r&s june 2013

June 2013 Removals & Storage 1

Features

BAR Annual Conference 2013News & Analysis Inside

DMotY 2013-2014 WinnerMaidman’s Removals

CMotY 2013 WinnerJT & Sons Relocations

www.bar.co.uk

Removals & StorageThe Magazine of the British Association of Removers

Inside this Issue

Industry News BAR News

>> Scam alert on third party charges >> BIFM merger

>> BAR’s strategic directions>> Winners of the BAR Golf Challenge

>> TAF shortlists BAR for 4 awards>> BAR Members vehicles on display at Beamish Museum

Features Breaking News

June 2013 // Issue 467 // £4

On the coverThe winner of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2013 award is Maidman’s Removals. The winner of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2013 award is JT & Sons Relocations. See pages 22 and 28.

>> Google dispels Internet myths for BAR Conference delegates

>> Marine insurance conflicts and claims

WINNER

COMMERCIALMOVER OFTHE YEAR

2013

2013-14

WINNER

DOMESTICMOVER OFTHE YEAR

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Features

Removals & Storage June 2013


Features

PPS Crate Hire joins the BAR community PPS Crate Hire has become a BAR Affiliate. The company has a simple online ordering system, and crate hire is available for commercial, office and domestic/residential home moves. There is no minimum order quantity. R&S talks to Joanne Moss of PPS Crate Hire about the company’s offering to BAR Members.

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News from Watford

On the cover: Jenny Thornton of JT & Sons Relocations (Commercial Mover of the Year 2013) and Brian Maidman of Maidman’s Removals (Domestic Mover of the Year 2013-14).

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Contents

ContentsIndustry News

Just a snippet…

duty hikes

allowance

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BAR News

successful BAR Annual Conference in Newcastle.

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Commercial Moving Group News

Interview with JT & Sons Relocations, the Commercial Mover of the Year 2013.

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Features42

BAR Services

Why using BAR’s own packaging company makes good business sense.

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BAR ConferenceBrian Maidman of Maidman’s Removals on what it took to regain the Domestic Mover of the Year title in 2013, plus a round up of all the key announcements and discussions at this year’s Conference.

BIFM in merger of associations The British Institute of Facilities Management, Asset Skills, the Facilities Management Association and the Cleaning and Support Services Association have agreed to the concept of forming a single body to represent facilities management and support services.

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Training

A new vision for BAR Training Services.

Overseas Group News

BARoverseas.com is live, interviews with new OG Councillors and OG Conference coverage.

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European News

Diary Dates 66

Membership 68

People News64

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BAR News


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Industry News

June 2013 Removals & Storage

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BAR News


News from Watford

Congratulations to Domestic Mover of the Year 2013 winner Maidman’s Removals, who have yet again shown just what a family-owned removals company can achieve when they aspire to the highest standards of professionalism.

Special congratulations also go to this year’s Commercial Mover of the Year 2013 winner, JT & Sons Relocations, an impressive achievement for a company which only began operating in 2008. This year’s Annual Conference in Newcastle was a great success. We have received some very positive feedback from BAR Members, Affiliates, International Associates and overseas guests. It was good to see a high level of appreciation for the quality of the food and first-class service from the staff at the Marriott Hotel, which provided the very best traditions of Geordie hospitality.

Many delegates said they enjoyed and benefitted from the wide range of thought-provoking business sessions and practical workshops addressing the challenges and trends that everyone in the industry is facing.

There were ample opportunities for making new contacts and renewing old friendships throughout the 3-day event, and we thank our sponsors for evening events such as the Overseas Group Welcome Drinks and Hog Roast, the PHS Teacrate sponsored Casino Night where much appreciated funds were raised for the Removers Benevolent Association, and the PPS Crate Hire sponsored Gala Dinner.

Despite the wind and the rain, the Vehicle Display and Procession at the Beamish Museum made all of us very proud to be part of this unique and historic industry. Many thanks to all of you who contributed their vehicles, ancient and modern, and who turned out to support the event.

Next year’s Annual Conference will be 15-17 May in Glasgow, Scotland. Many of BAR’s and longest standing members are based north of the border, and Glasgow will be an ideal location for networking with the close-knit Scottish moving community. There should be plenty to debate at Glasgow, with the Scottish independence referendum all set for next September.

Over the last few years, BAR has worked hard to improve networking and communications with Members as well as to raise standards in the business and enhance our profile with the general public. These efforts have been recognised in particular by the Trade Association Forum which has shortlisted BAR for 3 awards at the prestigious TAF Best Practice Awards 2013, as well as the overall award for Trade Association of the Year. Being shortlisted for these awards represents a fantastic achievement for the Association to date, and couldn’t have been possible without the support of our Members.

Finally, a quick reminder that the BAR Council meetings are now coming up. If any Members wish to raise an issue for further discussion, please get in touch with your appropriate representatives.

Follow BAR on:

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

020 3235 1806 [email protected]

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or [email protected] The booking deadline for all display

advertisements for the July 2013 issue of R&S is 10 June.

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.

Registered as a magazine © The British Association of Removers 2013. ISSN 0034-4265

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.

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.

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Industry News


HMRC agrees to overnight allowance increase HMRC is to increase the Drivers’ Overnight Subsistence Allowance for drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and will review the current agreement for overnight allowances.The new rates are as follows:Without sleeper cab: £34.90 (an increase of £1.05 from £33.85).With sleeper cab: £26.20 (an increase of 80p).

According to HMRC, the mere fact that a lorry has a sleeper cab does not prevent the employer paying an amount tax free up to the limits for lorries without sleeper cabs, provided that the employer is satisfied that the driver did incur expenses on overnight accommodation (for example, by staying in a hotel) and meals.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) negotiates directly with HMRC in relation to HGV drivers’ Overnight Subsistence Allowance and is also in discussions with HMRC on a new agreement to structure overnight allowances that could take effect from April 2014. Its Employment Services Manager,

Peter Butler, explained that the increase is based on the RPI figure as of 1 October 2012: 3.2%. “This means that the actual increase is just below by 1 or 2 pence that which we asked for,” he said. “However, for accounting purposes, it is easier to request the rounded figures. The next round of increase negotiations will begin in November 2013 once we have the RPI figures.” The RHA reminds operators that although this is the maximum tax free allowance for drivers, receipts must still be produced.

Jonathan Hood, Group Managing Director of Cadogan Tate, has contacted R&S as the company has recently been subjected to two devious fraud attempts, one of them successful. He would like to alert all BAR Members to the threat.

In the scam, a customer telephones and gets a quote for shipping a 40’ container to the US or Australia, for example, with the quote to include settlement of substantial third party charges such as an outstanding account with a self-storage company or shipper. The removal company sends the quote and they immediately accept, paying in advance by credit card. The third party telephones the same day to get the removal company to settle their charges by company credit card, which it does, having been paid already. Two weeks later the removal company is informed by its bank that the credit card used by the customer was in fact stolen. The third party charges that the removal company paid are not retrievable.

“The real problem is that the charges you settle with a credit card are fraudulent but will not be refunded, while the charges you receive are from a stolen credit card and can be charged back to you but there is usually a time lag of two or three weeks,” Jonathan explains. He warns that the third party identity is a close imitation of a genuine one; so far the fraudsters have used “Britanna Storage” and

“Kelly’s Inc.” as third parties.“I would suggest that companies agree to settle

third party charges only on acceptance of payment by irrevocable means such as bank transfer or cleared cheque,” Jonathan advises. “Definitely don’t settle them against a credit card payment. And, he recommends all BAR Members remain vigilant: “There is no end to the creativity of the con artist.”

Scam alert – third party charges R&S readers beware, there are some sophisticated scammers out

removers.

Cameron commits to hold off on fuel duty hikes The Prime Minister has made a very welcome commitment to block any further rises in duty on petrol. Mr Cameron said “the previous government had set out a whole lot of plans for fuel duty

increases. It was like a whole lot of unexploded bombs which we have had to try and defuse.” He confirmed that this government has cancelled and delayed almost all of these fuel duty increases. “We even cut fuel duty on one occasion. We will keep going to try and keep those fuel duty increases off, recognising that it is the really big bills that people really care about and want help with.” The news has been met with great applause by businesses that use the roads.

BAR is a member of the FairFuelUK campaign, which described the Prime Minister’s recent promise to keep fuel duty down as “an enormous relief” to keeping the cost of transport in this country as low as possible. The Road Haulage Association also welcomed the news although called for urgent attention to be given to the fact that UK hauliers are still paying the highest levels of fuel duty in Europe.

Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?

Industry News

8 Removals & Storage June 2013

Switzerland tightens controls on EU residency rights

The Swiss government has decided to extend a safeguard clause limiting residence rights for people from the European Union.

According to Swiss statistics, there has been a recent surge in the number of southern Europeans, especially from Portugal and Spain, settling in the country as the Eurozone debt crisis bites in their home countries.

The clause is part of a bilateral agreement on migration with the EU and allows temporary quotas on residency permits for EU residents wishing to work in Switzerland.

In its decision, Switzerland is applying to the EU as a whole the system of limits and quotas, which was already in effect for newer EU entrants Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic.

As from 1 May, residence permits for the 17 older EU states have been capped at 53,700 for 12 months. The EU’s foreign affairs chief, Catherine Ashton, said “the EU attaches great importance to the free movement of persons in the overall context of its relations with Switzerland. These measures disregard the great benefits that the free movement of persons brings to the citizens of both Switzerland and the EU. I regret the decision of the Swiss Government.”

Merger for Harrow Green and Sargent Mergers and acquisitions activity remains at a relatively high level in the removals industry. In mid-March, Harrow Green, which itself became part of Restore plc in March 2012, completed its merger with Sargents Trading. The combined businesses will trade as Harrow

Sargents has operated in London and the South East for over 20 years, providing tailored office removal, relocation, clearance, recycling and storage services, as well as furniture and crate hire, to corporate and SME organisations. Nigel Dews, Managing Director at Harrow Green, said “this merger is important because it brings together more than 50 years of industry expertise and market knowledge. We will be able to provide

increased capability, capacity, a greater depth in resource and wider geographical reach. By adopting the best practices from both companies we will enhance our service offerings and, most importantly, our customer support.

Our reputation in the marketplace for excellent service and in-depth expertise provides an environment that our customers, suppliers and employees want to be part of.”

Minimum wage rates go up for all The Government has rejected recommendations by the independent Low Pay Commission (LPC) to freeze apprentice rates and has increased these by 3 pence. Business Secretary Vince Cable accepted most of the LPC’s other recommendations for this year’s adult and youth National Minimum Wage rates. However, he said that there was worrying evidence that a significant number of employers are not paying apprentices the relevant minimum wage rate. “Apprenticeships are at the heart of our goal to support a stronger economy, and so it is important to continue to make them attractive to young people.” He therefore decided to raise the apprenticeship rate in line with the youth rates. Addressing the LPC’s concerns about non-compliance by employers who exploit apprentices, he said “We are working on a series of tough new measures to ensure we tackle non-compliance issues across the board.”

The following rates will come

The adult rate will increase by 12p to £6.31 an hour

The rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 5p to £5.03 an hour

The rate for 16-17 year olds will increase by 4p to £3.72 an hour

The apprentice rate will increase by 3p to £2.68 an hour.

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Industry News


According to a study from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), there is a clear mismatch between employers’ expectations of young people during the recruitment process and young people’s understanding of what is expected of them. This is hindering young people’s access to the labour market, contributing to the high rates of youth unemployment and fuelling a ticking time bomb of skills shortages for UK businesses, who may be unwittingly limiting their access to this important and diverse pool of talent.

The report, Employers are from Mars, young people are from Venus, addresses the young people/jobs mismatch, and identifies a number of flashpoints that are hindering young people from finding work. Here are some of the findings:

Many employers state that they require experience, even for relatively junior roles, which then creates a vicious cycle for those young people who do not have access to work opportunities. This also prevents businesses from taking advantage of a diverse talent pool and can result in paying above the odds for skills they could have sourced internally.

after applying for jobs is de-motivating and crushes the confidence of many young people. On the flipside, some employers are overwhelmed by a large volume of ‘scattergun’ applications from young people who have done nothing to research and tailor their applications to the specific role.

lengthy and not very transparent, meaning that young people have no idea about the stages involved or what they should do to prepare. This, and failure to tailor interviews for people who have no prior experience of work, often means that employers are left disappointed by a process that does not get the most out of young people.

coupled with a lack of support available to young people during the transition from education to work, means that many young people have little understanding of the world of work and do not know where to turn to or how to improve their chances of finding a job.

Employers are from Mars…Anyone working in management in removal companies across the country will not be surprised to learn that new research reveals a gulf

contributing to high levels of youth unemployment.

Online help from NEST Automatic enrolment is in full swing and NEST is working with over 300 large employers from all sectors for automatic enrolment, with over 100,000 participating members. NEST has now launched new online help for employers to navigate their way through automatic enrolment. Based on the experiences of the first wave of companies who have been enrolling their employees, NEST Chief Executive Tim Jones says “We’ve learnt a lot about the needs of employers both large and small. We’ve learnt that getting ready to adjust to the new duties takes a lot of time – at least six months and up to 18 months for the largest employers. Some of our employers have reported project times of two years.” The law requires companies to provide their workers with access to a workplace pension scheme that meets certain minimum standards. Some employees will need to be automatically enrolled, while others can ask to join. The new duties are being introduced gradually and employers have a staging date based on how many workers are on their payroll. By 2018 all employers must have a scheme in place. From October 2012, employers with 250 or more staff have been involved in automatic enrolment for their employees. NEST has adapted its online guides to ensure the transition can help businesses of all sizes and their advisers.

New late payment measures proposed During a parliamentary session looking at late payment, the Forum of Private Business told a cross-party group of MPs that the issue remains a significant concern for UK SMEs. The not-for-profit employer support organisation said over a million SMEs had experienced problems with late and slow payment, and urged MPs to look at new ways to tackle the problem.

The Forum’s proposals include requirements for all prime contractors bidding on government contracts to sign the ICM’s Prompt Payment Code (PPC); for the Government to provide legal clarity on how representative organisations can use new powers under the EU Directive on prompt payment to represent their members on the issue; and for wider adoption of e-invoicing in the public sector.

According to the Forum’s latest research, 35% of small businesses have seen a reduction in profit and 16% have seen a noticeable reduction in turnover as a result of late payment or bad debts. Late payments from large companies are having a knock-on effect, leaving many SMEs in a vicious circle of in turn paying their suppliers late.

Industry News


Relocation booming in emerging marketsThe 2013 Global Mobility Survey, an annual analysis of international mobility programmes, has found more growth in mobility programmes managed from emerging markets compared to programmes managed from non-emerging markets.

The study, commissioned by Santa Fe, surveyed 1,273 companies across a range of industries in 70 countries and reports that more businesses are decentralising global mobility operations and adopting more regional approaches to how they manage their mobility programmes.

The study found that three quarters of companies say that emerging markets are important to their mobility programme; one third go so far as to describe them as “very important.”

Experts interviewed in conjunction with the report cite reasons for this trend including a changing

marketplace, improved skillsets in emerging markets, economic challenges in the West, accelerated growth in Brazil, India and particularly China, and sheer volume of assignments in and out of regional locations.

“The world is changing and its centre of gravity is moving east. Today’s economic powerhouses of India and China are increasingly becoming headquarter locations rather than the far-flung outposts of yesteryear,” said Brian Friedman, Founder and CEO of the Forum for Expatriate Management, one of the experts offering analysis for the report.

