You can find last month’s team spotlight with Harrison Bay, one of our customs classification specialists, here.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming Head of Operations?

My path to becoming a Head of Operations has not been the traditional path taken by most. I originally started out as a car dealer (would you believe!). This taught me a lot about all aspects of running a business, albeit on a micro scale. I then transitioned into Mechanical Engineer progressing up to a Contracts Manager, this role taught me a huge amount about how to manage people, suppliers and clients along with contracts and budgets, all very valuable skills I rely on frequently in my role today.

I joined TariffTel as a Project and Account Manager back in 2019, working closely with several of our clients in implementing various projects. In 2023 I was promoted to Head of Operations, working closely with the directors and senior management team to implement the company strategy and lead the day-to-day operational aspects of the company.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

In my role no two days are the same. My workload is varied across the business and aligned with the company strategy and needs. Daily my tasks can range from critiquing the finances, managing marketing initiatives and reviewing contracts, through to ensuring the office is well stocked, clean and tidy.

The range of work is vast, and to some people this may seem daunting, but I find it exciting to work across all aspects of the business and lots of different people. We have a very experienced and knowledgeable team here at TariffTel and I’m lucky to be part of it.

What have been some of the most memorable moments?

One of the most memorable moments for me is seeing our new version of TariffTel coming to its final stages, aptly named TariffTel 2.0. What we have accomplished with this project across the business is amazing. Based on our initial strategy discussions, our skilled developers, analysts and customs team have taken the brief and gone above and beyond our expectations in developing the features and the added value TariffTel 2.0 will bring to our clients. Alongside this, our sales and marketing team have been working extremely hard in re-branding the business, creating a new website and delivering valuable information to not only our clients but the industry as a whole.

The great news is that we are not stopping there! The future roadmap for all our products is very bright indeed and I look forward to contributing to this.

For anyone looking to get into operations, what skills do people value and how can people find out more about the industry?

Operations is a broad and vast area that means many different things to many different businesses. As such I personally feel it’s a process of learning, being inquisitive and not being afraid to put your hand up and make a suggestion if you feel there is a better way of doing something. The skills needed for the role would be a keen eye for detail, looking at all aspects of a business and how they work together or compliment each other, removing ambiguity and ensuring the strategy of the business is well communicated to all along with the company values.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received with regards to work and what impact did it have?

To not be afraid to raise your hand, it’s really as simple as that. If you feel there is a better way to do something then say it, a refreshing view on a topic will likely be welcomed. Don’t be disheartened if your suggestions are not taken on board either. A good employer will always value the views of its staff.

What advice do you have for people working in the industry?

My advice would be to think outside the box and be inquisitive. In simple terms, it is having a forward-thinking view. Always looking ahead to what’s next? Where is the company going? What do we do well? Along with keeping a close eye on industry trends and gaining valued feedback from customers. This information will contribute to the company strategy and ensure future success.

This mindset allows you to create a companywide continuous improvement process incorporating all aspects of the business, products, processes, staff and brand.

What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the industry?

IT as an industry is vast, at TariffTel we specialise in business solutions and as part of that we have various teams of skilled individuals. From software development through to service delivery. I would firstly ascertain where you want to go in IT and review various job descriptions to see what skills are required. Following this I would conduct a skills audit, where do you match the common skills required and where do you need to fill gaps? This will then give you a clear roadmap of areas you need to focus on.

Never stop learning, things continually change and whilst good employers will invest in their staff, it’s also great to see when individuals invest in themselves to progress and widen their knowledge base. This will make you more competitive when applying to prospective roles or when your company is looking to promote from within.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

Outside of work I renovate cars (old habits die hard!) and enjoy spending time with my fiancée. We are shortly going to become parents for the first time so have been busy with all aspects relating to that!

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You can find last month’s team spotlight with Elizabeth Pascoe here

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a customs classification specialist?

