I set up International Trade Solutions in 2001 with the goal to provide clients with top quality customs advice, value and personal service.
Big Four Accountancy Firm Experience
I had previously spent eight years at Arthur Andersen and left as a senior manager of the Customs & International Trade practice. During this time I worked on a large number of exciting and impactful customs projects for large multi-nationals. This experience left me with a clear idea of what world-class customs planning can deliver in terms of windfall duty reclaims, cost minimisation, and risk management that flows from robust compliance. My firm continues to work closely with a number of these Multinationals but our value proposition now makes us the firm of choice for mid-sized corporate clients importing into Europe.
Addressing Issues from a Commercial & Tax Perspective
Working closely with other professionals to form multi-disciplinary teams has left me with a sound understanding of the interdependence of customs planning with direct taxes, transfer pricing, other indirect taxes, international trade law and supply chain management. I continue to work with leading thinkers in these areas through our strategic partnerships and with them we can provide virtual full service engagements when required.
Legally Qualified
Prior to entering customs consultancy I read law and successfully completed the Law Society Finals Exams (the professional qualification for solicitors in the UK). This education provides our clients with a significant advantage when it comes to presenting well reasoned arguments and gaining legal certainty.
"ITSs broad knowledge of Customs has proved invaluable"
D. Widdowson, Director of Financial Accounting Croda Chemicals Europe Ltd
"Rob successfully completed the project to plan and,in doing so, managed to overcome several obstaclesthrough the use of his considerable experience." Jon Buckley, Director APL Logistics
"I have worked with Rob on complicated HMRC issues. Aswell as direct assistance, Rob has provided excellenttraining for operational staff. I recommend ITS."
G. Mitchell, Senior Operations Manager EPSON
"ITSs experience and knowledge has ensured projectswere completed with a favorable result."
K R Maddison, Financial Controller Bard Limited
"ITS helped us to reach a successful conclusion when HMCustoms tried to reject our proposed changes by usingtechnicalities."
D. Suddens, Finance Manager Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd
"Rob set up a system that proved to be invaluable andthe savings were astronomical especially not fallingfoul again with HMRC." John Fletcher, General Manager VBR Turbine Partners
"Rob is results focused so as to deliver the customerexpectations. He is personable and was a pleasure towork with." Yvonne Mulvany, Owner YMW Consultancy Ltd
"Rob successfully completed the project to plan andmanaged to overcome several obstacles through the useof his considerable experience and expertise." Phil Challen, Customs Leader Europe at GE International Inc.
"I would have no hesitation in using ITS again andrecommending Rob and his team to anyone that isimporting from non EU sources." Kevin Middis, Business Consultant Saltzgitter
"Rob has provided customs advice on many occasions,always demonstrating deep knowledge of his subject tohelp the business mitigate its duty liabilities."
Stuart Reid, Financial Director Komatsu UK
"Rob and his team have provided expert duty systemsassistance to Reeves and our clients over the past fewyears and we have found the input invaluable." Greg Mayne, Director Reeves & Co LLP
"ITS have highlighted significant cost savingopportunities."
CW Winter, Financial Controller Special Metals Wiggin Ltd.
"Rob explains clearly, and gets on with people. He isvery constructive and pragmatic. His loyalty to thereds is admirable, if misguided. One of my favouriteScousers!"