VOSA launches consultation on fee changesThe Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has published proposals to increase fees by around 1% for a range of services it carries out, including fees for HGV testing and operator licensing. VOSA Chief Executive Alastair Peoples said “after four years with no general fee increases, VOSA will continue to absorb most costs and keep general rises to a minimal 1%. This is good news for our customers as the increase is far below inflation.” According to the proposals which were put out for consultation, fees for applications for HGV operator licences will increase by £5 (2%); those for grant or continuation will increase by £8 (2%). VOSA plans to reduce fees for tests at non-VOSA facilities and further increase those for tests at VOSA sites, to create a fee structure which reflects better

VOSA’s real costs of delivery. The majority of VOSA’s income (approximately 83%) comes from statutory fees. VOSA’s annual accounts for 2011/12 showed an accumulated deficit at the end of the year of £17m (reduced from £35m at the end of 2009/10). Its business plan for 2012/13 is to generate a surplus of £7m in the year (on an income estimated at £183m) to reduce that deficit further.

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Industry News


Funded entirely by business donations from local companies, including Clarks of Amersham, grant allocations and members of the public, the £1m outdoor sports facility includes street snooker, table tennis, a 16-station outdoor gym, and an outdoor court for basketball, football and cricket.

As a home-grown local business, Clarks of Amersham continually supports and sponsors schools, charity groups, sports clubs and events in the local community. Its owner, Michael Clark, who set up the family-run domestic, commercial and overseas removals and storage business over 20 years ago, said: “It’s excellent to see some investment being made in the local facilities for the young people, and if we in some small way have helped to make this happen, then I’m incredibly proud to be part of it.”For more information about Clarks of Amersham, see www.bluelorry.com.

Clarks of Amersham help deliver Olympic legacy multisport zone mayor Mimi Harker and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan, BAR Member Clarks of Amersham has been involved in the launch of Amersham’s new multisport zone.

Industry News


Bank of England extends Funding for Lending The Bank of England and HM Treasury have extended the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) until January 2015, to increase the incentive for banks to lend to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) both this year and next. Since its introduction in August last year, the FLS has contributed to a sharp reduction in funding costs for banks and building societies. But the improvement in credit conditions since Summer 2012 has been less marked for SMEs than for larger businesses and households. As part of the extension, the incentives to boost net lending will be heavily skewed towards SMEs. The FLS will also be expanded to include lending by banking groups involving financial leasing corporations and factoring corporations, which can be important sources of finance to some SMEs, and certain mortgage and housing

credit corporations. Matthew Fell of the Confederation of British Industry confirmed that there are signs that FLS is starting to lower the cost of finance for business. “The additional incentives for banks should accelerate activity in the small business financing market,” he said. “We need to be realistic. Funding for Lending is only one piece of the jigsaw. Boosting firms’ confidence by raising awareness of the various funding schemes available is critical.”

BIFM in merger of associations

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), Asset Skills, the Facilities Management Association (FMA) and the Cleaning and Support Services Association have agreed to the concept of forming one single and united body to represent facilities management and support services. Gareth Tancred, Chief Executive Officer of BIFM, said “this is an excellent opportunity for BIFM and its members. In the last year we have seen a marked rise in global demand for our services. We recognise that merger and acquisition activity is a way to achieve our strategic development objectives to ensure we meet the needs of our individual and corporate members.

The intention of these discussions is to form an organisation that is more influential and with increased delivery capability, to reflect the growing scope of facilities management and support services.” This proposed merger recognises the growing demand for a stronger, unified and collective voice in the sector. A steering group has been established to progress the proposed merger which brings together the 4 associations, examining how a single body can work to meet the needs of the industry and the professionals that work within it. The proposed merger is being presented to each constituent party’s membership for agreement and ratification. Asset Skills is the skills body representing facilities management, property, housing, cleaning and parking, and already works closely with the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA). Its Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Bentley, believes the move will “provide a strong base for our skills development work with the housing, property and parking sectors.” Chris Hoar, Chief Executive Officer of the FMA, said “The UK FM industry is the most mature in the world, and the FMA acts on behalf of members’ interests to develop the policies and plans that will shape the future of FM. Given this market maturity, it’s an obvious next step to consider consolidation. The FMA is therefore looking forward to working collaboratively with the BIFM, Asset Skills and the CSSA to arrive at a common goal that will benefit the industry and the individual and corporate members of each representative body.”

However, the DfT says there is some evidence of transport companies using fewer, larger HGVs (and more large vans), so this reduction in numbers does not necessarily indicate a fall in road freight carrying capacity. The biggest year-on-year drop for HGVs came in 2009, the first full year after the onset of the 2008-09 recession. Since then, the annual growth in all licensed vehicles has slowed but not stopped, increasing by an average of 0.5% per year since 2008, compared with an average of 2.4% a year between 1996 and 2007. Between 2011 and 2012 the total vehicle stock increased by 0.9%. At the end of 2012, there were 34.5 million vehicles licensed for use on the roads in Great Britain, of which 28.7 million

(83%) were cars. The number of light vans registered for the first time dipped again during 2012. The total for the year (242,000) was 8% lower than in 2011, but still 28% more than in 2009. Van registrations started to drop sooner in 2008, but started to recover sooner, in early 2010 rather than autumn 2010.New registrations of HGVs showed little change in 2012 as a whole, after a large increase in 2011, and there appears to be a trend for HGVs to lag up to 9 months behind what is happening for vans. New van registrations started to drop again at the beginning of 2012, while HGV registrations started to decrease in late 2012.

Fewer HGVs on the roads According to the Department for Transport, HGV stock on the roads in Great Britain in 2012 was nearly 10% lower than in 2007, and at its lowest since 1999.

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Industry News


VOSA’s Annual Effectiveness Report shows that the average initial pass rate for trucks tested in the 12 months to 31 March 2012 rose to 75.3%. This is one percentage point above the previous year’s figure and the fifth successive increase. This improvement in performance echoes the increase in the number of tests conducted at non-VOSA test sites, such as Authorised Testing Facilities. A total of 32.6% of truck tests and 45% of trailer tests took place at non-VOSA sites in 2011/12, up from 24.6% and 35.2% respectively a year earlier. The report also notes that VOSA’s efforts at targeting the most non-compliant operators are improving, with increased targeted prohibition rates for both GB and non-GB operators. For GB operators the average prohibition rate for mechanical defects has increased from 35.5% in 2010/11 to 36% in 2011/12, for drivers’

hours from 16% to 19.2%, and for overloading from 69.5% to 71%. Rates for non-GB operators were 36.9% for mechanical defects, 17.1% for drivers’ hours offences, and 63.6% for overloading – up from 34.9%, 15.9% and 59% respectively in 2010/11. However, VOSA says that it is still concerned by the light goods category. The first test pass rate for the 608,000 light goods vehicles stubbornly refuses to improve much past 50%. For the third year in a row almost half failed at their first attempt and even when minor/easy defects were repaired on-site more than two fifths still failed. “We estimate that approximately two thirds of licensed truck operators also run light goods vehicles. It would be reasonable to assume that the principles and procedures adopted for regulated vehicles would be applied to those less regulated,” VOSA says. “Or would it?”

Logistics firms focus on training and technology The Freight Transport Association (FTA) anticipates greater investment in training and technology by logistics companies in the future.

Presenting its Logistics Report 2013, prepared together with management consultants PwC, which reviewed the state of the logistics sector over the past 12 months, the FTA’s Chief Executive, Theo de Pencier, said: “In these austere times, it has been reassuring to learn that companies have nevertheless increased their level of innovation. Those engaged in logistics have put in place ground breaking practices and pioneering technologies to make their businesses more efficient and competitive, whilst continuously striving to achieve greater sustainability in their operations.”

The report concludes that investment, innovation and talent will continue to be critical areas of importance for the logistics sector, and predicts more firms will invest in training and development, as well as recruitment and new technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Commercial vehicle production dips The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reports that commercial vehicle (CV) output in the UK fell 18.8% in the first quarter to 23,854 units.

The decline followed an 18.7% drop in March, the ninth monthly fall in the past year. Output for the home market rose 5% in Q1, but could not offset the impact of weak export volumes.

“The commercial realities of weak export markets, notably within Europe, have resulted in a further slowdown in commercial vehicle output in March and Q1 2013,” Mike Baunton, SMMT Interim Chief Executive, commented.

Despite on-going difficult market conditions, UK automotive manufacturing is expected to grow overall in 2013 and beyond, fuelled by significant investment from global automotive companies. According to its latest forecasts, SMMT expects 253,000 new light commercial vehicle (LCV, to 3.5 tonnes) registrations in 2013, up 5.7% on the 2012 total, and new car registrations of 2.106 million units, up 3.0%. For 2014, it is forecasting a 2.1% rise in LCV registrations and a 0.8% rise for cars.

Town hall move for P. Fahey & Sons P. Fahey & Sons has recently reinstalled employees and equipment back in the newly refurbished Trafford Town Hall in Manchester, an historic Grade II listed building. Working with Shepherds Developments and Trafford Borough Council, in 2011 the company carried out the relocation of 520 staff members to a temporary office facility and also moved £1m worth of fine art and antiques to its storage facility in Old Trafford. Since then, Shepherds Development has now completed the £22.5m project to demolish the building’s two storey extension from the 1980s and refurbish the 1930’s Town Hall, delivering a much-improved, modernised facility that will nonetheless retain the building’s architectural heritage. P. Fahey & Sons have now successfully returned all 520 staff and an additional 500 staff from around the borough, plus the £1m worth of fine art and antiques, to the new facility and Grade II listed Town Hall Building – on time and on budget!

Director Simon Fahey said “my guys did extremely well, packing and handling unique items such as 8ft bronze statues, 6ft gilt-framed pictures, valuable silverware and the Mayor’s precious personal antique furniture, among 200 other individual items of antique furniture. In total, there was 14,000 cubic feet of relocation.” “The end user client, Trafford Borough Council, praised all our crew for all their hard work and professionalism throughout the relocation, in particular Project Manager Mark Callicher who looked after the job from the outset to completion.” For more information, contact www.faheygroup.co.uk

Roadworthiness at new highThe roadworthiness of UK trucks – as measured by the results of their annual test – has hit a record high, with three-quarters of all trucks passing first time.

Industry News



Graveyard shift at Harrow Green Harrow Green has carried out an unusual move of two gravestones, approximately 500 years old, which had been on loan from Amgueddfa Cymru, the National Museum Wales, to Llantarnam Abbey for over 40 years. The move, engineered by Harrow Green Project Manager, Dave Ryan, required sensitive and expert handling to lift the two gravestones from the nuns’ graveyard at Llantarnam Abbey and transport them back to the Museum’s Collection Centre. Because the stones were set in a concrete base the operation involved excavating under the stones and constructing a timber cradle around them. The gravestones were then hoisted onto a pallet truck, loaded on the vehicle, safely secured and taken to the Museum store in Nantgarw.To contact Harrow Green, see www.harrowgreen.com

The Cavalcade of 40 Oxford-built vehicles travelled from the MINI plant in Oxford to form a static display for the day, with Bishop’s Move’s Bullnose Morris turning heads as the only commercial Morris in attendance. The Oxford factory has produced a great variety of Morris models over the years, and many other great brands including Austin-Healey, MG, Wolseley, Riley, Mini, Vanden Plas, Princess, Triumph, Rover, Honda, and Sterling have also been produced at the factory. Bishop’s Move Chairman, Roger Bishop, drove the vintage commercial travellers van, which was built in 1924 and was originally used by the company’s sales representatives – an early version of a company car – and was also was used as a mechanics van. In fact, Bishop’s Move was originally based in Botley Road and the Bullnose Morris vehicle is now the only one of its kind left in the world. The involvement of Bishop’s Move Oxford in the event coincides with the branch’s 75th year in the area. The Oxford branch currently employs 15 members of staff and has previously handled high-profile relocations including moving the Bishop of Oxford and the Bishop of Westminster. The company has also been responsible for handling various moves

for Oxford University, most recently relocating its School of Economics. Roger Bishop sees parallels with the cavalcade event and that of his own family company’s fortunes. “As a family run company that was founded in 1854 and is now in its sixth generation of Bishop’s, our foundation is built upon history and heritage,” he said. “Our Bullnose Morris is an important part of this and serves as a reminder of our roots and what we have achieved throughout our history. It was an honour to be part of such a significant event which heralds a wonderful moment in the history of Cowley.”To contact Bishop’s Move, see www.bishopsmove.com

Bishop’s Move brings out the Morris

years of motor manufacture at Cowley.

15

Industry News


New premises for Woods Removals

The premises on the Grove Trading Estate include a purpose-built office, ample storage capacity for over 100 storage containers and sufficient space for the company’s modern fleet of vehicles. In December 2008, Woods Removals was acquired by family-owned Camp Hopson Removals Ltd, based in Newbury, Berkshire. Both Woods Removals and Camp Hopson Removals have the same focus on quality service at affordable prices and are Members of the BAR. Brian Allen, Managing Director of Camp Hopson Removals, explains “our removal business had grown from strength to strength and we needed to expand our business. Woods Removals was an ideal company to acquire given their excellent reputation and customer-focused service.” He says that the acquisition now enables the company to establish a link from Dorset and the West Country through Berkshire into London which is an area Camp Hopson serves frequently. “We are thinking beyond the current depressed state of the housing market and have bought a removals and storage business which will enable us to progress in the future.” Camp Hopson Removals Ltd has retained the Woods name as an alternative trading name. For more information, see www.camphopsonremovals.co.uk

More interest in moves to long haul destinations

According to latest data by Rightmove Overseas, there has been a significant increase in searches for overseas properties in countries such as Australia, India and Thailand. Australia currently ranks as the fourth most popular destination, after Spain, France and the USA. Rightmove’s April figures record a fall in interest in Cyprus which continues to face economic problems and is now replaced by Ireland as the seventh most popular destination. Rightmove Overseas advertises thousands of properties from agents and owners in over 80 countries around the world and averages over 3,600,000 searches a month for overseas property.

Industry News


Hope for increase in house sales These are testing times for the removals and storage industry when it comes to residential moves. While house prices continued to tick higher in March and April, there are still no firm indications that this is leading to an increase in house sales, with the most recent data suggesting that the number of completions remains low. However, market watchers expect the launch of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme will provide further support to both house prices and transaction numbers.

According to Rightmove, in April there was a 2.1% (+£4,996) rise in new seller asking prices, the fourth successive monthly increase this year. April’s average asking price was just £1,529 shy of the June 2012 record, at £244,706. Miles Shipside, Director and Housing Market Analyst at Rightmove, said: “May looks like an odds-on bet to deliver a new asking price record. This should not be confused with an overall market recovery, as while Spring may be here, the on-going chill of the recession is still in the air. However, it is true to say that more estate agents are reporting more activity in more segments of the market.” Rightmove said that the weekly run-rate of properties coming to market was down 4% in April 2013 in comparison with April 2012.

There was more cautious optimism, this time from the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), whose latest market statistics indicate that competition in the housing sales market is increasing. In March, the number of homes for sale rose while the number of house hunters fell overall. The NAEA’s market report for March 2013 found that the average number of house hunters registered per branch decreased from 289 in February to 286 in March and that the average number of properties available for sale per branch increased from 58 to 60 in the same month. Mark Hayward, President of the NAEA comments: “The housing market remains volatile, despite the raft of measures announced by the Government in the most

recent Budget.” The most up-to-date figures available from the Land Registry show that during January 2013, the number of completed house sales in England and Wales decreased by 5% to 41,763 compared with 43,752 in January 2012. At the same time, the number of properties sold in England and Wales for over £1m in January 2013 increased by 28% to 610 from 476 in January 2012. Figures from the Land Registry show an annual price increase of 0.9% which takes the average property value in England and Wales to £161,793.

LSL Acadametrics estimated that housing transactions increased by 18% in April 2013 compared to last year, reflecting the improved conditions for buyers. Analysts putting together this house price index anticipate transactions should rise modestly in 2013, although they warn that based on current data, it is mostly London and the South East regions that look set to benefit from the Government’s stimulus measures.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the 12 months to February 2013, UK house prices increased by 1.9%, down from a 2.2% increase in the 12 months to January 2013. The year-on-year increase reflected growth of 2.1% in England and 4.1% in Wales, which were offset by declines of 1.2% in Scotland and 7.7% in Northern Ireland.

