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R&S April 2014 Magazine

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  • www.bar.co.uk

    Removals & StorageThe Magazine of the British Association of Removers

    April 2014 // Issue 477 // 4

    On the coverJust like a Swiss watch, Hamiltons Gold Star Swiss Service provides top quality, accurate and on time moves to customers.

    See page 31.

    Inside this Issue

    Industry News BAR News

    >> Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 shortlist

    >> Kirk Dugard new BAR Directly Elected Director

    Features Breaking News

    >> Italian flair for furniture

    >> Digital marketing and the removals industry

    Hamiltons achieve Gold with their Olympic service to Switzerland

    >> How the Budget affects your business

    >> Careline relocate Ryanair

    >> Finalists for Commercial Mover of the Year 2014

    >> Self storage: Viable for removals companies?

    Paul Walsh of Hamiltons sloping off to do an access check

  • 2Features

    Removals & Storage April 2014

  • April 2014 Removals & Storage 3

    Features

    BAR News

    DMotY 2014-15 shortlist announcement, new Directly Elected Director Kirk Dugard on the importance of web-based technology and Chris Smallwood on self storage.

    22

    Commercial Moving Group News

    Find out who the CMotY 2014 finalists are!

    30

    Overseas Group News

    All Members are now compliant with the Overseas Group criteria, while the Council warns Members about a rogue moving company.

    36

    News from Watford

    On the cover: Hamiltons European Director Paul Walsh takes to the snow.

    04

    Contents

    ContentsIndustry News

    Just a snippet The Budget 2014 OCRS reforms Late payments still a problem Advanced Removals expand capacity JT & Sons acquire major shareholding in Britannia Leeds

    05

    BAR Conference 2014 just one month away The lowdown on the speakers, workshops and social events planned for BARs Annual Conference in Glasgow (15-17 May).

    28

    46 European News

    62

    Membership

    Classifieds

    54

    61

    Diary Dates 52

    Training 42

    Anglo Pacific brings rare Triumph home from Malta BAR International Affiliate Anglo Pacific has successfully transported a classic 1965 Triumph car from the Mediterranean all the way back to Buckinghamshire. 15

    Hamiltons Gold Star Swiss Service How to handle employee absence Digital marketing and the removals industry Crown Line Malaysia: The international mover with the personal touch

    Features31

    48

    Flair for furniture: Italian Association of Removers Barbara Savelli of the Italian Association of Removers (AITI) talks about how the removals market works in Italy, where removals teams are marketed for their international reputation for rebuilding high quality furniture.

    3

    BAR Services20

    People News

    New sales role for Michael Dalaimo of PHS Teacrate.

  • 4BAR News

    Removals & Storage April 2014

    News from Watford

    The interest in and take up of the Primary Authority-endorsed terms and conditions has continued to grow. The terms and conditions have been widely discussed and praised at several Area Meetings around the country, and more and more Members are signing up. BAR has pre-loaded the information of Members onto the Primary Authority database, simplifying the registration process. Once registered, Members will be provided with added legal protection as well as a unique marketing opportunity, as BAR is the only trade association with Trading Standards-endorsed terms and conditions. If you are unclear about how Primary Authority arrangements work, please contact the BAR Regulatory Department. The BAR Biennial Membership Survey is currently underway. Thank you to all those who have taken part so far, and if you are yet to receive one, expect a call! The results will be announced and discussed at the upcoming BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow in May. A number of Area and Council Meetings have taken place recently. The minutes and decisions taken at each are available in the Members Area of the BAR website. The 2014 Annual Conference in Glasgow promises to be an exciting and enlightening experience, with a first class line up of expert industry speakers and workshops arranged

    for attendees. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from and converse with these experts on a range of subjects from across the removals and storage industry. The information they provide will help Members incorporate best practice into, and further develop, their businesses. Delegates will also have the opportunity to witness the launch of new exciting BAR products. There is a selection of great social events planned for the Conference. Starting with the BAR Golf Challenge on Thursday 15 May, the entire Conference programme is full of opportunities to socialise and relax with fellow delegates. Fridays fun fair party night with interactive stalls and a themed buffet promises to provide delegates with a great chance to let their hair down. On Saturday delegates will have the chance to experience some Scottish culture and history with a whisky distillery tour and a trip to the Tall Ship SV Glenlee. After this, the three-course black tie Gala Dinner will round off the Conference, and will include the presentation of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 and Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 awards, both of which promise to be tight contests. A detailed programme of the 2014 Conference is provided in this issue. All inclusive packages for the Conference are still available so visit www.bar.co.uk/conference2014.aspx to book yours now!

    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 May 2014 issue of R&S is 10 April 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: Ian StuddDirector 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

  • 5Industry News

    April 2014 Removals & Storage

    Challenge to Employment Tribunal fees unsuccessfulUnison has been unsuccessful in its High Court challenge of the lawfulness of the Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunal Fees Order 2013. The Order was challenged on four different grounds, all of which were rejected by the High Court. As such, the Order has now been confirmed to be lawful. Although all four challenges to the Order were rejected, the Court did accept that two of them retained scope for future reassessment. One of these challenges relates to the Governments public sector equality duty. The Court decided that if,

    as time goes on, the full impact of these fees negatively affects the fulfilment of this Government duty, the Order could become unlawful.

    The second challenge suitable for future scrutiny was that the fee system indirectly discriminates against women. This was argued on the basis that a higher proportion of those bringing equal pay claims, which are subject to higher fees, to tribunals are women. Though the Court could not find objective justification for higher fees for equal pay claims, it was decided to wait for the full impact

    of the fee changes to become clear before reassessing at a later date. For more information visit www.backhousejones.co.uk

    OCRS reforms latest The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued an update on its on-going reforms to the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system, which it has used since 2006 to help target poorly performing operators. According to the DVSA (formerly VOSA), while the OCRS was originally designed as an enforcement tool, it is now VOSAs voice in the boardroom and is increasingly used by operators to monitor their own performance, often at board level. In October 2012 the agency redesigned the system to allow operators to move between bands based upon their performance, rather than having to have a set percentage of operators in each band. It also replaced predictive scoring which analysis showed did not always accurately reflect an operators risk of non-compliance with a grey band for operators for whom no historic score exists. As part of the agencys efforts to improve OCRS and deal with poorly performing operators, the agency is currently working on an OCRS operator report. This allows operators to see all the annual tests, roadside inspections and prosecutions that affect their OCRS. It provides a summary of the operators current score and a breakdown of encounters with inspectors. It tracks OCRS over the previous 90 days. The report will be available online alongside the current annual test and roadside inspection reports in 2014, the DVSA says. The agency is also looking at ways of introducing the scores of officer visits to an operator into OCRS, and at a way of better defining operators in each risk band. This will help to differentiate between operators with low numbers of encounters and a single prohibition or offence and operators with high numbers of encounters and high numbers of prohibitions or offences. The DVSA expects to finalise the work later this year and, subject to agreement, will look to introduce the reforms in 2014-15.

    Osborne freezes fuel duty, raises allowances In what has been widely billed as his election campaign budget, Chancellor George Osborne presented his March 2014 Budget statement confirming that the 20 pence per litre fuel duty rise planned for September will not take place.

    In a bid to drive the UKs economic recovery, the Chancellor doubled the Annual Investment Allowance for businesses to 500,000 until the end of 2015 to encourage greater investment by companies. The 250,000 annual limit on business investment tax relief is due to fall back to 25,000 from 2015. 99.8% of businesses will get a 100% investment allowance, the Chancellor said. Almost every business across Britain will pay no upfront tax when they invest in the future. For companies in enterprise zones, the business rates discounts and enhanced capital allowances will be extended for another three years. The point at which people start paying income tax will be raised to 10,500, with the threshold for 40p income tax to rise from 41,450 to 41,865 as from this month and by a further 1% to 42,285 next year.

