For scores of local businesses, importing products, equipment, and supplies from abroad, can be a daunting and often expensive task.

For small and medium sized enterprises, the additional challenge of meeting customer demands for product availability while remaining compliant in an evolving VAT environment can become overwhelming.

“We understand that it can be difficult to navigate the recent VAT and duty rate changes” noted 5 Star CEO, Kenneth Gibson, “so we’ve tailor-made our services to fit the needs of our customers without breaking the bank.”

Gibson, a former Customs Officer, with a staff compliment of 6 people, founded 5 Star Brokers in 2012 with the intention of offering an elevated brokerage experience and has successfully positioned itself as a leader in the industry.

“Our team has more than 45 years of working industry experience as freight forwarders, customs brokers, ship agency representatives and or transportation specialists” noted Gibson, “We also have a proven track record for providing comparative clearance and delivery services at cost effective pricing”. 

Working from their Fire Trail Road location, Gibson and his team service a wide range of customers, from government agencies, to mega resort properties like Baha Mar.

Coupled with the relaunch of its social media presence, the company now offers its customers access to real time information, tips, and other pertinent information.

“We understand that our customers rely heavily on the worldwide web and so it made sense for us to transition into an online space which allows us to meet them at the point of their individual needs” Gibson said.

As part of overall efforts to make life easier for its customers the company has also focused on helping its clientele navigate recent changes to the current tax structure as well. On July 1, 2018, the government of the Bahamas introduced an increase in the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) to 12% from 7.5% on most goods and services as well certain government fees and payments as well.

“So far, the transition has been a smooth one” Gibson noted, “most of our clients were prepared and properly positioned for the changes. For those who needed more assistance, we’ve been working to ensure that they understand the impact of the new tax to their shipping costs and overall bottom line”.

As it has since its inception, 5 Star Brokers continues to offer its clients customized services to fit their specific needs, on time and on budget.