Many start-ups and small to medium-sized importers or exporters don’t have a logistics or supply chain manager, and so from time to time, they need easy access to a source of expert, independent logistics expertise which can help them enter a new market, inform them of better processes or provide a solution to an on-going logistics or Customs problem. They really would appreciate someone who can translate the jargon of logistics, Customs and international trade into straightforward business language.
This is where our Consultancy service is really valuable and is often used for:
Our consultancy service is very cost-effective for companies who just need to access expertise and support as and when required and benefit from access to all of our knowledge, influence and industry contacts.
One example was a company in Southport who'd imported a product from China for a year or so, but their shipments were being declared using random tariff codes by DHL/UPS and they needed help to classify the goods correctly. We worked with them over a couple of months and after review of the Customs Tariff, Customs rulings and technical literature, agreed on a commodity code which they could confidently use on all future Customs declarations. Another customer in the Wirral who imported around 1500 containers per year from Asia first employed us on a consultancy basis to make a detailed assessment on their freight arrangements, procedures and costs and then went on to engage us for a Freight Review which brought about annual savings of +£200K.
With our Consultancy service, we work as part of your team on a flexible basis, either on a particular project or on a retainer basis. Whether you are a start-up or an established business, we can provide a cost-effective solution tailored to your particular needs.
"It is a pleasure to work with Andy who is professional, driven and easy to get on with” Paul Critchlow, Managing Director, Distinctive Medical Products, Runcorn
“We did not know we had a problem with our import shipping until Andy Cliff came to visit and offered us an overview of all of our overseas transport requirements” Richard Brown, Managing Director, Abbey England, Knutsford
“I am writing to thank you for all the work you have done for my company since we started working together in 2017. You have made our incoming freight more “straightforward” and we now know that we get the most favourable prices” Paul Hornby, Managing Director, Foilco, Warrington
“A high recommendation goes out to Andy and SCL from a very satisfied customer Middleby UK” Mark Daintith, Purchasing Manager, Middleby UK, Warrington
“I would certainly recommend Andy to any company looking to improve cost and service in the logistics area, especially in these uncertain times” Rob Laird, Finance Director, Uren Food Group, Neston
“Not everyone has time to scrutinise invoices to check the costs are correct, especially when the freight forwarders try to bamboozle you with trade jargon” Neil Barlow, Director, New World Air Brake, Warrington
“What really surprised us was that as well as achieving savings of almost 50% on our freight costs, we also saw marked improvements in the service levels” Steve Goldstraw, Managing Director, Staffordshire Hydraulic Services, Stoke-on-Trent
“From the very first meeting, it became apparent that Andy Cliff was professional, committed, tenacious and enthusiastic and very much customer-led in his thinking” Jim Hickey, Head of Procurement, Luxfer MEL Technologies, Manchester
