R&S June 2014

BAR Annual Conference 2014News & Analysis Inside

www.bar.co.uk

Removals & StorageThe Magazine of the British Association of Removers

June 2014 // Issue 479 // £6

On the coverThe winner of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 award is Reddaways Removals. The joint winners of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 award are Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations.See pages 32, 38 & 40.

Inside this Issue

Industry News BAR News Features Breaking News

>> Keeping ahead in customer care

>> BAR Conference highlights

>> Exclusive interview with Ian Palmer and Brian Maidman

>> DVSA warns on Driver CPC deadline

>> Launch of estimating system for BAR Members’ websites

>> Priorities of new BAR President Gary Wheadon

>> R&S to go digital

>> Winners of the BAR Golf Challenge

DMotY 2014-15 WinnerReddaways Removals

CMotY 2014 Joint WinnersHarrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations

2014-15

WINNER

DOMESTICMOVER OFTHE YEAR

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Features

Removals & Storage June 2014

June 2014 Removals & Storage 3

Features

News from Watford

On the cover: Reddaways Removals, Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 (top picture) and Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations, joint Commercial Movers of the Year 2014.

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Contents

ContentsIndustry News

Just a snippet…• New rules for consumer contracts• GB Liners open new super green depot • Crown Line Relocations moves the WWF to its new home

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Reddaways Removals: Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 Having entered the competition for the fourth time this year, Geoff Clinch of Reddaways Removals is delighted to have won the prestigious Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 award for the first time.

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52 European News 76 People News

78 LettersDiary Dates 66

Training Memberships50 68

Why White & Company acquired Maidman’s Following White & Company’s acquisition of Maidman’s Removals & Storage, Ian Palmer and Brian Maidman speak exclusively to R&S about the deal. 05

• Conference Business Speakers and Workshops

• The BAR Conference Exhibition• A Scottish Soirée – the BAR Gala Dinner

and Awards night

Features54

56

Customer care and best practice in the removals industry Baroness Crawley, President of the Trading Standards Institute and Chair of the Consumer Codes Approval Board on how BAR can keep its lead in customer care and confidence in the removals and storage industry.

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BAR Conference 2014

Coverage of the key decisions and announcements at this year’s exciting BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow, and new BAR President Gary Wheadon talks about his ambitions for his two-year term.

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Overseas Group News

New Overseas Group Chairman Tony Tickner outlines his priorities for the next two years.

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Commercial Moving Group News

Interviews with Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations, joint winners of Commercial Mover of the Year 2014.

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BAR Services 22

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BAR News


News from Watford

Following his two successful years at the helm, BAR thanks outgoing President Ian Studd and welcomes the new BAR President, Gary Wheadon, who was appointed at the BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow. Many congratulations to Reddaways Removals, who were announced as the winners of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 competition at the recent BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow. Reddaways take home the coveted prize for the first time on their fourth attempt. Congratulations too to Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations – the joint winners of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 who both displayed consistently high quality standards at every stage of the judging. This year’s BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow was a huge success, comprising excellent speakers, insightful workshops and very enjoyable social events. The sell-out Conference was well supported by both UK and international guests with speakers travelling to Glasgow from as far away as the USA and New Zealand. Several new products designed to increase value for Members were announced by BAR at the Annual Conference. The BAR Advanced Estimating System has now been white-labelled for use by Members on their company websites, providing a cost effective tool to enhance their sales and marketing. Another product, the R&S App, will digitise this magazine giving Members an interactive user experience and creating new and exciting advertising opportunities. Celebrating 100 years since the

formation of the Association, BAR has published the BAR History Book which will be sent to Member companies, Affiliates, International Associates, and to Honorary Life Members.

At the BAR AGM Members voted to launch a new organisation – the Federation of Removers (FOR) which is aimed at helping single location businesses improve the quality of their services so that they are able to achieve the BAR Membership criteria. It is hoped that the FOR will benefit the industry as a whole, driving improved customer service and improving the general image of the industry. Many thanks to all Member companies who took the time to take part in the BAR Membership Survey, the results of which were presented at the Annual Conference. As with the last survey in 2012, BAR will now work towards addressing the issues that Members raised. The BAR Annual Conference 2015 will take place in Belfast, reflecting the ever-expanding scope and cross-country reach of the Association. Information about the Conference and its speakers will be announced later in the year. Finally, a reminder for all Members that the 10 September 2014 Driver CPC deadline is fast approaching. All professional drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes need to complete their first round of 35 hours of periodic training to attain their Driver CPC qualification. BAR Training Services is providing Driver CPC periodic training throughout the upcoming months so that companies and their drivers can ensure they comply with this legal requirement.

Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of The British Association of Removers by: Rubicon Marketing Ltd. Tel: 0117 957 5400 Email: [email protected] & Storage is written and edited for the British Association of Removers by Analytica Media. Tel: 0203 235 1800 Email: [email protected]

Follow BAR on:

Contact Details:

Editorial Contributions on all aspects of the removals and storage industry are welcome, together with photographs if appropriate.

Please contact the Managing Editor, Louise Gale on:Tel: 020 3235 1806Email: [email protected]

Advertising For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Sandra Zealand on:Tel: 0117 957 5400Email: [email protected] Deadlines: The booking deadline for all display advertisements for the July 2014 issue of R&S is 10 June 2014.

Subscriptions Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas. Current annual subscription is £48.00 in the UK and £72.00 overseas. Additional subscriptions are available from BAR (see contact details above).

Registered as a magazine © The British Association of Removers 2014. ISSN 0034-4265

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be scanned, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in part or whole in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the British Association of Removers.

Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not necessarily those of the publisher, British Association of Removers.The description of a product or service in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the publisher.The publisher does not accept any responsibility for any claims by advertisers.The articles in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to be advice to any specific person.Readers are recommended to seek professional advice before taking or refraining from taking any action on the basis of the contents of any article in this publication.

The British Association of Removers

Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 OTG

President: Gary WheadonDirector General: Stephen VickersCompany Secretary: Paul Swindon

Contacting BAR Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 General Enquiries: [email protected]: www.bar.co.uk

Commercial Department Tel: 01923 699 483 Email: [email protected]

Consumer Affairs Department Tel: 01923 699 486 Email: [email protected]

Regulatory Department Tel: 01923 699 486 Email: [email protected]

Accounts Department Tel: 01923 699 488 Email: [email protected]

BAR Training Services Tel: 01923 699 484 Email: [email protected]: www.removalstraining.com

BAR Services Tel: 01342 870 087 Email: [email protected]: www.barservices.co.uk

QSS Tel: 01923 699 840 Email: [email protected]

BAR Overseas Group Web: www.baroverseas.co.uk

BAR Commercial Moving Group Web: www.barcommercialmovinggroup.co.uk

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Industry News

June 2014 Removals & Storage

White & Company acquires Maidman’s R&S talks exclusively to Ian Palmer and Brian Maidman who have announced the acquisition of Bournemouth-based Maidman’s Ltd by White & Company PLC.

R&S: Brian, why did you approach White & Company for this deal? Brian Maidman: I started the business 35 years ago as a 19 year old and I have worked to get the business to a stage where it has an enviable reputation so that we deliver a high quality service for our customers, our employees, and our supply chain. That reputation has been confirmed in the past few years by twice winning Domestic Mover of the Year. At the same time, it is not enough to simply exist in business, you have to be profitable and we have worked hard to ensure the business is financially healthy and competitive. Many years ago it was pointed out to me that if you run a business you should always plan your personal exit from the business – your business will be in a better place because of it. As we had no family succession plan for my daughters in this business, we needed to make sure the company continued to be profitable and therefore ‘acquisition fit’. It was extremely important for me to find a buyer that was capable of maintaining the Maidman’s reputation, not just in relation to our customers but also in the supply chain, our local community and importantly for employees. There was a great meeting of minds between myself and Ian about how this would all sit.

R&S: Ian, what was your reaction? Ian Palmer: I have worked closely with Brian for a number of years on the BAR Board of Directors and the BAR Southern Area and have always admired his enthusiasm and drive, which is reflected in those that he employs. Brian is an ‘ideas man’, some of them truly unique, and he has kept his business in the public eye, for all of the right reasons. It was great to be approached by Brian who shared his plans for the future with me. From my point of view, and the members of our Board, Maidman’s run a competitive business with a quality focus and that suited us well. Another area where we found synergies was Maidman’s emphasis on training and personal development for all employees. Brian Maidman: Yes, as Ian says, we have invested a good deal of time and money to develop our long-serving employees (some have been working for us for 25 years) as well as our newcomers. In the new company that White & Company run, these employees are now working in an organisation that has national reach which means that employees with ambitions for their career paths will have great opportunities in terms of further professional development.

R&S: How is the acquisition working in practice?Ian Palmer: The new company operates independently of White & Company’s own Bournemouth facility and provides service to the domestic and commercial moving market in Bournemouth and the New Forest. All Maidman’s staff have been retained and are managed by Steve Webber. Although there will be economies of scale for the new business, known as Maidman’s Moving and Storage Limited, we will keep the two brands separate going

forward. We have bought the business for the Maidman’s name, which carries a lot of goodwill in Bournemouth and the New Forest, and it is important to us that we retain that name. The storage has been accommodated in our own freehold site in Bournemouth and the vehicles will temporarily operate from that site. The management team remain at the Castlepoint site whilst we secure alternative accommodation for the business. Brian’s daughter Sophie has remained with the new company for a three-month period to achieve a smooth handover. We are delighted with our acquisition and very pleased with the manner in which the handover has been undertaken; we have kept Sophie as a hostage just to be on the safe side!

R&S: Brian, what directions do you plan now for your store and secure business? Brian Maidman: Although it is a different business model, I see lots of synergies between self storage and the removals industry. We decided to go into self storage a number of years ago and only found the right premises in 2009. Since then, we have been working to a 5-year business plan for Store & Secure, and so far, we have exceeded all of our targets. The timing was perfect for Maidman’s to be acquired by White & Company as I now need to commit serious time and investment in Store & Secure. In the short term, we want a second site and to go multi-site in the south of England.

‘‘I have worked closely with Brian for a number of years on the BAR Board of Directors and the BAR Southern Area and have always admired his enthusiasm and drive, which is reflected in those that he employs.

Ian Palmer, White & Company

‘‘

For more informationwww.whiteandcompany.co.uk www.maidmans.com

Industry News

6 Removals & Storage June 2014

Reductions to the number of British road signs New plans for road signs have been announced by Transport Minister Robert Goodwill. The changes are included in a new consultation which also contains proposals for clearer road markings and new low-level signals for cyclists which will help improve safety on the roads.

The proposals will reduce the number of signs that the Department for Transport will need to authorise and streamline the approval process for councils, cutting regulation.

Robert Goodwill said: “The number of signs have soared from 2 million in 1993 to over 4.6 million. This is causing unnecessary clutter in our towns and cities. The proposed changes will mean greater flexibility for councils to cut the number of signs, whilst ensuring consistency and making sure our roads are even safer for cyclists and motorists.”

DVSA updates roadworthiness guideThe Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has updated its Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness, which it says is essential reading for anyone whose responsibilities include vehicle roadworthiness.

The DVSA recommends more frequent maintenance for older vehicles and trailers and a maximum interval of six weeks between safety inspections for vehicles and trailers aged 12 years and older. The Agency also advises that an International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) week planning system is used to allow for some flexibility when planning safety inspections. “With this system, you should complete the safety inspection within the relevant ISO week it falls,” it says. Because the emission test is initially a visual inspection, in the new Guide the DVSA has removed the need for access to engine exhaust emission test equipment. However, the Guide states that if your vehicle exhaust is visible, you will need this equipment to make sure your vehicle’s emissions fall within the legal limits. There is also a new section on brake testing. As described in the VOSA Effectiveness Report 2012 to 2013, almost 64,000 trucks, buses and trailer units failed their initial brake efficiency inspection, while at the roadside the Agency issued over 8,000 prohibitions for brake defects. “We are now looking for regular, meaningful, laden brake testing over and above the inspection at the annual MOT test,” the Agency says.

Furthermore, the Agency is now looking for a minimum of three successful brake efficiency tests spread throughout year in addition to the annual MOT test.The 2014 Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-maintaining-roadworthiness

Copy and advertising deadlines 2014 for future issues of R&S magazine

Article submission: 2nd of the month preceding publication

Booking of display Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Booking of classified Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Booking of trade Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Artwork for Adverts: 15th of the month preceding publication

As the 10 September deadline for drivers to complete 35 hours of CPC training comes ever closer, the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners are reminding operators and professional drivers to make sure they are up to date. Recent DVSA statistics show that over 7 million hours of training have been undertaken in the past year, with around 250,000 drivers completing their training. There are already over 750,000 drivers who have completed their mandatory training since 2008. The DVSA’s Chief Executive, Alastair Peoples, said: “DVSA enforcement officers already routinely check the Driver CPC status of professional drivers. After the deadline they’ll be able to check whether acquired rights lorry drivers have completed their training or are driving illegally. Not being aware of Driver CPC is not an excuse for drivers or operators.” This position was endorsed by Joan Aitken, lead Traffic Commissioner on Driver CPC, who

warned: “Driver CPC is not an optional extra – it is a must. Operators must make sure that their drivers have done the training. The consequences of not doing this could be loss of livelihood and action against operator licences.”For information on available Driver CPC courses visit www.removalstraining.com

DVSA and TCs warn on Driver CPC deadline

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Industry News


New rules for consumer contracts The removals industry will be affected by the upcoming introduction of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. These changes will affect all removals contracts entered into from 13 June 2014. Gurmit Sanghera, Senior Trading Standards Officer, Hertfordshire Trading Standards summarises some of the main changes for R&S readers.

From 13 June 2014, the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 will replace the provisions of the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work etc. Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000. The new Regulations consolidate and extend consumers’ cancellation rights. Key points to note are as follows: Information (all contracts): The Regulations outline the minimum information that consumers must be provided with in relation to off premises and on premises contracts. As the current BAR model Terms & Conditions were approved prior to the introduction of this legislation, it is recommended that BAR Members provide the new additional information alongside the model T&Cs. Cancellation (subject to exemptions): The Regulations give consumers a 14-day cancellation period for off premises or distance contracts (extended from 7 days). For off premises contracts, work can start within the 14 days by written consent. The consumer can still cancel prior to completion but will have to pay reasonable costs incurred. However, there is a list of contracts where the right to cancel does not apply. This includes transport of goods, vehicle rental services, and if the contract provides for a specific date or period of performance. The exemption for the “transport of goods” covers removals. There is no further definition of “transport of goods” in the Regulations or in the Consumer Rights Directive. Therefore, removal contracts concluded off premises or at a distance (where a specific date or period of performance is specified) would not be covered by the right to cancel within 14 days under the new Regulations. Additional Charges: There should be no excessive phone charges when a consumer calls a trader about an existing contract. The Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations 2012 state that if the customer has to pay a surcharge for using a credit or debit card then that surcharge must not be higher than the cost the business has to pay for processing that method of payment.

Hertfordshire Trading Standards and BAR are working together to ensure that standard paperwork used by BAR members is compliant. BAR Members who have signed up to the Primary Authority scheme will be able to take advantage of the advice and assistance provided by Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

Strong start for HGV Road User Levy Thousands of foreign hauliers who operate in the UK have registered to pay, and are now paying, the new HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) levy.

In the first two weeks after the HGV levy came into force on 1 April, more than 92,000 levies were purchased for trucks registered in 56 different countries, with nearly 78,000 vehicles registered. Initial figures show that compliance is high with around 215 vehicles fined for non-compliance. Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Before the levy was introduced, foreign hauliers could fill up their tanks abroad, make their deliveries and then return home without making any UK tax contribution, which was unfair on UK hauliers.” All HGVs at or above 12 tonnes maximum weight must pay the charge, irrespective of their nationality. The levy is structured in a series of bands which reflect vehicle type, weight and number of axles. UK operators pay the levy at the same time as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in one

transaction. VED is also being reduced so that more than 9 out of 10 UK vehicles will pay no more than they did before the levy was introduced. The levy is being enforced by the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency in Great Britain and the Driver and Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland, at the roadside through a mixture of targeted stops and as an additional check undertaken as part of existing road-safety related stops.

Foreign operators must pay the levy before using UK roads. Charges vary between £1.70 and £10 per day or £85 to £1,000 per year. Drivers face a fine of £300 if they are caught using the roads without having paid the levy. Foreign HGVs can purchase levies for between a day and a year, with discounts available for longer periods. The HGV Levy can be paid at www.gov.uk/hgv-levy

Transport Secretary of State Patrick McLoughlin (pictured) has approved wide-ranging reforms to the Highways Agency, with the ultimate goal of turning the Agency into a Government-owned company tasked with efficiently managing and operating England’s motorway and strategic A-road network within the next 12 months. The Government claims that changes to the Highways Agency will save the taxpayer at least £2.6bn over the next 10 years and will make the new company more accountable to Parliament and road users. Supported by stable, locked-in funding that will eliminate the uncertain ‘stop-start’ processes of the past, the new company and its suppliers hope to have the confidence to recruit skilled workers

on longer-term contracts that will save the taxpayer money. The Government is also setting up two new bodies to hold the company to account – one to protect the interests of motorists and other road users, and another to oversee the roads network and watch over costs and performance.

Changes to Highways Agency move a step closer

Industry News


Type Approval could hit commercial vehicle market The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has warned that as many as 20,000 commercial vehicle registrations per year could suffer major delays for failing to meet new Type Approval legislation.

The new rules will come into force from 29 October this year, and will apply to around two thirds of heavy commercial vehicles – those built in stages weighing more than 3.5t. These vehicles are in the last category to come under a raft of new Type Approval legislation that will see all commercial vehicles in Europe conform to a common set of rules.

Without the correct approval from the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), as many as 50% of annual heavy commercial vehicle registrations could be considerably delayed, the SMMT said. With no official stamp of approval, the only alternative route to registering a vehicle in any EU country would be the DVSA-administered Individual Vehicle Approval scheme. This ‘one by one’ means of checking a vehicle is fit for use is time-consuming and is expected to be overloaded by a high number of bodybuilders that leave it too late to get full Type Approval.

The SMMT consider this to be “a very serious situation” as so many vehicle converters and bodybuilders are still unaware of the implications these new rules will have on their business. To cope with the nationwide demand for guidance on Type Approval, SMMT has held a series of workshops in conjunction with the VCA and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

Truck demand remains subduedMeanwhile, the SMMT said that demand for March 14-plate registers led to further growth in the commercial vehicle market. Total commercial vehicle registrations grew 11.4% in March to 54,232, mainly because of a 14.6% rise in van registrations. The Euro-6 lag continued to impact truck registrations, but the monthly shortfall fell to -16.5% from -27% in February and -37% in January.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, explained that while truck demand remained subdued as the influence of Euro-6 legislation continues to be felt across the sector, the level of impact should be minimal by mid-year.

Hapag-Lloyd to merge with Chilean shipping line Consolidation in the global shipping industry continues to gather pace, as shipping lines come together to deal with excess capacity and falling freight rates.

