Course Leaders and Assessors

Stephen Townsley has spent his entire career in international trade and the last 25 years as a self-employed trainer and consultant.  A national figure with a passion for professional development, he is renowned for designing, developing and delivering high-quality practical, current and relevant learning including bespoke, public, Chamber of Commerce, and formal certificated programmes up to degree level in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and Slovenia.

Keith Robe’s former career in customs spans 32 years where his specialisms included regulations, special procedures and AEO. 

Previously, as a representative of both HMRC and EU Customs, Keith has worked on customs modernisation projects in the Middle East and the Caribbean, and with Customs & Border Protection in the US negotiating AEO/CTPAT Mutual Recognition. He also facilitated the introduction of AEO in Brazil advising Brazilian Customs in Brasilia.

Lead Assessor and Internal Verifier Kate Taylor worked for an engineering company supplying the overseas oil and gas sector before taking up her current role with a global manufacturing exporter of encapsulated fragrances for the paper industry. Kate is a full member of the Institute of Export and International Trade.

Assessor Katie Ivison has worked in international trade for over 15 years, supplying lingerie and postural support products, before taking up her current role as Sales Office Manager with a global manufacturing exporter of lids for waste containers. Katie is a graduate member of the Institute of Export and International Trade.