Last week, Customaite went to Liverpool for something new. Not our first event in England, but our first knowledge event in the form of a debate with customs expert panellists. And what better place than Liverpool, a city built on trade, made famous by The Beatles, and fueled by a spirit of reinvention.
Our venue, Oh Me Oh My, was the perfect setting: sweeping views of the waterfront, chandeliers, and traditional afternoon tea. Sandwiches, scones and a spirited debate, can it get any more British than that?
But the real story happened on stage. Customs has long been seen as a man’s world, yet this time, we handed the microphone to four outstanding women, each with sharp insights and serious expertise:
Tiffany Stapleton: Special Cargo & AI Expertise, A.P. Moller - Maersk
Ilona Kawka: Digital Trade & Customs Specialist, The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade
Eve Rowles: Senior Customs Specialist, EORI (UK) Limited
Kat Sadecka: Compliance & Quality Manager, Avocet Clearance Limited
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Together, they explored five bold statements on the future of customs and trade: from AI-powered declarations to the risk of bad data, to whether clients will ultimately choose brokers for customer experience rather than price or speed. Their perspectives were challenging, inspiring and refreshing.
Guiding the discussion with me was my brilliant co-host, Wendy Vermoesen, Customer Success Manager. Two blondes from Customaite may sound like the start of a joke, but we were very serious about making this debate one to remember.
The debate itself was lively, thought-provoking, and at times provocative. One thing became clear: the future of customs is not only about compliance, but also about data, digital capacity, and above all, trust.
Liverpool gave us the perfect stage: a city that understands trade, reinvention, and bold voices. And this is just the beginning.
We’re now distilling the discussion into the Customaite trend report 2025: Five bold statements shaping the future of customs and trade, a practical guide with analysis, playbooks, and metrics for leaders across the industry.
Keep an eye on this space, the report is coming soon.
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