r&s december 2010

December 2010 Number 437 £4.00 www.bar.co.uk

Chris Mackley on shipping 30 Moving to Dubai 56 Motivating staff 58

CMOTY and DMOTYThe why and the how 18 + centre pages

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NewsFROM WATFORD

December 2010 Removals & Storage 5

Contact Details: Editorial Contribution on all aspects of the Removals & Storage industry are welcomed, together with photographs if appropriate. Please contact The Editor, Steve Jordan:Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099Email: [email protected] By post: Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd 26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LD

Contact Details: Advertising For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Nikki Gee: Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099Email: [email protected]: The booking deadline for all display advertisements is the 10th of the month preceding publication.

Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas.

Subscriptions: Additional subscriptions are available from BAR at: Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0TG. Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 E-mail: [email protected]. Current annual subscription is £48.00 in the UK and £72.00 overseas.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are notnecessarily those of the British Association of Removers, or of its publisher.

All rights reserved: No part of Removals & Storage may be scanned, reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the publisher.

President: Reg HackworthyDirector General: Stephen VickersCompany Secretary: James FalknerEditor: Steve JordanAssistant Editor: David JordanNews Editor: Nikki GeeFeatures Editor: Charlotte FreestoneRemovals & Storage is designed on behalf of The British Association of Removers by: I Like. Tel: 01908 675854, Email: [email protected](To contact R&S, see details opposite.)

The British Association of RemoversTel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 E-mail: [email protected]

Lobbying on behalf of members is a prime function of all trade associations and this can sometimes seem to be a

thankless task. Are politicians, whether at local, national or European level, open to reasoned argument and persuasion? Sometimes you do wonder. However, some recent modest successes do give encouragement, as with the statement by Prime Minister, David Cameron, in the House of Commons on 3 November, that Inter-Company Transfers should not be included in new measures to limit non-EU economic migration into the UK. A triumph for common sense perhaps, and one in which BAR can claim to have played a modest but significant role. The postponement of the deadline for recovery of 2009 VAT in Europe was another instance of partial success achieved. A recent meeting, along with other trade association representatives, was held with Under Secretary of State for Transport, Norman Baker MP, and this proved particularly illuminating over the intricacies of how Coalition government works in practice – there is less friction and more consensus than an otherwise sceptical media would sometimes have us believe. The need to maintain and preferably increase investment in the roads infrastructure was stressed to Mr Baker, in order to address chronic over-congestion, while it was pointed out that there were natural limitations in looking to expand other modes of transport – rail and so on. Contact will continue,

and pressure maintained, over the issue. Valuable meetings have also been held with

the head of the UK Border Agency and senior figures in HM Revenue & Customs on the question of improving the cross-border movement of effects and associated security issues. The influence of the European Commission and European Parliament continues to grow, of course, and BAR is very active with FEDEMAC and the CBI in making sure that the best interests of UK-based removal companies operating in Europe are well to the fore. A recent issue arose over the pressing need for a single harmonised system (HS) number to be adopted for household goods and personal effects when moving them to and from the EU. Without such an HS number, all goods would have to be itemised with separate HS numbers from 1 January, 2011 onwards – clearly difficult if not actually impractical. BAR has written to leading MEPs on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, and the International Trade Committee of the European Parliament, urging them to apply pressure to ensure that such a single HS number is introduced in good time.

Turning aside from lobbying, it is very pleasant to be able to congratulate four drivers employed by Abels Moving Services Ltd who have been awarded the IRU Diploma of Honour 2010. This is a significant achievement and hearty congratulations go to those concerned.

No: 437 December 2010 www.bar.co.uk

This month:Editor’s Column 6Industry News 6-17Eco-driver training won’t be mandatoryAgility wins MoD contractBritain is Europe’s safest workplaceMcGimpsey’s and the future of truckingUK housing market updateGary Burke becomes PAIMA vice president

BAR News 18-24CMOTY and DMOTY – the benefitsBAR Services’ 2010 round upProduct of the MonthYoung Mover Profile: Phillip MarstonNorthern Ireland Area meeting

CMG News 27-28CMG councillorsIngrams shows its versatility

Overseas Group News 30Welcome from Ian PalmerChris Mackley on shipping lines

Training News 32-45Writing a winning tenderEmployers in work-related training

European News 46-49News RoundupCustoms numbers and codesMovers come 35/50 in survey

People News 50And another thing ... 51Competition 51 Articles 52-58Equality Act 2010 - employment implicationsPlan ahead for the VAT riseInsurance part 1Charlie’s Christmas by Ray SlemmingsMoving to DubaiMotivating staff

Memberships 59Diary Dates 60Feature Schedule 60

Article submission: 5th of the month preceding publicationBooking of display adverts: 10th of the month preceding publicationBooking of classified adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Booking of trade adverts: 10th of the month preceding publicationArtwork for adverts: 15th of the month preceding publication

Copy and advertising deadlines 2010

On the cover: BAR launches CMOTY and DMOTY 2011

Removals & Storage December 2010

Industry News

6

Merry Christmas

It doesn’t seem long since we were smarting from an austere 2009, wondering what 2010 would hold and whether fortunes would improve. Asking around it looks as if our prayers were answered

as most people seem to have enjoyed greater prosperity this year than last. But although the activity level was undoubtedly up, the margins were even tighter than before. 2010 was clearly a time of consolidation, prudence, hard work and, perhaps, a little adventurous spirit for the bold.