I first started out in classification working as a Customs Clearance Clerk after completing my degree in Accountancy. This provided me with a solid foundation and an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the customs and international trade industry. It made me acutely aware of the significant impact that the misclassification of products can have on businesses and I observed firsthand how errors in tariff codes led to some serious issues importers and exporters alike.

I quickly learnt how classification is the building block for efficient trade operations and the complexities and intricacies of it all fascinated me.

After a few years I joined TariffTel as a customs classification specialist. It presented new challenges and opportunities in the world of customs and I jumped at the role when it was offered to me.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

In the mornings, I usually dive into the classification of various products for our client M&S. From deciphering the intricate details of food items to categorising clothing and home products, this part of my day requires a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of classification principles.

As the day progresses, my focus shifts towards another critical aspect of my role – creating item types for the TariffTel system. This entails gathering information from a variety of sources, including the Trade Tariff, Chapter/Explanatory Notes, and Tariff Rulings. It’s a meticulous process that demands both precision and patience, but it’s essential for ensuring accurate and consistent classifications.

I’m also hands on speaking to clients throughout the day whether it’s to address their queries, resolve a classification issue or provide guidance on compliance matters. No two days are ever exactly the same. There’s always a lot of learning and listening as we respond to what’s needed.

For anyone looking to get into the field of customs, where should they start? 

I’d say the first step is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulations, procedures, and laws governing trade across borders. Developing skills in areas such as tariff classification, customs documentation, import/export compliance, and trade finance is crucial. Additionally, it’s useful to understand and be familiar with international trade agreements and an appreciation of the cultural and legal differences between countries can be valuable. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also essential, as customs and trade professionals often encounter complex situations that require strategic thinking.

It can be worthwhile reading up on key topics in industry magazines and attending trade events to build up your knowledge and connect with other people in the industry.

There’s also a variety of courses you can complete which can get you on your way.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received with regards to work and what impact did it have?

One particular quote immediately comes to mind: ‘Every day is a school day.’ It’s simple yet profound. To me it means that there is always something new to learn, no matter how experienced or knowledgeable you may be. It’s a good mindset to have to encourage curiosity and an openness to new ideas and perspectives.

With this in mind I’m always expanding my skill set and have a perpetual attitude to learning which I think makes me good at my job! I’m always ready for the next challenge, whatever that may be, and ready to adapt to changes that come my way whether that’s changes in trade regulations or changes from a client we work with.

What advice do you have for people working in the industry?

My advice is to stay proactive and adaptable in response to the evolving regulatory landscape. With Brexit and other geopolitical shifts, the regulatory environment is constantly changing and this can present both challenges and opportunities which everyone in the industry needs to be aware of.

Also, make it your priority to stay informed about changes in trade agreements, tariffs, customs procedures, and compliance requirements. Regularly consult official government sources, industry publications, and professional networks to stay up to date with developments. They’re happening all the time.

Get out into the industry to meet people and network. That could be at events or a training seminar. All are good opportunities to grow your professional network and hear what other people have to say.
Final thought is to embrace technology that can help you do your job. There are solutions, like TariffTel, that can streamline processes and make your workflows more efficient.

What advice do you have for people looking to get started in the industry?

Seeking formal education or training can provide a solid foundation. Look for courses or certifications offered by reputable institutions or professional organisations.

For hands-on experience consider pursuing internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions within customs brokerage firms, logistics companies, or import/export departments of multinational corporations. This practical experience will allow you to learn the ropes, gaining knowledge on real-world scenarios and developing essential skills.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

For me, life outside of work revolves around the joy and adventure of welcoming my first baby, Harley, into the world last December. With a newborn to care for, my days are filled with endless cuddles and giggles as I watch Harley grow.

In addition to doting on Harley, I also have two French bulldogs who bring a lot of energy and laughter. I also enjoy going to gigs and concerts with my partner…but those days at the moment are few and far between until Harley is a bit older!

Want to hear more from our team? Here’s our TariffTel Systems Manager Elizabeth Davies talking about her life in and out of work.