German shipping line Hapag-Lloyd and Chile’s Compañía Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV) have agreed to merge their container business. The new Hapag-Lloyd will rank among the four largest liner shipping companies in the world, with some 200 vessels with total transport capacity of around 1 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, the most common unit of measuring cargo capacity), an annual transport volume of 7.5 million TEU and a combined turnover of €9bn. The company’s head office will remain in Hamburg.

In return for contributing its container business, CSAV will become a new Hapag-Lloyd core shareholder besides HGV (City of Hamburg) and Kühne Maritime.

“I am delighted that we have succeeded in concluding this partnership through which our two companies are playing an active part in

consolidating the liner shipping industry,” Michael Behrendt, Chairman of the Executive Board of Hapag-Lloyd said.

“By joining forces, we are creating a stronger, larger and more global company with significant economies of scale and a considerably improved competitive position,” said Oscar Hasbún, CEO of CSAV. “The combination with CSAV, Latin America’s leading container shipping line, considerably strengthens Hapag-Lloyd in this growth market and adds a strong position in the North-South traffic to the company’s global network and to its established strength in East-West traffics.”

The merger follows the three-way alliance agreed in 2013 by rival shipping lines Maersk, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and France’s CMA CGM.

The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has recently confirmed that as of October 2014 paper tax disks will be replaced with digital records. As a result, paper tax disks will no longer be issued or required to be displayed on vehicle windscreens. The DVLA has also confirmed that vehicle tax will cease to be transferrable to a new owner when a vehicle is sold.

Paper tax disks obsolete from October 2014

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Industry News


Industry News


One in ten vehicles is now a van Every tenth vehicle on British roads is a van, according to recent research commissioned by the RAC Foundation. Between 2002 and 2012, the number of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) on British roads fell by 5% to 460,000. Over the same period, the number of cars rose by 11% to 28.7 million and the number of vans on Britain’s roads increased by 29% to 3.3 million. Indeed, the report states that every tenth vehicle on the road is now a light commercial vehicle.

The highest percentage change in van ownership over that period was seen in the North East, followed by the South West and Wales. In Europe only France, Spain and Italy have more vans registered than Britain, and van traffic in Britain is predicted to almost double by 2040. Some commentators have speculated that the rise in van numbers is down to the increased use of online shopping, resulting in a high number of home deliveries and van use. There is also reason to believe hauliers are switching away from larger vehicles because of changing delivery patterns and growing environmental restrictions on HGVs.

Dartford Crossing worries mount Concerns are rising about changes to the way drivers pay to use the Dartford Crossing, which are due to take effect in October. From October 2014 drivers will no longer pay at the barriers, but will have to pay online, by text, at retail outlets or over the phone. Drivers will be able to pay in advance, or before midnight the day after crossing. They will be able to save up to a third on every crossing by setting up a pre-pay account. Drivers who do not pay will face a penalty charge of £70, with a reduced rate of £35 for those penalty charges paid within 14 days. It will continue to be free to use the crossing between 10pm and 6am. The Highways Agency will only be contacting existing DART-Tag account holders in September and October 2014 with details of how to transfer to the new account. The Agency says that account holders will retain their existing credit.

Eligible Employers can now claim the Employment Allowance and reduce their employer Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) by up to £2,000. Employment Allowance is for nearly all employers that pay Class 1 National Insurance Contributions on their employees’ and directors’ earnings. The reduction of up to £2,000 from small businesses employer NICs bills is intended to provide “£2,000 cashback on the cost of jobs that you can choose how to spend,” David Cameron said in his letters to small businesses. “I hope you will consider using it to take on more employees. Simplicity has

been the priority in designing the allowance. It will be easy to claim, and all you have to do is tick a box on your payroll software.” The Government expects up to 1.25 million businesses and charities to benefit from EmploymentAllowance. Around 450,000 businesses and charities will not have to pay any employer National Insurance contributions at all. An Employment Allowance calculator is available at www.employmentallowance.com/allowance-calculator/ to see how the Allowance could affect a company’s contributions.

Cameron in small business jobs driveThe Prime Minister has written to small businesses and charities encouraging them to check their eligibility for Employment Allowance.

Following a £100m investment, a new 500 metre long berth is now handling container traffic at the Port of Southampton, able to handle the largest and deepest container vessels afloat. James Cooper, Chief Executive of Associated British Ports, said the new quay is designed to ensure Southampton can continue to handle the very biggest container ships.

The new berth, called SCT 5, is designed to handle the largest and deepest vessels in the world, including the new 18,000-TEU ships that are currently coming into service. It is equipped with four new Liebherr Super Post Panamax cranes, capable of reaching across ships 24 containers wide. A fifth Liebherr crane has been relocated from elsewhere in the terminal to ensure the new berth has the capability to turn ships around quickly and efficiently. While the new berth has a depth alongside of 16 metres, it can be deepened to 17 metres to account for any future growth in vessel size.

Southampton’s ability to cater for the largest container ships afloat is being further boosted by an on-going dredging programme designed to deepen the main approach channel giving greater access and flexibility all year round.

…and Felixstowe work beginsMeanwhile, at the largest container port in the UK, Felixstowe, work has started to extend the port’s Berth 9 by 190 metres. The work will increase the combined lengths of Berths 8 and 9 to 920 metres, giving the port greater flexibility to berth the world’s largest container ships. The project will involve dredging 1 million cubic metres of material to provide the berth and approaches, and enable a new steel-piled quay wall to be built. Construction is due to complete in mid-2015. The new extension will be equipped with three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes, each with a 25-container wide outreach.

Southampton container terminal open for business…

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Industry News


Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?Send to: [email protected]

Eight miles of the M25 between junctions 23 and 25 became England’s first section of Smart Motorway with traffic running permanently on the hard shoulder in April. The scheme is one of ten Smart Motorway All-Lane Running schemes planned by the Highways Agency to increase capacity and reduce congestion. Another version of the Smart Motorway scheme known as Dynamic Hard Shoulder Running is in operation on sections of the M42, M1, M6 and M5 where the hard shoulder is temporarily used as a running lane during busy periods. Under the new all-lane running schemes, the hard shoulder would be permanently used as a running lane and only closed to traffic via overhead

and verge mounted signs in the event of an incident. The RAC’s main concern for traffic using the hard shoulder permanently centres around the fact that emergency refuge areas will be further apart in

sections of these schemes (up to 2.5km apart) than the hard shoulder running ones (500-800m apart). This means motorists who break down on an all-lane running stretch will often find it impossible to reach an emergency refuge area and, therefore, have to stay in a live running lane until it is closed to traffic by the Highways Agency. The RAC said that while dynamic hard shoulder running has proved to be successful in terms of reducing congestion at peak periods and has a good safety record, the greater distance between emergency refuge areas creates an unnecessary risk to the safety of any motorist breaking down in lane one on an all-lane running section.

RAC warns over smart motorway schemes The RAC has voiced reservations about the safety of new all-lane running schemes which will turn the hard shoulder into a permanent live traffic lane on many sections of England’s busiest stretches of motorway.

Industry News


London extends HGV Task Force Transport for London is extending the Industrial HGV Task Force (IHTF) following a successful six-month trial.

Funded by Transport for London (TfL) and the Department for Transport (DfT) the Task Force, which aims to crack down on non-compliant heavy goods vehicles (HGV) operators and drivers, is made up of officers from the Metropolitan Police Service, City of London Police, and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. In its first six months the partnership worked successfully to target the most dangerous commercial vehicles, helping to improve the safety of everyone using London’s roads. The Task Force also acts as a deterrent against non-compliant companies that attempt to undercut those operating legitimately. Since the start of the trial in October 2013, this intelligence-led enforcement has seen over 1,960 vehicles targeted and stopped, 24 vehicles seized,

15 prosecutions progressed through the Criminal Justice System and 519 fixed penalty notices issued for offences. Between 2008 and 2013, 53% of cycle fatalities involved direct contact with a Large Goods Vehicle. In response to these figures the Mayor of London, TfL, DfT and London councils are now proposing a safer lorry scheme. The proposed scheme will require every vehicle in London over 3.5 tonnes – a disproportionate cause of cyclist deaths – to be fitted with sideguards to protect cyclists from being pulled under the wheels. It will also require vehicles to be fitted with mirrors giving the driver a better view of cyclists and pedestrians around their vehicles. The Industrial HGV Task Force will support this scheme via on-street enforcement tying in with their daily duties.

Pre-pack administration in the spotlightThe report from a Government review into the practice of pre-packaged administrations is expected to be published in the coming months. The aim of the review is to establish whether pre-packs are a viable rescue tool or an abuse of the insolvency process. Pre-packaged administration occurs where negotiations for the sale of a company’s business and assets take place before administration, and the sale occurs when the administrator is appointed or very soon afterwards. There are concerns that the pre-pack process is not transparent and may have damaging effects for some groups or cause possible longer term harm. The issues raised include whether businesses are being sold for less than their value, especially where this is to the previous owner or a connected party with no open market valuation, and the lack of involvement of unsecured creditors, who are only informed of the deal after it has taken place. Pre-packs may also give companies an unfair market advantage by allowing the new company to leave behind its unwanted debts. The final report, commissioned by the Insolvency Service, will be of particular interest to the removals industry, which has seen a number of companies entering administration, including using pre-packs.

TwentyCi launches Customer Referral Scheme TwentyCi has launched a new Customer Referral Scheme, offering rewards to customers who recommend the company’s Home Mover Alerts to colleagues. Supplied weekly via email as soon as a property is listed as under offer or sold, TwentyCi’s Home Mover Alert data helps clients to get their brand in front of movers as soon as they need a removal company. Data can be selected by geography and property price, ensuring that companies can target the types of customers they want to attract. TwentyCi say that customers have reported significant benefits from using the Home Mover Alerts, with some customers commenting that 50% of all of their work now comes through the system.

Customers will receive £50 in Love2Shop vouchers if their recommendation of the service results in a contract, following the completion of the Customer Referral Scheme form. Love2Shop vouchers can be used at thousands of retail shops across the country. TwentyCi gave a presentation to delegates at the recent BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow on how to maximise Home Mover Alerts – see page 60 for a summary. For more information about Home Mover Alerts visit www.twentyci.co.uk/data

Interdean launches trade divisionInterdean Moving Services has launched a new Trade division to help establish itself as one of the largest networks offering the most consistent and regular routes out of the UK. The Trade team that Interdean has put in place has more than 30 years of experience in the moving industry. The team can also draw upon extensive international shipping and hands-on experience with customs clearance around the world and is currently running regular groupage services to Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, UAE, and USA. Trade Services Manager Joseph Quinlivan said: “Given our strength in the moving industry and global network it simply made sense for us to start offering Trade solutions to clients looking to move anything to anywhere.” For more information visit www.interdean.co.uk/trade

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Industry News


London extends HGV Task Force

We’ve still got space...

...in our containers

Interdean launches trade division

Industry News


Fox Moving & Storage’s 1946 Albion returns home

At this month’s BAR Conference in Glasgow, one of Fox Moving & Storage’s classic Albion vehicles returned to the city in which it was made. As part of the Unique Van Bodies vehicle display at the Conference (see page 37), Fox Moving & Storage exhibited its 1946 Albion FT 3 L vehicle, which was produced at the Scotstoun works in Glasgow. Albion Motors was established in 1899, and opened the purpose-built works in Scotstoun in 1903. The lorry, which also featured at last year’s Conference in Newcastle, ended its working life with Burman Removals of London in 1970. Restoration work on the lorry was carried out by Unique Van Bodies of Warrington, while all mechanical restoration and repair was carried out at Fox Moving & Storage’s own commercial garage. For more information visit www.fox-moving.com

Brits rank moving home as the most stressful life experience

Packing up items was deemed to be the most stress-inducing element of the process according to 55 % of people surveyed, followed by worries that precious items will be damaged by movers (32%) and concerns about the overall cost of the move (29%). Other causes of stress included filling in removal companies’ inventory forms (13%) and the removers being late on the day of the move (17%).

Movers failing to check insurance provision However, despite such large numbers of people admitting to finding moving home such a stressful experience, one in three (33%) never check to see what insurance policy their removal company has, potentially putting up to £504m worth of contents at risk last year. In addition, 42% do not check to see if their movers are accredited by the British Association of Removers or another industry body.

A study of 2,000 people by moving services comparison site Buzzmove has found that moving home ranks as the number one most stressful life activity. Of those surveyed, 41% claimed it was the most stressful activity they had experienced in their life, ahead of having major surgery (15%) and getting married (13%).

Crown Relocations recently moved the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to its new headquarters – the Living Planet Centre. Following a tender with six other companies, Crown Relocations was awarded the contract to relocate the WWF to their modern, ark-shaped premises in Woking, Surrey. The relocation required considerable forward planning as it needed to take place over the course of a single weekend to minimise disruption to the WWF’s activities. As well as moving 350 staff, office furniture and IT equipment, there were some heritage items including statues, donations and some precious and peculiar items which Crown Relocations had to package and handle carefully. The planning process had to be “very thorough as it’s quite a challenge to move an office of that size in such a short space of time,” according to Crown Relocations’ Chris Lansbury, Commercial Manager, UK & Ireland.

There were also environmental stipulations to bear in mind. Crown had committed to a zero landfill move, and its ‘re-use before recycle’ policy was integrated to redeploy the redundant furniture so that it could be channelled to good use wherever possible. Many items were donated to charities such as the local British Heart Foundation. Any remaining furniture which could not be reused was fully recycled. It took a team of sixteen relocation experts to successfully complete the single phase move within the tight deadlines set. It took a further two weeks to responsibly manage the redeployment and recycling project in line with WWF’s strict environmental and corporate social responsibility standards. Chris said: “To further support WWF, we also undertook some associated tasks such as delivering some of the heritage furniture to the WWF’s Cardiff and Perth offices.” Peter Best, Head of Facilities and

Environment Management at WWF UK, said: “We were all delighted with Crown’s professionalism and approach. It was a tough undertaking but they exceeded our requirements and expectations on all levels.”For more information visit www.crownrelo.com

Crown Relocations creates new habitat for WWF

The Living Planet Centre

Following a successful London trial, Buzzmove.com is going national and is inviting BAR Members across the UK to join its platform which offers consumers an instant quote system to compare prices and book removal jobs online. Buzzmove has also joined forces with Zoopla to enable the millions of Zoopla customers to book their removals job on the Zoopla site using the Buzzmove platform.

Buzzmove is offering all BAR Members, whether they are already registered with Buzzmove or not, who sign up in June a discount of 8% off the usual commission (down to 5% from 13%). Buzzmove is also introducing a new referral scheme. Every new company referred to Buzzmove that signs up will receive £50 credited to their Buzzmove account.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.buzzmove.com

Buzzmove special offer for BAR Members

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Industry News


A 2014 Global Mobility Survey has shown an increasing confidence among relocations companies, as the global economy continues to recover from a period of depression.

Asia top destination for relocation

The study, commissioned by Santa Fe, is the world’s largest study of global mobility professionals with 1,269 respondents from around the world. The figures from the report suggest that many companies believe that the difficult six years of recession are finally behind them, with 41% of respondents expecting an increased level of business in the next 12 months. The growth and increasing importance of Asian markets featured strongly in the report, with the Asia region listed as the top destination for 36% of respondents. China was shown

to be the most popular single country, with 15% of those surveyed saying it was the top destination for their assignees. In the UK, 56% of those surveyed expected an increase in activity over the next 12 months, with just 12% expecting a decrease. Following the global trend, Asia was the most popular regional destination for assignees (30%) with Europe a close second on 26%. The most popular country for international assignments was the USA, which 21% of respondents said was their top destination for assignees.

The Living Planet Centre

Top 10 Destinations from the UK

Top 10 Destinations Globally

Buzzmove special offer for BAR Members

Industry News


Grants Removals & Storage look forwardWith the housing market in South London booming as the UK slowly moves out of recession, Croydon-based Grants Removals & Storage are now looking to use the increasingly welcoming market conditions to their advantage by increasing their capacity and exposure. Grants’ main estimator has been joined by Del’s 24 year-old son Jack, meaning that Grants’ have two working estimators for the first time, with the team currently conducting anywhere between 6-8 estimates per day. Jack, who one day plans to take over the business, has adapted to his new role quickly and is already pulling in significant business for the firm.

Given the team’s increased capacity and the improving economic outlook, Del has also decided to embark upon a new advertising campaign. In recent years, the advertising platforms open to businesses have diversified and evolved significantly. Making use of this type of technology has given Grants Removals & Storage greater flexibility in their advertising, allowing them to better react to changing and sometimes unpredictable markets. As Del told R&S: “Five years ago everyone had a full page advert in the Thomson local, but now my core advertising is on the internet.

If next week there was a housing crash and everyone stopped moving, I could instantly stop all of my advertising.” Echoing what many owners are now saying, Del told R&S that, though he would consider expanding his company further if improved conditions persist, it will be measured expansion. “First I want to keep all of our current lorries busy. You don’t want to expand and then find your teams with downtime,” he explained. For more information see www.grantsremovals.co.uk

John Mason International is celebrating 130 years in business this year. The company was founded in 1884 by Mary Mason in Wavertree, Liverpool, and has now grown to be one of the UK’s leading international moving companies, with offices in Liverpool and London. Staff at John Mason International’s head office celebrated with a cake and party poppers. Commemorative mugs were also given to staff. The team at John Mason International is now looking forward to the next 130 years, and more! For more information visit www.johnmason.com

John Mason International celebrates 130 years

Cake and party poppers to celebrate 130 years

As well as winning the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15, Reddaways Removals are celebrating the successful completion of the HGV C+E driving test by two of their employees.

Daniel Clinch (19) and Aron Ditchburn (29) can now drive the company’s drawbar demount truck. Daniel and Aron began the company’s own Driving Goods Vehicle Apprenticeship in February, and both feel that the course has so far given them an excellent understanding of how to handle and work with Large Goods Vehicles. Apprentices are monitored throughout the course and are assessed in fields

including vehicle loading, unloading, manoeuvring and route planning, among others.

Geoff Clinch, Director at Reddaways, told R&S that: “As a company we have benefitted from the knowledge that our existing full time staff are kept up to date with current legislation, while at the same time keeping our training costs down, using the apprenticeship scheme.”For more information, visit www.reddawaysremovals.co.uk. For information on available driving courses visit www.removalstraining.com

Reddaways driving Apprenticeship scheme bears fruit

Daniel Clinch (Left) and Aron Ditchburn (Right) after completing the HGV C+E test

Jack Grant, the company’s newest estimator

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Industry News


Industry News


The Scottish removal experts have been in operation since 1498, six years after Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas, and have 516 years’ experience dealing with local, national and international moves in a variety of sectors including domestic, commercial, antiques, fine art and storage. The company has now gained the ISO 9001 certification after a two-day audit that analysed the procedures and processes the company has in place that allows it to meet the needs of customers on a daily basis. Kevin Brown, a partner at Shore Porters, believes

that this success is down to the hard work of the company’s staff, as well as the high quality of customer service that they offer. Kevin told R&S that: “We are delighted with the certification of the ISO 9001 as it really does emphasise that Shore Porters has the appropriate foundations in place to create a disciplined work environment, allowing our staff to know exactly who does what, when and how.” The move is sure to have business benefits too. “The certification is also important to us in terms of new business as it is an internationally recognised standard that recognises reliability and quality

service; it will definitely stand us in good stead for the future growth of the company,” said Kevin. The ISO 9001 is awarded for quality management systems, based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach and continual improvement. For more information about the ISO 9001 certification, contact QSS by email at [email protected]

For more information about The Shore Porters Society, visit www.shoreporters.com

Shore Porters certified with ISO 9001One of the UK’s oldest companies, The Shore Porters Society, has achieved a national certification designed to showcase high quality of service within the workplace.