Although the Halifax House Price Index noted that prices in the three months to April were 1.3% higher than in the previous three months – marking the fifth consecutive increase in house prices – transaction activity is still subdued. Martin Ellis, Housing Economist, commented: “House prices continue to

pick up gradually. Market activity, however, remains subdued by historical standards with the number of mortgage approvals for house purchases – a leading indicator of completed house sales – easing slightly in the first quarter of 2013, according to the latest industry-wide figures. Weak income growth and continuing below-trend economic growth are likely to remain significant constraints on housing demand during the remainder of 2013.”

However, Nationwide’s Chief Economist Robert Gardner is optimistic that activity levels will continue to strengthen in the months ahead. Mortgage approvals for house purchases averaged just over 53,000 per month in Q1 2013, up from an average of 51,000 per month in 2012. House purchase lending was also up 4% year-on-year in the first two months of the year, boosted by higher levels of lending to first-time buyers.

Hamiltons offers foreign exchange deal International removals company Hamiltons Removals has teamed up with Currencies Direct, one of Europe’s leading providers of foreign exchange and international transfers, to offer substantial savings for families and companies moving abroad. “Currencies Direct’s savings on the exchange rates offered by high street banks are so substantial,” says Michael Sawyer, (pictured) Managing Director of Hamiltons Removals, “that our customers could be moving abroad for free!” He estimates that in some cases Currencies Direct’s preferential rate can save so much money on for example house price transactions that it would be enough to cover the cost of the removal.


17

Industry News


Come along to an evening at historic Brooklands Museum, Weybridge6.30pm Wednesday 19 June 2013Arrive at 6.30pm for a drinks reception, take an escorted ride in a racing car on the original track, walk through Concorde, wander around amazing museums, enjoy the buffet and cash bar on the veranda of the original club house.A superb night which will leave you wanting to go back and do it all again.

£42 per head. Numbers are limited, so book your place soon

Feel free to vist: www.brooklandsmuseum.com

Email your booking to [email protected] and make your cheques payable to BAR New Met Area. Please send payment to Julie Thompson, Luxfords of Weybridge, Avro Way, Brooklands Business Park, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0XQ. Alternatively payment can be made by BACS (details available on request).

A Very Special EveningImpress your clients, treat your staff…

18

BAR News


Joint meeting of Yorkshire, Northern and North West Areas Other BAR Areas are also linking up for social events this month. On 20 June, the Yorkshire, Northern and North West Areas have decided to meet up to take a guided tour of the world famous Black Sheep brewery in Masham, followed by a two course bistro dinner. Please contact Yorkshire Area Secretary, Graham Puddephatt of Reason Global, as soon as possible to confirm your attendance and menu selection: [email protected].

BAR has been shortlisted for the Commercial Initiative of the Year in respect of its new alliances, Conference of the Year award (for Windsor 2012), and Electronic Communications of the Year. BAR is also being

considered for TAF’s very special Trade Association of the Year award.

The awards announcements will be made on 11 July at TAF’s gala event in London.

BAR shortlisted for TAF awardsBAR shortlisted for TAF awardsThe Trade Association Forum (TAF) has shortlisted BAR for a number of its prestigious annual Best Practice awards this year.

Southern and Sussex Areas meet this month The BAR Southern Area has invited members of the BAR Sussex Area to join them at their social event on 26 June. Southern Area Secretary, Peter Doman of Basil Fry & Co, says the evening will kick off at 4pm with a BAR meeting at the Holiday Inn Express (M27, Jct 7 – Southampton), followed by a T20 cricket match at the adjacent Ageas Bowl (Hampshire Cricket Ground) starting at 7pm. Peter explains: “For those of you who have not been to a T20 cricket match, the action is lively and will definitely give you a different view of cricket! Local BAR Members who have not attended a local meeting for a few years will

be very welcome, and they may get to meet a representative of new local celebrity company, Maidman’s Removals, the Domestic Mover of the Year 2013. The costs are £6 per head to cover the costs of the meeting room and refreshments, rising to £22.00 to include a cricket ticket, although if 40 people attend the cricket a further discount can be secured. (Dinner arrangements will be down to the individual member attending.) As tickets need to be purchased in advance to ensure a group discount, please confirm your attendance by 19 June by emailing [email protected].


BAR News

DED with his eyes wide openChris Smallwood, Managing Director of Britannia Anchor Removals, recently joined the BAR Board as a new

Directly Elected Directors play an important role at BAR; they are specifically responsible for voicing the concerns of the ordinary membership and for being the connection between the Board and Members. As such, they play a key part in forming BAR policy and in setting the direction for the Association for the future.

Chris is taking on this responsibility with his eyes wide open. “As DEDs, we are the conduit between the Members and the Association,” he told R&S. “My first priority will be to try to help people understand the benefits of being a Member of the BAR, while at the same time I also want the BAR to understand what its Members need and want.”

Chris has served on the BAR Board before – he was a Board Member from 2006 to 2009. However, he feels this time round he is taking on the DED position with a much better perspective on the removals industry in general and the needs of BAR Members in particular. “When I was on the BAR Board, I hadn’t run my own company at that stage, so I didn’t have that experience. I feel like I have unfinished business at the Board and now I want to contribute more to the Association.”

At the same time, Chris notes that in the past few years BAR has continued to develop in positive directions. He says he would also like to encourage and where possible accelerate further positive developments in his new role as DED. He identifies for particular focus the need to help Members adapt to

today’s rapid technological changes. “Technological advances such as price comparison websites, online quoting and online promotions remain a critical challenge that we as an industry are facing,” he says. “I want to help Members and the Association understand these challenges. A lot of well-established removal companies, especially the smaller ones, are still intimidated by technology. We as an association have to rise up to the challenge and help those Members understand the impact that technology will have on them over the next five years.”

Chris believes that by using these technologies in the right way, BAR Members can gain competitive advantage in today’s difficult marketplace. And, the role that the BAR has to play is to support and make available to Members all the opportunities presented by the Internet.

“We also have to drive home to the market the benefits of quality service. We need to ensure there is clear blue water between us and those who are not professional,” Chris adds. “On behalf of our Members and on behalf of the industry we have to communicate this message and explain the benefits of quality service and putting the customer first.”

As well as being a new DED, for the past year Chris has also been a Director of the Board of BAR Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR. He considers BAR Services as an integral part of the BAR Membership package. “Sometimes Members don’t realise that they are owners of BAR Services,” Chris explains. “When they buy from BAR Services they are also to a degree buying from their own company. It’s inextricably linked to the overall member services that BAR provides.”

He stresses the strategic importance for BAR and its Members having their own packaging company. “If Members provide their support, they can help prevent the market being monopolised and we can all keep control of costs. It’s just one of the advantages of belonging to a professional association.”

Through his recent involvement with BAR Services, and now as a BAR DED, Chris has become a familiar face at Watford. But it looks like his visits will become even more regular over the next year. As an avid Manchester City supporter, Chris says he is also looking forward to combining his visits to Watford with his team’s now regular trips to Wembley!

We need to ensure there is clear blue water between us and those who are not professional.

‘‘ ‘‘

National Council Chairman, BAR Board Director (2006-2009)

Married to Rosalind with sons Nathan (10) and Kieran (6)

20

BAR News


BAR Conference 2013

BAR: Taking care of business This year’s BAR Annual Conference was held at the Marriott Gosforth Park, Newcastle, from 16-18 May 2013.

In recognition of BAR’s growing status as a key player and industry voice, there was an impressive line-up of dynamic speakers ranging from the Shadow Treasury Minister, Catherine McKinnell MP to social and digital media experts and industry professionals in areas such as insurance, packaging and transport. Delegates ranged from BAR Members, International Associates, BAR Affiliates and companies that provide products and services to the professional removals and storage industry around the world. The top class service and dining supplied by the Marriott Hotel and its staff ensured that all delegates spent a very comfortable few days in Newcastle.

Building on the successful Windsor Conference format, the BAR team involved in the organisation of the Newcastle event were congratulated by many delegates for putting together yet another impressive annual conference. BAR thanks the following companies for their sponsorship of the Annual Conference and for their continued support of the industry: Backhouse Jones solicitors, BAR Overseas Group, BAR Services, Basil Fry & Co, PHS Teacrate, Pluscrates, PPS Crate Hire, Reason Global, The Eurogroup and Wellers accountants.

Instant feedback “The general buzz of the convention was very positive.” Tony Tickner, The Eurogroup

“A very professional event. We were

also able to gain many new contacts and obtain a greater understanding of the challenges and trends within the industry.” Joanne Moss, PPS Crate Hire

“A very good conference, one of the best I’ve been to.” Paul Bullock, PHS Teacrate

“All the business sessions that I

attended were appropriate and of a high standard, and the trip to the Beamish Museum and the Vehicle

Brian Maidman, Maidman’s

“The business content was again very good with some interesting and engaging speakers, the social activities were fantastic, and certainly all of the delegates that I spoke to had thoroughly enjoyed themselves as indeed did I.” Ian Studd, Harrow Green

For more feedback on the Newcastle event, see BAR’s website for

www.bar.co.uk/Bob Tree of Basil Fry & Co played a key role in Newcastle, making announcements and keeping delegates informed about the activities that had been organised.


BAR NewsCMG News

Building a more visible BAR brandOne of the centrepieces of this year’s Conference was the BAR Strategy Review presented by BAR President Ian Studd. Ian provided a broad-ranging overview of BAR’s strategic priorities for the coming years, as it continues to raise the profile of the BAR brand with the general public. Based on its mission to provide professional excellence and service for the mutual benefit of removers and their customers, BAR’s key vision is to promote a recognisable brand to potential customers. Over the past year, major progress has been made in brand recognition, with over 100,000 unique hits each year for the BAR website. By the end of 2012, 65% of the public had heard of BAR, according to a survey conducted by Rightmove. In fact, in a recent survey carried out last month by Rightmove amongst its audience of people who had requested quotes from removal companies, which is the biggest property related audience in the country, there was 71% name recognition for BAR – substantially higher recognition than for any other removal body. Over the next 3 to 4 years, Ian confirmed, BAR aims to increase membership numbers by around 15% and to double its strategic and corporate partnerships. The three new alliances with TwentyCi, Rightmove and the Money Advice Service announced since the 2012 Conference, together with the development of the TSI Code of Practice, along with its own new brand, have played a considerable part in enhancing brand recognition. The formal public launch of the new TSI Code of Practice will take place this month, on 18 June. Over the coming years, the industry’s Trusted Mover website will also enhance and increase the visibility of the BAR brand. BAR is also stepping up its public relations efforts. In recent months, keen-eyed readers may have seen BAR appear in the pages of national newspapers, as well as in the regional and trade media.

This hard work is already being reflected in feedback from Members. In BAR’s first biennial membership survey, 88% of respondents agreed that being a BAR member was a definite benefit to their trading. There was also strong endorsement by 91% of respondents who view BAR’s standard Terms and Conditions as a key member benefit, and 97% who gave their thumbs up to the free Broadcast system and Notice Board. An area of particular concern to the BAR Board was the low take up by Members of BAR Training Services (BARTS) courses. Even though 82% of respondents to the membership survey describe BARTS products and services as a benefit, a number of Members explained their concerns about the range

and quality of training provided by BARTS. In recent months BARTS has begun to redesign its training services, based on feedback from Members, and under new management. For more information on BARTS’ new directions see page 46. Ian concluded with the hot off the press news that BAR had been shortlisted by the Trade Association Forum for three Best Practice awards, as well as TAF’s overall Trade Association of the Year award. “It’s testament to the progress made against our business plan in that when measured against the best practice of other trade associations, we are right up there,” Ian told delegates. “There is much more that we still have to do in some key areas for Members, and I look forward to telling you all about these throughout the course of the year.” Following Ian’s presentation, there was a question and answer session with the BAR Board which covered a range of topics including synergies with the facilities management sector, the impacts of European legislation on the removals and storage industry, and the role of BAR Area meetings.

ww

BAR Conference 2013

‘‘Being shortlisted by the Trade Association Forum for three Best Practices awards, as well as TAF’s overall Trade Association of the Year award is testament to the progress made against our business plan in that when measured against the best practice of other trade associations, we are right up there.Ian Studd, BAR President

‘‘


Ian Studd, BAR President

22

BAR News


BAR Conference 2013

Maidman’s Removals, Domestic Mover of the Year 2013-14The Domestic Mover of the Year 2013-14 award has gone to a familiar name in the British removals

and the team at Maidman’s Removals continue to collect the trophies!“The DMotY accolade helps solidify our reputation for delivering a first class removals and storage service,” Brian told R&S in a post-Conference interview from Bournemouth. “Our whole ethos is based on providing a service to our customers that is honest, trustworthy and, above all else, credible.”

Brian believes the main reasons for Maidman’s continued success lie with the company’s high quality service levels. “We provide a service which our customers know and like. And, they trust us.”

With its company motto, ‘Exceeding customer expectations through teamwork’, Brian says that it has always been important to operate in an open and transparent way.

“Inviting customer feedback (via referenceline.com) helps us fine tune our service levels,” he says. “A real key attribute at Maidman’s is the ability to listen and deliver what people are looking for. I can’t emphasise enough how important that is in the removals industry.”

On a personal level, Brian confesses that winning DMotY for the second time in 3 years “allows me to reflect that my 34 years within the removals and storage business have been worth the hard work. I think it shows what you can achieve when you have the belief to grow a business and are focused and dedicated to the audiences to whom you provide a service.”

For Brian, the award shows that every team member has played their part. “They are all integral to the performance and recognition of the business,” he says. Maidman’s will prepare a special celebration for its hard working staff. Teamwork, drive, communication, collaboration and community have all been key

factors in this latest triumph. Maidman’s Removals last won the DMotY award in 2011. Although he is now an old hand at awards ceremonies, Brian admits that there were some nerves in the countdown to the announcement.

As in previous years, Maidman’s will be drawing the attention of the public to their award in all their promotional material, on the company’s web site and on its vehicles.

His recommendation to any BAR Member considering entering next year’s Domestic Mover of the Year competition is to “have a go at the award. The entry process is painless. Give it some thought and then just put your best foot forward; you have nothing to lose!”

DMotY 2013-14


2013-14

2013-14

WINNER


Winning the coveted DMotY award As well as winning the ultimate accolade of being crowned the industry’s Domestic Mover of the Year, Maidman’s Removals will benefit from the considerable prizes offered by the DMotY sponsors. First and foremost, Brian Maidman will be able to display the BAR Domestic Mover of the Year trophy for the next twelve months. He will retain a striking etched glass trophy recording his win and a framed award certificate. Maidman’s have now been issued with 2013 Award Winner decals for their vehicles and can use the coveted Award Winner logo for their corporate communications. BAR Services will give Maidman’s £500 worth of packaging materials, and BAR Training Services will provide one day of operative training on site at

Maidman’s. BAR has already started promoting Maidman’s and its impressive win to the media, and R&S will also run a number of articles and adverts about Maidman’s over the next year.

‘‘A real key attribute at Maidman’s is the ability to listen and deliver what people are looking for. I can’t emphasise enough how important that is in the removals industry.

‘‘


BAR NewsBAR Conference 2013

Domestic Mover of the Year 2013-14While Maidman’s Removals & Storage were the winners of this year’s Domestic Mover of the Year award, it was noted that there was a high quality of entrants again this year, notably with the other two

Telford. Conference Keynote Speaker Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle on Tyne North awarded those companies present their finalist awards and certificates of merit.

DMotY Finalists

DMotY Certificates of Merit

We would like to hear from youOur companies’ 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.

