A BOLTON businessman who foresaw problems in the Far East has avoided a "caning" as riots in Indonesia threaten a crisis in the world's wicker market.

While other wicker businesses look set to suffer as a result of the upheaval, foresight on the part of Roy Wallis has left him unaffected.

Mr Wallis, of the World of Wicker on Manchester Road, stockpiled his goods after taking heed of a warning given to him six months ago.

Indonesia supplies most the wicker for the world's markets and a lack of anticipation could prove catastrophic for businesses specialising in the material.

However, Mr Wallis's decision to act months ago, looks set to leave his business unaffected.

He said: "We were warned about six months ago because the currency was weakening and were advised to take a year's supply in three months.

"As a result we took extra storage facilities and bought in lots of extra stock.

"Indonesia grows about 70pc of the world's quality wicker and the problems there will affect the whole of the cane industry."

The problem arises due to the reluctance of businesses exporting their goods to Indonesia.

This creates a shortage of incoming containers, which are usually used in turn by the Indonesians for exporting.

Mr Wallis said: "I am relieved I heeded the advice I was given.

"We will be able to keep going throughout the crisis."

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