinese markets, suppliers and partners.

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Working with mining operators, smelters, precision-component manufacturers and consumer brands across Europe, Africa and Asia.

What We Do

Mining-Smelter Brokerage

Connecting African copper concentrate operations with Chinese smelter purchasing teams. We handle the full negotiation cycle — counterparty selection, assay alignment, payment terms, logistics — drawing on direct relationships with CSPT members.

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Precision Materials Sourcing

Specialty alloys, chemicals and components sourced from qualified Chinese manufacturers. We manage technical specification, sample qualification, factory audits, mill certification and shipment.

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China Strategic Intelligence

Bespoke research on Chinese commodity markets, regulatory developments and consumer dynamics. Delivered as confidential briefings, not subscription dashboards — written for decision-makers, not analysts.

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Market Entry Advisory

Strategic guidance for Western brands entering China and Chinese brands entering the UK and Europe. Distribution structure, regulatory pathway, partner selection, pricing and go-to-market sequencing.

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Chinese Brand International Expansion

Strategic and operational support for Chinese companies establishing UK and European operations. UK entity setup guidance, distribution partner selection, regulatory pathway, retail and e-commerce strategy, and bilingual brand positioning.

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Cross-Border Due Diligence

Supplier verification, partner assessment and investment-target evaluation. On-the-ground checks, beneficial-ownership tracing, regulatory exposure, litigation review and operational reality testing.

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Why Thornfield

Genuine China-side experience, not desk research

Our director spent 14 years inside Chinese precision manufacturing as General Manager of a Shenzhen-based copper alloy producer serving Tier 1 connector and electronics customers. The same operating knowledge now informs every engagement we take on.

Bilingual, bicultural, discreet

Mandarin native, working in English. Most of our work is confidential by definition — references available on a case-by-case basis once an NDA is in place.

Independent of trade flows

We do not take undisclosed commissions from Chinese suppliers, smelters or distributors. Our fees come from clients, our advice serves clients.

Recent Work

Our engagements are confidential. We are happy to discuss the nature of recent work — sector, geography, deal size, outcome — under NDA.

Who We Serve

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Thornfield Resources do?
Thornfield Resources is a London-based advisory firm specialising in China-related strategy, sourcing and intelligence. We help mining companies, manufacturers, consumer brands and investment firms make better decisions about Chinese markets, suppliers and partners. Our five practices are mining-smelter brokerage, precision materials sourcing, China strategic intelligence, market entry advisory and cross-border due diligence.
How do you charge for engagements?
Most engagements are quoted as fixed-fee projects or month-by-month retainers. Mining brokerage is usually structured as a success fee against transaction value. We do not take undisclosed commissions from Chinese suppliers, smelters or distributors — our fees come from clients only.
What is CSPT and why does it matter for copper concentrate sellers?
CSPT (China Smelters Purchase Team) is the joint negotiation body of the major Chinese copper smelters that sets benchmark treatment and refining charges. Mining operations selling concentrate into China benefit from understanding CSPT dynamics, timing and the difference between term and spot positioning.
How do you verify a Chinese supplier?
Standard verification includes business licence and tax-registration checks, beneficial-ownership tracing, factory site visits with technical audit, customer reference calls, litigation and regulatory exposure review, and where appropriate financial-health assessment. We deliver findings as a structured report with clear go/no-go recommendation.
Do you work with Chinese brands entering the UK and Europe?
Yes. Market entry advisory works in both directions — Western brands into China, and Chinese brands into the UK and EU. Our cross-border experience and bilingual operation make us well positioned to bridge both sides.
Where are you based and how do we get in touch?
Thornfield Resources is headquartered at 2nd Floor, 136 Baker Street, London W1U 6UD. The fastest way to reach us is email at info@thornfieldres.co.uk — all enquiries are read personally by our director, Sarah Liu, and most engagements start with a confidential 30-minute call.

Tell us about your situation

Most engagements start with a confidential 30-minute call. There is no charge for the initial discussion and no obligation to proceed.

By submitting this form you consent to Thornfield Resources contacting you about your enquiry. We do not share your details with any third party. Or email info@thornfieldres.co.uk directly.

All enquiries are read personally by Sarah Liu.