TradeCustoms Clearance, Logistics and VAT Compliance
Where did it all start?
The aim of Mercium was to offer custom clearance, freight management, logistics and VAT compliance all under one roof. A one-stop shop for overseas traders or exporters.
Mercium was an idea on a piece paper for long time before it became a business. The first piece of advice that I give to anybody who asks is to stop talking about it and make a start! We now turnover over £4m, have established a presence in 5 countries and we’re only in year 2!
I think the business was born when I started to forge and cement certain business relationships. With the right business partners, the journey can be a lot faster and smoother.
How does Valentis fit in?
I don’t have a typical accountant/client relationship with Valentis. They’re one of my business partners. Valentis play the role of a financial controller and they’re driving the business forward.
They get trade licences, obtain work permits for our international staff and recently had our warehouse ETSF approved.
In a nutshell, I get business and they nurture the business. They have put systems and procedures in place that have significantly streamlined our business and increased our business value.
In addition to this, they have been key to negotiating trade deals with Chinese investors and exporters.
What are your plans for the future?
We’ve got some huge plans for 2023 and beyond. Increase the number of containers that we deal with per month, expand to India & Dubai and grow the VAT compliance side of our business.
I have numerous Amazon sellers ask me about their VAT responsibilities and with Valentis by my side I can now offer our Amazon sellers logistics from seller to warehouse and assurance of UK VAT compliance.