24

BAR News


BAR Annual General MeetingThe AGM for the British Association of Removers took place on Friday 17 May 2013 at the BAR Annual Conference in Newcastle and was chaired by BAR President Ian Studd.

The Annual Report and Accounts for 2012 set out the Association’s key activities and achievements over the past year and these were considered and approved by Members.

BAR Director General Stephen Vickers presented his report to Members. The Members’ meeting appointed Wellers Accountants as auditors of the company until the next AGM and noted Chris Smallwood’s election as Directly Elected Director for the next three years.

In response to a question from the floor raised by Rob Bartup (GB Liners), it was agreed to include the accounts of QSS Ltd and BAR Services Ltd in the next Annual Report & Accounts.

David Trenchard (Britannia Leatherbarrows) asked for non-confidential Board Minutes to be made available on the BAR website. It was agreed to take this back to the Board for further discussion.

In response to a question raised by Paul Fox (Fox Moving & Storage), the Director General gave a verbal explanation of the Annual Accounts.

No further questions were raised; the Chairman thanked everyone for attending and declared the meeting closed.

The Annual Report and Accounts 2012 for the Removers Benevolent Association were also considered by BAR Members on Friday 17 May. Wellers Accountants were confirmed as auditors for the coming year.

Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General

BAR Conference 2013

Get ready for Glasgow 2014 After the success of the Newcastle Annual Conference, BAR is heading further north to Glasgow, Scotland for its 2014 meeting. Famous for its stunning Riverside Museum of Transport and Travel, its unique Art Nouveau architecture, historic pubs, trendy markets (and for being Curry Capital of Britain), Glasgow is an apt venue for the next BAR Annual Meeting. The Marriott Hotel will again host the event which will take place in Glasgow on 15-17 May 2014. 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.


BAR NewsCMG NewsBAR Conference 2013

BAR Golf Tournament: Newcastle, 16 May 2013By Peter Doman, Basil Fry & Co.

Numbers were down on previous years for this year’s Conference Golf event but those who decided to test their skills on the fairways and greens of the Northumberland Golf Club course were treated to some fine weather and some very challenging holes.

Eleven players in three groups rose to the challenge and it soon became very obvious that even those sporting long thin moustaches and sombreros (22 handicappers and above!) would find the course difficult.

Not only was the course 6,500 yards from the yellow tees, but a strong north easterly breeze, undulating fairways and lightning quick greens ensured even a low score would secure victory and one ball wouldn’t be sufficient to last the day!

After heading out towards Newcastle racecourse, criss-crossing the racecourse on numerous occasions (many times in error), and negotiating the hills, everyone returned to an opulent clubhouse in one piece after a very enjoyable day.

WinnersThe winner of the longest drive was Dave Ewart from PHS Teacrate and Nearest the Pin was Peter Doman from Basil Fry & Co. The runner up was Matt Hawkins of TwentyCi with 31 points and first place was secured with 32 points by Kevin “bandito” Mack from Company Moves. Kevin was heard to say that he probably could have scored more but his mask and sword kept getting in the way.

I’ve been going to BAR conferences on and off for 15 years or so, but this was the first time I’d been brave enough to take part in the golf, though it certainly won’t be the last. Armed with borrowed clubs (thanks Mr Flaxman) and the highest possible handicap – I’ve no official handicap and normally only use irons off the tees due to a tendency to slice more than Sweeny Todd – I was worried about making a giant fool of myself and prepared for a fraught day. I needn’t have worried. The others in my foursome made me completely welcome and were quick to congratulate my occasional good fortune. From the welcome bacon butty through to the even more welcome pint at the 19th, it was a fantastic few hours spent on a challenging but forgiving course in the sunshine, in excellent company. I didn’t win, but didn’t disgrace myself either. And there’s always next year!

Steve Pearce, Rubicon Marketing Ltd

Peter Doman awarded Kevin Mack his prize at the Gala Dinner

and Graeme Hardie

Hawkins (runner up) and Matthew SchofieldAbove (left) Greg Wildman (putting) and (far right) Peter Doman

Steve Pearce Graeme Hardie

26

BAR News


BAR Conference 2013

In a setting that felt very much like a James Bond movie, delegates freely gambled away their play money at Roulette, Blackjack and Wheel of Fortune tables strategically placed around the room and run by experienced croupiers. Miranda Martin and Peter Walters of BAR Training Services pooled their chips and played with golden hands, winning the most chips of the evening.

Although they would have loved to have shared the prize of a model truck kindly donated by Unique Van Bodies, they were more concerned about the worthy cause for the evening and, without hesitation,

promptly put the truck up for auction so that the Removers Benevolent Association (RBA) could benefit from the proceeds. Annie Neave of Britannia Neaves bid the highest amount for the truck, and Kyle Tiltman of Five Oceans Moving bid for Marriott Hotel vouchers that were donated by the Casino runner up, Ria Compton of Basil Fry & Co.

The evening proved to be a successful networking opportunity for many delegates, who sampled tasty buffet dishes, and visited the candy floss stall and chocolate fountain. The BATAK reaction test machine was popular, and there was no doubt that Bart Brown

of Chess Moving Australia had the best hand-eye coordination using this equipment. Delegates also took to the virtual race track, playing on F1 driving simulators with a ‘Top Gear’ score board. Alison McDougall of Unique Van Bodies showed her racing prowess as the fastest female driver, and Robin Wilson of Rightmove took the Stig Trophy for fastest male driver of the evening.

Paul Bullock of PHS Teacrate, BAR Affiliate, said he was delighted that over £1,700 was raised for the RBA as a result of this very popular social event.

Casino Royale! BAR Conference delegates were treated to a stylish charity Casino Night, sponsored by PHS Teacrate.



It’s said that if you can remember the 1960s you weren’t really there. Maybe the same holds true for the Young Movers’ Treasure Hunt – four teams participated in hunting for answers across four selected Newcastle hostelries, but memories of what actually happened that Thursday night seem confused and conflicting!

What everyone agrees on is that early in the evening three teams of Young Movers, and one group of Oldie gate crashers, were given three pages of photo clues and then embarked on their tour of traditional Newcastle pubs to fill in as many answers as they could.

The teams had to search for various picture clues, ranging from dates on pictures, facts and figures from licensing acts and even the name of a certain brand of condom in a pub vending machine...

Several hours later, mission accomplished, all four teams met up for debriefing at the ominously named Vodka Revolutions, where Peter Doman of Basil Fry & Co took over the entertainment for the rest of the evening, teaching locals how to dance the ‘running man’. Age won out over beauty this time, however, as

it was the Oldies who scooped the prize as triumphant winners of the Toon Tour. Still, quizmaster Matthew Schofield from R&D Schofield says that great fun was had by all and the event was a resounding success.

With all parties feeling in need of some fine cuisine at the end of a challenging evening, taxis took the teams back to the hotel via McDonald’s to round off the night in traditional Newcastle style.

Finding treasures in Newcastle Anyone in their 20s or 30s working for a BAR Member was invited to join the group of Young Movers for a treasure hunt city tour around Newcastle’s famous pubs.

BAR’s central role in the global removals industryproductive social activities at this year’s Conference.Some delegates had travelled from many parts of the world including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Ireland, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. R&S caught up with International Guest, Bright Yoon from South Korea, and Philip and Kerrin Gordon of International Associate Member Conroy Removals, Australia, for their feedback on BAR’s Newcastle Conference.

Mr Yoon told R&S: “Before this conference I knew many members of the BAR Overseas Group. It was good to meet with these people again and in Newcastle I also had the opportunity to learn more about the BAR Commercial Moving Group and to meet its members.

This conference was useful to me because the delegates and speakers shared a lot of industry information. I recommend BAR Training Services sets up courses and training programmes for BAR International Associates in Asia and other areas such as Australia, Canada and South Africa.”Congratulations to High Relocation Worldwide Inc who have now been accepted as a new BAR International Associate. To contact Bright, email [email protected]

“We have been impressed by this annual conference organised by BAR. We appreciated the content and practical nature of the business sessions and workshops which were just as relevant to companies like ours operating in Australia. We like the structure of the BAR Conference where the AGM and formal business of the Association starts off the Conference and the business sessions follow. This is the first time we have attended BAR’s Annual Conference and we have been made to feel very welcome by BAR Members. It was simple to book the Conference package, the hotel facilities and dining have been excellent, and the various social activities that BAR organised, especially the Casino Night, made it very easy to network with other companies.” To contact Philip, email [email protected]

Bright Yoon (centre) with Julien Wilkinson, Intermovers Malaysia and Suzy Barrak, BAR Services.

Philip Gordon, Conroy Removals, Brisbane, Australia

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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 2013: JT & Sons RelocationsJT & Sons Relocations is the winner of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2013, a magnificent achievement for a company which only started its business in 2008, in the midst of the worst recession for some seventy years.“After all we have been through, winning CMotY means that much more,” Director Jenny Thorncroft says. “It’s like Christmas and a wedding day at the same time!”

The Sussex-based company has developed a solid client base in the last four years, including central government departments, hospitals, universities and both private and public sector organisations and has emerged as a strong player in the London market. Although they have built their business from scratch, Jenny and Timon are very conscious that they could not have had the success they are now enjoying without the support not only of their hard working and dedicated staff but also of a large number of people across the removals industry. Managing Director and husband Timon says “we feel very proud and privileged. It is the team from the top to the bottom who has won the award, from the newest to the oldest member of staff.”

As well as acknowledging the support by industry colleagues, Jenny and Timon would like to mention their bank manager, Dave Green at HSBC Business Banking - although no financial input has been required, he has always been on hand to offer advice and support through all the ups and downs of building the business in the recession. Timon also pays special tribute to the company’s insurance brokers, Reason Global. “It wasn’t easy to get an insurance policy when we started, and I want to thank Graham Puddephatt for all his support, not only with insurance but with the business as a whole and for believing in us all along,” he said.

Shortly after winning the award, the company was inundated with congratulatory telephone calls from clients and suppliers around the country. “Our clients have been so pleased for us. It’s very gratifying for us after all the hard work we have put in to start the business and do our best for our customers.”

Although the company was only launched in 2008, this is the third year they have entered the CMotY competition. “We were very pleased in the last two years with the certificates of merit we achieved,” says Jenny, “but this year it is obviously amazing to go one step further. I would recommend any BAR member to go for the award.” As she reflects on the incredible achievements of their company in such a short space of time Jenny pays tribute to Bill Spearman who mentored her when she started at Robinsons. He gave her a great grounding in the removals business which all these years later has helped underpin the success of JT & Sons Relocations.

CMotY 2013 WINNER


2013

Pluscrates was the headline sponsor for this year’s CMotY competition which was also

research, Reachlocal, Basil Fry & Co.and Reason Global. JT & Sons Relocations won the

Pluscrates

sales leads worth £1,000 from

a full free Reachlocal 6-month trial campaign

insurance cover placed via Basil Fry & Co

campaign from Reason Global

CMotY prize

‘‘It is the team from the top to the bottom who has won the award, from the newest to the oldest member of staff.Timon Thorncroft

‘‘

(Operations Manager).


BAR NewsCMG News


‘‘After all we have been through, winning CMotY means that much more. It’s like Christmas and a wedding day at the same time!Jenny Thorncroft

‘‘

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Commercial Mover of the Year 2013Conference Keynote Speaker Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle on Tyne North, and Shadow Treasury Minister, and John Mitchell of Pluscates awarded those companies present their Finalist awards and Certificates of Merit. For a full list of CMotY 2013 Finalists and recipients of Certificates of Merit, please see page 32.

JT & Sons Relocations

Delivery Services

Pickfords Business Solutions

Specialised Moves

Company Moves Maidman’s Removals & Storage

CMotY Finalists

CMotY Certificates of Merit

CMotY 2013 WINNER


2013


BAR News

Maidman’s Removals & Storage

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David Bunting, former BAR President and CMG Chairman and one of the three judges for the CMotY 2013 competition explained to delegates at the BAR Annual Conference how the process worked this year.

Following the introduction of new competition rules in 2012, there were only a few tweaks to the rules for this year’s entrants – all of which were designed to improve the new format.

Firstly, the number of moves for evaluation was reduced from 7 to 5, to help and encourage more Members to enter. This change paid off with 22 entries (a massive increase of 32% over the 15 from 2012). David revealed at this point the considerable input of John Mitchell from Pluscrates who had telephoned all the CMG members, and persuaded any waverers to enter.

This year, the rules stated that there were to be 5 Finalists, based on their marks, and that all Finalists (rather than Entrants) were required to attend the Conference Gala Dinner event.

An additional 25 marks were available to the judges to be awarded against the accuracy of the information provided by the mover, and the clients’ understanding of the competition, and their preparedness to be involved. This innovation was accepted, to focus Entrants’ attention on giving the judges accurate information, and ensuring that the customers fully understood what the competition was all about.

All three judges from last year were retained for the 2013 Competition. David, to assess from a Remover’s standpoint. Beth Goodyear, from a Facilities Management point of view, and Graham Briscoe, from the end user’s perspective. And each judge retained the authority to decide on their own questions and allocate their own marks from the responses given by three of the entrants’ customers. David reported that Beth asked 5 questions, Graham asked 6, and he asked 8.

The 22 entries came from an interesting mix of companies, large and small. There were 3 newcomers to the competition: Clockwork, Leatherbarrows, and Sandersteads. David also noted that almost every company who had entered the Competition in 2012, re-entered this year. “An indication of support for the format, I believe,” he said.

Each judge contacted 3 of the 5 client moves submitted as entries, with 100 marks per entry available, making a total of 300 marks available per judge per entrant, plus the additional 25 marks referred to above. Multiplied by 3 for the 3 Judges, the total mark available per entrant was therefore 975.

David told Conference delegates: “The scoring at the top was very close indeed, with the winner scoring 912 marks out of the 975 available, only 13 marks ahead of the second placed entry.”

As every entrant achieved a score within 80% of the winner’s total, the following 17 companies received a Certificate of Merit: BCL, Bishops Move London, Britannia Sandersteads, Clockwork Removals, Company Moves, Doree Bonner International Group, Delivery Services, Greens Removals and Storage, Harrow Green, Johnsons Moving Services, Leatherbarrows Removals and Storage, McCarthy’s Removals, Maidmans, P Fahey and Sons, Pickfords Business Solutions, Premier Moves and Russell Fewins.

The 5 finalists for this year’s CMotY were: Edes, JT and Sons Relocations, Specialised Movers, Universal Commercial Relocation and Xpress Relocation.

David told all entrants to the competition: “There’s no doubt to me, having been involved as an Entrant in the Competition for 16 years, and a Judge for 5 years, that the standard is rising year on year. You are not only delivering service excellence, but also going beyond the call of duty, as it were, and exceeding expectations.”

David has promised to write an article for a future issue of R&S revealing what helped and what hindered entries in this year’s CMotY.

This was David Bunting’s 5th year as CMotY judge

CMotY 2013 This year’s Commercial Mover of the Year competition received the highest number of entrants in its 21 year history. Twenty two companies entered the competition, representing 45% of the Commercial Moving Group membership. The headline sponsor was Pluscrates whose commitment and support has

standards of the entrants in this market.

‘‘The scoring at the top was very close indeed, with the winner scoring 912 marks out of the 975 available, only 13 marks ahead of the second placed entry.

‘‘


BAR NewsCMG News

Incoming and outgoing CMG Chairs

Onward and upward for the CMG At the AGM of the Commercial Moving Group (CMG), held on the Saturday morning in Newcastle, its Chairman Mark Herrington summarised the impressive work done by the CMG Council over the past twelve months.

This included the launch of the user-friendly CMG website, the increasing exposure of the CMG brand to end customers, and the importance of promoting the BS 8522 Commercial Moving standard, all of which were noted with approval.

