Stephen Thompson

With over five years in customs and international trade, I have transitioned from the public to the private sector, bringing extensive knowledge and expertise. In the public sector, I conducted customs compliance investigations, which honed my analytical skills and led to my promotion within HMRC. I contributed to the UK’s transition from the CHIEF system to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), developing stakeholder guidance to ensure compliance.

In the private sector, I have led projects updating client procedural documents and conducting comprehensive reviews of large companies to optimise their supply chains and import processes. These projects enhanced operational efficiency and compliance with international trade regulations. My diverse experience has equipped me with a unique perspective and robust skills, enabling me to navigate complex regulatory environments and drive continuous improvement in customs and trade operations.

I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to contribute to the success of my organisation, ensuring seamless and compliant international trade operations.

Customs Tax Associate – RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited – Birmingham (national team) (September 2022 – Current)

Duties include

• Reviewing, analysing, and presenting customs data to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Producing procedural documents for the management of customs Special Procedures.
• Identifying areas of optimisation within supply chains and customs processes for clients.
• Producing Customs classification reports of goods for import and export.
• Processing Special Procedure applications and duty reclaims.
• Interacting with clients to advise of potential duty or cost savings within their supply chain and import processes. 
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to efficiently manage client import/export matters.

Customs, CDS, UCC, Policy, Interface and Design Higher Officer (CUPID) – HMRC – Birmingham (national team) (February 2022 – September 2022)

Duties include

• Creation and maintenance of the guidance and completion instructions for the replacement deceleration system CDS (Customs Declaration Service) found on Gov.uk.
• Creation of migration documents and support packages to assist traders in transitioning from Chief to CDS. 
• Provide support and feedback to companies and import/export agents on CDS declarations, focusing on failed declarations.
• Lead in providing internal guidance and support to HMRC colleagues as we transition to a new deceleration system,

Customs and International Trade Compliance Officer – HMRC – Birmingham (February 2019 – January 2022)

Duties included

• Investigating various businesses' import and export declarations for compliance with UK and EU legislation. 
• Contacting and liaising with businesses to assist and ensure compliance with legislation. 
• Providing relevant assistance and guidance in line with government and European legislation.
• Business Readiness and Engagement rep for the department.
• Conduct interviews with various stakeholders under investigation.
• Reviewing and investigating historic declarations to ensure compliance with legal obligations.

Customer Service Representative - Asda – Birmingham (September 2015 – January 2019)

Bar Manager - Berrow Court Functions – Birmingham (2010 – 2015)

Newman University (2017 - 2019) - Master of Research in Humanities (History) Merit

Newman University (2014 - 2017) - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History – 2:1