    Support for apprenticeshipsTo tackle skills shortages and youth unemployment in the country, the Government will expand the Apprenticeship Grants for Employers scheme (AGE), making grants available for 100,000 more

    apprenticeships by 2015/16, and is also developing graduate-level apprenticeships. The AGE scheme provides employers with grants of up to 1,500 for each apprentice they train. Osborne is providing an extra 85m a year for AGE in both 2014/15 and 2015/16. In terms of public sector investment and infrastructure, Osborne said that central government is making 200m available which local authorities can bid for to repair pot-holes in roads. The Government will also give new tax and borrowing powers to the Welsh Government to fund its infrastructure needs, allowing work improving the M4 in South Wales to begin.

    In the housing sector, the Chancellor extended the Help to Buy equity scheme for new build homes to 2020, and announced support for the building of more than 200,000 new homes.

    The Budget also introduced several pension reforms, including an increase in total pension savings that people can take as a lump sum to 30,000. All long-haul flights are to carry a lower rate of air duty although as R&S goes to press the scope and details of this relief have not been published.

  • Industry News

    6 Removals & Storage April 2014

    Skills for Logistics (SfL) in partnership with Pearson have launched Certificate to Work, a scheme to standardise the training of new LGV drivers, and show that they have the knowledge, competence and skills to be safe and eco-practical drivers in the future. Comprising several components, including industry licences and certificates as well as formal accredited qualifications, the certificate will set a new standard for new LGV drivers to achieve. SfL estimates that for the 2010-2020 period, 149,000 new drivers will be needed. Dr Ross Moloney, CEO of Skills for Logistics, said the Certificate to Work was a positive step for attracting new drivers into the industry irrespective of their experience because they will be able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge, competence and skills to be a safe and eco-practical driver. The certificate is intended to support young, inexperienced NEETS (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), those with experience but who are changing career (e.g. Warehouse to

    Wheels), as well as experienced drivers from the MOD who have not previously used their Cat C or Cat C+E licence. Candidates will go through a rigorous initial assessment that will ensure they have a clear understanding of what it takes to be an LGV Driver. They will not be able to achieve the Certificate to Work unless they have either been working for a logistics employer or have been provided with some work experience with an employer. Once a learner has achieved the Certificate to Work, employers will know they have everything they need to carry out the role of an LGV Driver.

    New training for LGV drivers

    UKWA warns against changes to sprinkler system rules The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has warned against the mandatory introduction of sprinkler systems in all new facilities.

    Currently only warehouses of 20,000 square metres or more are required by law to install sprinkler systems. However, the Business Sprinkler Alliance, a coalition of pro-sprinkler businesses and interest groups, has recently launched a campaign to review the current legislation.

    Roger Williams, Chief Executive Officer of UKWA, commented that given the Fire Services policy to allow warehouse fires to extinguish naturally if the blaze does not present a threat to human life, it seems reasonable to expect more emphasis to be placed on preventing the escalation of a fire, and suppression systems look certain to be used more widely.

    Some opponents of extended sprinkler legislation claim that there are a number of practical problems that prevent the use of sprinklers in certain facilities. The UKWA says it welcomes any steps that seek to add protection to property and people, and wants to ensure that any proposed changes to existing regulations are sensible, practical and applied with a light hand.

    Most drivers unaware of lorry laws The majority of drivers do not know the speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads, increasing the risk of accidents, the AA has warned.

    The findings, which show that eight out of ten (81%) drivers do not know that the limit for lorries on single carriageway roads is 40mph, have been released in the 80th anniversary year of the introduction of driving licences for lorry drivers.

    Knowledge of the correct speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads was highest among Scottish drivers (40%) and lowest among those in Northern Ireland (14%). Skilled manual and service workers displayed the best (26%) knowledge of lorry speed limits. Drivers in managerial or professional roles were the least (16%) able to identify 40mph as the correct speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads.

    According to the AA, lack of knowledge of speed limits for other vehicles can cause problems and frustration on the road. Proposals to raise the speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads to 50mph have been considered by the Government, although no change has yet been implemented. Part of the reason for investigating this was to reduce the build-up of traffic travelling behind lorries moving at 40mph.

    The same research also highlighted 1% of drivers who, on approaching a two-lane roundabout at the same time as an articulated lorry, would speed up to try to beat it around the roundabout. A cautious 7% of drivers said they would avoid entering the roundabout entirely until the lorry had exited it.

    Jim Kirkwood of the AA said the research underlined the lack of understanding by drivers of the laws surrounding lorries. Drivers who find themselves frustrated because they are stuck behind a lorry they perceive to be going slowly need to remember that there are different speed limits for different vehicles, he said. Professional lorry drivers have been required by law to hold a special licence for 80 years; highlighting the specialist skills needed to drive large vehicles safely and legally.

    The Driver CPC qualification will ensure that all drivers and fleets have received sufficient training to allow them to drive LGVs vocationally. To stay within the rules, all drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. According to BAR Training Services, the Driver CPC rules affect everyone who drives vehicles over 3.5 tonnes vocationally. Between September 2009 and September 2014 all Drivers will be required to have attended 35 hours of periodic training in order to gain their Driver CPC Qualification Card. After 10 September 2014 those without a Driver CPC Qualification Card will be unable to drive LGVs vocationally. For the dates of Driver CPC courses run by BAR Training Services see page 42 or for more information see www.removalstraining.com

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

  • 7Industry News

    April 2014 Removals & Storage

    Recent research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) on public procurement has shown that while firms welcome recent Government reforms in the sector, progress on the ground remains slow. According to the CBIs survey, members believe that improving the public sectors commercial skills is essential to transforming the procurement process. More than 60% of respondents saw no change in evidence of improving commercial skills, during the last year, and 21% saw a deterioration in skills. 67% of firms feel that the Governments performance in standardising procurement processes is poor, and 67% also said lowest cost is still driving most contracting decisions. Although the Crown Commercial Services Mystery Shopper facility is helping market performance, smaller firms appear to remain unaware of it. The new EU Procurement Directive

    also aims to help simplify many procurement processes and reduce complexity for UK firms. Jim Bligh, CBIs Head of Public Services, said: we know public procurement reform takes time, but progress has been painfully slow. The Crown Commercial Service must complete its radical overhaul of the process and tackle inconsistency and poor standards. The Government has set itself the goal of reducing the procurement process

    from 200 to 120 days. Just over half of the CBI members surveyed said that procurement was taking the same time to complete as it was two years ago. With 20bn of central Government spend going to just 39 suppliers, building a more diverse supplier base is another important strand of procurement reform. The Government has pledged that by 2015 a quarter of public contracts will go to small and medium-sized firms.

    Concerns raised over public procurement

    Acas Early Conciliation now live After this months launch of Acas Early Conciliation, regulations outlining how the programme works have been published. Anyone thinking of making an Employment Tribunal claim should now notify Acas first. The new free Early Conciliation service allows both parties in a dispute to try to resolve the problem quickly without the need for legal action. The service allows an extra month to attempt to resolve the dispute before reaching the deadline for making their claim. Early conciliation can save employers and employees the stress, cost and time of facing an employment tribunal. It can also save taxpayers some of the cost of running the tribunal system. Acas has been running a similar optional service called Pre Claim Conciliation (PCC) since 2009. The service deals with around 20,000 cases a year and over three-quarters of these are resolved in a way that does not lead on to a tribunal claim. Independent research shows that PCC saves employers on average 2,700 in legal costs compared to dealing with an employment tribunal case. The average time taken to complete a PCC case is just 23 days compared to the several months that a tribunal case can take. If Early Conciliation does not resolve the dispute, then the claimant is still able to lodge a tribunal claim.

