Nicola Alexander, managing director

Despite the challenging commercial landscape over the last five months, Bethan has adapted and experienced considerable growth. The company is on track to achieve a six-figure projected turnover for 2019 – 2020 – a 69% increase on the previous year’s figure. During the past year they have secured 16 new contracts with clients in the food and drink, automotive, construction and retail sectors.

Bethan Customs Consultancy provides independent, clear and practical advice, as well as training and on-going support to businesses throughout the UK in relation to customs compliance and supply chain requirements. They offer a bespoke service, tailored to their clients’ business requirements, which span a range of sectors, from oil and gas to food and drink.

The independent consultancy based in the state-of-the-art Colpy Business Park in Oldmeldrum, has also appointed a new Compliance Executive, Gus Firth which brings their team to 6 members of permanent staff. Gus joins them from within HMRC and the Home Office, where he worked latterly as a Border Force Officer, with particular expertise in marine traffic and customs control at heliports.

Prior to lockdown Bethan had also developed and ran a suite of training courses, from general ‘How to import and export’ sessions, to more in-depth courses on AEO, Customs Warehousing and Classification and Valuation. When this training schedule was interrupted by lockdown, they shifted the training arm of the business online, delivering a series of bespoke courses to clients looking to upskill their staff during these challenging times.

With expertise across all areas of customs, logistics and supply chain, the resolutely independent firm supports businesses in international trade and compliance, helping clients to navigate the complexities of HMRC Authorisations and customs regimes.

Nicola Alexander, managing director, said: “When I established the business five years ago, I could scarcely have imagined we would be in the position we now find ourselves! Our growth has been very organic, largely due to the spread of our reputation as clients recognised the value of our services, and recommended us.

“Our success is due in no small measure to the amazing Bethan team, each of whom brings a wealth of experience, and shares my solution-driven ethos. The number of Authorisations and audits which we have helped our clients to successfully secure is testament to their hard work, knowledge and skills.

“Despite the challenges of lockdown and remote working, I am very proud of how the team pulled together to deliver the same high standards of service that our clients expect, and I am very much looking forward to continuing our journey together. Longer term we have lots of exciting plans and aspirations to expand our geographical reach and embark on more specialised project work, while continuing to support our clients. Even though we can’t be together in person, I look forward to celebrating our milestone birthday with the team remotely.”

As part of the continued growth of the company, two members of the team have also been promoted. Elaine Lownds has been promoted to customs manager, while Aby Wilson has been promoted to the role of Business Development Manager.