Kevin Brown, Partner at Shore Porters

Yeates Managing Director James Griffin with the new baler and Billy the dog

Yeates of Clevedon near Bristol has been improving its environmental credentials recently with the installation of solar PV panels and the purchase of a new cardboard baler. The solar PV panels were fitted to take full advantage of the Government feed-in tariff scheme. The 10kw system covers all the electricity needed for both the offices and warehouse. Yeates already recycles as much as possible, and the addition of a new cardboard baler further reduces waste disposal costs and generates income from the sale of the baled product. Yeates’ Managing Director James Griffin told R&S: “The solar PV panels have been extremely successful as they cover all our energy and generate income as

well. We were lucky enough to install the panels before the feed-in tariff dropped and so it is a ‘win-win’ for both the environment and our overheads.” Environmental responsibility is kept in mind through all aspects of the business, and as James told R&S: “In addition, our routes are planned to minimise driving time and distances and we run a modern fleet of vehicles to help reduce fuel and emissions.

Although we already recycle all our paper we hope the new cardboard baler will further improve our environmental performance.” For more information see www.yeates.co.uk

Keen to be green at Yeates

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Industry News


Interdean 5-a-side football tournament for Marie Curie Cancer Care

Get your team together and come out to test your football skills while supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care at Interdean’s annual 5-a-side tournament. Up to 40 teams will go head to head on 2 August 2014 at Ascot United Football Club to compete for the championship trophy as well as the ‘Mover’s Cup’ for the best moving company. Bring family and friends to enjoy a day of competition, great food, a licensed bar throughout the day, a sports memorabilia charity auction, and a chance to win prizes including champagne and plasma televisions. A bouncy castle and other activities for children are also planned.

UK charity Marie Curie Cancer Care was founded in 1948 to care for people with terminal illnesses. In 2012-13 the charity cared for 38,777 people across the country. Interdean has a long history of supporting Marie Curie by providing all of their customers with the option to donate personal effects that they no longer require, or are incompatible in their new home. Interdean also makes corporate contributions and sponsors events for the charity.

The event is open to any football club, moving company or other corporation. Team entry costs £85 per team before 30 June 2014 and £100 per team thereafter. All proceeds from the day will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care. For team registration and to purchase event or raffle tickets call 020 8961 4141 or email [email protected]. For more information visit www.interdean.co.uk

Potburys of Sidmouth Ltd completes fleet upgrade Potburys of Sidmouth has recently finished a three-year upgrade of its fleet, ready to take advantage of the improving economic outlook.

The Devon-based company has been in existence for over 150 years. The last member of the Potbury family passed away in the 1970s and the company passed into the hands of employees headed by Terrance Lee, whose son Michael now runs the business. Removals Manager Paul Gannon, who himself has been working at Potburys for 27 years, told R&S that at the start of the recession, like many other firms, Potburys took one of its vehicles off the road to cut operating costs. However when interest rates were lowered, Potburys used this as a strategic business investment opportunity to modernise its entire fleet. Potburys decided to order a new DAF LF45 7 ½ tonne vehicle in 2011. Impressed with the quality of the vehicle, the company went on to order a further four (one LF45 and three LF55 15t) from Taunton DAF, the last of which took to the road this year. As a result of the investment, Potburys can now boast a modern fleet which is back to its pre-recession size, ready to take advantage of improving economic conditions in the South West. For more information visit www.potburys.co.uk or follow the company on Twitter at @potburysremoval

Above: Potburys Removals in 1899 and the modern day shop today

Giovaruscio Moving, a leading trade movers company in Europe, has opened a new office in New Jersey, USA. Company owner Giuseppe Giovaruscio said: “It was time to explore new markets and possibilities. The company has been steadily growing over the last 15 years, and I believe there is scope to offer our services to American companies in the same way we do to European ones.” Although the US office has been open since October 2013 undertaking origin and destination services for the London and Italy branches, as of this month, it is fully operational with a weekly service between New York and Italy via London. The company’s objective is to cut transit time for consolidated shipments to 35 days, while trying to stay as competitive as possible. Giovaruscio London Managing Director Leonardo Pedone commented: “Our aim is to offer our usual quality service to US companies in the way we serve European companies – quick, reliable and with affordable rates. We can offer a service that is quicker and more cost effective than the existing

services.” The deep-sea service combined with the trucking will guarantee continuity, as all work will be conducted in-house. Shipments will be transferred from the container straight onto trucks and will be delivered to Italy the following week. The US warehouse and offices are located in Elizabeth, New Jersey. For more information visit www.giovaruscio.com

Giovaruscio Moving sets up Stateside

Giovaruscio’s Luca Menton exploring New York


Industry News


GB Liners open new super green depot GB Liners have opened in Brighton what they claim is the greenest removal depot in the UK.

The new depot, constructed on a steeply sloping site, provides office and staff accommodation, a large mezzanine floor for storage of three-piece suites and other items unsuitable for storage inside containers, together with space for 450 standard storage containers stacked three-high. Outside there is a substantial service yard and parking for 12 commercial vehicles. Brighton & Hove Council is controlled by the Green Party and their priorities are reflected in local planning policy. This means that any new commercial development has to achieve a, ‘BREEAM’ (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) score of very good or above. To achieve this, photovoltaic solar panels have been included on the roof to provide carbon free electricity for the building. Energy efficient lighting has been specified throughout and this is controlled with motion sensors which switch off lighting when the area is unoccupied. The office accommodation on the building is orientated to the north to avoid the need for air conditioning. The building incorporates an energy management system enabling GB Liners to analyse and control energy use. All the new office equipment and white goods are highly energy efficient and, of course, there is a high level of insulation to avoid heat loss. Water use is minimised by the flow restrictions on taps and showers. Furthermore, the facility has an approved travel plan for staff which involves installing cycle storage and shower facilities. Due to the construction taking place on a brownfield site, much of the construction waste was recycled and landfill avoided. Moving to the site at Woodingdean almost brings a ten year long process to an end. Managing Director, Robert Bartup, told R&S: “We have been on the lookout for a site for a long time which we could develop to our special requirements. Over the last ten years, we have successfully redeveloped our old office building, created three shops and four flats and sold them for accommodation. We have made a start on converting our existing city centre warehouse site into a Self Store, a process we will now complete. It has not always been a smooth, trouble free process but we are delighted with the outcome and with the new facilities which will give us so many more opportunities.”For more information visit www.gbliners.com

‘‘We have been on the lookout for a site for a long time which we could develop to our special requirements Robert Bartup Managing Director, GB Liners

‘‘

Taken from the South West (the service yard & goods loading)

Internal (installed mezzanine floor)

Taken from the South showing the steeply sloping site Taken from North West linked to mezzanine floor

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Industry News


Taken from North West linked to mezzanine floor

Housing market recovery continues House prices are continuing to increase across the UK, as prices and demand begins to return to pre-credit crunch levels.

According to Rightmove, new seller asking prices have hit record highs in all four southern regions, contributing to a new national average all-time high of £262,594 – up 2.6% on the March figures and 7.3% higher than a year ago. In contrast, northern regions are still an average of 6% behind the pre-credit crunch October 2007 benchmark. The 7.3% annual rate of increase in asking prices is at its highest level since October 2007, taking the market back to pre-crisis levels. So far in 2014, the number of properties coming to market is up 13% on last year. However, supply shortages are continuing to fuel rising prices in many areas in the south.

When it comes to sales that have actually taken place, figures from the Land Registry for March showed an average house price in England and Wales of £169,124, compared with a peak of £181,618 in November 2007. London experienced the highest annual increase in average property value with a movement of 12.4%. Wales experienced the only annual price fall of 1.6%. Though average house prices were down 0.4% on February’s figures, they were 5.6% higher than March 2013.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics confirmed that average house prices are increasing: by 1.9% between January and February 2014, and house prices in the UK increased by 9.1% in the year to February 2014, up from 6.8% in the year to January 2014. House price annual inflation grew by 9.7% in England, 5.3% in Wales, 2.4% in Scotland and 2.8% in Northern Ireland. London continued to show the highest rate of growth, though growth is increasingly strong across most parts of the UK. Annual house price increases in England were driven

by rises in London (17.7%), the South East (8.0%) and the East of England (7.7%). Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 5.8% in the 12 months to February 2014.

Halifax house price figures indicated that on an annual basis housing demand remained strong in the first quarter of 2014, supported by the growing economic recovery, rising consumer confidence, low interest rates and wage growth beginning to outgrow consumer prices. House prices across the country in the last three months to April were said to be 2.3% higher than in the preceding three months (November 2013-January 2014) and 8.5% higher than in the same three months a year earlier.

The National Association of Estate Agents Housing Market Report for April showed that first-time buyers are increasing in number. 28% of all completed sales were to first-time buyers, a slight increase on the

figure of 25% recorded in March. In April, the majority of house hunters were looking to buy as a couple (89%), with under one in ten (9%) looking to buy on their own, whilst almost three quarters of all buyers (74%) were looking to move locally to a property within their town or city.

Nationwide said that UK house prices increased by 1.2% in April to an average of £183,577, 10.9% higher than the previous year. Furthermore, annual growth reached double digits for the first time since April 2010. Chief Economist Robert Gardner said: “Earnings growth is beginning to pick up, with wage increases finally outpacing the rise in the cost of living in February. Nevertheless, house price growth is outstripping income growth by a wide margin. The risk is that unless supply accelerates significantly, affordability will become stretched.”

Rightmove’s most recent monthly Overseas Search Report shows Germany as the top climber for searches in April, while Asia has dropped five places in the ‘Top 40 Locations’ list. Shameem Golamy, Head of Rightmove Overseas, said: “Affordable property with the potential for high rental yields means that Germany is winning the race for investors,” with the Rhineland-Pfalz in West Germany and its proximity to neighbouring countries and major German cities the subject of particular interest from buyers. Elsewhere, demand in Portugal remained strong from lifestyle buyers. Long-haul destinations in Asia continued to fall in April as the continent’s extreme summer temperatures began to arrive.For more information visit www.rightmoveoverseas.co.uk

Buyers look towards Germany

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BAR News


BAR ServicesBAR Services

New BAR Services products on display The team at BAR Services used the Glasgow Conference as an opportunity to launch two brand new products which generated considerable interest among Members.

At this year’s Conference in Glasgow, the BAR Services team took their place in the Exhibition Hall to showcase what BAR Services has to offer BAR Members. There were two special items of interest at the BAR Services stall – the two new products being launched for Members. The new style transit wardrobe cartons have been designed to be the same size and the same price as the existing wardrobe carton, and the key change is the innovative door design which ensures greater strength and stability ensuring better protection. Accounts Manager Tim Oliver told R&S: “This design is a lot sturdier than others, making it much easier to pack and transport.” The second product on offer was a new Italian-designed floor protector. This floor protector is manufactured in a pliable material that is not only anti-slip but will also absorb all excess liquids, is not toxic and will not leave any residue. The product has been developed in response to BAR Members’ experiences after a move has been completed where floor protector residue is left on carpets and floors, and is extremely difficult to remove. That will no longer be a problem with BAR Services’ new product.

BAR ServicesFor more information on BAR Services’ products visit www.barservices.co.ukTo talk to the sales team call 01342 870 087 or email [email protected]

Tim Oliver of BAR Services speaks with delegates


BAR NewsBAR Services

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BAR News


Conference 2014: Learn – Exchange Ideas – Be Inspired The 2014 BAR Conference was held at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, from 15 -17 May.

A wide range of speakers attended this year’s Conference, giving delegates the chance to hear from experts in fields such as industry regulation, online marketing and employment law, among others. There was also a strong international focus in Glasgow, with high level industry speakers who had come from around the world to share best practice and experiences of European and International organisations. The Conference was well supported by BAR Members, International Associates, BAR Affiliates and partners. The Marriott Hotel location proved

extremely popular with attendees, and the Conference hotel room allocation was fully sold out. The top quality service and hard work of the Marriott staff combined with the hotel’s excellent facilities ensured that all delegates enjoyed a very comfortable Conference. BAR thanks the following companies for their sponsorship of the Annual Conference and their continued support of the industry: BAR Overseas Group, Basil Fry & Company Ltd, JT & Sons Relocations, PHS Teacrate, Pluscrates, Rightmove, EUROGROUP International Movers, The Office of the Lord Provost, and TwentyCi.

Instant feedback “The standard of the Conference and the level of support for it have been exceptional. I am very much looking forward to next year.”Neal Lambert, George Lambert & Sons Ltd

“In my 30 years attending moving conferences, I have never experienced the camaraderie between Members that I have over the course of the BAR Conference.”Ed Katz, International Office Moving Institute

“The Conference has had a great atmosphere, with great speakers in a great city.”Matt Purdie, Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd

“It has been a fantastic Conference. The speakers have been relevant and informative with excellent content.” Mark Herrington, Pickfords Move Management Ltd

“It has been a great weekend. The tours were very enjoyable and the atmosphere has been good-natured and light-hearted.” Ian Palmer, White & Company

For more feedback on the Glasgow event, see BAR’s website for business and workshop presentations and photos: www.bar.co.uk/conference2014.aspxBob Tree of Basil Fry & Co played a key role in Glasgow, acting

as compere for the business sessions and ensuring that delegates were fully aware of the Conference programme.

BAR Conference 2014


BAR NewsBAR Conference 2014

BAR Annual General MeetingBAR Director General Stephen Vickers updated Members on BAR’s financial situation and the audited 2013 Accounts were noted by Members.

Wellers Accountants were confirmed as auditors of the Association for the coming year and the election of Kirk Dugard as a Directly Elected Director for a three-year term was announced. This year’s AGM saw the appointment of the new BAR President, Gary Wheadon of D. Sully & Son, who took over the role from Ian Studd of Harrow Green. Gary has been involved with the BAR since his election as a Directly Elected Director in 2007. He has also served on the BAR Advisory Committee and as Vice President since 2012. An in-depth interview with Gary can be found on page 30 of this issue. Mark Herrington was confirmed as Vice President for the next two years.

Federation of RemoversMembers were asked to vote on the introduction of a new trade association, the Federation of Removers (FOR). The motion was passed by Members with significant support. R&S will cover how the new Federation will work in the July issue.

Q&A panelThe Board addressed a variety of topics raised by Members during a Question & Answer session. David Trenchard raised the possibility of toughening the standards criteria for new BAR Members, and there was a discussion about the need for a gradual and inclusive approach to raising standards. As part of a discussion on increasing standards through training, Robert Bartup suggested that the Board consider reintroducing compulsory annual levies on companies which would be returned to them through training vouchers in an effort to increase standards and training. Adam Chudley asked how the BAR could do more to involve young people within the industry, and to encourage young movers’ involvement at all levels of the BAR. Stephen Vickers said that personal and youth development is a central focus for the BAR, and Ian Palmer spoke of his recent positive experiences at the Young Movers London 2014 international event, hosted by BAR in May.

RBAThe Annual Report and Accounts 2013 for the Removers Benevolent Association were presented by Matt Purdie, Chairman of Trustees of the RBA. Matt announced that the RBA investment portfolio had grown significantly over the past few years, thanks to the involvement of the RBA’s stockbrokers, Charles Stanley investment management group.

Outgoing BAR President Ian Studd (left) congratulates new BAR President, Gary Wheadon (right)

Robert Bartup (GB Liners)

Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General

Adam Chudley (Chudley International)

David Trenchard (Britannia Leatherbarrows)

Belfast 2015: A city on the rise Next year the BAR Annual Conference heads to Belfast, Northern Ireland, demonstrating the UK-wide coverage of the BAR and the ever-increasing growth in membership. This vibrant port city represents the meeting point between British and Irish culture, and is well known for its multitude of historic pubs, top quality restaurants and engaging history. Visit Belfast supplied a stand in the Exhibition Hall so that Members could find out more about next year’s venue.More information about bookings and the Conference programme will be set out in future issues of R&S and will be available in the Members’ Area of the BAR website.

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BAR News


BAR Membership SurveyIncoming President Gary Wheadon presented the results of the biennial BAR Membership Survey. The aim of the Survey was to collect feedback from Members on every aspect of their BAR Membership so that BAR can review and improve its programmes and shape future directions for the Association.

The Survey involved BAR contacting every Member company to invite them to participate by answering questions over the telephone. Although there was a lower response rate than for the 2012 Survey, those BAR Members who did respond provided constructive suggestions and positive feedback. There was clear appreciation by Members of the core products and services offered by BAR. The BAR Terms and Conditions were seen as a Membership benefit by 88% of respondents, and there was also strong feedback in support of the BAR Broadcast system (68%) as well as the Professional Advisers Panel (78%). All but two respondents use the BAR badge to support their own branding, as this is considered by the vast majority of Members to be a powerful marketing tool. More than half of the respondents surveyed saw the training courses offered by BAR Training Services (BARTS) as a Membership benefit. Of those surveyed, 70% were aware of the BARTS Commercial Removal-specific Apprenticeship, with 61% saying that they would be interested in the development of a domestic moving Apprenticeship. Over half (52%) of the respondents had signed up to receive BAR Sales Leads, with 59% considering them to be a benefit. The main reasons for not signing up for the leads were that Members were either unaware of the system or believed it would be too time consuming. Although only 20% of respondents are currently using Trusted Mover, 48%

consider it as a Membership benefit. Furthermore, many Members confirmed that they are planning to sign up to the free service in the near future. Members gave encouraging feedback regarding BAR communications with the Membership. R&S magazine was liked by 80% of respondents, and 78% view it as a Membership benefit. Members said they appreciate the business content of R&S and would like to see more stories about small and medium-sized companies as well as more case studies. There was also strong recognition and support for the weekly BAR newsletter which is read and seen as a benefit by 76% of those surveyed. There was also recognition of the broad network of useful links that BAR has created with affiliates, partners and other professional organisations, with helpful suggestions of industry sectors that BAR could target in the future. Gary closed the round-up of the results by updating Members on changes that the BAR had implemented in response to the 2012 Survey. The BAR website has been redesigned so that it is more customer focused, tablet friendly and with an improved layout. Following calls for an affiliated breakdown company, the Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services Ltd joined as a BAR Affiliate in August 2013 while the Domestic, Overseas and Commercial Groups’ moving guides were updated in September 2013. The 2012 Survey showed a perceived lack of consumer awareness of the BAR brand – an issue that the BAR has been working hard to address. Such efforts are

bearing fruit, and a Rightmove survey last year showed that 71% of the public are aware of BAR, up from 47% in 2011.