    BIFM launches new FM standards The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has launched the Facilities Management Professional Standards; created in consultation with facilities management (FM) industry stakeholders and professional standards experts. The new standards form a global competence model for the profession.The BIFM Facilities Management Professional Standards define the key functions performed by FMs, the main components of each functional area and the competences which are required to be a professional when carrying out each function. The competences are defined for each level in an FMs career, from a support role through to a strategic role. These standards can be used to create a benchmark for skills, knowledge and competence for those working at all levels in the FM profession. Gareth Tancred, BIFM Chief Executive Officer, said: ensuring that we have a proficient, qualified and skilled workforce is essential to driving up the standards across the profession. Our work with stakeholders to develop these standards means that we now have a robust set of professional standards which professionals and employers alike can benchmark themselves against. To complement the framework, new tools for both individuals and organisations to use in their professional development programmes will be introduced in due course. BIFMs FM Professional Standards are closely aligned to the BIFM qualifications to ensure consistency and relevancy. The BIFM Facilities Management Professional Standards handbook can be found at www.bifm.org.uk/FMstandards

  • Industry News

    8 Removals & Storage April 2014

    2,000 cashback from the Employment Allowance HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published new guidance for businesses, setting out more details on eligibility for the Employment Allowance and how to claim it.

    The forthcoming allowance constitutes up to 2,000 of savings from employers National Insurance Contributions (NICs) bill for 1.25 million businesses across the UK. Available from 6 April 2014, it will see 450,000 businesses stop paying NICs altogether.

    According to research carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), small businesses will use the Employment Allowance to boost staff wages, employ additional staff and invest in resources. Compared with a year ago, small businesses are employing more staff and are looking to expand in the near future, said John Allan, FSB National Chairman. This points to growing confidence from the UKs small firms. The new HMRC guidance provides businesses with additional information about how to claim the allowance which will be a simple process done through their payroll providers. It also includes more detail on the types of businesses that will be able to benefit.

    The guidance is available at www.gov.uk/employment-allowance-up-to-2000-off-your-class-1-nics

    Investment surge in road building Roads Minister Robert Goodwill has called on Britains road building companies to get ready for a massive increase in work ahead of what he says is the biggest investment in the road network since the 1970s.

    The Government is tripling funding on the road network over the next 8 years with more than 24bn to be spent on upgrading and improving the network until 2021. By 2015, 3.3bn will be spent each year on improvements and maintenance for the strategic network alone.

    Robert Goodwill said that to deliver the 53 road schemes currently in preparation, plus the other improvements to Britains roads over the next seven years, will mean taking on more apprentices and making sure suppliers have the capacity to deal with the increase in demand. The investment is part of the plan to provide road users with a high performing

    network that can cope with the expected 46% increase in traffic over the coming decades.

    Along with investing 10.7bn in major improvements for strategic roads between 2015 and 2021, the Government will also invest 6.1bn in resurfacing 80% of the strategic network, with another 6bn on tackling potholes on local authority roads. The reforms will see the Highways Agency turned into a Government-owned company, helping to improve commercial efficiency and cut running costs. The consultation on the changes to the Highways Agency has now closed and a response will be published in the near future.

    The Port of Felixstowe has received consent from the Marine Management Organisation for the extension of its newest container handling facility, Berths 8 and 9. The expansion will increase the ports ability to berth the next generation of mega vessels. Berths 8 and 9 were opened in November 2011. This new extension will allow the port to offer more berth windows and greater flexibility to customers.

    Felixstowe is the only port in the UK to have handled the 18,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, the most common unit of measuring cargo capacity) class, the biggest container vessels in service, recently introduced on the Asia-Europe trade route. This latest phase of development is designed not only for the latest generation of

    container vessels, but for those that will follow them in future, with a depth of up to 18 metres alongside, and cranes able to span 25 containers across a vessel. The new quay is scheduled to be operational in 2015. The quay extension will take the total berth length for container vessels at Felixstowe to over 3,250 metres, serviced by 37 ship-to-shore gantry cranes.

    and introduces vehicle chargingThe Port of Felixstowe has also written to haulage operators to inform them that it has introduced peak time charging for its Vehicle Booking System (VBS). VBS is a real-time appointment system used by hauliers wishing to deliver or collect containers at

    Felixstowe. The Port originally raised and then withdrew the introduction of peak time VBS charges in 2007. In its letter to haulage operators, Commercial Director Paul Wallace said: we now believe it is the right time to raise this issue again and trust that the haulage community value the significant concessions made previously, especially since other major UK ports have continued to charge for access, through both morning and afternoon peak periods. As a voluntary gesture the Port will suspend the charge during morning peak hours (5am-7am). This limits the charge to afternoon access only, between the hours of Midday-5pm. The charge has also been reduced to a nominal amount of 1.50 per VBS booking.

    Felixstowe to expand container quay

  • 9Industry News

    April 2014 Removals & Storage

  • Industry News

    10 Removals & Storage April 2014

    Getting sick workers back to work

    The Government is launching a new Health and Work Service to tackle sickness absence, estimating that as many as 960,000 employees were on sick leave for a month or more each year on average between October 2010 and September 2013.

    More than 130 million days are lost to sickness absence every year in Great Britain and working-age ill health costs the national economy 100bn a year, the Government estimates. The Health and Work Service will help employees who have been on sickness absence for four weeks or more to return to work and support employers to better manage sickness absence among their workforce. It is expected to save employers 70m a year and cut the time people spend off work by 20-40%.

    Employers face a yearly bill of around 9bn for sick pay and associated costs with individuals missing out on 4bn a year in lost earnings. Around 300,000 people a year fall out of work and into the welfare system because of health-related issues, while taxpayers fund health-related sickness benefits of around 13bn a year and 2bn a year in healthcare, sick pay reimbursement and other taxes.

    The Health and Work Service will offer a work-focused occupational health assessment and case management to employees in the early stages of sickness absence. GPs will be able to refer employees for assessment by the new service once they are absent, or expected to be absent, from work due to illness for four weeks. Employers can also refer employees directly.

    Work-focused occupational health assessments will identify the issues preventing an employee from returning to work and draw up a plan for them, their employer and GP, recommending how the employee can be helped back to work more quickly. The plan will include a timetable for a return to work and fitness for work advice, as well as signpost to appropriate help. For more information about how to deal with employee absences from a legal perspective, see the feature on page 44 of this issue.

    The employee damaged the radius bone in his left elbow in the incident at the companys site in Newham, London. The step ladder collapsed as the worker tried to reach the upper level of a racking system, sending him crashing at least a metre to the floor below. He was unable to return to work for several weeks. Iron Mountain (UK) Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation identified that the ladder he was using was not fit for purpose. HSE established that the ladder was in a poor condition and was critically weakened by a crack that eventually caused it to fail.

    Iron Mountain was fined 5,000 by Westminster Magistrates Court and ordered to pay 8,940 in costs after pleading guilty to a single breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. HSE said that Iron Mountain (UK) Ltd should have implemented a more robust system for inspecting step ladders and providing replacements when defects were identified. Checking ladders is an essential aspect of safely managing work at height.For more information about health and safety training specific to the removals and storage industry, see www.removalstraining.com/training/

    Document security firm fined for step ladder failingsThe UK division of a global documents security company has been fined for safety failings after an employee fractured his arm in a fall from a dangerous step ladder.

    Last years Commercial Mover of the Year, JT & Sons Relocations has acquired a major shareholding in Britannia Leeds. The acquisition will help the Sussex-based commercial mover expand in northern England. Managing Director Timon Thorncroft says JT & Sons have used the services of BAR Member, Britannia Leeds, for a substantial amount of commercial work in northern England for over eighteen months. The work undertaken has been of a consistently high standard and Timon told R&S that it now made commercial sense to invest in the Leeds-based operator in order to further strengthen JT & Sons position in the growing UK commercial relocations market. The two firms will continue to operate as separate entities but this will now allow JT & Sons to have a sales office in the North. Steve Barker will remain the Managing Director and other shareholder in Britannia Leeds. We have known Steve for a long time and we expect this tie up to be good for both of us, Timon says. There are a lot of synergies between the two companies. We are both family-run, with our children working in the firms, and we share the same ethos of getting all the little details right and going

    the extra mile for our customers.JT & Sons will continue to focus on

    commercial moves under its own name, whilst Britannia Leeds will focus on overseas shipping and domestic moving in and around the Leeds area, as well as continuing to assist on commercial moves when required.