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She has worked in logistics and procurement her whole career, both in industry and since 2021 at TariffTel, and has a lot of expertise to share. She’s always up for a challenge in work and at home and has even pushed herself to compete in a strong woman competition. She’s our strong woman at TariffTel, so let’s get to know Elizabeth a bit more.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a Customs Systems Manager at CORE? 

I joined TariffTel in 2021 as a Customs Classification Specialist and quite quickly extended my role to take on a management position becoming the Customs Systems Manager. My experience working at Siemens prior to this played a part in this as I had a vast amount of experience that was relevant across the whole logistics sector and helped me quickly understand our customer’s challenges and how we could help. Previously, I’d held the roles of Logistics manager, Change Manager and Project Manager at Siemens implementing huge projects that required a lot of concise organisation, communication and planning.

When I had my two children I took a career break and then started my own business in consultation before deciding it was time for a new challenge. That’s when the opportunity at TariffTel came up and I was keen to become more specialised and focused purely on customs which had always greatly interested me. I was able to put my qualifications at the Customs Academy as well as a Diploma in Customs Compliance to good use and work with some fantastic businesses in transforming their classification operations with our unique system and expertise.

What does a typical day look like for you? 

A typical day can be very varied. Our primary focus is to efficiently and effectively support our clients requests and sometimes they can be complex and challenging. The team and I have built strong working relationships with our clients so we can best support their needs and solve the problems we come up against together. For us to do our jobs to our best abilities, it has to be a partnership with our customers and we pride ourselves on being on hand when they need us.

On a day to day basis this manifests itself in different ways. I can be working closely with one customer on a specific topic and supporting the team on research. Or we will regularly all get together in the office as a team to spend valuable time discussing complex classification queries and working out solutions for our customers. The consequences of misclassification can be an inconvenience at best, or at worse, have severe consequences for a business, and we’re the first line of defence for our customers in ensuring they don’t face any of the repercussions when things go wrong.

It’s important that I regularly attend industry events to hear from peers on the challenges they are facing, and share our own perspective on the ever changing world of customs and trade. I recently attended the Customs Compliance Conference which discussed all the big topics in compliance at the moment and we are currently planning to get involved in the Institute of Export & International Trade events this year, as we have done for the last few years.

No day is the same, it keeps me on my toes and makes life interesting. Every day is a school day in classification, we are constantly learning.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while working at TariffTel?

In the last few years I pleased to say I have recruited and developed one of the best, most specialised customs classification teams there is. We have developed strong processes and procedures within the department to ensure our customers’ requirements are always met and exceeded.

And we have some happy customers I’m pleased to say, who have transformed the way they classify products for the better. Boohoo Group PLC is just one of the them and that particular project involved a lot of understanding of the complex US customs regulations which varying significantly to the UK/EU customs controls.

Our team achieved a 100% compliance record on 20,000 SKUs in a short period of time for boohoo. That is something we are very proud of as a team.

What skills do you need to work in customs classification? 

It is essential to have a methodical approach when it comes to classification. It requires someone who is detailed and accurate. Lots of complex reading can be involved and interpretation of data.
It is also essential to be a team player and a good listener as some classification decisions are best reached when discussed at length with others. You must have a detailed understanding and be able to explain your classification opinion.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and how has it impacted your career?
That learning never stops and change must be embraced. We must never think we know it all, I am continuously learning every day which makes me more flexible and adaptable. In customs, learning never stops. The regulations and rules are constantly changing so we must change with them and learn to adapt the way we work to encompass them into our thinking.

What do you do out of work for fun?
I am a big fan of the outdoors and fitness. I love to be outside walking or running with my cocker spaniel Henry or paddleboarding down the river with friends. I also like throwing heavy weights around in the gym , I recently did my first Strongwoman competition and have competed in a variety of fitness events over the last 10 years.

We look forward to sharing more stories from our talented team. Follow us on LinkedIn to hear more from our team and what they get up to.