Mark reported that Robert Poyner (Fox Moving & Storage), Rod Seeland (BCL) and Phil Oram (Premier Moves) had been elected onto the CMG Council, and that Nigel Shaw (Specialised Movers) and Brian Maidman (Maidman’s Removals & Storage) have both agreed to serve for a further two-year term.

Finally, Mark thanked the Council for their support during the last two years and handed the chain of office to his successor, Kevin Mack.

He said that he had ‘loved working on the Council’ and wished Kevin every success during his forthcoming tenure.

In its bid to continue to be in the driving seat for taking the commercial moving sector to the next level, CMG members took the opportunity to discuss ideas for future directions for the group. They discussed a variety of topics including marketing and training. Miranda Martin of BAR Training Services discussed the CMG Apprenticeship scheme with Members, and delegates were also reminded to book their places for the CMG Seminar and Golf event which will take place on 30 September – 1 October at Wychwood Park, Cheshire. R&S will run an interview with new CMG Chair Kevin Mack on the group’s next plans in a future issue.

With the shrinkage of the private residential market, removals and storage companies have come to rely ever more on public sector procurement procedures. At this year’s Conference, Mark Hayter from the North Eastern Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC) provided a detailed and valuable insight into 3 related trends in public sector procurement: the increasing adoption of supplier framework agreements; the increasing instances of collaboration; and the generic model of category management. Mark gave the delegates an overview of what a supplier framework is, why they exist, and how the EU Procurement Directives are applicable; it is of course illegal to award a contract above a certain threshold without a call for competition, but framework agreements are allowed in the Directives. The presentation explained how frameworks tend to be implemented where collaboration between buyers exists, such as with the NEUPC and the UK Universities Purchasing Consortia in general. Mark provided a brief review of some of the different professional buying organisations that have been formed to serve the requirements of central government, local councils, and the Higher

Education and Further Education sectors. Framework agreements result in both cash

savings and non-cash savings for buyers, he said as well as increasing flexibility, mitigating risk, and enabling better supplier relationships. Mark also discussed the current agreement between NEUPC and BAR to show how important the Association is to both buyer and supplier. Finally, he recommended that delegates register their organisations with public sector buying organisations, and review tendering portals. While mandated framework usage is still some way off, Mark told the workshop that buyers are now looking to use frameworks to deliver increasing value.For more information, contact Mark Hayter by email: [email protected]

CMG Forum

Public sector procurement

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BAR Services

Your packaging company Miranda Hyder has been working for BAR Services for 25 years now and still retains her passion and enthusiasm for the industry and the role that BAR Services plays for BAR Members. She talked to R&S about the key benefits that BAR Members have from using the industry’s own packaging company.

R&S: How did this year’s BAR Conference go for BAR Services?

Miranda Hyder (pictured): Very well. We had a stand in the Exhibition Hall and it was good to meet and talk with BAR Members, support their conference and showcase our new products.

R&S: What type of products did companies show the most interest in at Conference?

M.H: We had a lot of interest in our new quilted picture/mirror covers. These are available in 5 colours and form part of BAR Services’ latest range of quilted covers, which also includes armchair outer covers. We are always looking for new products to introduce to the Members and we like to hear feedback on what we are supplying. As a result of the marine insurance workshop session run by Basil Fry and Reason Global at the Conference this year, Members have told us they will need specific packaging to protect plasma televisions from high pressure for overseas shipping. This kind of feedback is excellent and we will work to source the right product for this. I hope to inform Members via R&S of our new product offering within the next couple of months.

R&S: What are BAR Services’ best sellers in general?

M.H: Our cardboard boxes! We only use high quality corrugated in our cartons, and the feedback we have from our customers is great. With the BARS flute we have sold over 1.5 million, and by offering this new grade we have been able to reduce prices by an average of 13% on a monthly bulk purchasing offer.

R&S: Why does BAR Services sponsor the Domestic Mover of the Year award?

M.H: We have sponsored the DMotY competition every year since it has been going. The main reason is to continue to promote and be associated with the highest industry standards that BAR Members display. We give a £500 credit note against packaging materials to the winner.

R&S: Why should BAR Members buy from BAR Services?

M.H: BAR Services was established 36 years ago for the BAR membership. We have evolved into a commercial operation, achieving a best ever year in 2007 of £6m turnover, ensuring our position as one of the largest purchasers of corrugated cardboard in the UK. Because of the size of our purchasing power, we obtain extremely competitive bulk purchasing prices for our products, and we can pass on substantial discounts to BAR Members. And our products are high quality. You could say we are the John Lewis of the packaging industry. We always try to provide good quality products at the most competitive prices and, if BAR Members are finding better deals elsewhere, they should contact us to see if we can match a better price for the same products. In a recent survey carried out by the BAR, 73% of respondents in the research said they use BAR Services products when purchasing their packaging materials. We continue to contact BAR Members to find out what they are not buying from us and why. Another very important benefit for BAR Members is that they have a unique and exclusive relationship with BAR Services. We aim to give BAR Members who buy from us rebates in the form of credit notes at the end of each year. We operate as a separate company to BAR and at arms’ length to the Association. The rebate is decided by our Board Directors (who are all from removals and storage companies) at the end of each financial year. Last year, we were able to give the buying Members of BAR a rebate to the value of 1% of their turnover. In addition, we also plough what profits we can back into the business in order to lower prices so that Members can benefit straight away. I hope Members will agree that using BAR Services makes good business sense for them and for the industry as a whole!

Please contact the BAR Services sales team on or email

BAR Services

‘‘Last year, we were able to give the buying Members of BAR a rebate to the value of 1% of their turnover.

‘‘



BAR News

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CMG News


BAR Training NewsOverseas Group NewsOverseas Group News

The Group successfully asserted its presence at the Conference right from the first evening when it hosted the Welcome Evening Drinks and Hog Roast. Conference delegates (including many International Associates and International Guests) were able to network with the removals and storage community in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

The workshops organised by the Overseas Group were well received by a broad range of delegates, extending far beyond the OG members.

The Overseas Group (OG) Council organised a productive forum at Conference, which was run by OG Chairman Ian Palmer and Deputy Chairman Tony Tickner.

As well as celebrating the launch of the brand new OG website (www.baroverseas.co.uk), OG members also discussed the imminent enhancing of the Group’s membership criteria. From July of this year, all OG members must possess the BS 8564 Standard, FIDI FAIM, or a higher approved externally audited standard, as well as having a financial bonding scheme approved Advanced Payment Guarantee in place to protect all pre-payments made by the consumer.

Delegates at the event agreed that the OG needs to

try and attract Britannia members back to the group as BAR has approved a slightly adjusted wording of the Britbond for Britannia members as acceptable evidence of an APG.

There was also agreement that the OG should form closer relationships with International Associates and attract more of these to join the OG, which thanks to the new website and tougher membership criteria delivers a truly compelling

range of benefits to international movers.Finally, and not for the first time, members

discussed the development of a specific industry competition for OG members. Watch this space for news about an OMotY award!

All topics raised at the Forum will be discussed at the next meeting of the OG Council later this month.

OG sets ambitious plans for the futureThe Overseas Group played a prominent role at this year’s BAR Conference in Newcastle.

Check out BARoverseas! The Overseas Group (OG) Council received many compliments recently at the BAR Conference in Newcastle for its newly launched website, www.baroverseas.co.uk.

Over the past year, the OG Councillors, particularly Stephen Denning from Fox Moving & Storage and Andy Wade from F+N Worldwide, have been heavily involved in the development of the satellite website which went live in May. The website is aimed at members of the public wishing to find a BAR OG Member and who want to know

more about the group and about the benefits of using an OG Member during an international move. The development of the website is a core part of the OG Council’s drive to raise the profile of the OG in the marketplace. “The website is designed to increase the visibility of Overseas Group Members and promote their specialism in the industry,” OG Chairman Ian Palmer says. As such, the website represents an additional benefit for Members of the OG, especially as being listed on this website is automatic and absolutely free of

charge. All OG Members will be able to edit their company profiles and have access to other useful information on the site.

The website also redirects people to the BAR main site when they click on the Get A Quote tab and then click on either of the two boxes (Quick Enquiry or Advanced Enquiry) – hence increasing exposure and potential sales leads.

Search engine optimisation is being developed in order to give the new website greater visibility on Google.


OG sets ambitious plans for the future


BAR NewsCMG NewsBAR Training NewsOverseas Group News

Insurance conflicts and claimsOne of the best attended workshops at Conference was delivered by the combined might of insurance brokers Reason Global and Basil Fry & Co.

Philip Wildman, Managing Director, Basil Fry & Co. and Nicholas Marshall, Account Executive at Reason Global, joined forces to explain to BAR Members the complex world of marine insurance, focusing on conflicts, claims and conflicts about claims.

Their presentation covered war, terrorism, sanctions and even piracy – all very real threats to maritime traffic in today’s uncertain world.

Philip kicked off the workshop by explaining what is meant by ‘conflict’, how insurers cope with it and what creates conflict in claims. Specifically in regard to the topical issue of cover for terrorism, it is important to note that cover is not provided for storage and ceases when the goods arrive for storage, or 60 days after discharge (by sea) and 30 days (by air). The good news is that some governments do provide compensation for terrorism-related losses.

Moving to the more everyday issue of the conflicts that often arise during claims, Nicholas explained that these tend to be triggered by inadequate documentation, poor handling, derisive offers of settlement, or unreasonable expectations from the customer. A claim should not be seen as a source of conflict, and a correctly handled claim is not in itself a conflict.

Worldwide, Australia and New Zealand report the highest number of claims, with the US only third despite its high volume of shipping. Claims today are

heavily influenced by changes in technology. As well as modern technology creating new areas of claim, such as flat screen televisions, e mail and the web are changing the way in which claims are submitted and pursued. While the volume of computer claims is falling, a current source of concern relates to smaller technology devices and to flat screen televisions, which need the right kind of packaging to avoid any pressure problems. For these and other reasons, both speakers recommended that removal companies try to exercise

as much control at the packing and handling stages. Unfortunately, although unpacking regularly results

in claims being filed, it is hard to recover losses from agents, and amounts recovered tend to be low. Commercial pressure may be the best way to proceed to recoup any insurance losses in these cases.

For more information, contact Philip Wildman ([email protected]) and Nicholas Marshall ([email protected]).

Ron Edwards, Sea Freight Export Manager at global logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel and colleague Robert Barrett, gave an interesting presentation about the role in international removals of a “Non Vessel Owning Common Carrier” – the NVOCC. That sounds like a mouthful, but as Ron explained the concept is simple. An NVOCC is a silent partner to the removal industry for LCL shipments and offers a seamless extension to the services that a removal company offers to its customers. An NVOCC provides logistical services for a removal company’s liftvans and cased LCL from the UK to global destinations. It ensures all LCL shipments move on the first available vessel (e.g. a weekly service). In the case of ‘Overspill’ from an FCL move, the LCL should arrive at the destination at the same time as the ‘Mother’ Container. Ron said that an NVOCC is an alternative to loose trade groupage for time sensitive moves and when customers require faster transit and a higher level of packing. An NVOCC has usually one loading point but may have several “drop in depots” within the UK.

They can organise national collection services from a removal company’s own facilities and warehouses on a weekly basis. Some NVOCC’s are global providers, for example, the Kuehne + Nagel Group has more than 1,000 offices in over 100 countries, with over 63,000 employees. Some NVOCC’s specialise in certain countries and even certain types of Cargoes. Kuehne + Nagel itself has provided logistical

services between removal companies in regions as remote as the Marshall Islands, Mongolia, the Falkland Islands and Yuzhno Sakhalinsk at the far end of Russia. “An NVOCC on LCL sea freight is a great extension of your services,” Ron concluded. “They take care of the wet bit in the middle!”For more information, contact [email protected]

Kuehne + Nagel: Box Clever with LCLs

Nicholas Marshall, Reason Global Philip Wildman, Basil Fry & Co.

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Overseas Group News

This is the first time that David has joined a governance body at BAR, and as part of the OG Council he is keenly looking forward to being involved in developing policy and supporting OG Members.

“A director of John Mason International, Steve Sheldon, is a past president of the BAR and he has always encouraged staff to become more involved at local and national levels,” David says. “I am a school Governor and on the committee of a local football club so I am enthusiastic in my involvement with the projects I take on!”

The OG Council elections were hotly contested, ending in a ballot of the nine contestants. David says he was really appreciated the support he received from the membership who voted for him in the election. “There were a lot of good people who stood in the election. I truly hope that I can work well for the Overseas Group and in turn add benefit for the membership.”

David is a third generation remover who has been in the industry for almost 35 years, so he will clearly have a lot of experience and know-how to contribute. “As an OG Councillor, I want to use my knowledge to offer support and advice to the moving industry as well enjoying an opportunity to learn from my peers in the industry,” he says.

He believes that the main challenge facing overseas movers is the rise in competition due to the Internet. However he also believes that this trend represents a major opportunity for OG specialists who can lend support to fellow BAR Members. “The advent of the

Internet has increased the opportunities for non-Overseas Group Members to have a go at exports,” he explains. “The benefit of this happening, for a company such as John Mason International, is that we are assisting more and more BAR Members in shipping their clients’ goods.”

The BAR badge and OG membership have given a high level of credibility to John Mason International, not only with the public but also with International and corporate partners. “The fact that we are bonded gives us a great selling tool in the open market giving confidence to buyers that we are financially backed,” David explains. “Membership of the OG also gives us access to the MTC and all the benefits that are provided by that part of our organisation.”

Now is the right time, David says, for him to start giving back to the rest of the sector by serving as an OG Councillor, representing the interests of all members of the group and helping them prosper in an increasingly competitive market.

“I want to help ensure that the membership receives the best service it can from the Overseas Group, along with any support in resources and rates where possible,” he says. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to a valuable part of our association.”

Relocation Services has recently assumed his new role as OG Councillor.

Rob comes from one of the largest relocation companies in the UK and hopes to bring to the OG Council his 24 years’ experience of today’s international relocation market.

Interdean itself has been a member of the OG since

2006.“As a Member, our customers are assured that we work under an approved code of conduct,” Rob says, “it gives the consumer peace of mind that they have chosen a reputable company to move with.”

Rob decided to go forward with his nomination to the OG Council for two main reasons: he would like his presence on the Council to benefit both Interdean as well as the wider membership. “Firstly, I hope that by being an OG Councillor I will gain a greater understanding about how the OG operates and the benefits for its membership,” he says. “Secondly I’ve always tried to support various aspects of the BAR and its associated organisations wherever possible, and I would hope that my involvement helps the Overseas Group and it members.”

Perhaps reflecting his day-to-day concerns in charge of Interdean in the UK, Rob is especially focused on the issue of freight rates, which have been volatile in recent years. The OG could do more to increase visibility over freight rates for its members, he believes.

“I believe that one of the key priorities of the OG over the next 12 months should be to get an indication of potential ocean freight fluctuations as early as we possibly can,” Rob explains. “As ocean freight costs are an important element within the total door-to-door price, any early indication of an increase could benefit the members who have contracts that have locked in Ocean freight rates.”

The industry is facing a series of other macroeconomic challenges, he notes, ranging from the impact on emigration numbers from the UK because of the fall in the value of the pound, to the slashing of corporate moving budgets during the recent downturn.

In all of these areas, Rob believes, the OG can perform a valuable role for its members by sharing know-how and best practices and by developing ways in which professional suppliers of international relocation and removal services can respond together to today’s fast changing market.

New additions to the OG Council As reported in the last issue of R&S, members of the Overseas Group have elected Wesley Bourne,

David Ozard of John Mason International is one of the latest additions to the OG Council

recently assumed his new role as OG Councillor


BAR NewsCMG NewsBAR Training NewsOG Profile

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PPS Crate Hire: clean and ready to use crates

The company’s decision to sponsor the gala shows just how seriously PPS Crate Hire takes their commitment to the removals industry, says Commercial Director Joanne Moss. Being a BAR Affiliate will provide the firm with a new way of reaching the country’s leading removal firms – and will also give BAR Members a new source of high quality services in what is a very competitive market.

