Netcompany launches Trader Support Service for HMRC

Netcompany has launched a new Trader Support Service for HM Revenue and Customs to support businesses moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The system went live 10 months after Netcompany won the contract. More than 50,000 declarations were submitted during a pilot that began in July.

The free-to-use service is designed for businesses handling new goods movements between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Customs processes and traders' legal and regulatory obligations remain unchanged, but the new platform introduces a revised digital journey, updated functions and additional support tools.

Built on Netcompany's ERMIS customs platform and AMPLIO casework management platform, the service was rolled out with HMRC. Existing business profiles were transferred from the previous platform before launch.

A practice environment was made available to help businesses prepare for the change. During the pilot phase, companies were able to test the system before full launch, with declaration volumes indicating early use by traders moving goods across the Irish Sea.

Next phase

The launch also marks the start of a further development phase for the Trader Support Service. Planned changes include guidance embedded in user journeys, artificial intelligence-based support for handling queries and broader self-service options.

According to Netcompany, users will still be able to access trade experts for more complex cases as those changes are introduced. The service will continue to be developed with input from businesses using it.

Richard Davies, Country Managing Partner UK, Netcompany, said: "The new Trader Support Service has been launched thanks to close collaboration with HMRC, our partners and the hundreds of businesses who helped us test and improve the service. Their collective input has shaped the service we have jointly launched. The service launch is an important step, but our focus now is on continuously making the service simpler and better for every trader who relies on it. We will continue to listen to users and improve the service as trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland evolves."

Delivery of the programme involved specialist partners including HGS, the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, Trade and Borders, clearBorder, Derry Bros and Digicom.

Supply chain

Alongside the service rollout, the contract includes a social value programme focused on jobs, training and the use of smaller suppliers. Since the contract was awarded, Netcompany has added several small and medium-sized businesses to the Trader Support Service supply chain, including Mercator, Passion 4 Social and Lingo Translation Services.

Netcompany said these activities are tied to the technology delivery work and are intended to support collaboration across the programme. In Northern Ireland, it is also running an eight-week Assured Skills Programme to help participants build skills and move into employment, with job opportunities available on completion.

Founded in Copenhagen in 2000, Netcompany employs more than 9,400 people. The group works with public and private sector clients on digital systems and services across Europe.