Want to hear more from our team? Here’s our Customs Classification Specialists Julia Granada’s-Gillow talking about her life in and out of work.

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She’s a big food and wine fan. Let’s get to know Julia a bit more.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a customs classification specialist at CORE?

My journey began back in 2000 when I started a role with Reebok UK. The role was an Import Co-ordinator covering all aspects of Imports from order creation through to depot receipt working with 3PL’s, shipping lines and depots. As part of my role I had to carry out the tariff classification of all the products we imported into the UK, this included garments, accessories and footwear. I did not have any previous experience in tariff classification, but received training from Reebok’s European classifications team on the Tariff, GIR’s (General Interpretive Rules), use of Chapter Notes, Explanatory Notes and BTI’s.

In 2006 I joined ASDA where I continued my career in Imports. The role was predominantly focussed on the operational aspects of imports & logistics, however, I also had responsibility for the classification process. Reflecting on my time at Reebok and ASDA many years ago, the classification processes back then were very manual and time consuming, as well as heavily reliant on spreadsheets. The use of spreadsheets made it challenging from a monitoring, managing and auditing perspective. Thankfully, ASDA decided to invest in TariffTel to simplify and automate the tariff classification process. This resulted in a far more robust, efficient and effective approach to classifications and as a result improved audit control, accuracy and drove compliance.

I joined CORE in late 2016 working as a Classification Specialist, developing the TariffTel system and supporting our clients. This was a brilliant opportunity for me to further enhance my experience, knowledge and expertise in classification.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day can be very varied. Our primary focus is to efficiently and effectively support our clients requests. The team and I have built strong working relationships with our clients so we can best support their needs.

In addition to client support, I conduct regular checks on trade notifications for any current or upcoming tariff classification changes for the EU, UK & US. There is a lot of reading involved but it is a crucial part of the job as we ensure TariffTel is kept up to date on any changes to tariff codes. It is imperative that the changes are managed in a timely manner so that our clients are not holding any invalid tariff codes that could have an impact to the custom clearance process and result in delays to the flow of goods. I also spend a lot of my time working on the more complex products that need to be added to TariffTel. There is a lot of research and data gathering from lots of information sources such as the Chapter Notes, Explanatory Notes and Rulings around the product to determine the correct classification for the product. This can lead to lengthy discussions and debates as a team as we weigh up all the details. It is very important that we formulate Item Types that will allow a user of TariffTel to easily search for a product, but most importantly generate an accurate Tariff Code.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while working at CORE?

When I first started working for CORE the TariffTel system did not support food products. However, in 2019 we realised there was a gap in the market due to the upcoming changes of legislation following Brexit where retailers exporting food from the UK into Northern Ireland would be required to complete a customs declaration. I was involved in building the food Item Types into TariffTel and this a complex and involved task. The classification of food can be extremely complex, there are many products that are treated as being composite goods e.g. ready meals made up of many ingredients where the essential character needs to be determined. It took months of reviewing the food chapters in the tariff, the Chapter Notes and EN’s to be able to build item types into TariffTel and to this day the work continues. It is very rewarding to see that all the hard work involved in building food into our TariffTel platform has been crucial in supporting clients who export food into Northern Ireland. They are now able to easily classify their product ranges and experienced a seamless transition once the changes to legislation came into force and a customs declaration was required.

What skills do you need to work in customs classification?

It is essential to be methodical given the complexities of classification and the consequences resulting in incorrect classifications. There is a lot of complex reading involved to be able to determine the rules of product classification, so you need to be able to interpret information and have good judgement to make the correct decisions.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and how has it impacted your career?

Stepping out of your comfort zone is one piece of advice that I think is important as it has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Throughout my career I have always tried to take on this advice, whether that be taking on new projects, speaking up in meetings, networking or simply learning new skills. It was not always a comfortable thing to do, and I know that I struggled a lot with fear of failure, however, I realised that failure isn’t a bad thing as you learn most from your mistakes.

What do you do out of work for fun?