PPS Crate Hire provides rental of plastic removal crates throughout the UK, and has a large range of crates specifically designed for the removals industry. To complement this service the company also offers handling equipment and packaging materials to its customers.

“As PPS Equipment, we have been providing crate hire to the removals sector on a small ad hoc basis for over 5 years,” Joanne says. “We are a specialist provider of equipment rental (such as boxes, crates and pallets) to a wide range of customers particularly within the food, retail and automotive sectors.

During 2012 we made a conscious decision to offer our rental expertise to the removals and storage sector by setting up PPS Crate Hire. We believe that our total commitment to providing a high quality service at a competitive price will be welcomed by the market. We are proud to offer a reliable and professional service.

Our crates will arrive on time as scheduled, clean and ready to use, preventing any delays!”

BAR Members can receive a discounted crate hire tariff if they quote ‘BAR Member’. The company has a simple Crate Hire online ordering system, and crate hire is available for commercial, office and domestic / residential home moves. There is no minimum order quantity.

Joanne says that BAR Affiliate status will enable PPS Crate Hire to access reputable removal companies across the country and raises its profile within the industry. The many benefits of plastic crates include being reusable, making them more environmentally friendly. They are also much more durable and stronger than cardboard boxes and are weatherproof, providing greater protection. Plastic crates are stackable when full making them easy to transport and are nestable when empty, saving on valuable storage space.

PPS Crate Hire provides moving equipment to be used alongside the plastic crates such as sack barrows to encourage safe handling and easy transportation.

As well as the crates and other equipment rental, the company also offers crate washing services to removal companies. The company has two dedicated wash sites in the UK where it washes and removes labels from its equipment. “We would be delighted to offer this wash service to BAR Members with their own removal crates,” Joanne says.

PPS Crate Hire presented themselves as BAR’s newest Affiliate in high style at Conference – by

Our crates will arrive on time as scheduled, clean and ready to use, preventing any delays!

‘‘‘‘Joanne Moss, Commercial Director, PPS Crate Hire


Features

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Simply the Bestsponsored by new BAR Affiliate PPS Crate Hire.

Amid an atmosphere of genuine warmth and camaraderie, delegates enjoyed a buzzing cocktail reception. After the traditional Presidential Procession and Grace, delegates sat down to a lavish meal with accomplished singer, Kerry, providing a musical backdrop. And then the fun began.

Kerry serenaded the audience, with particular focus on the three finalists in the Domestic Mover of the

Year 2013-14 competition, with the song Simply the Best originally sung by Bonnie Tyler and made famous by Tina Turner. On finishing the song she raised the arm of Brian Maidman, representing this year’s champion removal company: Maidman’s Removals. The run up to the presentation of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2013 award was somewhat different. The talented Bruce Airhead

squeezed himself into a large green ball, out of which he stuck first his toe and then his head. After getting the ball to dance to music while still inside it, he somehow managed to jump out of the ball, this time fully clothed in an Elvis costume, with hair to match. This rather surprising spectacle set the scene for the announcement of this year’s CMotY winner, JT & Sons Relocations.


Features

Members dig deep for the RBAWhile all BAR Members at the Newcastle conference did their very best to enjoy themselves together, they did not forget those who are working or have worked in the industry who are in less fortunate situations. A number of events organised by BAR ensured that BAR Members could contribute to the industry charity, the Removers Benevolent Association (RBA) throughout the weekend. The money raised during the Newcastle Conference amounted to a fantastic £2,912 (at time of going to press). BAR President Ian Studd stressed

the importance of the RBA – “It is our charity, and it does wonderful things for people who have worked in the industry and who need support.” This year money was raised for the RBA via different channels from past years. The charity Casino Night raised a substantial amount for the RBA, helped by Casino winners Miranda Martin and Peter Walters of BAR Training Services, and Kyle Tiltman of Five Oceans Moving, who all spontaneously auctioned their prizes that had been kindly donated by Unique Van Bodies and the

Marriott Hotel. Another major source for the RBA this year came through sponsorship of the Scaletrix trucks with company names which raced around a track in the Exhibition Hall, the brainchild of Timon Thorncroft of JT & Sons Relocations, who organised this for the benefit of the RBA. Bill Tiernan of Ede’s generously donated cash directly to the RBA at the Gala Evening. Thanking everyone involved, Ian Studd said this was “a fantastic result for the RBA.”

For more photos from the BAR Black Tie Gala Dinner & Awards Night, see

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Training News

Picture 3

New vision for BARTShow BARTS aims to evolve to include new courses, options for training centres throughout the UK, and increased value Members.Miranda joined BARTS earlier this year and has wasted no time in rethinking the organisation’s mission to respond to the changing market and specific requirements of BAR Members. She has now published a Business Plan for 2013, setting out BARTS’ new vision which includes regaining market leadership for training and developing with a major focus on training the next generation.

“There’s a growing gap in the removals industry right now, with an aging population and few young people coming in,” Miranda explains. “Although we’re making headway with the Commercial Moving Apprenticeship Scheme, we still need to convince individuals and the market as a whole that the removals industry is exciting and a great career prospect.” Miranda believes BARTS can “do its bit to attract and retain young talent by providing support to develop the core competencies needed for specific job roles and build this into a framework of training and qualifications that the industry can support and be proud of.”

She recommends that BAR Members provide a pathway for people who have completed training and apprenticeships at their firms. “BARTS can develop the modules, training programmes and qualification pathways in line with industry standards and requirements, however we need the support of the Members in understanding where these new apprentices and employees will fit into existing structures,” she told R&S, “and this will involve some investment of time to understand what development current employees require to ensure successful succession planning is in place and maintain motivation.”

Working together with BAR Members, BARTS can establish a framework that can be built upon as both the industry and its individuals develop over the years to come.

BARTS’ mission is now defined as “to provide quality innovative specialist training to the removals industry, BAR Members and external organisations that encourages development and economic success.”

Miranda has held meetings with a number of BAR Member companies across the country to determine just how BARTS can best fulfil this mission. Based on this feedback, BARTS has identified that many companies, particularly small and medium-sized companies, could be well supported through a whole range of new training requirements, ranging from human resources to costing models, finance and technology.

BARTS will also introduce technology in order to reduce costs for Members, by using online modules and courses to cut the cost of travel and reduce the amount of work time that is lost. Miranda says that although cost is always a consideration, it should never undermine the intrinsic value of the training.

“Distance learning has its place but does not always stand up to the professional standards we expect,” she explains. “We want to embrace technology to make courses more exciting and increase value, but never at the cost of quality. We are also committed to making sure we are on top of all legislation and regulations. We are reviewing all our materials to make sure all material is current. It is imperative material is continuously reviewed to maintain our standards and credibility.”

Cost is always a consideration and BARTS is exploring the use of UK-wide training centres to minimise these. However, Miranda says BARTS wants to maintain standards of the training, and aims to use training centres that are able to provide equipment on site as required for the courses. “It’s important to get the quality of training right, so that we can ensure Members receive a good return on their investment.”

With quality at the forefront, BARTS plans to establish a pool of specialised trainers, retraining and evaluating existing trainers. Trainers authorised by BARTS will be continually monitored and audited on a yearly basis.

At the beginning of the next training year, BARTS will re-launch and remarket its existing suite of specialist training courses. Based on her conversations

with BAR Members and with current training providers, Miranda reports that a long list of candidates is taking shape for new customised courses. She reveals that one new area will be to develop BARTS’ management training offering. “Training is a great networking opportunity enabling Members to share and learn from another. We’re here to support Members, keep them up to date and make sure they get the support they need. One of the best parts of BAR training is that Members, right up to the highest levels, can also support each other.”

We want to embrace technology to make courses more exciting and increase value, but never at the cost of quality.

‘‘ ‘‘


BAR NewsTraining News

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Features


Getting the economy moving

R&S: How concerned are you by the current state of the economy?

Catherine McKinnell: I believe we have reached the stage where we need to face the fact that the current economic strategy is failing to deliver growth. When the Coalition came to power, it inherited an economy that was slowly, but steadily, growing – with 0.4% growth in the final quarter of 2009 rising to 0.7% in the second quarter of 2010 (around the time Labour left office). Yet since Autumn 2010 and the current Government’s first Spending Review, we’ve seen just 0.8% growth – compared to the 5.3% the Coalition were forecasting at the time. This economic stagnation has led the independent Office for Budget Responsibility to halve its predictions for 2013 – anticipating growth of just 0.6% this year – compared to the 1.2% forecast only in December. The Chancellor, George Osborne, has said quite clearly that he’s ‘not for turning’ despite the fact that the Coalition is now set to borrow £245bn more than they forecast in Autumn 2010; their promise to balance the books by 2015 will not be met; and the national debt will not now be falling until 2017/18 at the earliest. As a consequence, living standards are being squeezed, with average earnings now rising at their lowest rate since the end of 2009; government borrowing is up; and growth forecasts are being downgraded yet again...and ordinary people and businesses are paying the price. I believe it’s time for Plan B.

This year’s keynote speaker at the BAR Conference was the MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North and Shadow Treasury Minister, Catherine McKinnell, who discussed her ideas with delegates about how to boost the economy, create jobs and support small and medium-sized enterprises. R&S followed up with Ms McKinnell after the Conference to address a number of points raised during her presentation.


Features

R&S: What can be done to restore confidence in our economy?

CM: Ifirmly believe that we simply must ensure people are not being put, and left, on the unemployment scrapheap – which is a situation that simply builds up long-term costs for the taxpayer, as well as society. With a staggering 958,000 young people currently unemployed, I would like to see a bank payroll tax within the bank levy to fund a Youth Jobs Guarantee. In a nutshell, this would mean guaranteeing a real, paid job for every young person out of work for a year or more – which they would be obliged to take, or face losing their benefits. We would also reverse the Government’s decision to stop tax relief on pension contributions for people earning over £150,000 being limited to 20% – to fund a Compulsory Jobs Guarantee for long-term unemployed adults. This money could be used to ensure there is a paid job for every adult out of work for 24 months or more – which again they would be obliged to take or risk losing their benefits. And this is critical, given recent jobless figures confirmed there are 175,300 adults who have been out of work for 2 years or more. We desperately need to get a grip of the human cost of the current economic situation, if we are to boost the consumer and commercial confidence necessary to secure economic growth.

This lack of confidence – combined with the on-going cost of living crisis – is sucking demand out of local economies and taking away people’s willingness and ability to spend, which in turn is hindering our ability to get back to sustained growth.

R&S: What are Labour’s plans for VAT rates and thresholds?

CM: We are calling for the Coalition to temporarily reverse the Government’s VAT rise to 20% in 2011, to support hard-pressed people across the country and to kick-start a flat-lining economy. I also believe HMRC needs to come down hard on tax evaders. HMRC’s own most recent estimate of the tax gap – the difference between the tax collected and the tax that would be collected if everyone complied with the letter and spirit of the law – stands at £32bn a year, with VAT fraud thought to account for 30% of this gap.

Ensuring HMRC has the resources it needs to do the job properly, will help to ensure fairness across the board, which could perhaps address BAR Members’ concerns about discrepancies in VAT rates.

R&S: What would Labour do to reduce the price of fuel?

CM: The number one issue for many businesses – and no doubt critical for the removals industry – has been the cost of fuel. Whilst we welcomed the Chancellor’s decision to cancel the planned 3p rise in fuel duty due to take place in September – indeed we have been consistently calling for him to do so – we think a temporary cut in VAT would also make a big difference to fuel prices.

R&S: Many removals companies are struggling to get credit for their businesses. What will you do to improve access to finance?

CM: We need to ensure the banking system recognises it has a fundamental responsibility to serve the real economy by supporting local businesses and helping address national and regional infrastructure needs. In recent meetings with a number of banks, I’ve been told that they’re desperate to lend to local business, but firms just aren’t willing to borrow at the moment. At the same time, I hear from businesses that access to finance remains one of the key challenges facing many firms wanting to grow. That’s why we’re looking at creating a British Investment Bank, fully backed by the Treasury, to ensure that firms, particularly SMEs and start-ups, have access to finance they need.

R&S: What would you advise to removals and storage companies who have to grapple with the dual burdens of compliance from not only the Working Time Directives but also the Drivers’ Hours rules?

CM: I have a background as an employment lawyer but was not aware of the predicament that removals and storage companies are suffering on this front. I agree that this is an issue which should be looked at.

R&S: Finally, you are one of Parliament’s leading advocates for apprenticeships. What measures would Labour take to support apprenticeships?

CM: Apprenticeships is an area of work that I’ve been closely involved in since first being elected to Parliament in 2010 – and I know the British Association of Removers, and its Members, are equally committed.

Shortly after being elected as an MP, I introduced a Bill into Parliament that would require all firms winning large public procurement contracts – worth more than £1m – to be required to provide apprenticeship places. Although this idea is opposed by the Government, it now forms part of official Labour Party policy. As well as increasing the number of apprenticeships available across the country, I think it’s absolutely critical we ensure these places are of high quality and deliver the skills that firms actually need. That’s why businesses should be in the driving seat on setting the standards required to boost apprenticeship places. We are now examining how employers can best be given more responsibility and control over skills provision and budgets to ensure apprenticeships serve the needs of business.

‘‘We need to ensure the banking system recognises it has a fundamental responsibility to serve the real economy by supporting local businesses and helping address national and regional infrastructure needs.

‘‘

Industry News


European News

Ireland launches Road Safety strategyThe Republic of Ireland’s Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar has launched the Government’s fourth Road Safety Strategy that includes a major crackdown on the commercial transport sector.

The Strategy, Closing the Gap, will run until 2020 and aims to make Ireland one of the safest countries in terms of road deaths in the EU. It will also focus on new measures to reduce the number and severity of serious injuries arising from road collisions.

The new Strategy sets a specific target for 2020 to reduce the number of road deaths to 124 a year (from 162 in 2012) and serious injuries to 330 per year (from 485 in 2012). This would close the gap between Ireland and other best performing countries such as the UK, Netherlands, Sweden and Australia.

The Strategy includes 144 specific actions to reduce road fatalities, such as developing an effective roadside enforcement strategy for commercial vehicles and drivers, targeting especially roadworthiness, drivers’ hours and tachographs. It will also enforce new maintenance obligations for commercial vehicle operators.

The Irish Department of Transport will review its policy on the licensing of road transport operators to assess if own account operators should be included. At present only those vehicles operated by the hire or reward sector are required to hold a commercial vehicle operator’s licence, yet around 80% of all commercial vehicles on Ireland’s roads are operated by own account companies.

The proposal will encourage the design of cabins with a rounded shape and it will also permit the use of aerodynamic flaps at the back the trailer. The new rules are designed to improve the aerodynamics of vehicles, with estimated savings of approximately�¤25,000 per year in fuel costs for a typical long-distance lorry covering 100,000 km. This would also represent 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 new designs are intended to improve the field of vision of drivers, helping to save the lives of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists. Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, who is responsible for transport at the EU level, said “a brick is the least aerodynamic shape you can imagine,

that’s why we need to improve the shape of lorries on our roads. These changes make road transport cleaner and safer. They will reduce hauliers’ fuel bills and give European manufacturers a head-start in designing the truck of the future, a greener truck for the global market.” The rules setting the specifications for heavy goods vehicles date back to 1996. The EC says these now need to be updated to take account of technological developments. The current brick-shape front of the cabin can increase the severity of injury to road users in a collision. It also reduces drivers’ sideways field of vision which is particularly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians at junctions. A more rounded shape increases the field of vision and, in the event of a low-speed collision (typically in an urban environment), reduces the risk of serious injury.

