Dear members,

We would like to introduce a new CKC member from the UK  – Dale Fletcher. 

Dale studied Freight Forwarding and Export Management for two years in the early 90’s with the Institute of Export (London), before joining the automotive sector working for four manufacturers across sales, marketing, product, and network development. In 2003, he started his first of a few small businesses importing, exporting, retailing and wholesaling. Following Westminster’s eventual decision to accept the BREXIT vote, Dale updated his knowledge by studying Advanced Customs Compliance with the UK Customs Academy, as well as to Level 5, the Diploma in International Trade with the Institute of Export & International Trade. He also commenced a program of professional courses with the IoE&IT. As part of this learning process, wishing to gain exposure across a diverse range of UK businesses, Dale contracted to work for The Department of International Trade (DIT) for six months, from the day the UK left the EU, advising hundreds of small businesses, as well as many of DIT’s own International Trade Advisors. Having continued to work with some businesses having left DIT, he set up The World Trade Agency. The purpose was to keep an ‘open mind’ as to the type of knowledge businesses carrying out cross-border activity would need.

To date, The World Trade Agency, working with a small number of independent partners, has worked for business on a range of specific projects as well as on an onging basis, operating very much like an International Trade Division within a client’s business. Topics covered generally involve customs, VAT, transport, warehousing, marketing, systems procurement, staff movement and recruitment, global sourcing efficiency, and channels to market modelling, for both service and product providers.

Dale joined the Customs Clear CPD programme, which although is in its very early days, he very much enjoys the accessibility it gives him to top EU customs specialists. Dale is generally quite critical of some aspects of various trade bodies, but not Customs Clear.

Dale is very happy mixing an advisory business with a group of great clients and specialists who he loves working with, alongside his own product supply business, which is certainly easier, but far less mentally nourishing.

Dear Dale, we are happy you joined and looking forward to collaborate in exchanging knowledge and best practices on customs and trade compliance.

Kind regards,
Ilona Mishchenko
Community Forum Administrator