    Timons wife Jenny, who is also a co-owner of JT & Sons, will look after the finances for both companies, and the new team of Timon, Jenny and Steve say they are looking forward to a prosperous future together. They also hope to catch up with other BAR Members at this years Conference in Glasgow, where Britannia Leeds will be running what promises to be one of the main attractions in the exhibition hall a golf simulator! For more information, see www.jtsrelocations.com and www.britannialeeds.com

    JT & Sons Relocations acquire major shareholding in Britannia Leeds

  • 11

    Industry News

    April 2014 Removals & Storage

    JT & Sons Relocations acquire major shareholding in Britannia Leeds

    The FSB is calling for the Government to strengthen the Prompt Payment Code to make it easier for firms to complain about payment terms. The organisation says that in some cases large companies have been extending their payment terms to an unacceptable 120 days. Using data from its member survey of more than 8,000 of its members, the FSB has told a Department of Business consultation that more than half (51%) of its members providing goods or services to larger private sector businesses were paid late in the last 12 months. For those firms affected, being paid late or on extended terms meant reduced profitability (34%), paying their suppliers late (32%) and restricting their business growth (29%). Matthew Fell, Director for Competitive Markets at the Confederation of British Industry, said: we need to create a culture of prompt payment in all businesses. Its unacceptable that many firms are being held back from growing and creating jobs because they are owed thousands of pounds.

    The Prompt Payment CodeThe FSB is urging the Government to consider re-launching the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) website and to promote more widely the existing challenge function where small firms can complain about late payment by a firm signed up to the Code. The FSB also wants to see all signatories clearly state their maximum and average payment terms and to provide a named contact for small businesses who face difficulties. Only in exceptional circumstances should payment terms be more than 60 days. Fear of losing contracts is another issue, the FSB says. Even though they are legally entitled to do so, its research suggests just 12% had charged interest to clients for overdue payments because they fear losing business. John Allan, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: Small businesses simply cant be expected to lend interest free to their large customers, which is in effect what extended payment terms and late payments results in.

    Late payments still a problem New data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows that more than five in ten members were paid after the agreed payment date by large companies in 2013.

  • Industry News

    12 Removals & Storage April 2014

    UK leads global expatriate surgeThe total number of expatriates worldwide amounted to around 50.5 million in 2013, according to a new research report published by Finaccord, an international market research and consulting company. By 2017, Finaccord is forecasting that the number will reach around 56.8 million as global mobility continues to increase significantly in line with trends from the last decade.

    The total worldwide population that was composed of expatriates increased to 0.72% in 2013 and is forecast to rise to 0.77% by 2017. Moreover, the relative size of the expatriate population within the total worldwide immigrant population, as defined by the UN, grew to 21.8% in 2013, and is predicted to increase further to 23.4% by 2017. The majority of expatriates in 2013 were classified as individual workers (73.6%) followed by students (8.8%), retired expatriates (3.7%) and corporate transferees (1%), with the balance of other expatriates (defined as non-employed spouses and children) making up the residual 12.8%.

    Brits continue to move abroadBritain is the largest exporter of people in the European Union, according to the report. More than 1.16 million UK nationals have moved overseas in 2013. Barry Koolen, Crown Relocations Regional Managing Director, commented:

    This positive figure doesnt necessarily mean all countries have an equal appeal. Some nations which previously saw Britons flock to their shores are experiencing fluctuations in demand. Australias new tighter visa restrictions have seen British immigration drop by 23.4% over the past year. According to Crown Relocation, the desire to move abroad is still strong for Brits. New Zealand, Canada and the UAE are emerging as some of the more

    desirable destinations for UK expatriates and the company says Africa is another destination which many of its clients are beginning to branch into. Worldwide, Finaccord forecasts that students will constitute the most rapidly growing category of expatriates between 2013 and 2017, increasing at a compound annual rate of 3.6%, followed by individual workers (3.2%), retired expatriates (2.9%), corporate transferees (2.8%) and other expatriates (2.3%). Inbound countries receive a high number of migrants from other nations. Across 30 such countries analysed, Saudi Arabia hosted the largest number of expatriates in 2013, followed by the UAE and the US. Meanwhile, across 25 major outbound countries researched, India generated by far the largest group of expatriates resident abroad in 2013, followed by China and the UK. The number of expatriates in the Gulf Cooperation Council states mainly individual workers from Asian countries has increased at an enormous pace in recent years due to these economies being heavily dependent on the inflow of foreign workers. In contrast, in other countries such as the UK and the US, international students constitute a comparatively large proportion of the total expatriate population whilst Spain still attracts many retired expatriates, although this number has itself fallen since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2008.For more information, see www.crownrelo.com

    DAF market share rises in EuropeThe market for new commercial vehicles continues to grow in Europe. According to recent DAF statistics, the total market for heavy commercial vehicles in the European Union in 2013 was almost 241,000 units, an increase of about 8% compared to 2012, when almost 222,000 trucks were registered in this segment. DAF expects that the market for heavy trucks in Europe will reach 200,000 to 230,000 vehicles in 2014. DAF Trucks has strengthened its position in the European truck market, achieving a market share of 16.2% in the heavy truck segment (16 tonnes+), a record in the 85 year history of the company. In the light segment (6-16 tonnes) in which DAF is active with the LF model the European truck market increased by 3% to 57,000 units. DAFs market share in the 6 to 16 tonnes class increased from 11.4% in 2012 to 11.8% last year. An important contribution to this growth was the success in Great Britain, where DAF reached a market share of 42% in the LF segment.

    London Gateway benefits from bad weatherRecent bad weather across the UK has led to increased use of the DP World London Gateway as other ports faced closures and delays due to high winds. DP World London Gateway, which is still under construction, currently has a weekly call by the Southern Africa Europe Container service operated by MOL, Maersk, Safmarine and DAL. Starting in May, Hamburg-Sud and Hapag-Lloyd will operate South America (East and West Coasts), Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, North America West Coast, and India, Pakistan and Middle East services from the port.

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    We would like to hear from youOur companys 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.

    UK leads global expatriate surge

  • Industry News

    14 Removals & Storage April 2014

    Volkswagen bids for Scania to create truck giant Volkswagen has offered 6.7bn (5.5bn) to buy the 37% of truck maker Scania it does not already own, paving the way for closer links between Scania and VWs other truck unit, MAN. With Scania and MAN working more closely together, VWs truck business will become larger than world number two Volvo, and more competitive with Daimler, the worlds number one truck maker and owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand. We are launching this takeover offer to remove restrictions to a deeper cooperation between Scania and MAN, VW Chief Financial Officer Hans Dieter Poetsch said. VW bought a stake in MAN in 2006 and gained full control in 2012. By increasing its stake in Scania, it will be able to merge more of the two companies operations, share technology and save money. VW estimates it will eventually be able to boost operating profit by deepening cooperation between MAN and Scania.The cooperation between the companies and therefore the degree of synergy realisation has remained limited because of legal restrictions, explained former Scania CEO Leif Oestling who now runs VWs truck operations. This has been impairing the speed, quality and scope of collaboration on a day-to-day basis.

    UniGroup teams up with CapitaLand BAR International Associate UniGroup Relocation has been selected as one of the preferred vendors for Singapore-based CapitaLand, one of Asias largest and most prominent real estate companies. This new strategy of partnering with a large real estate company has already brought benefits to the UniGroup team in the form of the launch and road show of CapitaLands latest project, the Interlace Condominium. As a preferred vendor of CapitaLand, UniGroup representatives were present at the launch to promote their selection of relocation packages to future residents of the Interlace Condominium.