BAR Conference 2014

‘‘There was clear appreciation by Members of the core products and services offered by BAR. The BAR Terms and Conditions were seen as a Membership benefit by 88% of respondents, and there was also strong feedback in support of the BAR Broadcast system (68%) as well as the Professional Advisers Panel (78%).

‘‘

The full 62-page Survey is available to Members via the Members’ Area of the BAR website.


BAR News

The full 62-page Survey is available to Members via the Members’ Area of the BAR website.

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BAR News


BAR launches new productsBAR Director General Stephen Vickers introduced a selection of new and innovative products to Members at this year’s Conference.

The BAR Advanced Estimating System can now be white-labelled for integration into Members’ websites.

Advanced Estimating System for Members’ websites

R&S App

When Members integrate the System into their own websites, they can choose from a selection of colourways to match existing site branding. Members will be able to populate the ‘how did you find us?’ field to further inform their marketing strategy, and add their own sales ‘Offer Codes’ to attract more customers. The system uses the MyBAR charging matrix data and admin configurations. Members will also benefit from free software upgrades to the System. Members will need to sign a licence agreement to implement the software. There is no set-up charge. The agreement is for a minimum of 12

months at £50 (plus VAT) per month. If Members wish to sign up for an initial 24 months, the first three months will be free of charge. After a continuous period of 24 months’ service provision, the price will be reduced to £35 per month. Fees must be paid by direct debit or annually in advance, and the licence will automatically cease on the ending of BAR Membership or a payment default.To find out more, please contact the BAR Commercial Department (Tel: 01923 699 483; Email: [email protected]).

R&S will be going digital with the introduction of a dedicated R&S App. The digital version of R&Swill include live links, video links, image sliders to make use of additional photos, internal page links and button links to allow direct responses. The move to digital will also allow enhancedadvertising opportunities, with all advertisers’ email and website addresses as live links andgreater reader engagement through QR code links, social media links and image and button links.Members will be given the choice of receiving R&S in hard copy or digitally. International Associates will be migrated over to the free App by September 2014. As from the end of this month, the App will be available through the BAR website at a Members’ price of £47.99 per year or £29.99for six months (£4 per issue, Members only, in comparison to the normal price of £6 per issue).

Non-members will also be able to purchase the magazine at the cost of £69.99 per year or £34.99 for six months.

If Members want to switch from receiving a hard copy to receiving the digital copy, they will not be

charged. Stephen told Members that the introduction of a digital version of R&S would increase readership, especially globally. As it will be tablet and mobile friendly Members will be able to read this leading industry publication anywhere in the world. There will be instant access to back issues via the App. There are currently special offers for advertising in the digital version of the magazine, including an early bird offer that will run until December 2014.To find out more, please contact the BAR Commercial Department (Tel: 01923 699 483; Email: [email protected]).

BAR Conference 2014

BAR History Book

The BAR History Book marks 100 years since the incorporation of the Association. One personalised copy of the book will be delivered to each Member (to their head office and to each branch), Affiliate and International Associate, and to each Honorary Life Member. Additional copies will be sold at £25 each (plus £2.20 UK postage and packaging). For International postage costs, please contact BAR.


BAR News

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BAR News


Gary Wheadon: BAR’s new PresidentGary Wheadon took the leadership baton from Ian Studd at this year’s BAR Conference. As he embarks on this new role, Gary spoke to R&S about his ambitions for his two-year term as BAR President.R&S: What are the key things that BAR Members should know about you?Gary Wheadon: I have worked in the removals industry all of my working life. Like the majority of BAR Members, I run a small removals company. And, I have a lot of time and empathy for fellow BAR Members, whatever the size of their company. From my perspective and background, the people who run companies at the sharp end – those who start at 5am every day, work in all weathers, who are directly responsible for their staff and to their clients and still have a smile on their faces for everyone at the end of the day – are well worth representing. At the same time, BAR needs its large-sized company Members who often lead the way in innovation, management and best practice. My view is that people should do what they do best and work hard at it!

R&S: What areas will be your main focus as BAR President?Gary Wheadon: This year’s BAR Conference in Glasgow was one of the best ever. Everyone has the feeling that the Association is getting back on track again. A number of the industry and international speakers mentioned that BAR is a highly respected, leading professional trade association. Importantly, BAR is now widely recognised as a brand by the public, according to a Rightmove survey last year, and the Association is actively supported at Government level. Before taking on the role of President I was Vice-President for two years. During this period, I saw just how much work is done by BAR behind the scenes to research, develop and invest in cost-effective and targeted products and services to provide value for its Members. During my term as BAR President, I will make sure that Members know about all the benefits that are available to help them run their businesses successfully. If you look at companies that do well in our Association, it’s the ones that grab the opportunities that BAR provides them through its Member benefits. There is a renewed feeling of a community within our industry and I believe that is important and that we should build on this. One of the great things about having been BAR Vice President and previously a Directly Elected Director was that I got to meet a lot of the BAR Membership at Area meetings. The Area meetings are a fantastic place to make connections, share common problems and find solutions. As a small company, it has always been great to meet others and know that I was not alone. While I embrace online professional networking, talking to colleagues face-to-face means things don’t get ‘lost in translation’ so to speak! I really hope that during my term as President I can encourage as many Members as possible to attend the Area meetings. I was extremely pleased that a large majority of Members voted at this year’s AGM to approve the

formation of the Federation of Removers (FOR). This will encourage the smaller companies to join and get involved in our industry. In fact, one of the commitments new FOR Associates will have to make will be to attend Area meetings which will help them find out about all that is on offer and how to keep driving their businesses forward to the point that they can become BAR Members.

R&S: How will you combine running your business with your new role as BAR President?Gary Wheadon: I think the role of Directly Elected Director prepared me well for when I took on the role of Vice President and I hope now for President. There is a lot of travelling around the country – it is important to meet the Membership. Yes, I do still have my business to run, and I’m extremely lucky to have a great team around me. However I am also very committed to this Association. I find it both humbling and inspiring that so many people in this industry have been quite so supportive to me – whether it is offering to lend me some of their vans for a large contract or offering their time and experience to bounce off ideas when a problem crops up – and this has come from both small and large company representatives. The only thing no one has offered to help me with so far is the mental anguish in surviving the ups and downs of Brentford Football Club!

‘‘There is a renewed feeling of a community within our industry and I believe that is important and that we should build on this. Gary Wheadon, BAR President

‘‘

Gary Wheadon, BAR President

Gary Wheadon, BAR President

Company: D. Sully & Son LtdIndustry expertise: More than 40 yearsPrevious BAR positions: Met Area Chairman, Directly Elected Director (2007-2010); BAR Vice President (2012-2014)


BAR News

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BAR News


BAR Conference 2014

Reddaways Removals: Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15This year’s Domestic Mover of the Year award, sponsored by TwentyCi, went to Reddaways Removals, a company that has been a respected name in the removals industry since 1935. Geoff Clinch of Reddaways Removals tells R&S about the company’s determination to win this prestigious industry award.

“Winning the Domestic Mover of the Year award means so much to us. Having been a finalist on four occasions, to win at last is fantastic!” Geoff Clinch told R&S in a post-Conference interview from South Zeal in Devon. “It reinforces our belief in what we do for our customers.”

Geoff believes that the key to Reddaways’ success is providing a consistently high quality service to its customers, always taking the time to understand what customers want and to provide it to them in a personal way. “Small is beautiful!” says Geoff. “We know ALL

our customers’ requirements, and they get personal attention from all staff members.”

As a family business with a long and proud record of BAR membership and maintaining the high standards this implies, Geoff believes Reddaways’ success is rooted in a high quality service, along with “fair pricing with clear communications” so that customers always know where they stand and that they are being treated well.

Now that the long wait is over, Geoff says he is excited about the added prestige that the DMotY award

will bring to Reddaways and says he intends to make the most of it. “We will use the award everywhere! Paperwork, vehicles, the Internet. We will use it as a source of promotion to future clients, and it will provide motivation to our staff, whose dedication and team spirit have helped us win this award.” Geoff recommends other BAR Members who are considering entering the Domestic Mover of the Year in the future to take the plunge. “Just enter, its free and easy to complete paperwork,” he says. “If you know your customer service is good, it’s worth showing others.”

DMotY 2014-15

To the victor, the spoils As well as the honour of having been crowned Domestic Mover of the Year, Reddaways Removals will also benefit from the generous prizes offered by BAR and the sponsors of the competition. Reddaways will receive the coveted DMotY trophy to be retained for 12 months, as well as an etched glass trophy and framed award certificate to keep. The company has been issued with 2014 Award Winner decals for use on their vehicles, and will now be able to use the Award Winner logo for their corporate communications. Main sponsors TwentyCi will give Reddaways 2,500 free Under Offer & Sold Alert leads or a £1,000 credit towards a lower volume of more targeted leads. TwentyCi will also carry out a ‘blueprint’ review of Reddaways current

marketing strategy. BAR Training Services will give Reddaways one day of operative training at its premises. BAR has already begun to promote the company’s success to the local media, and R&S hopes to run several articles on Reddaways’ news as well as the four adverts Reddaways is entitled to over the coming year.

‘‘Winning DMotY means so much to us. Having tried on four occasions, to win at last is fantastic! It reinforces our belief in what we do for our customers.

‘‘

2014-15

WINNER


2014-15

WINNER


Main Sponsor:

Reddaways RemovalsW: www.reddawaysremovals.co.ukE: [email protected] T: 0183 784 0373

Geoff and Mike Clinch of Reddaways Removals with their Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 award alongside BAR President Gary Wheadon, National Council Chairman Neal Lambert and Katy Billany of TwentyCi, the main sponsor of the award.


BAR News

Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15Companies competing in this year’s Domestic Mover of the Year award faced stiff competition, with the quality of entrants as high as ever. Keynote speaker Baroness Crawley and National Council Chairman Neal Lambert awarded finalist certificates and Certificates of Merit to the companies that reached the final stages of the competition.

Well done also to the following companies who have been awarded a Certificate of Merit: Bournes, Britannia Thomas Casserly’s and Maidman’s Removals & Storage.

Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol

Bournes

Kilmarnock Removers International

Maidman’s Removals & Storage

Reddaways Removals

DMotY Finalists

DMotY Certificates of Merit

Please Note: There was no picture available of Britannia Thomas Casserly’s who also won a DMotY Certificate of Merit.

BAR Conference 2014

DMotY 2014-15 2014-15

WINNER


Main Sponsor:


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BAR News


BAR Conference 2014

Fuelled by a novel fun fair-themed buffet, delegates were given the opportunity to spend their fun fair tokens at a multitude of interactive stalls. Whether they were taking shots at cans with air guns, testing their strength on the high striker or sticking with the traditional coconut shy, delegates were able to network and socialise with their fellow Conference

attendees following the first day of business sessions.Over at JT & Sons Relocations’ virtual golf

simulator, delegates enjoyed displaying their off-course golf skills. The end of the evening saw the auction for the industry’s charity, the Removers Benevolent Association charity auction. Paul Bullock of PHS Teacrate took on the role of the auctioneer,

ably supported by BAR Director General Stephen Vickers, offering party-goers the chance to bid for a selection of items including a signed Tottenham Hotspur jersey, raising £1,536.

To contribute or to find out more about the RBA, please contact the BAR Company Secretary on tel: 01923 699480 or email: [email protected]

Fun at the fair Conference delegates enjoyed a charity fun fair night, sponsored by PHS Teacrate.



BAR Golf Challenge 2014: Glasgow, 15 May 2014By Peter Doman, Basil Fry & Company

Mar Hall was the venue for this year’s BAR golf tournament which was once again sponsored by Basil Fry with 18 players including overseas visitors from the US and Holland spoilt with the choice of course.

The course is set out on the banks of the River Clyde so we were afforded spectacular views of the rugged hills across the other side of the water. We were also blessed with the finest weather of the Conference, glorious sunshine and calm conditions. So much so that sun cream seemed to be the most important (and most forgotten) accessory of the day!

After a short mini bus ride where transport had been laid on by ‘Team Purdie and Basil Fry & Co.’, a quick bacon roll and a coffee, the ‘International Fourball’ set off at 11:00hrs with Stephen Vickers and Steve Pearce hosting Gertjan Breij and Terry Head.

This was soon followed by the ‘Scots v The Peters’ fourball with Hilda Fleming and David Christie playing with Peter Doman and Peter Strange. Needless to say any potential local knowledge from the northern contingent failed to help the Southerners of this team!

Next to play were ‘The Bandits’ (so named as they collected 50% of the prizes), who were Kevin Mack (last year’s winner), Nick Flaxman and Greg Wildman. Following behind this team were ‘The A Team’ who on paper were the strongest group of players of the day with previous industry competition winners Gary Beattie, Matt Hawkins and Neal Lambert joined by David Strank.

The final threeball, ‘The Hackers’, were Onkar Sharma, Dave Ewart and Neil Purdie. The team name suggested that these three would definitely get value for money on the course, however no-one embarrassed themselves, with scores equalling those who play regularly.

After much banter, a few lost balls and some great company the day ended with a well-earned beer or two (thank you Nick & Greg), a search for aftersun and one more chance to take in the stunning scenery.

Congratulations to the prize winners!• Runner Up with 33 points: Neal Lambert • Nearest the Pin: Neil Purdie • Longest Drive: Greg Wildman • The winner with 34 points: Nick Flaxman

All in all, a fantastic day was had by all and we look forward to seeing a strong turnout in Belfast next year.

Nick Flaxman, overall winner Above L-R: Neil Purdie (Nearest the pin) with Dave Ewart and Onkar Sharma

Above (left) Onkar Sharma and (right) Terry Head

Above L-R: Matt Hawkins, Gary Beattie, Neal Lambert & David Strank

Above (left) Greg Wildman (chipping) and (far right) Gertjan Breij

David Christie & Peter Doman finishing their round Relaxing after the tournament

Kevin Mack Neil Purdie

Above L-R: Hilda Fleming, David Christie, Perter Doman and Peter Strange

Sponsored by:

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BAR News


BAR Conference 2014

After the conclusion of the business sessions and workshops on Saturday afternoon, delegates experienced some of the charms of their host city, with a trip to the riverside Glasgow Museum of Transport and the Auchentoshan whisky distillery.

The Glasgow Museum of Transport has been located next to the River Clyde at Glasgow Harbour since 2011. The Museum, which won the 2013 European Museum of the Year Award, houses a wide variety of historic vehicles, ranging from steam trains to nostalgia-inducing chopper bicycles. There was a focus on Glasgow’s historic role as a centre of world shipping and construction with exhibits dedicated to

the role and activity of the area’s shipyards, long since diminished since the days when 25% of the world’s ships were constructed on the Clyde.

Moored on the Clyde outside the Museum is the SV Glenlee, a cargo ship built in Glasgow in 1896. Now a floating museum, the Glenlee once sailed the Australia trade routes via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. From 1922 she was a sail training ship for the Spanish navy and was saved from being scrapped in 1993. The ship has been carefully restored to its former glory, and presented delegates with the chance to see where the Glenlee’s sailors lived and worked while she was at sea.

Auchentoshan whisky distilleryDelegates were also treated to a trip to the home of Auchentoshan whisky. Groups were given a guided tour of the distillery and warehouses, where Auchentoshan still uses traditional methods of production and storage to create its world-famous triple-distilled whisky. Delegates sampled the whisky they had learned so much about, and experienced the delicate and somewhat sweet flavour that the distillery is famed for. The number of purchases from the distillery gift shop afterwards suggests that they very much enjoyed what they had tasted!

Sampling Glaswegian history The 2014 Conference Tour immersed delegates in local history with a trip to the Museum of Transport and the 191 year-old Auchentoshan whisky distillery.



The winner was Joseph Quinlivan of Interdean Relocation Services who will be able to choose from 16 supercars on offer, including a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Audi A8, Aston Martin, Porsche and Ariel Atom. Lucky Joseph will drive for a total of 18 miles (depending on the venue chosen) before moving across into the passenger seat to enjoy a high-speed ride from a professional instructor. R&S looks forward to reporting on his experience!For more information visit www.twentyci.co.uk

TwentyCi Triple Supercar Thrill prizeAs well as co-sponsoring the Gala Dinner and Awards night at the BAR Annual Conference 2014, TwentyCi ran a prize draw which would allow the winner to drive three supercars around an exhilarating race track.

Display of modern and vintage vehiclesTerry Sinnott and the UVB team played a prominent role at this year’s Conference, organising a display of several vintage and modern vehicles proudly displayed outside the Conference venue by BAR Members. For more information visit www.uniquevanbodies.com

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BAR News


CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations.

Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 – Joint Winner: Harrow GreenR&S caught up with Ian Studd of Harrow Green shortly after the company won the 2014 Commercial Mover of the Year Award in Glasgow.

“It’s great to have been recognised in this way,” says Business Relocation Director Ian Studd. “It’s an acknowledgement that we have excelled in our industry and demonstrates that we put quality and service in front of everything else.”

Harrow Green has grown steadily to become the market leader in the commercial moving market since it began trading in 1983, and has had the largest share of the UK’s business moving market for over ten years.

Ian believes that the company’s success has been built on hard work and teamwork, and its dedication to delivering service, quality and ultimately giving customers what they want. “It makes us very proud to see such a positive outcome for the continuous investment in our staff training and development,” he told R&S. “This was a team effort and we are delighted that our hard work has paid off in this way. Just as important is knowing that our customers see our capabilities and it’s fantastic to receive this endorsement from them. We are all very happy!”

Ian recognises the tremendous marketing opportunities that winning the award presents to Harrow Green. “We will use the award as something extra to help make us stand out from the crowd,” he said. “Our industry is very competitive and this provides us with a great differential that is relevant and recent. We hope that it will be one of the things a customer will use to choose us over our competitors.”

Harrow Green now plans to publicise the Award through a variety of channels, including the company’s social media circles, corporate website and its other external marketing and communications tools. “The key is to leverage our award to help us win more new business,” Ian explains.

For Harrow Green, the award is considered a great morale booster for the staff, and a spur to continue the excellent work that the Commercial Mover of the Year Award recognises. “We will continue to invest in our people, equipment and training; we know how important this is in helping to raise the standards across our industry. We will continue to look for new ideas to help our customers receive an even better moving experience in the years ahead!”

Pluscrates was the main sponsor for this year’s competition, which was also supported by Office Moves and Basil Fry & Co. Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations will share the following main prizes:

• £1,000 cash prize from Pluscrates

• Three months of free relocation sales leads worth £1,000 and training on how to use the database from Office Moves

• £1,000 credit towards insurance cover from Basil Fry & Co.

CMotY 2014 prizes

‘‘Our industry is very competitive and this provides us with a great differential that is relevant and recent. We hope that it will be one of the things a customer will use to choose us over our competitors.

Ian Studd, Harrow Green

‘‘Harrow Green’s Liz Russell (left), Commercial Manager, Birmingham and Ann Apsley (right), Commercial Manager, Glasgow with the Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 trophy and award.

