This month we’ve put KMB Shipping Group’s European & Irish Director Jamie Warren under the spotlight to give you an exclusive insight into the current issues surrounding the industry.
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT KMB SHIPPING?
I started at KMB Shipping 24-years ago, starting here as an Apprentice.
2. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT KMB SHIPPING?
I love that even after so long everyday is different. Each day brings fresh challenges, and I get to speak to new people all over the world. I’ve made some great lifelong friends, people who initially started out as customers and suppliers.
3. HOW HAS BREXIT AFFECTED THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY?
Brexit was a massive change for everyone in Great Britain, we had to re-start doing Customs Entries for all shipments leaving and entering GB, much like we have been doing for all Cargo coming from outside the EU. Unfortunately, some of our customers had little or no experience of Customs Procedures, having only dealt with EU Imports and Exports under the previous Free Trade Agreement, so we had to help these customers understand what was required from them to ensure a smooth transport process from January 2021.
COVID has and still does cause the whole Shipping Industry issues (as it does for many other sectors too), from drivers in isolation to site restrictions when collecting and delivering. Even signatures on paperwork (sometimes used as proof of delivery), if recipients refuse to sign paperwork due to COVID transmission fears, it could potentially cause issues should a dispute arise with the Haulier.
4. WHAT CHANGES TO EUROPEAN TRADE ARE COMING INTO EFFECT THIS YEAR?
As with every year, there will be some changes to Commodity Codes.
From January there are Clearance changes coming into effect for NON SPS goods, July gives change to SPS goods (high risk animal by-products, plants and plant products, and all meat and meat products). All SPS goods then must be accompanied by Health Certificates. Then we have changes for Dairy Products in September and November brings in the changes for all other regulated products of animal origin including composite and fish products.
5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO BUSINESSES TRADING WITH EUROPE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BREXIT?
I would encourage businesses to ensure they have an EORI number (which can be requested from HMRC if it has not already been auto generated for your business.) I would also ensure you understand how the country of origin of your product is obtained and that you know the Commodity Code for the goods you sell. Then the other thing is to ensure you know which Incoterms you buy or sell under as this can make a big difference in your responsibilities for Customs, Duties, and Taxes.
6. AS A SELF-MADE ENTREPRENEUR, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO REACH THIS POINT IN YOUR CAREER?
The journey from starting as an inexperienced teenage Trainee, to Manager, and then taking up the exciting opportunity to become a Director has been fantastic.
I’ve learned so much along the way, not just about the industry, but also about myself and the kind of person and employer I aspire to be. This personal development will never stop, every day is a learning day. Being a shareholder in a successful business is pretty amazing especially considering all the hurdles we’ve had to overcome in the industry throughout the years. The last two years have probably been some of the toughest I’ve known but to still be here, standing proud and now to help others progress in their careers, really makes it worthwhile.
7. WHAT UPCOMING CHALLENGES DO YOU FORESEE IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY?
The main short-term issue I see is still COVID related, with both driver and warehousing staff shortages which impacts businesses loading and unloading Cargo. I work mainly on the European, Irish and UK side of the business and in 2022 we have the new Customs Regulations coming into effect in stages throughout the year. This may cause confusion for some UK businesses depending on the category of goods they Import but luckily, we’re on hand to help our customers navigate the new procedures at every step.
The impact of climate change related regulation changes within the industry is also something to be aware of as part of the bigger picture in this industry. The switch to greener fuels and electric vehicles is an absolute necessity, and though I myself have switched over to an electric vehicle, it’s not just the cost implication on hauliers and other businesses within the supply chain that need to be considered. it’s things like weight capacity (which in turn affects the range of the vehicle), the charging point infrastructure within the UK and mainland Europe as well as long-term maintenance costs which have yet to be established. All these factors will I think, see a knock-on effect on transport costs.
8. WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST REWARDING POINT IN YOUR CAREER?
I have to say that progressing from an employee to being a business owner was my personal highlight. As a teenager starting with the company, I never in a million years imagined I’d own part of it.
When I look back over all the late nights, early morning and weekend phone calls to Hauliers and customers trying to find solutions to delays caused by bad weather or broken-down lorries and other such circumstances beyond our control, I feel a real sense of pride at how far we’ve come. I say we because I genuinely believe it’s a team effort, KMB Shipping only works when it all works, and for us to get to where we are today is a testament to the leaders that mentored us to become the leaders we are today. Because of their example, we’re able to create an environment to reflect how rewarding dedication and perseverance really is.
9. WHAT’S THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME IN THE INDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS?
With almost 25 years’ experience in the industry, I have to say Brexit was and still is the biggest challenge we’ve faced in the industry. Although we have been handling Customs procedures for our non-EU shipments for many years now, the staggered implementation of rules and changes since the end of the Transition Period has proved extremely challenging for our customers, and we’ve had to work extremely hard to firstly educate them, and then get them used to following the new Government Protocols. Delays in the Government system implementation hasn’t helped the situation, for example the new GVMS system that came into effect this year has seen a number of technical problems, which in turn causes delays at ports and at following points in the supply chain.
We hope the new CDS system, which will replace CHIEF, will be flawless at launch but will have to wait and see. Although this challenge is ongoing it’s also an exciting opportunity for us to shine, demonstrate our vast knowledge and experience, to help our customers adapt to the changing environment as easily as possible.
To see how Jamie Warren at the rest of the KMB Shipping Group team can help your business with Imports and Exports, Get In Touch.