    UniGroup offered complimentary add-ons such as temporary storage facilities, adding further value to the services on offer. The team kept spirits high throughout the day by holding prize draws, the lucky winners receiving goody bags. The team reported a high level of interest from customers, and managed to secure five bookings in the course of the day. As a result of this success, Unigroup Relocation is set to participate in two more CapitaLand projects in the near future. For more information visit www.unigrouprelocation.com

    Hamiltons Removals wins court case in South Africa

    The dispute with the client arose after a large move from France, via UK storage, to South Africa. The move, which included moving a car and a motorbike, was completed without issue. However, when the client attempted to register the car, he sent the documentation to the wrong office of the Department of Transport. In South Africa, each departmental office has different requirements, and therefore it is essential to abide by the rules and regulations of each individual office. The client left South Africa without realising that he had not completed the correct paperwork, and therefore was required to return to the country at a later date to comply with the requirement to be present when registering a vehicle. Hamiltons clearing agent worked with the client to ensure that this was completed within six months of the car arriving in the country, as is required by South African law.

    BAR T&CsTwelve months later, Hamiltons received a County Court Summons relating to a 3,541 (later escalating to 5,000) claim by the client for travel, accommodation and assorted expenses incurred by his return to South Africa to complete the registration, arguing that it was the fault of Hamiltons that he failed to register his car properly. With Hamiltons Managing Director, Michael Sawyer, defending the case himself, the clients claim was thrown out. The judge drew all parties attention to the wording of Hamiltons quotation and acceptance, and cited the BAR Terms and Conditions,

    which specify: We will use our reasonable endeavours to provide you with up to date information to assist you with the import/export of your goods. Information on such matters as national or regional laws and regulations which are subject to charge and interpretation at any time is provided in good faith and is based upon existing known circumstances. It is your responsibility to seek appropriate advice to verify the accuracy of any information provided. Michael Sawyer said that he found the experience stressful and costly in both time and effort. As with the Britannia Lanes court case in the last issue of R&S, this case goes to show the benefits for removals companies of having correct and comprehensive documentation, as well as the important role that the BAR Terms and Conditions play in protecting its Members against such legal challenges. For more information visit www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

    The report in R&S March 2014 of the successful court case involving Britannia Lanes illustrated the value of clear terms and conditions as well as having effective systems in place to document all correspondence. Hamiltons Removals has contacted R&S to share information about a recent court case in South Africa where the judge recognised the strong and proficient nature of the Hamiltons documentation and the BAR Terms and Conditions.

    Three companies, Asset Skills, the Cleaning and Support Services Association and the Facilities Management Association, have merged following board agreement to form The Building Futures Group. The Group markets itself as the only representative organisation for the Housing, Property, Planning, Cleaning, Parking and Facilities Management sectors.

    R&S readers will remember that the merger, previously including the British Institute of

    Facilities Management (BIFM), had been attempted before. Though agreed to in principle (reported in the June 2013 issue), the merger was eventually scrapped (see R&S October 2013) by BIFM. New Chief Executive of the Group, Sarah Bentley, said: The Building Futures Group will coordinate the sectors voice and provide a platform that has been so sadly missing. We are fully committed to raising the profile of the industry and transforming the sector.

    Merger creates The Building Futures Group

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    BAR International Affiliate Anglo Pacific has successfully handled the move of a 1965 Triumph TR4A car from Malta to the UK for customer Glyn Williams of Buckinghamshire.

    Anglo Pacific brings rare Triumph home from Malta

    After a year searching for his ideal Triumph, Mr Williams located an immaculate model in Malta. Mr Williams said he opted for Anglo Pacific to handle the move as its London headquarters were geographically convenient for him, and he felt great confidence after talking with Client Manager Terry Horsnell, a man who has been in the shipping business for 30 years. Handling precious cargo such as Glyns Triumph, a car he spent a year tracking down, is one of the main reasons I really enjoy my work at Anglo Pacific, says Terry. Not only do I get to oversee the safe delivery of a special item from A to B, I also get to play a very small part in some fascinating

    stories. I hope Glyn gets many miles, and smiles, from his beautiful new classic car. Glyn Williams was grateful for Anglo Pacifics dedication to the role: Anglo Pacific proved to be an excellent choice as Terry has been absolutely first class in every respect. His attention to detail and excellent communication maintained confidence throughout the whole the shipping procedure. I would have no hesitation in recommending Anglo Pacific in the future. The process successfully completed, Mr Williams commented: All I need now is some good weather to enjoy hood-down motoring with the family.For more information about Anglo Pacific visit www.anglopacific.co.uk

    Merger creates The Building Futures Group

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    16 Removals & Storage April 2014

    Careline carry out Ryanair move BAR Irish International Associate, Careline International Moving & Storage, recently completed a move for one of Europes largest low-cost airlines, Ryanair.

    Careline, one of Irelands largest removal companies, is a family-run business built up over several generations. The company was awarded the Ryanair contract following a successful tender process. Over two days, the team employed 15 crew and four vehicles of various sizes to relocate Ryanair to their new state-of-the-art low-cost headquarters just outside of Dublin Airport in Swords, County Dublin. Careline even managed to complete the move one day ahead of schedule, with Chief Executive Officer of Ryanair Michael OLeary commenting that Careline were a pleasure to deal with. As a testament to their level of service, Careline have already been able to confirm that they will be carrying out further work for Ryanair in the near future. For more information visit: www.careline.ie

    Bishops Move Edinburgh relocates James Fisher DefenceThe Edinburgh arm of one of the UKs largest family-owned removals companies completed a three-phase office relocation of the Glasgow-based provider of marine engineering services, James Fisher Defence, in a job which included the handling of submarine and submersible models. The 167-year old marine engineering company enlisted the services of Bishops Move Edinburgh to move out of its Glasgow headquarters to new purpose-designed offices in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire. Four vans and 24 removers were required to relocate the materials required for James Fisher Defences 60 employees, such as

    computers, desks and artworks. The Bishops Move team was even required to handle the firms 18 delicate and invaluable submarine models, which ranged from 2ft to 9ft (0.6 to 2.7m) in length. David Mills, General Manager of Bishops Move Edinburgh, said the move required all the years of experience accumulated by our removal men in order to guarantee the objectives were met of our client.

    James Fisher Defence was thrust into the global limelight in 2005 when the company provided equipment and personnel to assist in the rescue of seven sailors from a stricken Russian submarine

    off the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. After a successful and smooth move, Rod Barlow, Development Manager at James Fisher Defence, commented: With no lift available, each and every item had to be very carefully handled up and down stairs, which the Bishops Move team did with some aplomb. This year marks the 160th anniversary of Bishops Move. Founded in 1854, the company is now run by the sixth generation of Bishops with over 350 employees and 13 franchises across the UK and Europe.For more information see www.bishopsmove.com

    Gloucester-based Advanced Removals & Storage has increased storage capacity at the Gloucester Business Park by 15,000 square feet. This new building has been specifically designed for commercial pallets storage and secure document storage. Steven Hartwell, co-owner of Advanced Removals & Storage, hopes this facility will allow us to serve the countys businesses, allowing them to expand without the risk of long-term, expensive leases on commercial property. The company is now looking to the future. We are continuing to grow and we are going to take on new people. Weve worked hard and have developed a good reputation, which we are rightly proud of, said Steven. Advanced Removals have also recently launched their improved website to go along with their increased

    storage capacity. Steven runs the company with his brother Geoff. Involved in the removals and storage industry for over 40 years, the company employs over 40 members of staff and owns nearly 40 vehicles. The company is already enjoying increased exposure, and recently starred in the popular BBC2 TV series Permission Impossible, which follows the work of

    Britains environmental planners. Steven Hartwell said: We treated it like we approach any job, with professionalism and care but obviously you cant buy this sort of advertising so we were pleased to see our removals company featured.For more information visit the newly-launched website at www.advanced-removals.co.uk

    Advanced Removals & Storage increase capacity

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    BAR Members in flood relief efforts The recent floods in the UK prompted a number of BAR Members to come to the aid of local residents.