Main sponsor:

CMotY 2014

Harrow GreenW: www.harrowgreen.com T: 0845 603 8744


BAR NewsCMG News

Main sponsor:

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BAR News


CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations.

Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 – Joint Winner: JT & Sons RelocationsFor the second year running, JT & Sons Relocations are winners of the Commercial Mover of the Year award. Jenny Thorncroft spoke to R&S about the significance of the company’s latest achievement.

“We feel even more excited this year than we did last year, and that is hard to beat!” Co-Director Jenny Thorncroft told R&S. Jenny says although everyone at Sussex-based JT & Sons Relocations had been elated since winning CMotY 2013, “we have had our feet firmly on the ground. We were determined to get the most out of winning CMotY 2013 and, together with all of our staff, we wanted to keep the momentum going.”

Jenny, Managing Director Timon Thorncroft and new Director Lee Austin are convinced that the launch of their new website in May 2013 and winning CMotY 2013 that same month led to a massive increase in new enquiries. “Winning CMotY has tremendous value for a company – one of our new clients in the past year told us that they had consulted the BAR website to find a commercial removals company and that they had specifically looked for who had won the industry award last year before contacting us.”

Having won CMotY in 2013, it was particularly important for JT & Sons Relocations not to become complacent when it came to their clients in both the private and public sectors and the company’s high quality customer service and delivery standards. For this reason they decided to cite some regular clients for the testimonial part of the competition. “Some of the clients we chose we work with very regularly and we felt it would be a good marker to establish that we have not become complacent,” Jenny told R&S. “We also selected some completely new clients with one-off moves so that we had a good mixture of client references.”

Jenny says that the whole company took part in preparation for the 2014 competition with every member of staff from the porters to the Managing Director making nominations of which clients to use. “Our focus and 150% commitment is paying off,” Jenny says. “I am delighted that we are running out of logo space on our paperwork!”

Jenny expressed her thanks to husband and Managing Director Timon. “Timon has worked extremely hard throughout his career and finally he is getting the recognition he deserves for his expertise and professionalism. It is under his leadership that JT & Sons has flourished.”

‘‘Our focus and 150% commitment is paying off.Jenny Thorncroft, JT & Sons Relocations

‘‘

The JT & Sons Relocations team with their Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 award and trophy (from left to right): Michael Kirwan, Jenny Thorncroft, Calum Thorncroft, Lee Austin and Dillon Thorncroft (holding the trophy).

Main sponsor:

CMotY 2014

It was a true family outing for Jenny and Timon Thorncroft this year at the BAR Glasgow Conference. They brought along sons, Calum Thorncroft, Ben Thorncroft (who turned 18 at Conference) as well as six-year old Dillon Thorncroft, who also proved to be an impressive representative of a future generation of JT & Sons, and who even presented some of the awards! “I think removals is in his blood,” Jenny told R&S. Timon has clearly already instilled in young Dillon the essentials of running a successful removals business. “It’s all about the skates,” Dillon told his mother to tell R&S.

Very Young Mover at Glasgow!

JT & Sons RelocationW: www.jtsrelocations.com E: [email protected] T: 0800 849 1501


BAR NewsCMG News

Main sponsor:

We would like to hear from youOur company’s sole purpose since its inception in 1977 is to serve the membership – to supply good quality, innovative packaging products at low prices. This is achieved by buying jointly on your behalf and passing on the discount achieved from this bulk purchasing power!

As a Member, we should be your preferred supplier but are we? For many of you the answer will be yes but for those of you that say no then we would like to know why and what we can do to change that? Your feedback is important so please ring us on 01342 870087 or you can simply email [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you.

As the No.1 provider of packaging to the moving professionals, we would like to be your preferred supplier - If we are not, please tell us why.

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BAR News


CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations. CMotY 2014 Finalists and Certificates

of Merit

Ede’s

Fox Business Moving

Pickfords Move Management Ltd.

Maidman’s Removals & Storage

John Bradshaw & Son

Specialised Movers Ltd.

Universal Commercial Relocation Ltd.

P Fahey & Sons

CMotY Finalists

CMotY Certificates of Merit

Main sponsor:

CMotY 2014

Please Note: There were no pictures available of Clockwork Removals, Johnsons Business Moves and Delivery Services who also won CMotY Certificates of Merit.

Keynote speaker Baroness Crawley and CMG Chairman Kevin Mack presented the companies that reached the final stages in the CMotY 2014 competition with framed certificates.


BAR NewsCMG News

Universal Commercial Relocation Ltd.

P Fahey & Sons

Main sponsor:

The CMotY competition sees slight changes to the rules each year, as new lessons are learned from the process and the business environment changes. The new rules that were introduced in 2012 had three changes made to them in 2013, and a further five this year. First, the number of moves that the judges were required to evaluate was increased from five to six, to tie in with the intention of giving each of the three judges two entries each for evaluation. This change eliminated the random selection of entrants by the judges last year, when one customer might have been contacted by all three, or not at all. As a result of the change, it was possible for every entrant to tell their customers that they would get only one approach from a competition judge. Second, in 2013, 25 extra points were made available to judges based on the accuracy of information provided by the mover in question and the understanding of the customers regarding the competition. For 2014, these points were removed and instead judges were given the ability to deduct points for failings in these fields. There was no limit on how many points a judge could deduct. The third change to the rules for the 2014 competition was that the qualification for attainment of a Certificate of Merit was raised to 85% of the total marks available. The total marks available were the subject of the fourth change. With five finalists emerging with their scores out of 600, each would then undergo a visit from QSS for assessment in relation to elements of BS

8522, with a maximum of 50 marks available to QSS for scoring. As such, the maximum score achievable by a finalist would be 650. The final change was a change of judges. Beth Goodyear and David Bunting were retained as FM and remover judges respectively, and Andy Thornton, the BBC workplace’s London Property Director, was the 2014 end user judge. Unfortunately, one of the judges had to be admitted to hospital before the end of the judging period, and at that stage, the judge had not received responses back from seven customers. All entrants decided that only one of that judge’s scores would be taken into consideration from all fourteen clients, with the lower of two scores – where two had been received – being omitted. This meant that the new maximum achievable score would be 500, and Certificates of Merit would be awarded for all Entrants achieving 85% of this new total, i.e. 425 marks. The eventual winner’s score would be out of 550, after the QSS score was added.

High quality entrants for 2014As always, David was transparent, open and constructive about all of his findings. “Staggering as it may seem, after all the exhortations, four of the 28 customers I spoke with were not even aware of the CMotY competition. And this cost marks, which could have been significant in determining the eventual winner,” David told delegates. “For an entrant to put together six of his or her best moves for evaluation, and then sacrifice marks through inattention to the matters of accuracy of information, and the

understanding of the clients regarding the competition, borders on either suicide, or stupidity, or both.” Despite this, the quality was still exceptionally high. As David told delegates: “The scoring at the top between the five finalists after the judges’ part of the competition, was very close indeed, and even closer after the QSS visits, when joint winners emerged. A number of options were put to the five finalists as to how this situation might be dealt with, such as having a count back, or tie break, but all voted for joint winners to be awarded – a situation which has only occurred once in the history of the Competition, in 1995.” This summer R&S plans to publish some of David’s useful tips for future CMotY contestants on what helped or hindered entries in the CMotY 2014 competition.

CMotY 2014 The 2014 Commercial Mover of the Year competition, sponsored for the second year running by Pluscrates, was the 22nd in the history of the CMG. Though the number of entrants was down on 2013, the quality was extremely high and the result was rather unexpected – there were two joint winners! David Bunting, former BAR President and CMG Chairman and one of the judges for the CMotY 2014 competition, explained to delegates how the process worked.

• 22nd year of CMotY• 14 entries• 50% of entries were CMG Council

members• 1995 was the only other year of joint

CMotY winners: Ede’s and Britannia Neaves

• CMotY 2014 joint winners: Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations.

CMotY 2014 statistics

New BAR President Gary Wheadon (far left), CMG Chairman Kevin Mack and John Mitchell of Pluscates (far right) with the joint winners of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2014: JT & Sons Relocations (left) and Harrow Green (right).

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CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations. CMG meets for AGM Stabillity was the key theme of this year’s Commercial Moving Group (CMG) AGM. Acting Chairman Brian Maidman stepped down, handing the Chairmanship back to Kevin Mack.

Looking forward, Kevin confirmed the appointment of Sarah Cole (Universal Commercial Relocation) as Vice Chair.

CMG Members were then updated on the progress of the CMG apprenticeship programme. Some of the early teething problems have now been resolved and the future of the scheme looks bright with a new intake of apprentices beginning their training. Ian Studd (Harrow Green) shared his company’s experience of apprenticeships, praising the work of the BAR Training Services team in overcoming initial difficulties which were identified at the outset of the scheme. Ian urged Members to make the most of the opportunity as the success of the scheme depends on the level of uptake from CMG Member companies.

Open forumMembers discussed the future directions of the CMG in the open forum session. Kevin told delegates that the Council would take the lessons learned from the Conference sessions and especially the BIFM survey results (see report on page 58) to move the CMG forward.

The CMG Terms and Conditions will soon be updated and Council elections will take place later this year to select new councillors. It was also noted that the CMG was once again growing steadily, with the Group’s size currently standing at 54 companies, up from 49 in 2013 and 47 in 2012.

CMG Seminar and Golf DayThe ever-popular CMG Seminar and Golf Day will take place on 22-23 September in Croydon, Surrey at the Selsdon Park Hotel & Golf Club. An exciting line up of speakers has been planned, with a demonstration of lifting equipment, launch of a new product from PHS

Teacrate and follow-up on the CMG BIFM survey.Delegates will be able to relax at the end of the Seminar over dinner, with entertainment from one of the most sought-after mainstream comedians Adger Brown. To book your place visit www.barcommercialmovinggroup.com

David Bunting, former CMG Chairman and BAR President, gave Members a brief and interesting summary of the history of the CMG to mark the Group’s upcoming 25th anniversary at the beginning of next year. David recalled the first meeting of what would become the Commercial Moving Group, on 30 January 1990 at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London, attended by around 100 people. The meeting, jointly facilitated by Derek Payne and Tony Richman, resulted in break-out sessions to discuss the creation of the group, which would sit alongside the National Council and the Overseas Group as the third functional group of the Association. By the end of the day, a steering committee of five had been formed to determine the rules, structure, aims and objectives of the Group. This resulted in the formation of a Council which held its first meeting in January 1991. Since then, the Group has had 12 Chairmen and one acting Chairman, four of

whom (Jonathon Hood, David Bunting, Annie Neave and Ian Studd) have gone on to become BAR Presidents, with Mark Herrington poised to be the fifth to do so at the end of Gary Wheadon’s term. David also gave a brief history of the Commercial Mover of the Year competition, which began in 1993, two years after the first meeting of the Council. Since then, there have been 14 different winners, with Ede’s singled out for its five outright wins and one joint win. Rounding off his history of the Group, David mentioned some of the key events that had occurred over the years such as the CMG annual conferences which took place across the country and beyond, including locations such as Paris. The CMG annual conferences have now been merged with the central BAR Annual Conference, and the CMG has retained its popular Seminar and Golf Day as the dedicated commercial moving event.

CMG to turn 25!

On behalf of the CMG, Kevin Mack presented Brian Maidman with a special trophy in recognition of his hard work and contributions to the CMG.


BAR NewsCMG News

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BAR News


BAR Training NewsOverseas Group NewsOverseas Group News

The Overseas Group (OG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of overseas relocations.

Gary also thanked the Office of the Lord Provost for sponsoring the drinks and gave a particular welcome to all the overseas visitors, as well as a special welcome to keynote speaker Baroness Crawley and Bailie Phil Greene, a representative of the Lord Provost Office of the City of Glasgow.

Phil Greene kept the assembled throng well amused throughout his welcome speech, with honesty and wit, displaying a close knowledge of local removals companies. Chairman of the Overseas Group Ian Palmer thanked Phil Greene for his insightful views on removals.

Ian told delegates that Glasgow was the first BAR Conference he had attended (in 1990), and the only city that earned him a written warning from his employer for showing an overseas visitor too good a welcome. He thanked the 31 overseas guests, representing 21 different companies, and 13 different countries, which he felt showed BAR Overseas Group was getting back on track in attracting overseas guests to BAR events. A special welcome was extended to Errol Gardiner, FIDI President and owner of New Zealand Van Lines, and his wife Vivian Gardiner. Travelling from New Zealand, Errol and Vivian had come the furthest of all those attending.

Delegates were then entertained by the pipes and drums of the Topichen & Bathgate 25-piece pipe band, generously organised by Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd, as they were treated to a Scottish-themed informal dinner.

Incoming BAR President Gary Wheadon opened the first evening of the BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow by welcoming delegates and thanking the Overseas Group for sponsoring the event.

The Topichen & Bathgate 25-piece pipe band.

Errol Gardiner, FIDI President Ian Palmer, outgoing Chairman of the Overseas Group

BAR Conference Welcome Evening

For summaries of the Business Sessions and Workshops that were organised by the Overseas Group, please see pages 59-61.



BAR NewsBAR Training NewsOverseas Group NewsOverseas Group News

Ian Palmer, outgoing Chairman of the Overseas Group

At the Overseas Group open forum, Ian Palmer handed over the Chairmanship of the Overseas Group to Tony Tickner. Ian had served as OG Chairman for four years, having had his initial two-year term extended.

The Overseas Group thanked Ian Palmer for his extended term. “We really hope that Ian will continue to lend his valuable support and contributions to the OG Council, and we are grateful that he will remain the OG Council representative on IMMI (the International Movers Mutual Insurance),” new OG Chairman Tony Tickner told R&S. The OG Open Forum aimed to elicit feedback from BAR Overseas Group Members, International Associates and guests. New OG Council Chairman Tony Tickner reports that the feedback was extremely positive in relation to the OG’s efforts to attract new OG Members as well as International Associates, and its work to establish greater information flow within the OG. The OG Council met on 5 June and R&S will report on the outcome in the July issue.

Overseas Group hosts open forum

Ian Palmer hands over the Chairmanship to Tony Tickner

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BAR News


Interview with Tony Tickner, new Overseas Group Chairman After his two years as Deputy Chairman of the Overseas Group, Tony Tickner, Managing Director of The EuroGroup International Movers, has taken on the role of Chairman of the Overseas Group.

‘‘“Taking over from Ian Palmer is not going to be an easy task. Over the past four years Ian has set up an efficient structure for the Overseas Group (OG) Council and he oversaw a lot of useful changes to the OG,” Tony told R&S shortly after the BAR Annual Conference 2014. Tony plans to continue to build on this infrastructure and to pursue the strategic directions that the OG Council has carefully devised. Key priorities will therefore be to attract more International Associates as well as more national BAR Members to become members of the OG. “There’s plenty of BAR Members who are carrying out international moves and who are missing a trick by not being members of the Overseas Group,” Tony told R&S. The principal advantage of being a member of BAR’s Overseas Group is that companies can display the OG badge which shows that they are specialised in and meet the highest standards in international moving. As well as having instant access to a wide international network of removals companies and organisations, OG members have the valuable advantage of being covered by the advance payment guarantee insurance scheme which is designed to protect all customer pre-payments and deposits for overseas moving customers. “BAR Members who are not members of the OG are not covered by this valuable cover,” Tony explains.

Marketing outreachMarketing the OG brand is incredibly important for Tony, and he feels now is the time for the OG Council to establish its own sub-committee dedicated to working on marketing ideas and solutions. It will be critical for the OG to develop initiatives to ensure that the general public is aware of the differences between the BAR National, Overseas Group and Commercial Moving Group badges. “The general public should know that they can be confident that those companies who display an Overseas Group badge meet the very specific standards necessary for carrying out overseas moves,” he says. For Tony, the introduction in 2013 of the BS8564 overseas moving standard as a requirement for membership of the OG for all companies who did not already hold a FIDI-FAIM or an equivalent standard has been an overwhelming success. “Just about every OG member supported the criteria we introduced for OG membership last year and every company has now complied with our criteria. I have not heard any negative comments about the OG criteria – it helps all of us with our sales stalls.” Another strand in the OG’s marketing outreach is its website which is now fully operational. Tony hopes to put this stylish and user-friendly portal to good use for all OG members, including its International Associates, by adding up-to-date relevant tools, for example, with information about customs.

Working more closely with international counterpartsPresenting the value of the OG’s truly international network is important for Tony. He anticipates that the new marketing committee will explore ways to promote awareness of the regional span of the OG and to illustrate the benefits to customers of the regional expertise of the OG’s International Associate members. The recent BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow was an indication of the value that International Associates place on the role and activities of the OG – with high level speakers such as Terry Head of the International Association of Movers, Errol Gardiner of FIDI, and Ed Katz of the International Office Moves Institute coming from far and wide to participate at the event in Scotland. “We were extremely grateful that so many International Associates and international speakers came to be with us in Glasgow and we would like to build on this for future BAR events,” Tony told R&S. Terry Head and Errol Gardiner took part in the Overseas Group Open Forum in Glasgow which discussed how their respective associations could work closer together. One area that could be explored was the idea of working together with regards to foreign study tours.

Bringing in changesFocusing on the industry’s Young Movers is an area that Tony considers needs greater attention. “As BAR and OG Members and as individual companies we should be identifying our younger key members of staff and encouraging them to participate more. For example, we should be sending them to events like the BAR Conference so they learn more about the industry

and feel part of it.” The OG Council plans to review its approaches to training, and to explore, for example, whether there is a need to establish an OG-specific training structure, in the form of apprenticeships. Tony believes: “It is important for our young people to follow a career path and gain a recognised qualification. Two of the OG Council members will be on the BAR Committee which is currently reviewing the BAR Training offering.” Another area for priority change that Tony is also championing the role of women in the overseas moving sector of the industry. “We should be encouraging more women into the industry and the first step will be for the OG Council to explore how this can happen.”

‘‘There’s plenty of BAR Members who are carrying out international moves and who are missing a trick by not being members of the Overseas Group.

BAR Training NewsOverseas Group NewsOverseas Group News


Features

The Removers Benevolent Associationis our charity, with the purpose to assist those staff, and their dependants, of current BAR Members who, due to adverse circumstances, are in need of financial help and support.

The BAR trustees welcome all eligible applications for assistance, which will receive prompt and sympathetic attention.

For further details please contact the BAR Secretary:Telephone 01923 699 480 or Email: [email protected]

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BAR News


Training News

BAR Training Services carry out a range of training courses for removals companies. For more information on all courses, please go to www.removalstraining.co.uk

Driver CPC Dates for your diary

Date Location Module 1 Module 2

16.06.14 Watford Selling Skills*

23.06.14 Watford Driver CPC - Packing Vehicle Loading

24/25.06.14 Watford Practical Estimating

26.06.14 Watford Driver CPC - Risk Assessment Manual Handling

14.07.14 Watford Driver Essentials - this is a full day course (7 hours towards periodic training)

22.07.14 Watford Prevention of Physical Risk Vehicle Loading

01.09.14 Watford Driver Essentials - this is a full day course (7 hours towards periodic training)

02.09.14 Watford Driver CPC - Manual Handling Risk Assessment

03.09.14 Watford Driver CPC - Prevention of Physical Risk Vehicle Loading

04.09.14 Watford Driver CPC - Emergency Situations Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving

For further information and to book call: 01923 699 497 or email: [email protected]

PricesThe British Association of Removers Training Services is an approved centre for CPC driver training. Professional LGV & PCV drivers must complete 35hrs of periodic training every 5 years following their acquired rights or initial CPC qualification and time is running out. We know time is running out to get re-qualified so have put on special open courses just for you to get those last few guys completed.