New rules to encourage aerodynamic lorries manufacturers to develop more aerodynamic lorries which will reduce fuel consumption by 7-10%, and also increase road safety.

Overweighting The EC is also proposing the use of on-board weighing systems linked to the digital tachograph and weigh-in-motion stations on the main roads. It says these sensors will allow for more consistent controls from country to country. Overweighting of lorries currently is estimated to cost �950m per year to the taxpayer.

The IRU advises said that electronic weight sensors should not be used for remote enforcement purposes and malfunctioning of weight sensor equipment should not constitute an offence in itself. Michael Nielsen of the IRU said

“before new weight sensor technology is used, it must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate its accuracy. It is essential that additional controls do not increase the already heavy administrative burden on operators and that any new technology is used as a detection tool, rather than an automatic enforcement method.”

The current proposal must be adopted by the European Parliament and Member States before becoming law. The new trucks could be expected to be seen on the roads by 2018-2020.

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European News


‘Smart’ information services for motoristsThe European Commission has finalised 2 new measures to promote the roll-out of ‘intelligent’ information services which provide real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead and information on safe and secure parking places for truck drivers. The Commission wants these information services to be interoperable and compatible across Europe, and available to as many drivers as possible along the trans-European road network. The new regulations do not make the roll-out of information services mandatory. However, if and when Member States, operators and service providers want to develop and deploy such services, they will have to comply with the regulations’ requirements. The first regulation will require that all drivers receive timely information at no extra cost. They will be warned on hazards ahead, such as an unprotected accident site or dangerous road conditions. The second regulation will improve information for commercial vehicle drivers about safe and secure parking places. It is intended to prevent dangerous parking of trucks on the hard shoulder and to help drivers comply with driving time regulation. The information will be provided through smartphones or variable road signs and will contain the description of the parking areas, the level of security and safety as well as comfort facilities. Member States will select ‘truck parking priority zones’ where there is a shortage of places in one parking area and information will be provided on other unused parking capacities in the same zone. The regulation defines the share of responsibilities between public and private operators involved in order to set harmonised and standardised rules for the collection, sharing and dissemination of information. The European Parliament and the Council are currently reviewing the proposed regulations which the Commission hopes to publish by the end of this month. Drivers can expect to see these services implemented any time following the publication of the new regulations.

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BAR Conference 2013

BAR Members’ display vehicles at the Beamish Museum Procession 2013.

The cobbled streets and olde worlde shop fronts provided the ideal backdrop for some of the display’s oldest vehicles, which included horse drawn removal vehicles dating all the way back to 1889, with their drivers all in appropriate period costumes!

Although daybreak proved to be a foul and wet affair, by the time of the procession itself the rain had largely dispersed, although there was still a chill in the air and not an ice-cream or t-shirt in sight. If anything, the dank weather only added to the atmosphere and authenticity as the shire horses trudged through the bleak cobbled streets and ancient engines sputtered into life in the cold.

BAR Members who contributed their restored classic vehicles to the procession included P Fahey & Sons, Michael Gerson, John Mason International, Specialised Movers, Fox Moving & Storage, A.G. Cannon Removals & Storage, and White & Co. Hoults Group’s Victorian horse drawn pantechnicon was also part of the procession. Fred Hoult donated it to the Beamish Museum in 1979 where it is on permanent display.

The gloomy conditions were also no threat to some of the newer vehicles on display, including state-of-the-art aerodynamic vehicles from 2013 from Deane’s Removals, Matt Purdie & Sons, Fox Moving & Storage,

GB Liners and White & Company, as well as the first 14 tonne fully electric vehicle from Cadogan Tate.

As they made their way down the streets of the open air museum, it was clear that these vehicles were a real source of pride to the owners who had invested so much in restoring them, and also to the removals industry as a whole. And, the procession was much appreciated by members of the general public at the Museum and the Museum itself, which broadcast the procession on its website.

Many BAR Members took the opportunity to tour the Beamish Museum, which covers 350 acres, giving them the chance to experience life as it was in Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian times in the region. Graham Puddephatt of Reason Global was one of the principal organisers for this event, and was extremely happy that his painstaking work to double check logistics and health and safety was appreciated by all. Representatives from the Beamish Museum said they were delighted with this event, which for a few windswept hours really helped bring the past to life for visitors, and which reminded the general public of the glorious heritage of the British removals industry over the years, a heritage that BAR Members continue to look after to this day.

Congratulations to your team for organising such a memorable event. Well done. Fred Hoult

‘‘ ‘‘

1889 Horse Drawn Tunnel Van, White & Co plc.



Victorian Horse Drawn Pantechnicon, Hoults GroupA Beamish Street scene

2013 18 Tonne DAF 65 250, Deane’s Removals

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Family album reopened with Fox’s Albion Andrew Allerton saw Paul Fox’s article featuring the Albion in the magazine of the Albion Owners Club. He made contact and was able to provide much information as he had tracked the vehicle throughout its working life. As Paul had arranged for the Albion to be part of the BAR vehicle procession at the Beamish Museum to coincide with BAR’s Annual Meeting, he invited Andrew to meet with him at the Beamish Museum and to once again sit in the cab he had first sat in 60 years before as a 4 year old.

The Albion lorry, Model FT 3 L, was originally built in 1946 at Glasgow. It was supplied by Cawthorn of Newcastle and first registered to S&A Removals of North Shields – (Sommers & Allerton).

“As a little boy, I loved to be taken by my father to my grandfather’s garage. I remember the big green lorries. It was fascinating seeing the Albion again after so long,” Andrew said. “I can clearly remember as a four-year old jumping in and out of the truck in my grandfather’s yard on a Saturday morning when it was in for maintenance.”

Andrew was able to provide much more detail about the subsequent history of the vehicle when it left the North East, including a few old photographs. It turns out the Albion ended its working life with Burman Removals of London E1 in 1970.

“It was a real pleasure to be able to reacquaint Andrew with the Albion after some 60 years and go for a short spin, especially back in its original home in the North East,” Paul told R&S. “It’s real living history and both Andrew and I felt it is very appropriate that the Albion has found a new home at a removals company, which was its original purpose in life.”

Fox themselves were responsible for saving the chassis cab from the breakers yard in Warrington. The BK lift van (previously operated by Army & Navy stores’ removal department) was restored and a flat-bed platform body built to 1940s design. Finally it was repainted and hand sign written.

Work was carried was out by Unique Van Bodies of Warrington. All mechanical restoration and repair was carried out at Fox Moving & Storage’s own commercial garage. Albion built heavy vehicles in Glasgow from 1899 and the Albion club were able to assist with sourcing many parts.

It is tribute to the hard work and loving care of Fox Moving & Storage and UVB that this vehicle is in pristine condition and in full working order. It is also the last example of road to rail container transport that was commonly used in the removals industry up until the 1960s.

1946 Albion lorry when it belonged to his grandfather, James Allerton.


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Over the last year, Rightmove, the UK’s number one property website, has become an important partner for BAR Members and a significant provider of leads. The BAR Affiliate had a major presence at this year’s Conference, making valuable presentations in the business session as well as the workshops. The main message from the keynote presentation by Robin Wilson, Head of Consumer Services at Rightmove is that the world has changed and removal companies need to change with it. “The property market halved in 2008 and is only now slowly recovering. Meanwhile the internet changed all the rules. For all practical purposes most of your prospects are online. Their expectations are high and their tolerance is low, all of which results in a fiercely competitive market.” Rightmove added to the chorus of voices in the industry that are warning against succumbing to the temptation of competing on price. Price competition results in low revenue, low margins and makes it hard to invest in providing a better service. “Don’t get caught in the race to the bottom where you only validate the cheap prices of low cost, low quality offerings,” Robin said. “Make your service awesome and valued in the eyes of the customer.” This advice is based on Rightmove’s careful research among consumers regarding how they select and evaluate removers and which indicates the price barely features in the factors they consider important and when it does, other aspects they value can outweigh it.

Interestingly, staff professionalism, good reviews from previous customers, insurance and speedy responses to enquiries were the most important factors when choosing a remover. “Understand your value by understanding your customers. Sell solutions to the problems that matter to them,” Robin said. “There will always be people that want to pay peanuts – they’re probably the ones that enjoy complaining. Choose not to take the business of people that don’t value what you do!”

Rightmove ran a useful workshop on usability and digital best practice where, Robin and his colleague Tom Goy, Rightmove Removals Manager, discussed ways in which removal companies can improve their websites and online presence. It was noted that consumers have low patience for poor online experiences and will go elsewhere if a site is slow or clunky to use. Key tips from the workshop included “Make the website faster so you don’t burn precious seconds on pages loading when you could be selling your services. Design for what consumers want or need to get from a site, not what you want to show.” Robin and Tom stressed the need for speed in today’s internet world. At another workshop they ran to discuss with Members how to get the best from their sales leads, Tom told delegates: “Be the first to respond – consumer expectations are hours, not days. If you’re the firm that responds in minutes you can

often shut out other firms in the mind of the consumer because you provide a benchmark on response that can be hard to beat.” Confidence in your business also helps. Robin recommended that BAR Members always leave a voicemail, and “use the opportunity to talk about your strengths and value. Don’t just leave a name and number – leave an impression!” The Rightmove representatives advised Members to be upfront with potential customers about budgets, and to employ targeting filters to generate the right kinds of leads for their businesses. For copies of Rightmove’s research about what consumers value, contact [email protected].

Conference Business Speakers and WorkshopsThe Business Speakers and Workshop sessions at this year’s BAR Conference in Newcastle were designed to provide practical advice, help and support to BAR Members as they build and develop their businesses in an ever-changing market.

Top tips from Rightmove

BAR Conference 2013

We have now been running R&S Magazine for just over one year and we know some of you, but not all of you! Please let us know if you are not receiving and want to receive our monthly 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.

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BAR News

Google recommends smartphone presenceWith so much of the business of removals companies relying on Google, there was a high turnout at the presentation from the Internet giant itself.

BAR Conference 2013

Discussing Consumer Detriment with the TSI With the arrival of new Code of Practice, the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) is now playing a major role in of the business lives of British removal companies, and there was a good turnout

for a talk by Suzanne Kuyser from the TSI about consumer detriment. Suzanne explained that consumer detriment is defined as encompassing harm (loss of welfare) caused to individuals as a result of a problem with a commercial practice or the behaviour of a business or trader. This covers the obvious loss of money, loss of goods and loss of time, as well as more intangible factors such as stress and ill health. In the UK, some £3bn and 59 million hours are spent resolving disputes concerning consumer detriment, Suzanne said. As BAR Members know only too well, fraudsters, rogue traders and non-compliant businesses can all have a major impact on the revenue and growth of compliant legal businesses, as well as causing much of this consumer detriment. These operators can damage the reputation of an industry overall, as well as cutting into profit margins and competing

unfairly. However, the TSI and industry associations such as BAR are fighting back, Suzanne said, using as their main weapon the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme to squeeze out the rogues, meet consumer rights, easily identify compliant businesses and set higher standards across the industry. In addition, as from next year, the UK is due to implement the EU Consumer Rights Directive which will simplify and harmonise rules in some key areas, including pre-contract information rights and clarification of cancellation rights for distance and off-premises. Suzanne recommended that BAR and its Members engage in the process of improving consumer codes and introduce business compliance education for staff. A successful scheme will lead to a fall in complaints, a rise in customer confidence, improved profit margins, and above all it will help to marginalise the rogue operators.

David Grunwald, Head of Channel Partnerships, and Ed Ackerman, Strategic Partner Manager, shared some interesting facts and figures that will undoubtedly shape removals companies’ plans for how they further develop their internet presence. Over three quarters of UK households are connected to the internet and according to David, the UK boasts a world-leading e-commerce sector. “As consumers spend more time and money on the internet, the opportunity for UK business to benefit is massive,” he told delegates. “Small and medium-sized enterprises with high web usage are growing three times faster and exporting twice as much as those with lower usage.” An important statistic for removals companies of any size to note is that 85% of smartphone owners search for local information. The growth figures in mobile search usage for Relocation and Household Moving queries grew 87% year-on-year in 2012 in the UK. David and Ed introduced a range of Google tools and services that can specifically help removal companies access these Internet users, extending well beyond the standard search engine. These include Google+ Local Pages and AdWords Express for local advertising, or using a Premier SME Partner to reach new customers. “Businesses can take advantage of the web without paying over the odds,” Ed told the audience. “Google can help BAR Members benefit from the increasing

number of consumers searching for removal services online, whether on desktops or mobiles.”

For more information on how to turn online searches into sales, contact BAR Affiliate ReachLocal

who are online marketing specialists and a Google Premier SMB Partner. Email [email protected] or visit: www.reachlocal.co.uk

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As many R&S readers will know, TwentyCi are specialists in providing removals companies with real time leads from partners including moveme.com and Zoopla, as well as in helping companies maximise the value of sales leads. Katy Moore of TwentyCi looked at how timely and effective business leads can help BAR Members to attract new customers and increase Return On Investment on their marketing campaigns. She stressed that the company always aims to supply details of committed moving customers who want Members to call them, as well as collecting full address and property details, preferred contact details and the best time to call. “Moving home is a busy and often uncertain time, and you may need to contact potential customers multiple times before you can get them to buy,” Katy suggested. “Tailor your response and services to a customer’s specific requirements.”

All enquirers receive detailed information on why to choose a BAR Member removal company. Under Offer and Sold Alerts enable intelligent targeting of key local prospects, with exclusive discounts for BAR Members.

Another highlight of the presentation was the official launch of the company’s new fulfilment service.

Developed following many requests from removals customers, this not only provides Members with the details of all active movers in any given local area, but also designs and delivers marketing materials. The service includes a range of flyer templates to choose from, linked to weekly Under Offer & Sold Alerts to deliver timely regular campaigns, and benefiting from negotiated postage discounts. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 01908 829300

Focused sales leads with TwentyCi TwentyCi gave a well-attended workshop on how BAR Members can make the most of their sales leads.

The social media debate continuesMark Cable, Sales Manager at Webjam, led a lively discussion about the potential of social media for much more than just marketing. According to Mark, in 2013, spending on social software to support sales, marketing and customer service will exceed $1bn worldwide. By 2014, social networking services will replace email as the primary vehicle for interpersonal communications for 20% of business users. And by 2015, the 20% of enterprises that employ social media beyond marketing will lead their industries in revenue growth. “Social media will eclipse the e-commerce revolution of 10 years ago,” Mark predicted. Mark asserted that companies can harness the power of social media to transform the culture of an organisation, shifting management models away from command and control to cultures where leaders engage with employees more and businesses can become more connected and more productive. “Integrate social media into your workflows so it becomes a vital tool for how you get work done,” he suggested to delegates. “Starting a social intranet or a private social network can improve everyone’s knowledge and create a sense of belonging, worth and a unified team.” There was some resistance to Mark’s challenging ideas in the lively debate that followed his presentation. Concerns around privacy of data and fear of employees wasting time using mobile phones for non-essential communications were highlighted. Mark considers measures such as banning mobile phones “demonstrate that there’s

a lack of trust; this must surely be overcome.” He believes that removals and storage companies may benefit from private social networks and social intranets which nowadays are widely used across all business sectors, often in organisations where security of information is of equal or greater concern. The inherent security they provide, however, means that this is rarely a barrier for most companies considering their use.

