Meet Sam Richardson, our Commercial Director focused on commercial success, driving revenue and ensuring the business remains competitive and compliant in the customs industry.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS:
1) Can you tell us a bit about your role at Langdon and what a typical day looks like for you?
My primary role at Langdon is focused on the company’s commercial success, driving revenue, and ensuring that the business remains competitive and compliant in the UK and Irish customs industry. As Commercial Director I am accountable for our UK support team, Project Implementation Team and Customs Bureau Department. My days can be so varied but are usually spent liaising with existing and prospective clients to understand how Langdon can help shape their short and long-term strategies. We have such a fantastic and diverse client base, so it is brilliant to work closely with them and have them drive our roadmap / product pipeline.
2) What drew you to the Customs and Excise Solutions industry?
Unfortunately, I don’t have an exciting story here, I applied for a Project Implementation Manager role at Langdon and sort of fell into the industry after that. I had a 6 month secondment at GIST during Brexit which you think would have put me off the customs industry, but I guess not. My friends and partner might tell you I love talking about bonded warehouses, so I guess the industry has grown on me over the 3 years.
3) What is the most challenging aspect of your job and how do you overcome it?
Probably that every client is different and making sure we satisfy their requirements in full with the least amount of change or impact to their business as possible. This is why scoping and documenting business requirements in detail is so key, to have a good understanding of the client’s business and their ways of working helps us minimise downtime or changes during the implementation process.
4) How do you stay updated with the ever-changing regulations in customs and excise?
Our in-house customs consultant Dale Hawson keeps me in the loop with most industry changes, but Langdon are also part of the AFSS (Association Freight Software Suppliers), The BWA (Bonded Warehouse keepers Associations and WSTA (Wine Spirit Trade Association) who all weigh in on customs and excise regulations, so we try to never miss a trick. We also hold 1-2-1 sessions with HMRC on a bi-weekly basis which is fantastic to get that level of engagement.
PERSONAL TOUCH:
5) What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?
I like that Langdon provides value to its client base, whether this is the software itself or our UK Service Desk supporting client IT work. I think at times the Customs and Excise industry can come across so complex and complicated due to the strict compliance involved. The part I enjoy is taking complex, real world problems and creating simple solutions for our client base. The customs software industry as a whole is very open and willing to collaborate too which I find refreshing.
6) How do you unwind after a busy day ensuring compliance and smooth customs operations?
I try and play golf… sometimes this has the opposite effect of unwinding! I also enjoy playing rugby, football, cricket and cycling. My partner likes to tell me that is too many hobbies and when you write them out, I guess she has a point. I’m also kept occupied by our little WestiePoo dog called Trix.
COMPANY CULTURE:
7) What do you appreciate most about the team at Langdon?
Everybody is so approachable and willing to share their knowledge. I find huge value in being able to pick the brains of our amazing Product and Development Teams… although sometimes they get worried when I come asking too many questions. I think the sentence “and how long would that take?” is banned.
8) How does Langdon support your professional growth and development?
In my 3 years here at Langdon, I have been enrolled onto 2 customs related courses. Level 2: Customs Practice & Procedure Award and L3 Certificate in Excise Practice and Procedures, these have proved valuable as there is so much content/information to learn in this industry and both these courses give you a strong introduction into customs and excise.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE:
9) What trends do you see shaping the future of the Customs and Excise Solutions industry?
The Customs and Excise industry are gearing up for significant transformation in the future, driven by advancements in technology, particularly the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI). There are several areas in which these technologies could contribute. I recently did a piece with the BWA on this which can be found here.