    Berkshire-based Camp Hopson Removals Ltd battled through rising water levels to remove furniture and valuable items from a property in Eastbury, Berkshire. As the river Lambourn burst its banks and flooded entire streets, water reached knee-level and started to enter homes. A resident contacted Camp Hopson requesting that they urgently remove her furniture and effects as she was concerned that the rising water would damage them. Removals Manager Damon Theobold said that he went to estimate the goods to be removed and discovered how bad the situation was with the flood water at knee-level whilst standing in the street outside of her house. Council representatives informed the team that more rain was expected and water levels were expected to continue to rise by another 7 or 8 cm (3 inches). With this in mind, Damon contacted the office and we rallied all of our resources together in order to move the customer that afternoon to avoid any further damage to her belongings. Despite the difficult situation, Damon and his team were able to successfully remove all the contents requested by the customer before the next downpour arrived. Damon noted that: the customer, albeit very emotional about the circumstances she was placed in, was very grateful and could not thank us enough.

    Volunteering and storage space donationThe team at Britannia Lanes of Somerset donated their time and storage space to help the relief effort in

    Somerset during the recent UK floods. Britannia Lanes of Somerset acted as a drop off and collection point for Flooding on the Levels Action Group (FLAG). The local area had been badly affected by the floods and hundreds of volunteers worked hard to save people, animals, property and vehicles. Britannia Lanes is based in Bridgwater, close to the Somerset Levels. Many donations were sent in to help

    those forced out of their homes by the floods. Britannia Lanes donated its storage space for free, and stored over 350 boxes of clothes, blankets, towels, toiletries and food.

    We were amazed by the amount of donations, Britannia Lanes Director Angus Russell said. The local community all pulled together to help as much as they could, bringing in clothing, bedding, food and toys to support people in need in the local area. The response was so strong that the company stopped accepting donations of clothing, toys and bedding, and instead prioritised non-perishable foods and toiletries. Britannia Lanes was also heavily involved in helping to remove and store the effects of flooding victims until remedial works were completed on their properties.

    Bishops Move Edinburgh relocates James Fisher Defence

    For more information about these companies, see www.camphopsonremovals.co.uk and www.britannialanes.co.uk

    Continental has launched a Collision Investigation package based on tachograph-related software, which will help UK investigators produce detailed analysis of speed data, acceleration and status inputs using data from digital tachographs. The data from several vehicles in the same collision can be displayed and evaluated by the software. Further

    features include the ability to check digital signatures, graphs of speed, acceleration, distance and optional status inputs. Continental Automotives DTCOscope software incorporates the range of tools and features that an analyst and/or collision investigator requires to provide precise detailed data about the vehicles movements.

    Continental provides tachograph software for crashes

  • Industry News

    18 Removals & Storage April 2014

    House prices on the up while transactions increase The recovery in the housing market is gathering pace nationwide, with asking and selling prices moving higher and transaction numbers continuing to pick up.

    According to Rightmove, average property coming to market was priced at 251,964 in February, 6.9% (+16,223) more than a year ago and the highest annual rate of growth since November 2007. A substantial jump in the number of properties coming to market means there are also tentative signs that the market recovery and increasing prices are persuading more people to sell. The number of weekly new listings in February 2014 was 18% higher than a year previously, Rightmove said. Miles Shipside of Rightmove said that the housing market can only help to support a wider economic recovery if there is a sustained boost to property supply and not just buyer demand. There is some early evidence that this is happening, he said. However, supply and demand imbalances remain and are getting worse in many markets, as a result of years of under-provision of additional housing stock, especially in the areas where the local economy and employment are strong. According to Halifax, house prices increased by 1.1% in January, driven up partly by a lack of supply. Of particular interest to the removals industry is that activity is also showing an upward trend with housing transactions in 2013 exceeding one million for the first time since 2007. According to Halifax, home sales rose for the ninth successive month in December to 103,040; 30% higher than in December 2012. In addition, the number of mortgage approvals for house

    purchases a leading indicator of completed house sales was 9% higher in the three months to December than in the previous quarter and 30% higher than in the same three months of 2012. Supporting this positive picture, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Housing Market Survey for January showed the number of house hunters jumped to a six and a half year high. The average number of house sales reported by NAEA members and the proportion of first time buyers increased. The average number of house hunters registered per branch increased from 334 in December to 353 in January. The average number of sales agreed per branch also increased from six in December to eight in January, the NAEA said. Over a third of house hunters were looking to up-size from their existing property in January 2014 with only one in ten looking to down-size. Meanwhile, figures from the Land Registry for January show an annual price rise of 4.2%, taking the average property value in England and Wales to 168,356. The monthly change from December to January was an increase of 1%. In terms of transactions, the Land Registry said that in November, the most up-to-date figures available, the number of completed house sales in England and Wales increased by 23% to 78,358 compared with 63,953 in November 2012. The number of properties sold for over 1m in November 2013 increased by 45% to 985.

    Nationwide said that UK house prices increased by 0.6% in February and were 9.4% higher than in February 2013. Chief Economist Robert Gardner said: price growth is being supported by the fact that the supply of housing remains constrained, with housing completions still well below their pre-crisis levels, which was already insufficient to keep up with the pace of household formation.

    For example, in England around 109,500 new homes were built in 2013, this is 38% below the level recorded in 2007and around half the projected number of households that are expected to form each year in the years ahead. Meanwhile, official figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK house prices increased by 5.5% in December 2013 compared with a year earlier, up from 5.4% in November 2013. The average UK house price reached 250,000 in December 2013. House prices grew by 5.7% in England, 4.8% in Wales, 0.5% in Scotland and 4.8% in Northern Ireland. The ONS said that house price growth is beginning to increase strongly across parts of the UK, with prices in London increasing at more than double the UK average. Annual house price increases in England were driven by rises in London (12.3%), the East (4.6%) and the West Midlands (4.3%). Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 3.1% in the 12 months to December 2013.

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    BAR News

    Removals & Storage April 2014

    BAR ServicesBAR Services

    BAR Services join Luxfords of Weybridge on the road BAR Services prides itself on an extensive and in-depth knowledge of the packaging industry and, in particular, which products are vital to the removals industry in an evolving market. The company also knows it is important to stay in touch with the removals teams working on the ground in order to ensure that its knowledge is up to date and that it can continue to source new and innovative products.

    A recent decision to place Sales Executive Suzy Barrak on the road alongside Accounts Manager Tim Oliver in order to provide further face-to-face support to customers led to a kind invite from BAR Services Director John Luxford (Luxfords of Weybridge). John offered Tim and Suzy the chance to work alongside one of his crews for a day and, according to Tim, we jumped at the chance. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to really get an understanding of how our current products are best used and where we could introduce useful and beneficial new products. Although it was an early start for Tim and Suzy, on arrival at a house in Weybridge, the Luxfords crew were well under way, with self-adhesive floor protector already on all carpets and even as far as the attic room. Both were impressed by the speed at which the crew worked whilst remaining effective and professional at the same time, often in the face of stressed and emotional clients (moving is a stressful time). It was impressive to watch them in action, commented Suzy. We quickly realised how multi-skilled the guys have to be packing professionally and quickly whilst being pleasant and courteous at the same time. Despite having to deal with difficult clients and the wrath of angry neighbours, they got the job done and everything was perfectly wrapped.

    Adapting to each jobBoth Tim and Suzy have in-depth knowledge of the products supplied by BAR Services. However, after a long and busy day with the team of packers they learned just how versatile and adaptable many of their products can be. In particular, Tim was struck by the versatility of the mirror pack and how it is used in a variety of ways to ensure optimum protection. Not only was it adapted to fit mirrors, pictures and other flat objects of all sizes, but it was then used as a heavy duty floor protector on arrival at the destination. He was further impressed by the way that all mirrors and pictures were first wrapped in export wrap and secondly in a mirror pack. When asked why the crew wrapped each one so precisely it was explained that by doing this the mirrors could be stacked vertically in the van, utilising every piece of space, which was crucial. The utilisation of all of the space on the trucks was also key to the move, and clever packing with good products made this possible. After their energetic

    and tiring day, both Tim and Suzy took time to reflect on the experience. It proved to be an extremely worthwhile exercise, giving them the ability to empathise with the crews who work on the ground and also to see that simple, reliable and easy-to-use products are vital. Furthermore, the ability to re-use products where possible and adapt others allows savings to be made, which can then be passed on to the client. In the future, where possible, BAR Services will be sending its sales staff on more regular on-the-job training days and would like to thank the Luxfords staff for allowing Tim and Suzy to shadow them. By allowing its staff to be at the coal-face, BAR Services feels it can provide its customers with a superior, more comprehensive service through a better understanding of what is required of their products on a practical and dayto-day basis.