“A simple social intranet can be used to unite teams and give everybody a chance to contribute and feel valued. It offers a chance for barriers to be broken down and for all staff to be utilised,” he explained to R&S. “These benefits can only be realised if the trust is there, however, the irony is that a social intranet shows you exactly what people are up to!” To contact Mark, email [email protected]

BAR Conference 2013


BAR News

Ian (pictured) talked delegates through the leadership skills needed to work within multi-disciplines and explained when to use which management style and in which situations. Delegates learnt how to understand the different team roles and how to ensure there is a balance in a team. According to Ian, a high performing team (such as Barcelona FC or Manchester United!) depends on a series of components, including balance, a clear vision, achievable goals, openness and transparency, communications, mutual respect, honesty and engagement. For example, a removals company could have the goal to be the company with the best customer service in the area and the objective of achieving 95%+ in customer satisfaction survey results. “Each individual has a role to play within a team,” Ian explained, including coordinator, plant and team-worker roles. Just as in a football side there are goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers,

everyone has to work together for one aim. There are four main leadership styles, Ian said; Directing, Coaching, Supporting, and Delegating. Ian explained the advantages of each of these approaches when it comes to motivating team members, but emphasized that whatever the management style, team communications are essential. “Use team briefings to encourage openness and honesty and create culture and values,” he said. Ian explained that Maguire Training are working closely with BAR and have created BAR’s E-learning Platform with nearly 100 video modules on it already, many of them addressing these issues of leadership, teamwork and motivation. As a final bonus, Ian rounded off his presentation by telling delegates attending the session that they would be given a free credit on the platform, so that they could view a module of their choice in their own time. For more information, see www.barts.maguiretraining.co.uk

Maguire on Training There was a captive and engaged audience for Ian Smith of Maguire Training, who presented an interesting workshop on Creating and Motivating High Performing Teams.

DKV reminder on new French Ecotax systemBAR Affiliate DKV Euro Service briefed BAR Members on the latest state of play regarding the French Ecotax. This Environmental Truck Tax will now come into force as of 1 October 2013, instead of 1 June 2013. The Ecotax applies to vehicles over 3.5 tons, which represents between 200,000 and 250,000 non-French vehicles, and will be charged on approximately 15,000km of motorways and national roads. Gertjan Breij of DKV told R&S that the 1 October date should allow time for those BAR Members who regularly transport through and within France to prepare and pre-register for a new DKV On Board Unit. The Ecotax levy will be approximately be �0.12 per kilometre, although final costs will be determined on the basis of the category of vehicle (laden weight and number of axles), emission class and distance of kilometres travelled on the Ecotax network. Gertjan advises that all concerned vehicles will need to be equipped with a certified satellite based On Board Unit. DKV Euro Services can provide its customers with a new DKV Box in order to ensure

compliance with this new system. This DKV Box will handle post-payments for both toll systems in France (TIS PL and Ecotax) in addition to other European tolls and tunnel fees. BAR Members benefit from up to 10% discount on the

Ecotax charges, and there will be no Service Fee levied by DKV to BAR members in respect of the DKV Box. For more information and to register, see www.dkv-ecotaxe.com

BAR Conference 2013

DKV’s Valerie Bamping and Gertjan Breij


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BAR Conference 2013

BAR Conference Exhibition: the place to meet

trucks around a large central track in the Hall.

General Manager, Miranda Hyder, and her colleagues Tim Oliver, Accounts Manager and Suzy Barrack from the Sales team showcased the latest products that have been specifically designed for the moving industry by BAR Services, including quilted covers and RB flute cartons. BAR Services Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR, with a sole intention to work on behalf of and with the help of its Members to ensure lower prices on quality products.

BARTS sets the standard in removals industry specific training. It is the provider of the only nationally recognised BTEC qualifications specifically developed for the removals industry. Miranda Martin and Peter Walters of BARTS talked to delegates about the broad range of courses that BARTS provides worldwide as well as Apprenticeships, Removals Managements, Estimating Skills training and much more. Demo access to Maguire Training modules was also available on the BARTS stand.

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocation. CMG representatives explained to delegates interested in joining the group that they must have the BS 8522 Commercial Moving Standard in order to apply to become CMG members. This is the only specialist group in the UK to set this criterion as a compulsory requirement for membership.

BAR Affiliate, DKV, has over 75 years’ experience in the transport sector and are leading service providers on the roads of Europe. DKV’s Valerie Bamping and Neil White talked to delegates about the upcoming changes in France from the Environmental Truck Tax. Many Conference delegates were also interested in information about the benefits of DKV’s fuel services in the UK, as well as the DKV Card and other additional services geared towards day-to-day transport operations and designed to optimise the fleet management process.

Cindy Clarke from BAR International Associate Starline Moving & Storage in Canada demonstrated the company’s successful web inventory generator, Moves Online. The simple-to-use online inventory generator has been taken on as a white label product by other removals and storage companies around the world, reducing sales costs, avoiding customer disputes and generating quality leads.



There was keen interest in newcomers to the Conference, Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services, which offers a complete one stop shop service to removals companies’ breakdown needs. Their attractive offering of no joining or annual subscription fees was welcomed by many BAR Members and Conference delegates who spoke to owners Stuart and Sue Brown to find out more about their ‘pay on use’ service which covers the whole of the UK and 32 European countries.

TwentyCi are the UK’s leading data agency for the home moving market and provide marketing services geared to the home moving sector. As owners of moveme.com, the company is a specialist supplier of new business leads to the removals and storage industry and is a BAR Affiliate. Katy Moore and Matt Hawkins talked to delegates about the real time leads, and under offer and sold alerts that TwentyCi delivers to the removals and storage sector.

Unique Van Bodies played a prominent front of house and behind the scenes role at this year’s BAR Conference. Terry Sinnott and his expert team at UVB were responsible for the repairs, refurbishment, and chassis extensions of many of the vintage and modern vehicles proudly displayed by BAR Members – Deane’s Removals (2013 18 Tonne DAS 65 250), Fox Moving & Storage (1890 Victorian Horse Drawn Pantechnicon and 1946 Albion Van), GB Liners (2013 DAF 55), Matt Purdie & Sons (2013 DAF 45) and White & Co (2013 MAN TGS 18.4 Roadtrain) – and at the Beamish Museum during the Conference weekend. The company specialises in Unique self-produced 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 insurance valuations on accident damage vehicles.

Quality Service Standards Ltd (QSS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR. QSS 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) as well as ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental) and the standards for shredding and document storage.

The Exhibition Hall hosted a number of competitions during the Conference.

position.

Commercial Moving Group.

Conference draw, entitling them to a 50% discount off the normal cost of their next quality audit.

Hall paid off for DC Groves & Sons who were treated to a case of wine.

R&S July will report on the winner of TwentyCi’s prize draw which gives BAR Members the chance to win 1,500 free leads.

Congratulations!

Free leads

Industry News


European NewsPeople News

Obituary

New head of PHS Teacrate

Gordon Philip will take the helm at PHS Teacrate as General Manager.

Having been associated with the business for over 20 years, with the last two years as Commercial Director, Gordon has overseen many significant phases of PHS Teacrate’s growth including the development of several innovations such as Cratelink (Teacrate’s online crate management system), the diversification into the supply of packaging materials, the development of e-commerce offerings to both its customer base and the general public and more recently the placing of customer service at the core of Teacrate’s strategy. “I want to see Teacrate’s contribution making a real difference to our customers’ operations – making them stronger and more successful,” he said. The company, which is a BAR Affiliate, thanks David Wicks whose 11 years of service with the PHS Group was described as “immense”. For the past 8 years he has led PHS Teacrate, and from 2008 he also oversaw the rapid growth of PHS Records Management. David is credited with the development and growth of PHS Teacrate and his successes include building up a substantial presence in the food industry, enhanced recently with the acquisition of manufacturing tooling from Rehrig Pacific UK Ltd. David is leaving the PHS Group to pursue other professional and personal interests. R&S wishes both Gordon and David much success for the future.

Gordon Philip has taken over the leadership of crate rental specialist, PHS Teacrate, following the departure of Managing Director, David Wicks.

Obituary: Mrs Rene Steele R&S is sad to report the death of Mrs Rene Steele, widow of Gordon Steele, who was a past President of BAR and director of Martell’s. The family-run company has been involved with BAR for many years, and Rene and Gordon Steele’s son Keith (who unfortunately died in 2005) was also a Vice President of BAR.

Margaret Martell, Director at Martell’s, says that Mrs Steele also worked for the company in the past. For more information, see www.martells.co.uk


President of BAR.

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Industry News




Commercial Estimating

includes a practical exercise, where delegates will experience estimating in a ‘real time’ situation.

quotation, practical exercise.

Just £199 + VAT per person

BRANDNEW

for 2013!

Course Dates 2013TBACourse to be held at

10:00am and 16:00pm

66

BAR News


People NewsDiary Dates

BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2013

National CouncilJune 11 2013

Overseas Group CouncilJune 12 2013

CMG CouncilJune 13 2013

Board of DirectorsJune 26 2013

BAR AREA MEETINGS 2013

East Anglia AreaContact: Andrew Pearson01362 [email protected]

East Met AreaContact: Paul Freeman0800 [email protected]

East Midlands AreaContact: Andy Wade01476 [email protected]

Kent AreaContact: Tom Bourne01797 [email protected]

Met AreaContact: Julie Thompson01932 [email protected] 19 2013 – Brooklands Museum event, Weybridge

Northern AreaContact: Alan Hoggin0191 [email protected] 20 2013 – Black Sheep Brewery, Masham

Do you have any Diary Dates?Email them to:

Diary Dates

, please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the tabs where you can view full details including time, date, location and

agendas (when available).

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

North West AreaContact: Annette Harris0161 [email protected] 20 2013 – Black Sheep Brewery, Masham

Northern Ireland Area Contact: Dominic Murray02890 [email protected]

Scotland Area Contact: Georgina Berry01505 [email protected]

Southern AreaContact: Peter Doman01372 [email protected] 26 2013 – Holiday Inn Express, Southampton

South Western AreaContact: Sue Christophers01637 [email protected] 18 2013 – The Ley Arms, Kenn

Sussex AreaContact: Miranda Hyder01342 [email protected]

Western AreaContact: Ria Russell01278 [email protected] 10 2013 – Brent Knoll East Brent

West Midlands AreaContact: Judith Bennett01684 [email protected] 5 2013 – The Gainsborough Hotel, Kidderminster

Yorkshire AreaContact: Graham Puddephatt0845 [email protected] 20 2013 – Black Sheep Brewery, Masham

MET


BAR News

MET

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BAR News


Memberships

Registered:The following Members have registered:

National & European Group

The Wright Removal CompanyMemb No: W088Cornish Way SouthGalmington Trading EstateTauntonSomersetTA1 5NQTel: 01823 284245Web: www.thewrightremovalcompany.co.uk

Overseas Group

Simpsons Removals & Storage LtdMemb No: S092

Self Storage Special Interest Group

Brown’s Removals & Storage LtdMemb No: B124

Ede’s (UK) LtdMemb No: E006

McGimpsey Brothers (Removals) LtdMemb No: M070

National Affiliate

PPS Crate HireMemb No: P067Unit EWestminster Industrial EstateTamworth RoadMeashamDE12 7DSTel: 01530 515333Web: www.ppsequipment.co.uk

International Associate

High Relocation Worldwide Inc Memb No: H3184th Floor, Doowon Building51-1, Hangangro 2-gaYongsan-guSeoul 140-872South KoreaTel: 00 822 795 2604Web: www.highrelo.com

Applications:BAR has received the following applications for:

National & European Group

Army Ants Removals & StorageUnit 1BFishwick ParkMercer StreetPrestonLancashirePR1 4LQWeb: www.armyantsremovals.com John Lomas Removals LtdUnit 13 – Ridings ParkEastern WayHawks GreenCannockStaffordshireWS11 7FJWeb: www.johnlomasremovals.co.uk

Additional Trading Name

Britannia Heirs of Portsmouth an ATN of Britannia Reeves of PetersfieldMemb No: R010

BAR Memberships June 2013

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. Details of membership applications in process may also be found on the BAR

www.bar.co.uk


Trade Services

Ireland Channel Islands

France

Scotland/Europe Isle of Man

Scotland and Islands

SHETLAND ISLESIAN F REID

Removals & StorageUnits 5&6, Lower Blackhill Ind. Estate, Lerwick, ZE1 ODG

Regular nationwide service

Email: [email protected]

This space is available from just £33 a month

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

70

Trade Services


Germany

Switzerland

Italy

Cyprus and Malta




Trade Services

Greece

GREECEby Road

&ITALYENROUTE

�� GD\ transit time

�� 7ZLFH�PRQWKO\ departures

�� %ULWLVK�&UHZV & 3URIHVVLRQDO�6HUYLFH

�� +LJKO\�UHFRPPHQGHG in Greece

�� | HQTXLULHV#QRPDG�HX�FRP

ZZZ�QRPDG�LQWHUQDWLRQDO�FRP

EuropeSpain

UK Office: 01843 585055, [email protected] Office: 0034 971 693566, [email protected] website: www.william-worldwide-webb.com

Weekly Scheduled Service, Containerised Storage DepotsHolder of Spanish Transport Licence

for our Tranship vehiclesUnrivaled Infrastructure in Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza Excellent Rates, Payment in Euros or GBP accepted

Purely The Balearics, No Bull!

WEEKLY

REGULAR

72

Trade Services


Caribbean

Dubai & Qatar

Gibraltar

Scandinavia

United Arab EmiratesIsrael

For Sale



Worldwide


Trade Services

AfricaWorldwide

Piano Specialists

Vehicle Tracking Specialist Services

Trailer Hire

www.sp-in.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 020 8561 4321

Specialist Installations

[email protected]: 020 8561 4321Piano Logistics part of the AstonSpinks group

When it comes to piano transport, use the pianist’s choice�� *UDQG�SLDQR�H[SRUW�SDFNV�� &UDQH��VSHFLDOLVW�VWDLU�FUHZV�� 8.��*HUPDQ\�:HHNO\�� /RQGRQ��6FRWODQG�:HHNO\�� 3LDQR�WXQLQJ��FDVHZRUN�UHSDLUV

Lifting solutions, from the unusual to the down right awkward, we have the equipment and expertise to deliver.�� +HDY\�GXW\�ORQJ�UHDFK�+,$%�FUDQHµV�� /RQGRQ�IXUQLWXUH�KRLVW��JDQWU\�KLUH�� 0LQL�VSLGHU�FUDQHV��6WDLU�FOLPEHUV

We regularly transport and install: Heavy stone work, Sculpture’s, Safe’s, Complex artwork, large furniture etc

For Sale




74

Classifieds

Removals & Storage June 2013 Removals & Storage June 2013

Trade Services Classifieds

Are You Looking To Sell?

household moving and storage companies in London and the

home counties.

Please call 07933 123 123 .

Business for SaleDue to retirement

Established in 1985.

Enquiries to:Apartado de Correos 52

38390 Santa Ursula, Tenerife, Canary Isles. Spain

E: [email protected]

OpportunitiesFor Sale

Training

For information about Classified

Advertising opportunities

call Sandra on:0117 957 5400

e: [email protected]

Advertising DeadlinesClassified Rates

Sell it, Fill it, R&S it!Please see the deadlines for the

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for details

Jul 19th Jun 24th Jun

Aug 15th Jul 19th Jul

Sep 16th Aug 22nd Aug

Oct 18th Sep 24th Sep

Nov 17th Oct 23rd Oct

Dec 15th Nov 21st Nov

Sell it, Fill it, R&S it!Your R&S is the perfect ‘vehicle’

- Business- Vehicles- Vacancies- And much more besides!

Classified RatesSituations Vacant £2.15 per word (min 15 words)

Sales and Wants £2.15 per word (min 10 words)

Boxed Advert £30 (per single column centimetre)

(Picture £20 extra)

Box number £30

Loose inserts £280 (per 1,000 inserts supplied)

Half page mono £510

Half page colour £615

Quarter page mono £425

Quarter page colour £500

Vehicle sales box Price related to content and size

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for details

Trade Storage

Warehouse Containers

Abrahams (since 1865)

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

www.abrahamscases.co.uk

Specialist Services


BAR News

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BAR News


r&s june 2013

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