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Stephen has recently joined CCL’s Business Development Team. Stephen brings with an international freight forwarding overview and experiences. We checked-in with Stephen to find out how he’s getting on.

Tell us about your role and responsibilities

My main job is to help team to get more resources and build up comprehensive freight forwarding structures in UK side and moreover do some coordination to offer best services to clients from China. Meanwhile, I would support the team in China to explore the market to get the current clients’ business running smoothly.

With my 19 year’s experience in international freight forwarding experiences, we will focus on explore new products, multipurpose transportation to support team to get more prospect clients and business on board.

Tell us a little about your background in business

I have been working in logistics industry from the year 2002, and also have some experience in international trading.

What do you think your USPs are, when working with CCL’s Chinese clientele?

Being from China myself, I have native language skills and an appreciation of the work culture. From my long terms works experience, I fully understand what clients’ concern and what the core value they request. That could attribute to get more high valued clients on board efficiently.

CCL is committed to building strong relationships with its Chinese clients and providing a high standard of service. It’s important to be able to communicate in ways which they both understand and trust. That’s why there is such a dynamic group of Chinese nationals working within the CCL Business Development team – and I’m proud to have joined them.

What do you particularly enjoy about working at CCL?

I like the atmosphere of BD team with all the teammates passionate and friendly. We’re collective team where we help each other and have mutual support on some tough business. We’re young team, but well experienced in logistics business.

Logistics is very fast-paced. It’s a 24/7 environment as every minute of the day, somewhere in the world, someone is working – and shipments never stop moving. I’m finding it exciting and very motivating.

Lead times are short and every project needs us to be super-responsive. That requires quick thinking and decisiveness – it’s challenging, but very enjoyable. The whole team works together to meet the demands of this rapid-turnaround environment, and everyone is very supportive.

What’s it been like to start a new job in the middle of a global pandemic?

Starting a new job during the pandemic, especially in a new city is a unique experience. Certainly, it’s unavoidable to face some challenges. But BD director, Jason; my liner manager Snow and all my teammates help me a lot. Whilst I would normally expect to work in the office, I am, like so many people right now, working from home. But I would rather to go to office to have face to face contacting with the colleagues in other department. They’re very friendly and helpful.

Lastly, beyond business, what do you love to do?

After work, I sometimes play tennis and GYM. But the regular activities were suspended by influence of the Covid. Every weekend, I take some time to drive over London and try to adapt to the new surroundings and livings, and I also enjoy visiting museums and art galleries very much.