The B.I.G. onboarding project was a challenge as it was driven by the strict Brexit deadline. In the last days of 2020, the EU-GB Trade agreement was signed. That meant we had to make several changes before 4 January, B.I.G.’s official go-live date, so they could benefit from the trade agreement as of day one.
Situation
Beaulieu International Group (B.I.G.) is a global specialist in raw chemical materials (polymers), semi-finished engineered solutions (yarns, fibres, technical textiles) and is a leader in a broad range of floor coverings for the residential and commercial markets (vinyl rolls, vinyl planks, laminate, parquet, carpet, needle felt, artificial grass and mats) as well as upholstery fabrics.
B.I.G. is headquartered in Belgium and employs 4,700 people worldwide. They have production sites in 17 countries across Eurasia, America and Oceania and serve customers in 140 countries. B.I.G. reported a turnover of €1.7 billion in 2020.
Challenges
In the fourth quarter of 2020, B.I.G. reached out to C4T in search of a solution to guide them through the upcoming Brexit changes. With their variety and complexity of customs flows, impending new formalities made the need for a customs compliance centre pressing. They were looking for a party that could automate customs declarations for shipments to the UK in order to provide their customers with seamless service come Brexit day. They found that partner in C4T and a solution in CAS.
Solution
As Brexit was the main trigger for B.I.G.’s search for a digital solution, CAS’s single message, double filing feature, which allows companies to file an import and export declaration with one single message, was a major factor in choosing the CAS platform. As the UK Border Operating Model took shape, it became clear that this functionality would be a key component in Brexit-proofing their trade with the UK.
With a hard deadline in sight, C4T and B.I.G. kicked off onboarding in November 2020 with a 1 January 2021 deadline for go-live. B.I.G. opted for the land and expand model, starting with export flows followed by Brexit flows and, finally, adding Slovenian flows.
Both teams worked together closely to overcome hurdles as new developments were announced by HMRC.
B.I.G. and C4T’s shared commitment to hard work and belief in a digital-first future for customs.
Speed
Transport and logistics obstacles are quickly resolved without needing the help of external parties.
Compliance
The customer service team can easily manage trade without extensive knowledge of customs or the specific flows.
Automation
Everything is automated within CAS. B.I.G.’s new digital customs compliance centre, CAS, will support rapid expansion as their international trade grows
Speed
Transport and logistics obstacles are quickly resolved without needing the help of external parties.
Compliance
The customer service team can easily manage trade without extensive knowledge of customs or the specific flows.
Automation
Everything is automated within CAS. B.I.G.’s new digital customs compliance centre, CAS, will support rapid expansion as their international trade grows