Day rates:

BAR Members £107

Non members £135

BAR members £87 Non members £105

Please note all prices are + VAT JAUPT APPROVED CENTRE AC00191

Drivers Essentials modulesBAR Training Services is currently offering the Drivers Essentials course to BAR Members. The aim of the seven-hour course is to provide delegates with an understanding of the impact and importance of complying with the law by not exceeding the maximum daily driving hours and

how to record this in the correct way. Driving for more than the legal amount of hours can cause serious safety issues, not only for the driver in question, but for other road users. At the end of the course drivers will be able to identify what weekly driving hours are legal,

record their driving hours, operate tachographs correctly and understand the penalties of not complying with the law. For more information and to book your place on the course visit www.removalstraining.com

Drivers Essentials course back due to popular demandNEW


BAR NewsTraining News

To book Call: 01923 699484 or email: [email protected]

Commercial EstimatingA specially designed course for the commercial estimator, expanding the knowledge of Estimating in general. The course focuses on calculating volume, methods for Estimating in the Commercial environment, what to look out for and questions to ask the customer. This course will make estimating large office moves less daunting for the less experienced estimator and includes a practical exercise, where delegates will experience estimating in a ‘real time’ situation.

• Why is volume important • How do we calculate volume • Things to be aware of when estimating furniture • Estimating the amount of packing crates, questions to be asked, method of a site viewing • What should be included in a commercial quotation, practical exercise.

General information

Finance for Non-Financial Managers – in partnership with The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

For more information contact BARTS.

£199 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

BAR Training ServicesTraining from the Removals Experts

BARTS 2014 Training Course dates. All courses taking place at BAR Watford

Did you know that BARTS can deliver all training onsite at your premises?

Please visit www.removalstraining.com and see all of the different training sessions, workshops and courses we provide, as well as the Removals Apprenticeship Scheme and Online E-learning. We can also tailor training programmes to fit your individual business needs.

Call BARTS on 01923 699484.

BTEC Award in Practical EstimatingThis 2 day course is practically based and is designed to teach students the art of estimating as well as face to face sales techniques, covering topics such as:

• Quantity assessment made easy • Instructor with 27 years experience in estimating • Best practice - survey to report to quote • Confidence in sales & estimating • Understanding the importance of communication

Overseas Training

Additional CPC dates added – Watford

2014 Course Dates:• 24th/25th Sept

2014 Course Dates:TBA

£545 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

Members £87 + VAT, Non Members £107 + VAT

2014 Other Courses:

• 1st Sept • 2nd Sept • 3rd Sept • 4th Sept • 5th Sept

2014 Course Dates:• 23rd Sept • 26th Nov

Drivers Essentials course back due to popular demand

£545 + VAT p/p

Industry News


European News

France’s new Environment Minister Ségolène Royal has a new idea for raising revenue from the roads by charging foreign lorries additional fees to use French roads. The plan follows the suspension of the controversial ‘ecotax’ following national protests last year. Royal believes foreign truckers tend to avoid toll motorways and said that one way to avoid this would be to require them to use toll roads. “It would be completely legitimate for a foreign lorry that

crosses the country to contribute and pay for the maintenance of the roads that it uses,” according to Ms Royal. Foreign lorries that do not fill up in France do not have to pay the country’s tax on petrol products, putting them at an advantage over French firms, the Minister said. As the ecotax would make both French and foreign firms pay, she would consider a system that would make only foreign companies pay. Royal is considering a revenue-generating idea

that would follow the Swiss example by charging foreign lorries for a sticker or vignette at the border. “This would make it possible to charge foreign lorries and there would be no unfair competition for French transport companies,” she said. French road transport associations have unanimously welcomed Royal’s comments. The European Commission has said that France cannot implement a system that discriminates against companies from elsewhere in Europe.

Parliament backs clean fuels infrastructureThe European Parliament has given its final approval to new EU rules to ensure the build-up of alternative refuelling points across Europe with common standards for their design and use, including a common plug for recharging electric vehicles. Policy initiatives so far have mostly addressed the actual fuels and vehicles, without considering fuels distribution. Clean fuel is being held back by three main barriers: the high cost of vehicles, a low level of consumer acceptance, and the lack of recharging and refuelling stations. The new Directive will mean Member States will have to provide a minimum infrastructure for alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas, as well as common EU-wide standards for equipment needed and user information. The Parliament agreed that there should be a requirement on Member States to submit national plans to minimum levels of infrastructure to the Commission. These would regard refuelling and recharging stations for alternative fuels such as electricity, hydrogen and natural gas. The targets and objectives will be published by the Commission. Parliament also agreed on EU-wide standards for the infrastructure as these are essential for the development of alternative fuels. The agreement requires the use of common plugs for electric vehicles and standardised refuelling equipment for hydrogen and natural gas. However, the Parliament did not agree that mandatory targets should be set for alternative infrastructure development. ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, said this was disappointing as: “Only consistency in infrastructure investment will ensure wider transport policy goals can be met. The industry is dedicated to delivering sustainable mobility in Europe, and needs policy makers to support this aim.”

European Parliament backs new lorry sizesThe European Parliament recently sent a strong message to EU Member States when it voted in favour of new EU rules for safer and greener lorries.

Described by Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands Phil Bennion as “life-saving changes to lorry design,” the European Commission’s proposals revise current legislation on weights and dimensions of certain road vehicles, to allow manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic lorries which will reduce fuel consumption by 7-10%, cut emissions of greenhouse gases, and also enhance the safety of vulnerable road users. The proposals, which were backed by 606 MEPs, with 54 against in a European Parliament plenary session, will allow cabs with a rounded shape and aerodynamic flaps at the back of the trailer. These measures will considerably improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, saving approximately €5,000 per year in fuel costs for a typical long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km, according to the Commission. This represents a 7-10% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (or 7.8 tonnes of CO2 for the same long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km). At the same time, the field of vision of the driver will be improved, helping to save the lives of 300 to 500 vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists every year. According to ETSC data, around 4,300 people died in collisions involving lorries in 2011. The European Parliament did not accept a number of the proposals. It disappointed some by limiting the

extension of aerodynamic rear devices to 500mm, a move which the Commission suggested would deprive the industry of the benefits of longer devices that could further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The European Transport Safety Council said the legislation is a step forward because “it will enable innovative new designs that include crumple zones along with better visibility and protection of car occupants, pedestrians and cyclists.” As reported in the May issue of R&S, the European Parliament’s Transport Committee voted in favour of the changes in March. That vote has been confirmed by the European Parliament in plenary and must now be considered by EU Member States within the EU Council before it enters law.

For the legislation to pass, the bill must secure a ‘double majority’ in the Council, i.e. a majority of governments in favour (at least 15) representing the majority of the EU population (at least 65% of the EU population). The next stage in the European legislative process will be key as there are concerns that the safety requirements could be watered down in negotiations amongst Member States or by the working groups that work out the technical details of the new rules. If the text is adopted in 2014/2015, the new trucks could be expected to be seen on the roads by 2018-2020.

French plan foreign lorry charges

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Industry News


European News

In the latest news in an on-going saga, the four largest Russian business associations have called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to reinstate TIR in order to avoid increased costs and inflation. In an unprecedented move, a letter to the President was co-signed by the leaders of four organisations, which represent the business community in Russia: the Russian Chamber of Commerce, the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, Business Russia, and OPORA Russia (Union of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of Russia).The letter stated that: “In an already unstable economic situation, rising costs for the delivery of goods will be reflected in the final price of goods on the domestic market and will increase inflation.” This intervention from the Russian business community follows the recent release of four

independent economic studies confirming that direct economic losses for the Russian economy resulting from the current illegal TIR restrictions imposed by the Federal Customs Service of Russia (FCS RF) could exceed £1.3bn per year. Vitaly Survillo of Business Russia said: “Foreign trade operators need predictability, but the current situation is unpredictable and much more expensive.” Russian Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, has committed to instruct all competent Ministries to control the issue of illegal charges at Customs and to review the matter so that a suitable solution can be found in the nearest future. It is hoped that President Putin will re-authorise as soon as possible the full use of the United Nations’ TIR System across all of Russia.

Brussels calls for changes to road haulage rulesThe Vice-President of the European Commission Siim Kallas, who is responsible for transport, has called for simplification and clarification of EU rules on road haulage, following the publication of a report on integrating the internal market for road transport. The report concludes that while some progress has been made, removing the remaining restrictions would help the European economy and improve the environment. According to the report, on any given day, almost a quarter of all trucks on Europe’s roads are empty, either on their way home or between loads. Opening national road transport markets to more competition would help reduce empty runs and increase efficiency in the sector, the report argues. The term of the current Commission runs until 31 October this year, after which a new batch of Commissioners will take over. Kallas said: “The current rules are wasteful for European companies, impact on all road users and are bad for the environment. We need clear regulations for the industry and at the same time we need good working conditions for the drivers. I hope the next Commission will continue down this road.” The report finds that road transport moves almost three quarters (72%) of goods in inland transport in the EU, with an annual turnover of €€300bn and accounts for some 2% of the EU’s GDP. There are about 600,000 companies, a very large share of them SMEs, in the road transport sector, employing close to 3 million people. Land transport is the only mode of road transport in which labour productivity has dropped since 2001 (-0.2%), and heavy goods vehicles often run empty (20% of all trucks in the EU). National transport accounts for 67% of road transport in the EU. However, access by foreign hauliers to national markets

remains very limited. Removing the restrictions to cabotage would help to reduce empty running by making it easier for hauliers to combine loads and utilise return trips. Road transport also faces driver shortages in the near future. Drivers are an ageing population and road transport is not considered an attractive profession. Working conditions are perceived to be difficult, and Member States do not implement social provisions consistently, according to the report.

EU-wide road tollsMeanwhile, EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger has called for a uniform road charge within

the internal European market, though as of yet, it is not clear how such a system would be implemented. Both Germany and France have been vocal in their willingness to charge additional fees to foreign vehicles using their national roads. However, the Energy Commissioner spoke up against this method, arguing that non-discrimination is a fundamental right under EU law and that road charging systems must be transparent and fair to all. The Commissioner for Transport, Siim Kallas stated that clearly prioritising distance-based tolling systems in contrast to vignettes would be fairer and more transparent.

Russian businesses lobby Putin over TIR suspension

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Features


As the night unfolded...

A Scottish soirée Conference delegates were treated to a truly Scottish evening at the Gala Dinner & Awards night sponsored by TwentyCi and Rightmove.

Saturday evening’s Gala Dinner and Awards night was the icing on a very successful Conference cake. Delegates were welcomed with a cocktail reception sponsored by BAR Partner TwentyCi, before being led into a lavishly decorated dining hall.

When the delegates had taken their seats, the Presidential procession took place, new President Gary Wheadon and his honoured guests accompanied into the hall by a bagpiper. Following this, Matt Purdie showed guests how it is done north of the border, with a traditional rendition of ‘To a Haggis’. David Bunting followed with a traditional Burns Grace, before the meal began.

Special awards were made to Brian Maidman and Ian Palmer to acknowledge their services as Acting Chair of the Commercial

Moving Group and Chairman of the Overseas Group respectively. This set the scene for the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 and Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 awards. Reddaways Removals were awarded the DMotY 2014-15 award, while the CMotY 2014 award was shared between winners Harrow Green and JT & Sons Relocations. After these important industry presentations had been made, a Ceilidh band entertained delegates with traditional Scottish folk music.

For more photos from the BAR Black Tie Gala Dinner & Awards Night, go to: http://www.bar.co.uk/index.php/annual-conference-2014/

Sponsors:


Features

A healthy donation for the RBA While enjoying themselves in Glasgow, BAR Members did not forget those who have worked in the industry and who are less fortunate than themselves. The Removers Benevolent Association (RBA) saw contributions from many different sources throughout the course of the Conference programme. The total amount raised in Glasgow totalled a fantastic £1,536 (at time of going to press). Matt Purdie, Chairman of the Trustees of the RBA, told Members that “it is our charity, and we have to be the ones to look after it.” Friday’s charity fun fair night raised much of the money for the RBA, along with the charity auction which took place at the end of the night, while JT& Sons’ golf simulator raised £130 for the charity during the course of the Conference.

For more photos from the BAR Black Tie Gala Dinner & Awards Night, see: www.bar.co.uk/index.php/annual-conference-2014/

JT & Sons’ golf simulator and smiling faces at the fun fair night

For more photos from the BAR Black Tie Gala Dinner & Awards Night, go to: http://www.bar.co.uk/index.php/annual-conference-2014/

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BAR News


How the BAR can keep its lead in customer care

Baroness Crawley praised the BAR for being one of the first trade associations to become approved codes sponsors in the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, which she now chairs. This early commitment to standards and consumer protection demonstrated to her “a clear commitment on the part the British Association of Removers to be in the vanguard of businesses leading consumer protection into the third decade of the 21st century.”

Customer careA recurring theme throughout the keynote speech was that of customer care. Baroness Crawley explained that business owners in all industries are reliant on the opinions of customers, and as such, should do their utmost to provide high-quality services. She said: “I make no apology for the fact that my colleagues working in trading standards, and the Consumer Codes Approval Board, intend to marginalise and smoke out those businesses that aren’t prepared to step up and serve their customers well. Businesses that are not members of your Association and the Approved Scheme – the scheme that meets those highest standards for consumers – should absolutely feel left behind. They should feel that lost opportunity bearing down on them.” Baroness Crawley reminded delegates that today’s connected world offers more opportunity, but also demands higher levels of service: “In this age of social media, we are more aware than ever of the impact of conversations on the worldwide Internet. From Facebook to Twitter, the world is not just watching but commentating on everyday life. A bad experience for a consumer can rapidly become a bad story shared with literally thousands of potential consumers who will turn away from a business delivering poor consumer service and protection. We need to enhance further consumer confidence in Members of the British

Christine Crawley, the Rt. Hon. Baroness Crawley of Edgbaston, was the keynote speaker at the BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow. As President of the Trading Standards Institute and Chair of the Consumer Codes Approval Board, she shared her approach to standards and customer care for removals and storage businesses.

BAR Conference 2014


BAR News

Association of Removers, in the Approved Codes, to make your service the subject of the good tweet, the ‘liked’ Facebook picture, the positive chatter.”

Approved CodesBaroness Crawley recalled that the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) carried out the BAR’s first audit in 2013, and two qualified rating standards auditors “pored over your systems, processes and records” during the course of the audit. “It was intensive,” she said “and covered every aspect of running the approved code. We found a really very well run code of practice on your behalf.” Baroness Crawley added that she wants the Approved Codes Scheme to be integral to consumer choice when it comes to removals so that “they only turn to businesses who display that logo, to Members of the British Association of Removers. We want to be so embedded in the psyche of consumers that they actively seek out Members of BAR to spend their money with.”

The consumer landscapeBaroness Crawley also discussed recent changes in the consumer landscape, and the role of the BAR in adapting to them. She noted that many of the changes had been driven by European Union directives concerning consumer protection which had created a more even trading ground for businesses. Baroness Crawley praised the BAR for introducing an independent Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme for customers, ahead of the EU’s 2014 deadline. “I am delighted that the British Association of Removers has not waited for 2014. You not only led the way in signing up to the new Approved Codes Scheme but forged ahead last year and established your free conciliation service or ADR.” ADR will reduce the number of court cases, which can prove costly both in money and time, reducing detriment and loss for both consumers and the business.

Approved Codes SchemeBaroness Crawley said that the Approved Codes Scheme is built on five pillars: integrity, transparency, clarity, competence and adding value. Integrity is maintained by “being robust, never settling for second best and making sure that we maintain that distinction between the behaviours expected of your members and the behaviours consumers all too often experience from others in your sector.” The second pillar, transparency, is all about consumer trust. “Gone are the days when decisions are made behind closed doors. Consumers don’t trust that. They might not read the intricate details of how a code has been arrived at or even what it actually says, but they will derive confidence from knowing that they could if they wanted to,” she said. Given the confused space and layered legislation of the sector, the third pillar, clarity, “means that all providers stand for the same values and consumers recognise those values,” with the minimum level of confusion. Ensuring that those undertaking assessments, audits and monitoring as part of the Scheme means competence is vital. Baroness Crawley suggested that “we, as a Board and as code sponsors, have to tackle the odd abuse head on, because it is that small

minority that threaten consumer confidence, not the vast majority.” Finally, she told Conference delegates that the Board must never lose sight of providing added value, for code sponsors such as the BAR, for their supporters in Government, and for the consumer.

Driving forwardAlthough its resources are limited, Baroness Crawley said that the Approved Codes Scheme was full of ambition. “We can’t promise to flood our TV screens with sponsorship, advertising or other marketing gimmicks, but we can be true to our purpose. We want to communicate that at every opportunity with our audience, to find our advocates and push them to speak on our behalf,” she said. Baroness Crawley summarised the successes of the TSI thus far, saying that “we have already made progress by moving the directory of approved codes members on-line and making it ‘Google’ friendly; by enhancing our presence on social media; by providing your team at the BAR with PR support and campaign messages; and by strengthening the links across codes schemes such as with the Property Ombudsman scheme.” Baroness Crawley added that while the TSI ensured the independence and integrity of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, “everyone in this room has a role to play in bringing the Scheme to life for consumers, and by doing so benefiting your business and your profession.” Concluding her speech, Baroness Crawley gave one last piece of advice to the delegates present. “Make a song-and-dance about your membership of both BAR and being a Trading Standards Approved Scheme member. Flash your badge to customers, on your vehicles and in your local press. Be the advocate for your Scheme.”

‘‘We need to enhance further consumer confidence in Members of the British Association of Removers, in the Approved Codes, to make your service the subject of the good tweet, the ‘liked’ Facebook picture, the positive chatter.

‘‘

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Chris Moriarty, Head of Insight and Corporate Affairs at the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), opened the BAR Conference business sessions with his talk to Members about BIFM’s recent survey: Moves and Changes in an Evolving Workplace. The results of this study had been eagerly awaited by Members of the BAR Commercial Moving Group who have worked closely with BIFM to design and develop the survey since its inception at the beginning of 2014. More than 1,350 companies responded to a series of questions to ascertain the current state of the relocation and commercial moving industry. Chris told delegates that the key findings of the survey were that “growth and positivity are back on the agenda,” while lessons from the recession and technological advances are changing the business landscape. Of the companies surveyed, 60% said that overall business has increased in the past three years, while 55% expect to see continued increases in the near future. Chris explained that 2014 would be dominated by organisations refurbishing their existing properties or consolidating their portfolios whilst 2015 would see an increase in relocations both within existing regions and beyond.

