Established in 1991, J&J Gauci Granite Ltd is an importer of high quality stoneware, sourcing materials such as granite and marble from all over the world. The material is then sold to domestic clients for a range of uses from kitchen tops, to paving and even staircases.

In the ongoing search for top quality materials, the company turned to Turkey in 2004, when Clayton Gauci, son of the founder, was tasked with sourcing new stoneware to import.

An internet search led him to approach a Turkish company that was producing white marble and Gauci have been importing from Turkey ever since.

“We started with white marble and have expanded the range into different colours and materials,” explains Clayton.

“This was the first time we had done business with Turkey but the company has proved very helpful and reliable.”

While Clayton is not able to visit his supplier as often as he would like, he has maintained a strong relationship and is on regular contact via the internet to view new materials.

“Quality is absolutely vital in this business, even more so than cost, and we are able to trust our Turkish supplier to look after the quality.”

Working with Turkey has also proved effective when it comes to logistics as Clayton explains.

“The deliveries from Turkey are very reliable and we know that if we order material the consignment will arrive within five days, making it possible to plan with our supplier and, at the same time, meet our clients’ demand,” he says.

With imports coming from around the world, J&J Gauci Granite Ltd has found the support and services provided by HSBC invaluable.

“We like to describe HSBC as a major shareholder because they play such an important role for us,” says Clayton.

“Through letters of credit and other payment mechanisms they make funds transfers and payments of suppliers so much smoother.”