Firstly, thanks for visiting our site today. We’ve deliberately kept it simple and easy to navigate, because we know many customers find international logistics and Customs to be the complete opposite and we’re keen to simplify everything and translate logistics jargon into a language you can actually understand!
In the light of a constantly changing landscape, be that regulatory (Union Customs Code, SOLAS ocean freight regulations) or commercial (the rapid rise in ocean freight rates from Asia in the last 12 months), it's made being an importer or an exporter more costly and complex.
Furthermore, the weakness of sterling against the US dollar has also ramped up freight costs by 20% since the EU referendum in 2016 so this a major concern for importers and exporters who are desperate to control their costs and preserve some margin. Importers are now living in a sub USD 1.30 environment so really need to take action.
So where should you start? Many companies would like to review their international logistics spend, carrier performance and Customs compliance however freight and Customs is justifiably regarded as a complex area and most don't have the time or expertise in-house to do this professionally.
This is how we came to launch Straightforward Consultancy in 2010, as we knew we could use our industry, market knowledge and extensive contacts to great effect and become a virtual logistics manager for our customers, reducing costs, improving service and providing expert advice and support day to day. We offer services for both established and new importers and exporters and you'll see details of the results in the testimonials and case studies areas below.
Our MD, Andy Cliff has a broad understanding of logistics and is often interviewed by logistics publications such as Freight Business Journal. He has also been announced as a panel judge at the prestigious BIFA Freight Service Awards for 2017, having served on the panel for the Lloyds Loading List Global Freight Awards in 2015 and 2016.
We’re super-responsive, friendly, knowledgeable and have a loyal customer following – so why not make contact and arrange a free consultation? If you're unsure, please give us a call or take a look at our customer testimonials.
We're also very active on LinkedIn, Twitter and our blog, Logistics Simplified, sharing advice and opinions on the fast-changing world of logistics!
"Even after Andy’s fee we have saved a huge amount of time and saved over £10,000 – a complete no brainer really."
"It is good to know that we have your experience to smooth the path for us."
"We did not know we had a problem with our import shipping before Andy Cliff came to visit."
"If you are looking to be more forward thinking in your freight imports, save money, or just take the headache out of this part of your business, call Andy. You will not be disappointed."
"The results have been very impressive with a more streamlined supply chain, geared to our needs and a better service, both in terms of transit time reliability and communication."
"As well as achieving annual savings of around 50% on our freight costs, we also saw marked improvements in the service levels."
"Andy’s diligence and hard work resulted in Customs repaying £30,000 of import duty to Middleby UK."
"During the first 12 months of operation we have made net saving of circa 30% compared to the previous year."
