The Client was a telecommunications company that designed, built, and supported digital infrastructure for their customers.
The client was experiencing difficulties supplying telecommunication equipment internationally and required a global business solution which would meet future operating requirements, optimise worldwide distribution locations and provide necessary network configuration to service customers.
During the gap analysis, it was evident that the client required a clearly defined business model to cover their international logistics service offering for customers. The business had a fragmented approach for managing the transportation of products across international borders. The business was missing the necessary day-to-day expertise to cover international customer activities and service requests. Additionally, the gap analysis identified global supply chain inefficiencies and procedures that were not compliant with customs regulations. Therefore, the client had an exposure to business risks and financial penalties due to non-compliance with import / export and tax regulations.
During the gap analysis, it was evident that the client required a clearly defined business model to cover their international logistics service offering for customers. The business had a fragmented approach for managing the transportation of products across international borders. The business was missing the necessary day-to-day expertise to cover international customer activities and service requests. Additionally, the gap analysis identified global supply chain inefficiencies and procedures that were not compliant with customs regulations. Therefore, the client had an exposure to business risks and financial penalties due to non-compliance with import / export and tax regulations.
During the gap analysis, it was evident that the client required a clearly defined business model to cover their international logistics service offering for customers. The business had a fragmented approach for managing the transportation of products across international borders. The business was missing the necessary day-to-day expertise to cover international customer activities and service requests. Additionally, the gap analysis identified global supply chain inefficiencies and procedures that were not compliant with customs regulations. Therefore, the client had an exposure to business risks and financial penalties due to non-compliance with import / export and tax regulations.
Ian Simmonds provided guidance and training to ensure that the logistics team had a comprehensive understanding of the complex regulations and requirements, which need to be followed when exporting telecommunications equipment globally. The team gained an understanding of key customs and trade processes to further develop the international business, whilst ensuring that all activities were fully trade compliant.
Procedures were developed to ensure due diligence with import / export regulations and compliance programs. These were documented within an import / export manual. The purpose of this manual was to define the logistics operations and responsibilities, while serving as a training resource and practical procedure guide for the logistics team.
Ian Simmonds was engaged by the client as the Interim Head of Logistics on a 10-month contract. Ian was responsible for leading the strategic direction of spares management and logistics across the Globe. He was accountable for setting the strategic direction by defining and leading the delivery of the clients Logistics and Spares Services including warehousing, storage, forward stock locations, freight forwarding, spares management (including RMAs), Fleet Management, customs documentation and trade compliance across all locations globally.
"Ian's technical knowledge of International Trade Compliance is second to none and Ian was the sole reason why we were able to navigate successfully through the challenges presented by Brexit. Ian was tremendous support throughout his time with the company and would highly recommend him to any organisation."
Group Operations Director