Wollens, members of the National Buying Group, have been supplying the company, based in Kyoto City, for two years. NBG members are actively encouraged to research and deliver to new market sectors ensuring any possible effects of a downturn are minimised.

"We have been able to learn more about their market and the materials that they like to use, and have put together shipments of traditional English stone, roof tiles, joinery and ironmongery, along with some more specific items sourced from reclamation yards," says Wollens technology and innovation manager Matt Green, who worked on the project with director Simon Edmonds. "The Japanese we have dealt with seem extremely passionate about their work and are a pleasure to deal with."

Green says that shipping company SDV Bernard were able to help them with all of the necessary paperwork and logistical matters for export, which has again simplified the process. Wollens are hoping to make further exports of English building materials to Japan in the near future.