    For prices and availability, please contact BAR Services on: 01342 870087 or email: [email protected]

  • April 2014 Removals & Storage 21

    BAR NewsBAR ServicesBAR Services

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    BAR News

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    Congratulations go to the following Member companies who make up this years shortlist:

    Bournes Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol Britannia Thomas Casserlys Kilmarnock Removals International Maidmans Removals & Storage Reddaways Removals Ltd.

    This years award focuses on Customer Experience and companies were assessed on the basis of their websites, online contact, quotation forms, knowledge, professionalism and helpfulness of staff as well as their commitment to quality and high standards, compliance with the BAR Code of Practice and customer feedback. These above shortlisted companies will be subjected to an independent telephone mystery shopper

    evaluation as part of the second stage of the competition. By adding these scores to those from the first round, three finalists will be identified. These finalists will then be asked to provide a list of five recent customers, three of whom the independent judges will contact to conduct a customer

    satisfaction survey. Each judge will contact one customer from each remover. The scores from all three rounds will be totalled to provide an overall final score for each company, determining a winner. The three finalists will be profiled in R&S May, and the winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Saturday 17 May. R&S wishes the best of luck to all shortlisted companies!

    Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 The shortlist for the Domestic Mover of the Year (DMotY) 2014-15 competition has been announced, with six companies left competing for the final prize.

    2014-15

    WINNER

    DOMESTICMOVER OFTHE YEAR

    Brian Maidman celebrates winning the DMotY 2013-14 award.

    Main Sponsor:

  • April 2014 Removals & Storage 23

    BAR News

    Kirk Dugard elected as new Directly Elected Director

    As the representatives of the BAR Membership on the Board, DEDs play an important role in communicating Members views in order to shape the future direction and priorities of the Association. Through his work at Simpsons Removals and Storage Ltd, Kirk knows what it is like to work with BAR as a Member. He is well versed in what it takes to achieve and maintain high quality standards for his company. I have had my main areas of contact with BAR recently in relation to compliance of T&Cs, our marketing campaigns and, of course, our certification to BS 8564 last year allowing our entry into the BAR Overseas Group, Kirk told R&S. Kirk brings substantial experience to the DED role, and knows what it takes to represent a large number of companies at a high level. He previously served as the chairman of a national organisation representing the interests of over 400 companies nationwide concerned with the harmonisation of customs controls throughout the EU. This role required my liaison and input with Government departments and politicians in the UK, Brussels and Strasbourg and I hope my experience at this level will benefit the BAR and its Members, he explained. As a direct representative of ordinary Members, Kirk wants to keep the Membership as his focus during his time as DED. I hope to be able to give a voice to the smaller member companies in the future direction of the BAR and at the same time deliver real benefits that will give them an edge over the competition. Innovation, not imitationAs is becoming clear to the Board and Members alike, the use of web-based technology is now vital to businesses across the removals and storage

    industry. For Kirk, gone are the days when we can all sit back and ignore what is happening on the internet. Customers expect to be able to use the internet to fulfil all of their requirements and we will have to provide them with those facilities if we are to continue to be successful.

    Meeting this challenge will be a key part of BARs work in the near future. Kirk hopes that the Association can continue to support Members in this challenge by developing and adapting its services to meet this requirement as an innovator rather than playing catch up. I hope to play a role in this development for BAR Members.

    Kirk Dugard, Project Manager at Simpsons Removals and Storage Ltd, was recently elected to the BAR Board as a new Directly Elected Director (DED). R&S spoke to Kirk about his new role and his hopes for the future.

    BAR conducts Biennial Membership Survey BAR is still in the process of contacting every Member by telephone inviting them to take part in this years Membership Survey to share their views on the Association and its activities. The BAR Biennial Survey was launched in 2012, and so far significant changes have been

    implemented on the basis of feedback received from Members. This years Survey included a number of questions from the previous survay to allow BAR to compare answers and see changing opinions, if any. At the same time, new questions were added to the 2014 Survey to elicit reaction to

    recent BAR initiatives, such as the Trusted Mover website and the Primary Authority Terms and Conditions. The results of the 2014 Survey will be presented and discussed at the BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow next month.

    BAR Directly Elected Directors: Chris Smallwood, Timon Thorncroft and Kirk Dugard

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

    Gone are the days when we can all sit back and ignore what is happening on the internet.

    Brian Maidman celebrates winning the DMotY 2013-14 award.

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    Removals & Storage April 2014

    I read with interest a recent feature on self storage in the London Evening Standards Homes and Property section. In the piece it claims that customers complain of hefty obligatory insurance fees added to their rental payments and cheap starter offers that can suddenly rocket. There have even been complaints about security, with thefts reported from some sites. There are those that argue that the cost of self storage is extremely high, that they charge insurance when insurance is not appropriate and ultimately that it is unregulated. Compare and contrast this with containerised storage. It offers an efficient way of storing goods, involves less handling if brought in as part of a removals package, and is a system where you pay for only the space you actually need rather than the space you think you need (many people do not fill their self storage units). Containerised storage offers customers full blanket protection of contents, a detailed inventory for proof of contents and their condition, lower risk of damage, insurance that is relevant and appropriate to the requirement and the opportunity for collection and delivery (which also allows the promotion of professional moving services). Containersied storage also takes work away from the unregulated man and van or DIY brigade and, the killer blow; its costs are lower than self storage. Additionally, if your containerised storage company is a member of the BAR, then you have the added protection of a Consumer Code of Practice, both recognised and monitored by TSI. Remarkably, much of the professional removals industry has embraced self storage and, ironically, encouraged black marketeers to prosper and supporting the growth of DIY removals. Yet, through substantial investment in marketing both online and in other mediums, it has been successful, though the smaller removals companies are working within much tighter financial resources.

    Many would argue that it is not a bad thing that an industry has come along that charges good rates and as such should allow and encourage higher rates for containerised storage. It is also low maintenance, low administration and provides a good yield, providing you can find the money to invest. It is also believed to be a good business to sell on when the opportunity comes and it is suggested that as an asset it holds considerably higher value than a removals company with containerised storage.

    But, as an industry, did we embrace the idea too readily? Should we have resisted taking it on? Has it really been a good innovation for our industry?

    Does it send out the right message to the public? Ask yourself the question, are we right to toe the self storage line? Remember, we want to provoke and stimulate debate in the industry. Use the BAR Facebook page to promote your professional association and tell me what you think on Twitter.

    Are we right to toe the self storage line?A regular column from Chris Smallwood, Directly Elected Member of the BAR Board of Directors.

    If you would like me to attend your area meeting, please email me at [email protected]

    As always feel free to contribute on:

    www.linkedin.com/groups/British-Association-Removers-4088143

    @BARremoverswww.facebook.com/pages/British-Association-of-Removers/189283657865184

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    BAR News

    @BARremovers

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    Removals & Storage April 2014

    BAR Members meet regularly in the regional areas from which they operate. The meetings provide a useful forum for local BAR Members and National Affiliates to find out about latest industry developments and to network.

    When I was elected Secretary of the Southern Area four years ago I was keen to try and increase dwindling attendance at meetings.

    By Peter Doman, Southern Area Secretary and Director at Basil Fry & Co

    Areas meet

    At the recent Area meetings in the first quarter of this year, Members were updated on BARs Primary Authority arrangements with Hertfordshire Trading Standards as well as the two new sets of Terms and Conditions which have been approved under the Primary Authority Scheme. Consumer-related issues were topics for discussion at several meetings, with many BAR Members increasingly aware of the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) approved BAR Code of Practice. Members attending the South Western Area meeting discussed concerns about Devon Trading Standards promotion of the Buy With Confidence badge, available for a 50 fee, which some Members suggested could dilute the TSI Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. Another common theme for discussion at the Area meetings so far this year has been how to attract greater attendance. The Yorkshire Area concluded that the quality of speaker was the main factor in determining attendance. The Area will contact VOSA

    to arrange a speaker for a future meeting. The South Western Area is looking into hiring smaller venues and scheduling alternative meeting dates.

