Gus Firth joins international trade firm Bethan Customs Consultancy

Gus Firth has been appointed as a Compliance Executive with Bethan Customs Consultancy. He arrives alongside the promotion of two members of Elaine Lownds and Aby Wilson to management roles.

Established in October 2015, Bethan Customs Consultancy is a customs and international trade advisory firm, providing professional advice and support to UK based importers and exporters. The company has built a strong reputation for providing practical advice and support to businesses in relation to their customs compliance and supply chain requirements – an offering which is set to set a dramatic spike in demand as the finalisation of the Brexit process approaches in December 2020.

With a raft of rules changes set to come into force – whatever the outcome of the UK Government’s strained talks with the European Union – Bethan’s clients will be keen to ensure compliance with HMRC legislation, while minimising both risk and costs. To help support the firm’s offering in that regard, the firm has hired Gus Firth as its Compliance Executive, alongside the promotion of two members of staff to management level.

Firth brings a background in customs at the border to Bethan, having previously served as a Border Force Officer. His arrival from HMRC and the Home Office brings the firm’s Aberdeenshire team to six members of permanent staff, and boosts its skill-set with particular expertise in marine traffic and customs control at heliports.

Elsewhere, Elaine Lownds has become Customs Manager, while Aby Wilson steps up to the role of Business Development Manager. The promotions come as Bethan enjoys a spell of rapid growth, with the consultancy reportedly on course for a six-figure revenue this financial year, and a 69% rise in turnover. This follows the securing of 16 new contracts with clients in the food and drink, automotive, construction and retail sectors.

Managing director Nicola Alexander said, “Our success is due in no small measure to the amazing Bethan team, each of whom brings a wealth of experience, and shares my solution-driven ethos… Despite the challenges of lockdown and remote working, I am very proud of how the team pulled together to deliver the same high standards of service that our clients expect, and I am very much looking forward to continuing our journey together.”