I am a big food and wine fan and I love cooking. I love nothing more than time with family sat around the dinner table with good food, wine and conversation. I also like to go out on long walks, and I am very fortunate to live near some beautiful parks and woodlands where I can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday work and life challenges and relax amongst nature and wildlife.

We look forward to sharing more stories from our talented team. Follow us on LinkedIn to hear more from our team and what they get up to.

You can see our previous Employee Spotlight featuring one of other Customs Classification Specialists Daniel McMenemy here.

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What’s his favourite thing about customs classification? Well, he likes the interpretive challenges it presents. Every different product area presents a new challenge to research and understand how it should be classified. For some real life examples, take a look at the complexities his team regularly work through when classifying seasonal products for Easter and Summer.

Let’s dive in with some more questions.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a customs classification specialist at CORE? 

As with most people working in this field I didn’t decide as a child that I wanted to work in customs classification when I grew up! My previous role was managing the mail centre in Salesforce’s London office, and as that involved shipping between the UK/EU/US I was introduced to commodity codes. I wanted to be sure that I was classifying shipments correctly, so I signed up for courses on customs classification. One of these was the UK Customs Academy where I completed the Certificate in Advanced Customs Compliance with a Distinction grade.  

I wanted to work more specifically within customs classification and was very lucky to speak with Elizabeth Davies who is the Customs Systems Manager at TariffTel, who told me all about the opportunities here. Not only do I get to develop my knowledge and learn new things everyday, I also have the added benefit of working with a bunch of very talented people who are all as equally interested in classification as I am! 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

The main focus of my day involves researching a particular garment type by exploring the Tariff Notes/Explanatory Notes for the relevant Chapter, as well as related rulings, guides and webinars to understand the classification requirements. This is why classification is complex for retailers and where we can help in-house teams as we do all the heavy-lifting with the research to make sure our customers such as M&S and Primark know all the minute classification details for a given product.  I then convert this information into unique Item Types within our database, which account for all variations around that garment’s classification, and develop clarifying information to help our customers decide which option to pick.  

Put simply, my job is about pulling complex information from multiple areas, interpreting how it fits within the process of classification and making it understandable to everyone. It often takes a lot of research and much discussion before agreeing on some of the trickier items. Alongside this I also liaise with our customers to answer specific questions about a product’s classification. My days are varied and often involve a great deal of reading and discussion in order to continually improve our extensive TariffTel database. 

What has been your biggest accomplishment while working here? 

Improving my own working knowledge of garment classification for the US Tariff has been a huge personal achievement for me, as it introduces an interesting layer of complexities when accounting for the language differences.  

For example, did you know that in the US the word ‘jumper’ actually refers to a dress similar to a pinafore, rather than the warm pullover we are accustomed to in the UK! Our combined knowledge in this area of UK/US classification means that we have developed this section of the TariffTel database enormously, much to the appreciation of our customers who ship to the US.  

What skills do you need to work in customs classification? 

Curiosity, a methodical way of working, attention to detail and a good memory are great traits to have. There is an exceptional amount of reading and research involved, and the language is not the most user friendly at times, so being able to focus and read through these documents while retaining the information relevant to the product you’re classifying is key.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received and how has it impacted your career? 

The best advice I have received was to prioritise a healthy work/life balance. Work is important and I greatly enjoy what I do, however I strive to maintain a healthy balance between my personal life and work life, and make sure to take time for my own mental wellbeing.

What do you do out of work for fun? 

I try to stay healthy and exercise during the week, and I’m attempting to learn Italian at the moment. I also love reading, the Lord of the Rings trilogy is an all-time favourite, and I’m currently on the first book of the Dune series. Finally, I’m a fan of Dungeons and Dragons and frequently run campaigns for friends, one of which lasted for over three years! 

We look forward to sharing more stories from our talented team. Follow us on LinkedIn to hear more from our team and what they get up to. A big thank you to Daniel for kicking off our series.

You can see more on our talented team here.

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