    Area peopleThere have been a number of organisational changes and decisions affecting the running of the Areas. In East Anglia, Terry Cobbin has resigned from his post as treasurer due to work commitments, and Richard Dolan (Greens Removals) has taken over the position. In Yorkshire, Vice Chair Nick Wright stepped down citing a heavy workload as the main reason for his decision, with Steve Barker of Britannia Leeds elected as his replacement. Chair Bob Carney (Pickfords Business Solutions) and Secretary Graham Puddephatt (Reason Global Insurance) agreed to continue in their posts for another year. The Scottish Area met for their AGM in January in Livingstone. It was agreed that Chair Kevin Brown (Shore Porters Society), Vice Chair Matthew

    McNaughton (J&J Howe), Secretary Georgina Berry (Richard Healey Removals Ltd), Treasurer Susan Fleming (Flemings of Rosyth) and National Councillor David Woodhouse (Broughton Removals) will all continue in their posts through 2014.

    Marc Dack (White & Co.), winner of Southern Area annual golf tournament 2014 (sponsored by George Lambert & Son), and Neal Lambert (GeorgeLambert & Son), runner Up (sponsored by Basil Fry & Co.).

    Southern Area Meetings return strong numbers

    With the recession at its deepest this was never going to be an easy task as operators needed to optimise every minute of their time. Given the vast coverage of the Southern Area, a two hour meeting in Romsey could mean a full day away from the business for many. The only way to increase numbers was to ensure that the meetings added value to Members businesses. We wanted to ensure that by attending Members would be able to understand better the current hot topics and find out how new and existing affiliates could help them develop their business. Over the last few years Southern Area Members have benefitted from presentations from a range of Affiliates (including Wellers, Backhouse Jones, ReachLocal, Simpson Packaging, TwentyCi, DKV, First Data and Rightmove) as well as Analytica Media and regular attendances from Basil Fry & Co., PHS Teacrate, Reason Global, BAR Services and Colin Wynn from Administer Software. In addition, presentations have also been given by BAR Director General Stephen Vickers, Ian Studd in his role as BAR President, Brian Maidman in his role as Directly Elected Director and Gary Wheadon

    as BAR Vice President giving a great overview of what happens at Watford. We also receive information regularly from the current National Council Chairman, Neal Lambert, and the Overseas Group Council Chairman, Ian Palmer, who both attend this Area meeting.

    Attendance up 20%On top of the useful updates from key industry personnel we have livened things up by injecting a more social angle to the meetings. The Area introduced a yearly golf tournament sponsored by George Lambert & Son, a raffle at every meeting, instigated by Ashley Jones of Pickfords, and we have had a BBQ and a T20 cricket match. As a result of these changes I am pleased to report that numbers have grown steadily over the four years, peaking this year with 85 attendees over the three meetings and 50% of the Area Members attending at least one meeting. This was a 20% increase on 2012/13 period. All in all, things are looking up Down South and with business in a very different place to where it was four years ago I am positive about the remainder of this year. Our next meeting is

    scheduled for 5 June at the Holiday Inn Express in Southampton followed by a walk over to the Ageas Bowl for a T20 (Bash) cricket game and a few beers. For those of you who havent attended a meeting for a number of years, why dont you treat yourself and put the date in your diaries? It will be a great opportunity to add value to your business. For more information, see the Area Meetings information on page 52.

    At the recent Southern Area AGM, thanks were extended to the outgoing Chairman, AlanEldridge (Kestrel) and incoming Chairman Chris Schepens (Schepens).

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    BAR News

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    Removals & Storage April 2014

    A Glaswegian welcome The Conference weekend will tee-off with the traditional BAR Golf Challenge, sponsored by Basil Fry & Co. It will take place on Thursday 15 May at the Mar Hall golf course. Set in the grounds of the five-star Mar Hall Hotel and with views of the River Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills, the championship course will provide a treat for even the most experienced players. On Thursday evening, all Conference participants are invited to welcome drinks and a Scottish-themed meal, sponsored by the Overseas Group and the Office of the Lord Provost. Members will be formally welcomed by the Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, the Overseas Group Chairman Ian Palmer and Ian Studd, BAR President, before being treated to a performance from the 25-piece Tophichen & Bathgate pipe band.

    Business FridayOn Friday morning the formal business of the Conference begins. Friday and Saturday will provide participants with excellent opportunities to network with industry peers, meet specialist service providers and suppliers, address the BAR Board of Directors and learn new tips on running a removals and storage business. After the Annual General Meetings of BAR and the RBA on Friday morning, the BAR President will formally open the Conference and the Business Sessions will take place as from 10am. Members will receive feedback on the BAR Membership Survey, and will be able to participate in a Q&A with the BAR Board of Directors. Following this, the Conferences Keynote Speaker, Rt Hon Baroness Crawley of Edgbaston, President of the Trading Standards Institute and Chair of the Consumer Code Approval Board will speak to the Conference. The afternoon business sessions will see the focus switch to the wider removals and storage industry with presentations from a range of international speakers

    such as Terry Head, President of the International Association of Movers, and Ed Katz of the International Office Moving Institute. Other expert speakers include digital marketing guru, Paul Tansey, and the British Institute of Facilities Management will present its findings in relation to its unique research carried out together with the BAR Commercial Moving Group on the evolving workplace. To be sure you fully understand the full ramifications and benefits of BARs Primary Authority arrangements, make sure you attend the talk by the Governments Better Regulatory Delivery Office!

    Friday funfairLater, the Marriott will play host to a funfair night, which will include interactive stalls and a themed buffet. All proceeds will be donated to the RBA.

    Conference WorkshopsConference Saturday will see a series of interactive group sessions, each hosted by an expert, that discuss industry-related topics in an open forum.

    There will be three dedicated areas which will run simultaneous workshops.

    Members are encouraged to take part in these thought-provoking discussions and to share their views with fellow delegates.

    Many of the speakers from the Friday Business Sessions will be running workshops. FIDI President Errol Gardiner has kindly agreed to run a workshop on international moving, and Steven Meyerhoff of transport law specialists Backhouse Jones solicitors will be providing advice on how to deal with employee grievances.

    An opportunity for professional networking The BAR 2014 Annual Conference in Glasgow, Scotland is now just one month away. The three-day event will allow BAR Members to engage in discussions about practical business issues and strategies with high-quality speakers and industry experts from around the world, and to socialise with industry colleagues in both formal and informal settings.

    The 2014 Annual Conference will be held from 15-17 May at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel

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    BAR News

    The 2014 Annual Conference will be held from 15-17 May at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel

    Conference TourOn Saturday afternoon, before the Gala Dinner, delegates will have the chance to unwind with a tour of the Auchentoshan whisky distillery, a visit to the Museum of Transport and Travel and to board the Tall Ship SV Glenlee on the River Clyde.

    DMotY and CMotY awards and Gala DinnerThe three-day Conference will end with the black tie cocktail reception and Gala Dinner, sponsored by Rightmove and TwentyCi. The Dinner will feature a Scottish three-course meal with traditional addressing of the haggis and Selkirk grace.

    The event will include honours, awards and presentations, capped by the announcement of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 and Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 winners. The night will finish with a Scottish Ceilidh band and disco. It promises to be an enjoyable night that will round off what is sure to be an enlightening and inspirational conference for all BAR Members and their partners.

    BAR Exhibition HallThe BAR Conference Exhibition will be open to delegates on Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (9am-12:30pm). The Exhibition will be held in the Queen Mary Room, adjacent to the main Conference Hall

    (Queen Elizabeth II Room) and will incorporate its own networking area, a popular el