Opening their Folkestone office less than 6-months ago, EORI UK now have 14 employees and is continuing to go from strength to strength in terms of customs knowledge and employee expertise across the transport sector.
Folkestone General Manager Tyler Townsend commented: “Folkstone was a new and unique venture to provide expert support and guidance for those seeking customs approvals.
“Following the end of the transition period, it was decided to increase Folkestone’s support of our head office in Worksop and handle more intricate customs entries. Securing talent is always a tough challenge within the industry as competition is high for the right individual, so we are delighted to have secured, and through high level training, built the team we have.”
Brexit exposed 150,000 traders to new customs formalities and will generate an additional 200 million declarations annually, so knowing how, when and where to submit declarations is vital. Recruiting and adding to their existing customs knowledge of tariff clarification assistance and validation, through to customs regime assessment of border processes and cross channel freight knowhow, is helping to ensure a continuous and smooth UK-EU-UK supply chain.
Added Tyler: “Brexit has been challenging but the industry is very resilient. Although many changes are on the horizon, as a community, customs clearance intermediaries play a vital role in ensuring that goods cross the border with minimal friction.”
EORI UK, previously Oakland Invicta and launched in 2017 by Oakland International, focuses on inbound food safety and maintaining European supply chain integrity, has enjoyed exponential growth, with their developing team of experts now working towards the next stage of Folkestone’s expansion.
Team memberships and training includes the Institute of Export and International Trade, the Institute of International Affairs, certified Level 4 Advanced Customs Compliance from the UK Customs Academy, and with most staff enrolled to sit the Level 2 UK Customs Academy as part of their development, Folkstone’s team is well placed to offer customs advice.
Tyler added: “As a business we look at three things, Day 1, Day 100 and Day 1000. Looking at Day 1 and then again at Day 100, there is a massive difference in terms of size and skills at the table every day and by every member of our team, and as the business increases and we move into phase two of the easements, the training the team have undertaken will provide the edge to ensure we continue to provide the high level of care and service to our customers.
“I am very proud of the ambition, drive and determination of the Folkestone team, particularly since the 1st of January 2021.”