In this edition, we are excited to present Hannah Holland, our exceptional marketing officer for the United Kingdom. Join us as we delve into her insights, expertise and the creative force she brings to the Customs Support team.
Who are you?
Hi! I’m Hannah and I am the marketing officer for the United Kingdom here at Customs Support. I recently joined during the acquisition of Britannia Bureau, where I had previously worked for about five years. This is where I began my apprenticeship in Digital Marketing, so it feels like a full-circle moment to now have completed it as I begin my journey with Customs Support.
Can you tell us about your previous experience at Britannia Bureau?
I have been working with Britannia Bureau, now part of the Customs Support Group, since I was around 16. I started with invoice filing and progressed to more operational tasks like declarations and classifications (which was always my favourite part), eventually ending up in marketing.
The amazing experts who work within our Langford, Liverpool and London Gateway offices gave me a very well-rounded education, and I’m grateful to them for sharing their knowledge with me.
These diverse experiences have allowed me to approach challenges with a broad skill set and valuable insights into the customs and trade industry. Moreover, I can relate to other customs professionals when creating supporting material, blogs, and guidance here in the UK.
With the acquisition of Britannia Bureau, how do you envision Customs Support Group's position in the market evolving?
There are few companies who provide specialist services such as duty management, and even fewer who are independent, neutral providers of customs. The acquisition of Britannia Bureau marks an exciting milestone for Customs Support UK because it is the combination of two market leaders in this complicated niche.
With our combined expertise and resources, I am confident we will be at the forefront of providing unmatched customs support, driving significant growth and success for our company.
Now that you have taken on a bigger role UK wide, can you tell us more about what a marketing officer does in the UK?
My primary responsibility is overseeing all marketing activities for our UK offices, but I also collaborate with the wider marketing team to execute international campaigns where required.
I lead on design for our carefully curated content for the UK and Ireland. This often includes reporting on the complexities of the post-Brexit world, such as ongoing developments with the Border Target Operating Model and Windsor Agreement.
Alongside the daily running of blogs, media and supporting the digital objectives for the group, I also deliver and support annual events in the UK and Ireland. This includes designing stands and print materials.
These events provided an excellent opportunity to connect with our extensive network, and I am thrilled to share that I have been appointed as the project manager for next year's flagship event, Multimodal 2024.
Before we get to that, though, I am excited to be leading the office rebranding project for our latest UK acquisition, Britannia Bureau.
What does your typical working day look like?
My day usually kicks off with sorting through my tasks, checking emails, and catching up on messages, with a good cup of tea of course! To keep everything organised, I am a big fan of the Notion app, where I can detail out my day and tick things off my lists – it is a lifesaver!
One of the best benefits of working from home with Customs Support Group is the flexibility it offers. Cutting out the daily commute to the office has been a game-changer for me. I get back so much time in the morning, which sets me up for a more productive day. Plus, no more traffic worries – woohoo!
The virtual nature of our work environment has opened exciting possibilities for collaboration and connectivity. Thanks to advanced communication tools and platforms, I can seamlessly connect with my colleagues, whether they are in the UK or part of our international team.
This enhanced connectivity has strengthened our teamwork, enabling us to achieve our marketing goals more efficiently and effectively.
What do you like most about your role?
The best part of my role as a marketing officer at Customs Support is the sheer creativity it allows me to explore.
I have always been a creative soul outside of work, with a passion for dance since a young age and even starring in my first play at the early age of four! During college, I delved into drama and honed my artistic talents further. Now, with this role, I get to channel my creativity into designing captivating content for our social media and events.
One campaign that truly allowed me to unleash my creativity was the Spotify review social post for our recently acquired company, Britannia Bureau. Crafting an attention-grabbing post that captured the essence of Britannia's unique culture and services was so much fun! Seeing the positive response and engagement from our audience was incredibly rewarding.
My team, along with my manager Bee Newboult, are another wonderful thing about this role. Despite being spread across multiple countries, we have a strong bond built on open communication and trust in each other’s unique strengths. This support system has been invaluable in helping me excel in my new role and feel like an integral part of the team.
Customs Support has truly given me the perfect outlet for my creativity while offering the flexibility of a schedule that suits my personal needs. It is more than just a job; it is a fulfilling journey where I get to contribute to innovative campaigns and make a real difference in the world of marketing and customs solutions.
I cannot wait to see what new creative opportunities lie ahead, and I am eager to continue making a meaningful impact in this incredible role.
What is your favourite play?
That has got to be the toughest question I have ever been asked! The best play that I have seen recently was the West End version of Amelie, and my favourite one that I have performed in is The Glass Menagerie. It was such a memorable production for me, with a small cast so there was really nowhere to hide. I had an amazing time with this show.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
By tradition, it has to be ‘Rock DJ’ by Robbie Williams (It’s a long story), but it is a definite crowd favourite!
What excites you about joining this Europe-wide network?
Oh, there are so many things! Since joining the team this year, I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Birmingham, Dublin, and Rotterdam to engage in exciting events and meet our fantastic international teams face-to-face.
Working with the wider team and collaborating on campaigns that extend beyond the UK has been nothing short of brilliant. The seamless cooperation across borders on our international projects is truly remarkable.
I absolutely love meeting my international colleagues in their own countries. Being a part of this dynamic network means endless opportunities for growth and collaboration, it really helps me understand how the UK client's needs link to the global trade, and we are all about Empowering Global Trade!
Being creative and working with a lot of people can be draining. What do you do to unwind outside of work?
Aside from performing, my partner and I just moved into our first house, so we are just starting to organise and decorate. It’s good to switch off from the world and work on our little home for a while.
What is the most important thing to look for in a customs broker?
The most important thing in a customs broker? Transparency! You need that honest and trustworthy relationship to save time, and money, and stay compliant. At Customs Support Group, we prioritise open communication, ensuring you get the best guidance for your international trade success. With us, you can rely on a reliable and transparent partnership! #YourTrustedPartner
You now work with a Europe-wide network. If you were to visit an office location of Custom Support, which country would you want to see first and why?
Italy, for sure! It is such a beautiful country and I love pasta and wine, so it’s a match made in heaven. I know a lot of us have said Italy in other Meet Our People articles, so fingers crossed for a company party there soon!
#WeAreCustomsSupport
Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your valuable insights and experiences with us in this interview. Your creativity and dedication as the marketing officer for the United Kingdom at Customs Support Group are truly inspiring. For all the readers who have been inspired by Hannah's journey, why not explore our available job opportunities, and become a part of our team, where you can make a real impact in the world of customs solutions and international trade?
If you are seeking seamless customs solutions and support for your business, do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of international trade and drive your business forward.
Loved discovering more about our UK marketing officer? We are incredibly proud of every single one of the near 2000 experts that make up Customs Support, and we are dedicated to sharing their stories with you. Find out more about the trusted customs professionals who empower global trade every day below.