Growing appetite for relocationsThe survey found that improving efficiency and expansion were key drivers for these changes although the highest ranked driver was creating flexible working environments; something that has been driven by social pressures and technology advancements. For example, Chris noted the current

trend of ‘plug and play’ working, where employees can work from many locations with minimum set-up time. When it comes to future plans for relocation, the BIFM survey showed that 21% of respondent companies had a budget of over £250,000 for relocation. For Chris, this was a positive indication for both the removals and facilities management industries that there is money available to finance new projects. While the demand is there, the big question is how removals and storage companies can best exploit it. The results showed that the most important factor was experience, with 54% of respondents saying that they would choose their mover on evidence of

successful past projects. Chris also spoke about the need for specific skills and high standards to secure contracts. He noted a growth in the use of Total Facilities Management contracts, which are likely to be used more in the future. Chris told delegates that the next two years look set to provide a lot of opportunities for removals and storage companies as companies in other sectors look to consolidate and expand.The full survey report is now available to CMG members, and other BAR Members can purchase the report by contacting the BAR Commercial Department. To contact Chris Moriarty, see www.bifm.org.uk or follow him on Twitter at @chrismoriarty3.

Business sessions and workshopsThe high quality business sessions and workshops at this year’s BAR Conference in Glasgow reflected the increasing recognition by government and industry experts from around the world of BAR’s commitment to sharing inspiring business ideas amongst its Members.

Moves and changes in an evolving workplace

Please let us know if you are not receiving and want to receive our regular email reminders for submitting ideas, news, comments and events to include in future issues of the magazine, and the deadlines for submissions. While we cannot promise

to publish all your news and information, it does help if submissions are received within the copy deadlines. Please also send us your feedback on the content of the magazine and your ideas for new regular sections or other improvements made.

It’s your magazine!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon. The Editorial Team at R&S E: [email protected] T: 020 3235 1806

If you have any news or comments about your business, the economy, and the industry in general, please send in your information, letters or articles.



Regulation and Primary Authority in the UKWith the recent introduction of the Primary Authority scheme for BAR Members, there was a high turnout at Graham Russell’s comprehensive presentation on the scheme.

Customer service in office moves

At the invitation of the BAR Overseas Group, veteran mover Ed Katz came from Georgia, USA to talk to delegates about how the right customer service can give BAR Members an edge over their competitors.

Ed was the owner of Peachtree Removals from 1976-2000 before heading up the International Office Moving Institute. He believes that success in the office moving business comes from listening to customers and always providing them with the best and most conscientious service possible. For those delegates considering expanding their services to become office movers, Ed summarised the opportunities (good returns, fewer damage claims, and less fragile or complicated objects to move than a house move) as well as the pitfalls from office moving, notably the unsociable working hours. He also stressed to delegates: “If you do not estimate how long you need to do the job accurately, you might end up being sued by your customer for loss of business.”

Growing your office moving businessEd provided delegates with some useful tips on marketing and generating leads. He has used ‘cold calling’ extensively in the past, a method which he says he has perfected. For Ed, the key is practice. He suggested that delegates create a

script and by recording their calls, they can work out what is successful and what is not, tailoring the script on this basis. He also stressed that whoever makes the call needs to be able to listen and react, as sticking to a script may not always be appropriate. A top tip is to build and maintain positive relationships with property managers: “If you can get property managers to like you and remember you, they will recommend you to all of their tenants moving in and out of their building,” he told delegates.

To ensure property managers are satisfied with the move, he recommends implementing a series of techniques for protecting vulnerable points such as main doors and lifts, using specialist materials to absorb any impacts and to protect against accidental damage. He also suggests following up a move by sending an audit to the client company with a check list showing how the team carried out the move in the most professional and courteous way possible. For more information, see www.officemoves.com

Chief Executive of the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO) Graham Russell addressed delegates on how regulation affects the removals and storage industry, setting out the Government’s commitment to reforming regulation and creating a fertile market place for small companies.

Delegates heard about the Government’s ‘one in, one out’ and ‘one in, two out’ approach to introducing any new regulation. Where there is a cost to complying with regulation, there is an obligation to remove or modify an existing piece of regulation with double the cost to business. The Government estimates that this has so far delivered combined net annual savings to businesses of £1.9bn.

As part of its efforts to reduce the regulatory burdens on business, the Government is also looking at the 3,000 regulations identified by the Red Tape Challenge, which it believes can be scrapped or improved to save businesses time and money.

Improving consumer confidenceThe Government’s approach to improving regulation is based on three pillars: reducing the costs for business, improving confidence and control, and realising the wider economic benefits of good regulation.

An important example of improving consumer confidence is the Primary Authority scheme which

allows businesses to form a statutory partnership with one local authority, which then provides reliable advice which other councils have to take into account.

The scheme enables businesses to benefit from clearer, assured advice and more consistent enforcement. Government has now extended Primary Authority to trade associations where they share an approach to compliance, and as of January 2014 the BAR entered into a Primary Authority Partnership relationship with Hertfordshire Trading Standards.

“Moving house is a stressful time for consumers, and the added confidence given to them in knowing that their mover has signed up to the Primary Authority scheme is a significant benefit,” Graham said. For the mover too, Primary Authority provides improved statutory backing, allowing them to do what they do best while also offering added value to their customers.For more information on the work of the BRDO visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/better-regulation-delivery-office

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One of the Overseas Group’s guest speakers, Terry opened his session by posing the question “Is flat the new up?” As international markets slowly recover, the new relative stability is creating optimism in business. Honing in on the economic outlook for the UK, particularly its housing sector and the significant number of international companies attracted to locate their businesses in the UK, Terry indicated that there were good prospects for relocation of people and materials to the UK. Terry added that there are currently 4.7 million British citizens living abroad, and the number is growing, with Australia, USA and Spain being the

most popular destinations. Only China and India have more citizens living abroad than the UK. Expats of all nationalities make up 3.1% of the global population, and their number has grown from 73 million in 1960 to 230 million today. Evidently, business still exists for companies servicing the expat market. Terry told delegates that “trade is to international moving what home sales are to domestic moving. That is why global economic conditions are so important to our industry.” Another significant change in economic practice is that “the jobs are moving back again.” Known as ‘re-shoring’ or ‘near-shoring’, jobs that were previously outsourced to emerging markets are returning to developed countries, as wages worldwide rise. “With new wage levels and logistics all taken into account, cost differences will only stand at around 10-15% between China and North America,” Terry said. It is estimated that over 3 million manufacturing jobs will return to North America in the next five years. Terry explained that it was as important to understand why companies moved people, as it was to understand where, how and for how long people were being moved. Company growth, expansion and restructuring all drive international relocations, as

do mergers and acquisitions between companies. The length of time that people stay in new countries is also changing, with shorter placements becoming the norm, with over half (54%) of placements lasting for less than three years.

Rogues – a global problemTerry mentioned that even in international moving, rogue traders were a significant problem. The use of the internet is enabling these rogues a greater scope than ever before, with greater anonymity. Terry cited some examples of how to prevent rogues such as an enhanced vetting process for potential new members of IAM, the Canadian Association of Movers and the American Moving & Storage Association. Rounding off his presentation, Terry presented the fascinating prospect of increased use of the Northeast Passage shipping routes, opening up a new route between Europe and Asia as ice continues to recede. Terry said: “In 2010 just four ships made the journey on these routes, since April 2014 266 have received permission to do so from Russian authorities.” With Russia hoping to colonise the moon by 2030, Terry left delegates with one last question: “Is space the next market?” For more information on IAM visit www.iamovers.org

Trends in International Moving Terry Head, President of the International Association of Movers (IAM), shared his extensive experience and insights on the current state of the international moving market. His main thesis was that despite the recession and a slow recovery, there are still plenty of opportunities in the world of international moving.

Home Mover Alerts with TwentyCiAccount Manager Katy Billany explained to delegates how they could make the most of TwentyCi’s lead generation service, Home Mover Alerts, at TwentyCi’s business session. TwentyCi’s Home Mover Alerts system has already seen significant take up in the removals industry. The system provides companies with leads throughout the various stages of the moving process, allowing companies to pinpoint the optimum time to promote their services and products to movers, in the hopes of securing a booking. Katy Billany was on hand to demonstrate a “progressive communication” plan that would allow companies to leverage their own local expertise in developing customer relationships, giving the opportunity to more than double direct mail response rates and ensure that more surveys are converted into agreements.

Central Intelligence, Local ExpertiseA key theme of the talk was the collaboration between TwentyCi and the client in question, on the basis of ‘Central Intelligence, Local Expertise’ combining to offer movers the best possible service. “Our specialism is data provision. We

know who is moving in your area right now. We provide you with the lead and begin the marketing process with the customer. This will free you up to use your own expertise and do what you do best,” said Katy. Those who are signed up to the scheme receive weekly alerts for properties that have been listed or are under offer or sold. This allows clients to get their brand in front of the customer as soon as they need a removals company. The data can be

searched by geography and property price, allowing clients to target the type of movers they want. Katy stressed the importance of companies presenting unique selling points and building brand awareness, saying that it was important to make contact as soon as you are aware of a need for service: “if you sit on a lead for too long, you will lose it to a competitor,” she said. For more information visit www.twentyci.co.uk/data



Leads advice from Rightmove Rightmove, the largest property website in the UK, has become an increasingly important partner for BAR Members, providing marketing and sales advice and a lead generator system to removers.

International moving in New Zealand

Errol opened the session by admitting that he never thought that he was presidential material. However, when he was asked if he would like to run for the position and what he could bring to the role, he realised the merit of coming from a relatively small company and a small country in the shape of New Zealand.

Though the previous President had stepped down a year earlier than expected, Errol has been able to successfully seat himself at the head of a multinational board as the first New Zealander to fill the post.

The position has meant he has learned about a number of national removers’ associations, and he confirmed: “I would like to see a closer relationship and better communication with BAR, as I think both Associations have a lot to offer one another.”

New Zealand customs rulesErrol then turned to the subject of the international moving industry in New Zealand, saying that it was very much a case of “too many companies chasing too little business, while rates remain relatively low and profit margins remain slim.”

Such conditions have only been worsened by the lack of confidence in the market caused by the recession, though the industry is beginning to see an improvement. Errol gave an interesting overview of the history of New Zealand’s biodiversity and ecology, showing the strains that human migration and expansion has exerted on the nation. As a result of past exploitation, the New Zealand government now demands stringent import regulations to protect what is left of New Zealand’s ecology. The harsh regulations and thorough customs

inspections mean that when importing any material to New Zealand, both the mover and the client must be well aware of their responsibilities, especially in regards to paperwork. For more information on New Zealand’s customs laws visit www.customs.govt.nz

At this year’s Conference, Removals Manager Tom Goy and Head of Removals Mark Bailey spoke to delegates about the company, what it can offer BAR Members and what it is aiming to achieve in the future. Rightmove comprises the biggest single home-moving audience in the UK. At any one time, around 9.7 million people in the UK are at some stage of the moving process. More than 75% of those can be found on Rightmove. Such a huge audience presents a great market for removals companies, one they can tap into via Rightmove’s lead generation system. Rightmove only deal with BAR Members, and produce sales leads based on postcode matches, with other additional filters such as house price and house size. In this way, movers can specify exactly what kind of move they are looking to find. As part of their lead generation service, Rightmove surveyed customers to see what the most important things were for them when choosing a company to carry out their move, with the locality of the mover being the most important thing for 24% of movers. Once an agreement was reached and the company arrived to carry out the job, 75% of customers said

that the professionalism of the staff employed was the biggest thing they looked for. The other top things that customers looked for in a moving company were insurance for possessions, good reviews from previous customers, a fast response to enquiries and the friendliness of staff. Rightmove have also identified the fact that 40% of traffic on their site comes from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. As such, the company is now developing its mobile site to better cater to these customers, and to allow them to search for removals companies as well as homes on the move. In terms of the future, Rightmove want to produce more leads! As Tom told delegates, “our customers like our leads; they just want more of them.” Rightmove are also in the continual process of upgrading and improving their online service. Some specific goals for the near future include introducing more stringent email address and telephone number verification software and data cleansing to clear the site of old and no longer relevant data and information.For more information visit www.rightmove.co.uk

Errol Gardiner, President of the FIDI Global Alliance, presented an Overseas Group workshop about international moving in New Zealand and he also shared some of his experiences of representing FIDI.


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With 1.15 billion users, Facebook is by far the largest free marketing tool around. Every day in the UK there are 24 million active users of Facebook, with an average of 8.3 hours per person spent on the site each month. As Katy said, “it is not enough to just set up an account. You need to do something to bring out the value of the platform. This is the modern version of word-of-mouth.” Katy and Matt told delegates it was important to maintain activity and a presence through any social media accounts. The most important thing is to have content that interests customers. “It has to be engaging. It can be a blog, a photo, a video, a press release, but it has to get your customers’ attention. Keep it short, keep it visual, keep it engaging,” said Katy. Katy and Matt also suggested the use of interactive content like quizzes, surveys and contests to draw interest online. With 232 million users, Twitter also presents a significant opportunity for Members to promote their company. Given that Twitter revolves around dialogue and direct

communication, Katy told delegates that “it is important to interact as much as possible.” By ‘following’ tweeters in your field and industry, it can be an excellent way to stay in touch with current events and current competition. Twitter can be used to make announcements to a large number of people with little effort on your end. The launch of a new special offer, product, or advertising for new staff would all be ideal things to tweet about, Katy said. Indeed, as Matt told Conference attendees, “business promotion accounts for 75% of all marketing activity on social media,” so BAR Members should also take advantage of it. The TwentyCi experts ended their

workshop sessions by discussing social media site LinkedIn with delegates. LinkedIn is a business-to-business social media site, which allows users to discover new partnerships, suppliers and investors. Users can create a professional profile detailing their experience and fields of expertise. As ever with any form of social media, Katy and Matt asserted that to succeed on LinkedIn means staying visible. “It is important to join groups and relevant debates on LinkedIn, keeping in touch with your connections and contacts and generally increasing your visibility.” For more information visit www.twentyci.co.uk

Social media and the removals and storage industry TwentyCi’s Katy Billany and Matt Hawkins stepped in at short notice to run a social media workshop in place of Paul Tansey of Intergage, who unfortunately had to withdraw from the Conference. Katy and Matt versed Members in how best to use social media to help grow their business and their brand, suggesting what can help, and what can hinder a company online.

How to handle employee grievances

Steven Meyerhoff, Director at transport law specialists Backhouse Jones Solicitors, ran a well-attended workshop giving delegates advice on how best to deal with grievances while staying within the law. Poorly conducted grievance processes can lead to employment tribunal claims for constructive unfair dismissal by disgruntled employees. Steven advised BAR Members to consult the ACAS Code of Practice as a useful starting point when looking at dealing with grievances. While this Code represents guidance rather than statutory obligations, tribunals can adjust any rewards made in relevant cases by up to 25% for unreasonable failure to comply with any provision of the Code. It is also necessary to consult the contractual obligations of

the person holding a grievance before any further action is taken. Steven explained that “the purpose of the grievance process is to provide a fair and effective method of resolving workplace issues.” This can be done either formally or informally. The vast majority of grievances can be dealt with informally and resolved however, if they cannot then the employee should be notified and advised to invoke a formal process if they are dissatisfied. Employers should provide a copy of the company’s grievance procedure. The formal grievance process usually has three key steps: the employee submits their grievance in writing (can be by email, letter or text message), thereafter a meeting is arranged to discuss the grievance (with the employee’s trade union representative or workplace colleague) following which the employer investigates said grievance. After these have all been completed, the employer should advise the employee on the outcome of the investigation, which should be confirmed in writing, and inform the employee of their right to appeal the decision. The appeal process is another separate process. Steven said that “the appeal process should be independent from the original decision, and is

usually conducted by a Director or Managing Director. During the process, the full complaint and reason for the appeal must be taken into account. When a decision has been made, the employee should be informed and the process should be confirmed as concluded.” Steven also explained the course of action to take if a grievance arises during a disciplinary process. Where the grievance is unrelated to the disciplinary process, the disciplinary process should be suspended and the grievance commenced. After the grievance has been concluded then the employer should recommence the disciplinary process. When the grievance is related to an ongoing disciplinary process, it is possible to hear both matters concurrently. Steven stressed the importance of keeping records of disciplinary and grievance proceedings. “These records must include details of any allegations made against the employee, the investigation that was carried out, copies of all correspondence sent and received, notes from the grievance meeting and, where possible, the rationale for any decision made,” he told delegates. For more information visit www.backhousejones.co.uk



BAR Conference Exhibition: the place to meet The Exhibition Hall was the focal meeting point for Conference delegates. Conference participants gravitated towards the Exhibition Hall so they could talk to expert suppliers and network with other delegates.

The BAR Services team presented two new products to Conference delegates: the new Transit Wardrobe cartons and an Italian-designed floor protector. BAR Services Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR, with the sole intention to work on behalf of and with the help of its Members to ensure lower prices on quality products.

T: 01342 870087 www.barservices.co.uk

BAR Services Ltd

The BARTS Conference stand was busy with enquiries about training within the removals industry. With only a few months until the 10 September deadline for Driver CPC there was particular interest in drivers completing their 35 hours periodic training and attaining their Certificate of Professional Competence qualification. Members requested information about management and operational training, as well as courses and support to develop additional tailored training. The CMG apprenticeship is also going well, with many new enquires from companies looking to take on apprentices in the coming months.

T: 01923 699 484 www.removalstraining.com

BAR Training Services

Mike Inman and Natalie Sullivan manned the BSI exhibition stand in partnership with QSS. Owner of the BSI Kitemark, the BSI deliver Kitemark certification by combining the experience of QSS in the removals industry and BSI expertise in assessment and certification.

T: 0845 080 9000 www.bsigroup.com

British Standards Institution (BSI)

The Commercial Moving Group is a dedicated group of companies within the BAR that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocation. CMG representatives explained the membership requirements of the group, and the need for the BS 8522 Commercial Moving Standard in order to join.

T: 01923 699 483 www.barcmg.co.uk

Commercial Moving Group (CMG)

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BAR Conference Exhibition: cont’d

QSS is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR, and helps Members achieve and maintain certification for the specialist industry standards BS EN 12522 (Domestic), BS EN 14873 (Storage), BS EN 15696 (Self storage), BS 8522 (Commercial) and BS 8564 (Overseas). QSS also offer the increasingly popular ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental) and the standards for shredding and document storage. Chris Waymouth and Peter Gawthrop were on hand to explain the quality standards to delegates.

T: 01923 699 480 E: [email protected]

Quality Service Standards

Valerie Bamping, Neil White and Gertjan Breij represented BAR Affiliate DKV in the Exhibition Hall. DKV has 80 years’ experience in the transport sector and is a leading service provider on Europe’s roads. The DKV team explained to delegates that they can tailor packages to any business whether big or small.

