Yet one of the most important features of the new trading environment has been the opportunities arising from the growth of web-services and in particular how the web can be used as the means to declare goods to Customs and help provide a visible, and accountable, delivery chain from manufacture onwards.  These new circumstances marked the incorporation of e-customs® into the Bell Davies Group in 1998.  It was time, with regard to customs declarations, for the industry to move forward from the old "period-entry" approach which was simply unable to play a meaningful part in the audit trail.  We felt a better outcome was available and e-customs® helps deliver that objective.

e-customs® goes from strength to strength ; nearly 3 million customs declarations successfully processed !

e-customs® has established itself as a major force in the field of international trade. Importers,exporters and third party logistics providers all use the e-customs® web based system "Webdecs"® for customs declarations. Separate, although inter-connected, modules exist for trade facilitation measures such as customs warehousing, Inward Processing Relief etc and our continually increasing client base is reporting huge satisfaction with the services being provided. Clients are able to use Webdecs® in the way that best suits their business requirements. Web based systems are now generally accepted as representing the best way forward and e-customs® is rightly proud of our market lead position in this respect - indeed we believe that we are unique in our approach . The ability to update amendments once only on our central site - so no version control delays, the opportunity to "try before you buy" and no installation costs are some key aspects of our service. It means that, without commitment, a prospective business can satisfy itself that e-customs® should be their chosen supplier.

Alun Davies, Managing Director, e-customs Limited said

“A single web portal brings all our services together in readiness for the forthcoming changes such as SAD Harmonisation. This helps ensure that we will continue to offer outstanding functionality and cost effective prices, whilst maintaining our high levels of service. I was really pleased that our 2007 Customer Service review showed that over 90% of our existing clients would 'definitely' recommend us. This is an important measure for me because I like to see that the review reflects the levels of praise I continually hear about our system and associated support services. I am confident we will continue to achieve that high measure of regard in 2008 and beyond. Additionally I should also mention that we are continually working with our alliance partners so that our clients can gain the benefits of total supply chain control. This means from the moment of ordering goods from an overseas factory through to delivery on site - all on a single web reference with data automatically used as needed for the differing functions required eg customs declarations. Everything is visible to the client and associated third parties eg carriers, as it happens. This is the future and we must stay at the forefront. In this area standing still is moving backwards and we will never accept our systems as providing a second-best service. ”

For the future

Some of the biggest UK businesses rely upon the Bell Davies Group and their associate alliance firms e.g. Qdos.  We look forward to continuing success for ourselves and our clients.