T: +31 252 345665 www.dkv-euroservice.com

DKV

Stuart and Sue Brown of Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services talked to delegates about the one-stop-shop service for removals companies’ breakdown needs. The BAR Affiliate offers a free to join service and the stand proved to be of interest to many delegates, who spoke to Stuart and Sue about their ‘pay on use’ service that covers the entire UK and 32 European countries.

T: 0161 368 752 www.ntbs.co.uk

Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services Ltd

PHS Teacrate supplies a wide range of complementary handling equipment, cardboard packing boxes, polythene tape and accessories, all with next day delivery as standard. PHS Teacrate spoke to delegates about their new LC6F File Crate which has two removable steel rails inside that secure and hold files of any size safely.

T: 0800 980 7000 www.teacrate.com

PHS Teacrate



The Exhibition Hall hosted several competitions and prize draws during the Conference.

• Andrew Robbins of Britannia Robbins won the DKV prize draw, winning DKV’s model vehicle.

• Joseph Quinlivan of Interdean won TwentyCi’s Supercar Thrill prize (see page 37 for more details).

• Nigel Shaw of Specialised Movers won the QSS prize draw receiving 50% off of the normal cost of their next quality audit

• BAR’s Jo Swinton hit the longest female drive on JT & Sons’ golf simulator, with Dave Ewart of PHS Teacrate hitting the longest drive for the men. Ian Studd of Harrow Green won the ‘nearest the pin’ contest.

Competition winners!

Sponsors of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 Award, TwentyCi is a leading data agency for the home moving market and provides marketing services geared to the home moving sector. As owner of moveme.com and a BAR Affiliate, the company is a specialist supplier of new business leads to the removals and storage industry. Katy Billany and Matt Hawkins spoke to delegates about the real time leads and under offer and sold alerts that TwentyCi delivers to the industry.

T: 01908 829 300 www.twentyci.co.uk

Visit Belfast provided a stand in the BAR Exhibition Hall to give Members a preview of what they can expect at the 2015 BAR Conference. Craig Holmes supplied Members with an array of useful brochures and leaflets, and explained to them what makes Belfast such an ideal location for the next Conference.

T: 028 9024 6609 www.visit-belfast.com

UVB specialises in Unique self-proclaimed GRP panels and cabtop sleepers/fairings, stainless and galvanised steel frame work, internal pillar to panel bonding, spray booth facility, upholstery and trim shop, decal and hand sign writing repairs/refurbishment, chassis extensions and reconstruction and insurance valuations on accidental damage of vehicles.

T: 01925 846 464 www.uniquevanbodies.com

TwentyCI

Visit Belfast

Unique Van Bodies


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People NewsDiary Dates

BOARD, COUNCIL AND

COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2014

National Group Council 10 June 2014

Commercial Moving Group Council 12 June 2014

QSS Board Meeting19 June 2014 BAR Services Board Meeting24 June 2014 Board of Directors Meeting25 June 2014

BAR AREA MEETINGS 2014

East Anglia AreaContact: Simon Long01842 [email protected] June 2014 – The Bull Inn, The Street, Barton Mills, Suffolk

East Met AreaContact: Paul Freeman0800 [email protected]

East Midlands AreaContact: Andy Wade01476 [email protected]

Kent AreaContact: Sarah Young01273 [email protected]

Met AreaContact: Julie Thompson01932 [email protected] June 2014 – River Thames cruise evening disco & buffet

Do you have any Diary Dates?Email them to: [email protected]

Diary Dates

To view diary dates/events, please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the Calendar/Events and BAR Calendar tabs where you can view full details including time, date, location and agendas (when available).

To view area minutes, please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the BAR Areas tab and then one of the 15 areas listed. Minutes from past area meetings can be viewed and downloaded (where available).

Northern AreaContact: Alan Hoggin0191 [email protected]

North West AreaContact: Annette Harris0161 [email protected] June 2014 – The Old Customs House, Pier Head - Seacombe, Liverpool

Northern Ireland Area Contact: Dominic Murray02890 [email protected] June 2014 – 132 Duncrue Street, Belfast

Scotland Area Contact: Georgina Berry01505 [email protected]

Southern AreaContact: Peter Doman01372 [email protected]

South Western AreaContact: Sue Christophers01637 [email protected]

Sussex AreaContact: Jenny Thorncroft01580 [email protected]

Western AreaContact: Ria Russell01278 [email protected]

West Midlands AreaContact: Judith Bennett01684 [email protected] July 2014 – Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster

Yorkshire AreaContact: Graham Puddephatt01273 [email protected]

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Registered:The following Members have registered:

National Affiliate

Freightlink Solutions LtdMemb No: F001Quarry Bank Chorley Road Walton-Le-Dale Preston PR5 4JNTel: 0844 847 9000Web: www.freightlink.co.uk

International Associate

King’s Global Forwarding LtdMemb No: K307Unit G, 7803 – 35th Street S.E.Calgary AlbertaT2C 1V3CanadaTel: 403 516 5281Web: www.kingstranfer.ca

Rilvan Moving and RelocationsMemb No: R310Str. L.C. BabesNr. 11, B1. 14, SC A, Apt10BrasovRomaniaTel: +407 2977 7397Web: www.rilvan.eu

Commercial Moving Group

Simpsons Removals & Storage LtdMemb No: S092

Overseas Group

Britannia Ryan’s Move InternationalMemb No: R056

Self Storage Special Interest Group

H2H Self Storage Centre Memb No: H102

Applications:BAR has received the following applications for:

National & European Group

Corkill Datasafe Limited39 Finch RoadDouglasIsle of ManIM1 2PWTel: 01624 675 495

Removals Jersey InternationalPO Box 633St HelierJerseyJE4 5YSTel: 01534 840 933Web: www.removalsjersey.co.uk

Quality European Removals Ltd6 Main DriveEast Lane Business ParkWembleyHA9 7NATel: 0208 958 5880Web: www.qualityeuropeanremovals.co.uk

International Associates

Premiere Van Lines International5655 Kennedy RoadUnit 3MississaugaOntarioCanadaL4Z 3E1Tel: +1 905 795 0343Web: www.premierevanlines.com

Additional Trading Name

Quality Removals London an ATN of Quality European Removals LtdMemb No: Q002

Resignations:BAR is sorry to lose the membership of the following companies whilst thanking them for their support:

National & European Group

Dynamic International Freight Services LtdMemb No: D061

Memberships

BAR Memberships June 2014

Any Member wishing to make any comment regarding an application should do so in writing to BAR Head Office within 21 days of receipt of this notification.



Trade Services

Ireland Channel Islands

Scotland/Europe

Isle of Man

France

Destination

This space is available from just

£33 a monthWeekly Service

Covering all of UK, Europe & Ireland

Competitive Rates & Great Service

Tel: + 353 1 6757930Email: [email protected]

www.echomoving.com

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Trade Services


Switzerland

Italy

This space is available from just £33 a month

When booked as a mono unit for a series of 12 issues.

Scandinavia

Spain, Portugal & France

A quality weekly service to Scandinavia

Weekly service to

Spain, Portugal and France

Regular service to most European countriesStorage facilities on The Algarve,

Malaga & Alicante. Can supply labour.

T: 01895 201595E: [email protected]

Contact [email protected]

Tel 01925 630441


Trade Services

Cyprus and Malta

Austria and Germany Greece

GREECEby Road

&ITALYENROUTE

• 7day transit time

• Twice-monthly departures

• BritishCrews & ProfessionalService

• Highlyrecommended in Greece

00441733311561 | [email protected]

www.nomad-international.com

Spain and Portugal

WEEKLY

REGULAR

MALLORCAMENORCAMAINLAND

SPAINFRANCE

IBIZAPORTUGAL

CYPRUSNORWAY

Memb No: W001

TEL: 01202 576514FAX: 01202 574011

[email protected] www.whitesmovingandstorage.com

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Trade Services


Korea

France - Spain - Portugal - ItalyWeekly Service for the Trade. Call now for best rates

Depots in Preston, Chester, Alicante, Malaga

PRESTON 01772 651570Email: [email protected] Web: www.moversint.co.uk

Europe


The History of BAR book

A very big thank you to all those who have

contributed

Please Note:Any material that isnot used in the book

may be used in future articles for R&S.

This space is available from

just £67 a monthWhen booked as a mono 2 unit space for a series of 12 issues.


Trade Services

Caribbean

Gibraltar United Arab EmiratesIsrael

Russia

Worldwide

Avoid the Headache!

Avoid the Headache!The New BAR ‘Avoid the Headache’ leaflet is now available for all Members to purchase at discounted rates, from as few as 250 leaflets.

They can be either generic or personalised with your company branding.

For details and rates contact Steve Pearce or Rachel Trudgian at Rubicon Marketing on 0117 957 5400 or email: [email protected] or [email protected]

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Trade Services

Removals & Storage June 2014Removals & Storage June 2014

Worldwide Specialist Services

Piano Specialists

Lifting solutions, from the unusual to the down right awkward, we have the equipment and expertise to deliver.

Specialist Services

Warehouse Containers

Advertising Deadlines

Abrahams (since 1865)

1 Crown Close, Bow, London E3 2JHTel: 020 8980 1937 • Fax: 020 8980 3762Email: [email protected]

www.abrahamscases.co.uk

• 250 cu ft warehouse (archive) containers

• 192 cu ft liftvans

• Bespoke cases & crates - plywood/triwall

• Art cases: commercial and museum

Training

Destination

This space is available from just

£85 a month

When booked as a 2 unit space in full colour for a

series of 12 issues.

www.sp-in.co.uk [email protected]

Tel: 020 8561 4321

When it comes to piano transport, use the pianist’s choice• Grand piano export packs• Crane and specialist stair crews• UK and Europe Weekly

[email protected]

Tel: 020 8561 4321Piano Logistics is part of the AstonSpinks group

• Heavy duty long reach HIAB crane’s• London furniture hoist & gantry hire• Mini spider cranes & stair climbers

Specialist Installations

Deadlines

See the deadlines for future issues:

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for more information

Issue Booking Deadline Artwork Deadline

July 10th June 24th June

August 10th July 18th July

September 11th August 22nd August


BAR NewsClassifieds

Interested in Selling?We are interested in Removal and Storage Companies in Central &

Greater London. Cash available for instant decision.

Please call in full confidence

07933 123 123

100 lidded plastic crates (BAR) in

good condition £7.50 each

Piano shoe for baby grand £300

2 x Piano wheels £150

Other items including protectors for chairs, mattresses, etc,

sack barrow and several storage containers, price negotiable.

Contact: Tony White on 01923 233249 or 07768 056128

Opportunities

For Sale

Wanted

Trade StorageDepots in London NW10 and

Hemel Hempstead.

Clean, Secure, Alarmed.

Rates negotiable.

Please call Paul on:07971 577 997

Wanted

WANTED250 Cu Ft Warehouse Containers

Good Condition – Any Location

Call Edward Howard:01223 833777

[email protected]

Vehicle for Sale

Mercedes Sprinter 311Cdi 3.5T16ft Dropwell Luton Removal Van

950cu.ft. Brand new JC Payne Body.

88,525 Miles, 2009 09 reg.

Full Height Tie Rails.

Walk in Tailboard with Barn Doors above.

Price: £15,995.00 + vatFinance Arranged.

Iveco 3512 3.5T 16ft Dropwell Lutons also available

Tel: 01922 267377 anytimeE: [email protected]

Vehicle for Sale

Vehicle for Sale

Scania 230 sleeper cab 2008 reg brand new 5 container

body, tie rails, belly boxes,

ramp storage, full MOT, took away tailift, or draw bar optional, alloy

brand new ramps supplied

Price: £46,000 + vatTel: 07730 309 699

MAN 18.220 Demountable Removal Truck

Fitted 2200 Cubic Feet Luton Box with ramp, Tie Rails etc

450,000 KM 2003 - 03 REG. MOT to May 2015

Price: £8,000 + vat

Also available other bodies to fit - 1800 Cubic Feet Box

4 Pallet Curtain

Tel: 07764 629 250E: [email protected]

Situations Vacant

Full-time Removal Estimator required. Family run established BAR company covering domestic UK moves, both private & military within 100 mile approx radius of Camberley, Surrey. Company vehicle and competitive salary, email CV:[email protected]

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400

Advertise your vehicle for sale in this space, with or without a picture, for just £150!

Vehicle for Sale

Wanted

Need Flexible Trade Storage?Depots in East London & Essex

Secure and well presented. Negotiable rates.

Please Call Cliff on:0800 1389 242

[email protected]

Industry News


Wedding bells at Britannia Lanes of Somerset & BristolThere was good news at Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol recently as Administration Manager Kate Prosser, who has worked for the company for over seven years, married her fiancé Paul Chillingworth at St Marys Church in Bridgwater.

All of the team at Britannia Lanes would like to extend their congratulations to the happy couple who, in true removals style, delayed their honeymoon until June when the business is quieter. For more information, see www.britannialanes.co.uk

Brian Maidman: keep in touch!

Brian established his removals company 35 years ago and has been a BAR Member for the past 20 years. Always brimming with ideas and energy, Brian became active in BAR and The Movers Institute (TMI) almost straight away. He says he thoroughly enjoyed serving as Secretary, Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the TMI Bournemouth branch and then took on these roles for the BAR Southern Area. As he told R&S “I like to get involved in things,” and that he certainly did – he subsequently joined the BAR Commercial Moving Group Council in 1999, was appointed in 2008 as one of the first BAR Directly Elected Directors and until recently was a Director of BAR Services.

“I have always enjoyed my ‘ring-side seat’ at Watford – being at the heart of it all, helping and influencing decisions, and being there when change has happened,” he says. Over the years, Brian has witnessed a good deal of change at BAR, most of which he says has been for the best. “I really believe that BAR

is currently in a very good place. It has come through the Governance Review change which was not easy for a lot of people – loads of changes and ruffled feathers. Over the past twenty years, I have seen the organisation improve and modernise. There’s a way to go but BAR is definitely getting there.”

On a personal level, Brian says he got great pleasure from getting to know BAR representatives and BAR Members: “I will really miss the Association and the BAR community, many of whom have become firm personal friends for life.”

However, Brian is keen to stress he is not ending his ties with BAR Members. “I am not saying goodbye, it’s more of ‘a see you later’. The removals and self-storage industries are closely linked and I hope to keep in touch and do business with BAR Members.”

R&S wishes Brian all the best with his Store & Secure business. If you want to make contact with Brian, his new email address is [email protected]

As many R&S readers will know by now, Brian Maidman has sold Maidman’s Removals to White & Company so that he can now devote his time to building up Store & Secure, his self-storage company.

Wedding bells at Britannia Lanes of Somerset & BristolThere was good news at Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol recently as Administration Manager Kate Prosser, who has worked for the company for over seven years, married her fiancé Paul Chillingworth at St Marys Church in Bridgwater.

All of the team at Britannia Lanes would like to extend their congratulations to the happy couple who, in true removals style, delayed their honeymoon until June when the business is quieter. For more information, see www.britannialanes.co.uk


New Regional Director at Crown World Mobility

Crown World Mobility, a global relocation company that helps corporations manage global talent, has recently appointed Peter Sewell as the company’s new Regional Director.

With a strong track record in developing global mobility policies, processes and strategies, Peter’s 27 years’ experience will be vital in driving the business forward throughout the UK and Ireland.

As an experienced global mobility and HR

professional, Peter will be responsible for overseeing client programmes and service delivery, implementing group policies and working closely on expatriate tax and with other suppliers. He will also be in charge of reviewing existing local practices and leading project reviews with customers.

Barry Koolen, Regional Managing Director for the UK, Ireland and Northern Europe, explained: “It’s very important for the development of the business to have Peter on board. With such a breadth of global mobility experience under his belt, Peter will be crucial in reviewing our current mobility processes and helping customers get better value from our services.”

In his previous role as Head of Global Mobility for Tesco, Peter spent six years developing and implementing mobility policies and practices. During this time he created an off shore global employment company in the Far East. Before this he spent six years at Deloitte and was responsible for managing the expatriate services in consulting and outsourcing. For more information visit www.crownworldmobility.com

People News

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Industry News


Industry News


People News

Letters

Obituary: Brian PrescottGraham Bray of Bray & Son Ltd has contacted R&S with the sad news about one of his employees, Brian Prescott, who died recently of a heart attack aged 52.

Brian had worked in the industry for a long time and was a Porter and Driver for Bray & Son Ltd in Maidstone, Kent for ten years. Graham told R&S that Brian will be very much missed by Bray & Sons Ltd’s customers and staff alike. For more information, see www.brayandson.com

New Head of Client Services for Robinsons

Why it is worth attending BAR Conferences

International relocation specialist Robinsons has announced the appointment of Emma Trafford as Head of Client Services. Emma will be providing strategic support to Robinsons’ key client accounts, helping to create tailored relocation services that suit their individual business objectives.

Emma joins Robinsons with more than 18 years’ experience in managing complex domestic and international assignments working in Asia and the Middle East. Rhonda Olsen, Group Director at Robinsons, believes Emma brings real

value to the company’s global relocation service offering. “Having worked for years with HR professionals, Emma has a real insight into the challenges they face when relocating their employees and can use this knowledge to help make our customers’ relocations a smoother, more efficient and ultimately cost effective process.”

For more information visit www.robinsonsrelocation.com

As always, what a great, well organised and well run BAR Conference in Glasgow. Congratulations to all concerned in organising it. The Annual Conference is probably one of the most important aspects of the entire moving business year. Throughout the year we all have our businesses to run, our competitors to deal with and all the problems and issues in running any business in the present economic climate. However, for this one weekend each year we can put all this aside, meet our many friends and moving colleagues (and in many cases even our competitors!) and help each other by sharing the stories of the experiences we all go through in running our businesses: the crews, the clients, the vehicles, the competition, the poor rates etc. It’s also great to see all the ‘past Members’ (I was going to say ‘old’ but I am trying to be politically correct and not offend anyone) coming to the Conference every year. Many of these people have been the backbone of the BAR and have helped mould and create the BAR into the strong Association it is today. It is an absolute credit to them in what they have helped achieve and I am sure it makes them incredibly proud to see a strong BAR and something they have helped create. BAR is a wonderful organisation, which we are all proud to be part of, pulling together and continuing to grow as one strong moving team. It brings us all together as friends and colleagues and makes us realise that we all share and experience exactly the same issues every single day in running our businesses. At the Conference we meet old friends, new friends and strengthen our business relationships. But, above all, we share a certain camaraderie which goes far beyond business. We build friendships which have been strong for many years and which will continue to be strong for the future. We have an organisation to be proud of, an organisation which does try its best to elevate itself and its

Members to standards far beyond those of non-members. So, all I can say is friends, colleagues, businessmen, enjoy your business throughout this next year and we can all catch up with each other in Belfast next year and, once again, try and put all the wrongs to rights and enjoy a great weekend among friends. On a final note, to all those who have never attended a Conference, please put it in your diary now and make a point of making Belfast 2015 your first one!Campbell McGimpseyDirector, McGimpsey Brothers (Removals) Limited


BAR News

Memb No: G013

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BAR News


Documents

R&S June 2014