Pundits will have us believe that 2011 will be hard too. House prices are falling again and the austerity programme is unlikely to increase business. But, as last year, the so-called experts continue to predict doom for us all with no more real knowledge than the rest of us. We should not be intimidated by these people; we should prove them wrong. Today the met office has predicted the worst cold snap in 17 years for this weekend; worse than last year presumably when it was the worse on record. I predict: the weather this week will be cold, but nothing to worry about. Given a little enthusiasm for life and a dash of creative spirit, next year in business will be OK too.

Many thanks to all who contributed to this issue of R&S, in particular I welcome more contributions from the Overseas Group that now has its own separate section. This active and essential functional group has kept a low profile for too long in these pages. I’m delighted that they are now taking a more active role. If you have stories that relate specifically to overseas matters please send them to me for inclusion.

This issue includes many gems: Pickfords applying BAR badges to its vehicles, a report on the first Northern Ireland Area meeting in a very long time, and an interesting annual roundup from BAR Services. The centre pages are pull-out entry forms for both the CMOTY and DMOTY competitions. If you are not sure whether you want to enter, take a look at page 18 to find out why you should. Thanks too to Ray Slemmings who has, once again, provided us with another heart-warming Christmas tale to ease us into the festive season.

Which brings me back to Christmas. In 1973 the band Wizzard said that they wished it could be Christmas every day. I suspect we might get a bit fed up with roast turkey if it were, but I don’t see why the ‘season of good will to all men’ should last for only 12 days. I shall do all I can to keep it going throughout 2011; perhaps you’d like to join me. Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Steve Jordan

THE

Editor’sCOLUMN

All the system’s features are combined in the mobile communications centre

World’s first all-in-one vehicle telematics systemMasternaut has launched the world’s first vehicle tracking system based around a single intelligent mobile communication unit.

The system comprises a Mobile Communication Centre (MCC) combining vehicle

tracking, GPS satellite navigation, hands-free mobile communications and real-time job scheduling and messaging in a single unit.

The unit is easy to install and is available with the company’s CANbus engine management application that monitors driving behaviour and detailed engine activity in real time, including rpm, fuel usage, vehicle speed,

journey distance between stops and duration, and braking as well as acceleration levels. The system also includes its own speaker so that drivers can continue to communicate with their HQs in the event of an accident and loss of vehicle power. The handy button pad includes the microphone for hands-free telephony and it also has a privacy button allowing drivers to switch between personal use and business use for mileage recording.

The world’s most thorough speed camera, known as Asset – Advanced Safety and

Driver Support for Essential Road Transport - is being developed and tested in Finland with a view to install the cameras across Europe from 2013.

The camera not only detects your speed but also checks your insurance, tax and the distance between vehicles to spot those tailgating. It even takes pictures of

the inside of the car to make sure the driver and passengers are wearing seatbelts. It is the first camera to detect multiple offences at the same time.

The camera can capture footage up to 50 yards away and is connected to police computers via satellite meaning the prosecution process can begin within seconds of an offence.

The technology is being developed by a group of European universities

and research institutes and so far has had a cautious reception from motoring organisations. The overall budget for the development of the system is 8.2million euros with 6.15 million euros coming from the European commission. Each unit will cost £50,000.

The Asset system is currently undergoing tests in Finland, Germany, Austria and France. The tests are scheduled to finish in December 2011.

Asset: the all-seeing eye

Nothing escapes Asset’s attention!

December 2010 Removals & Storage

Industry News

7

The FTA has welcomed the government’s decision not to make eco-driver training mandatory

The government recently announced the procurement proposals as part of a strategy designed to achieve a private

sector-led economic recovery and make public contracts worth £236 billion more accessible to small firms. In addition to plans to improve access to finance and allow social tenants to start businesses from home, the strategy aims to ensure the public sector meets its target of awarding 25% of all contracts to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

There will be a single, standardised Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) across all departments, which will be required to publish

not only procurement contracts but also how many of them are awarded to SMEs. The government is investigating utilising more ‘open frameworks’ or ‘dynamic purchasing systems’ to tackle what is often still a closed procurement system awarding contracts to ‘preferred bidders’ – typically large companies – effectively excluding many small firms for long periods of time. Further, it is committing to pay the majority of primary public sector contractors in five days and will ensure firms further along the supply chain are paid within 30 days (see page 49, late payments directive story in European news).

Government trusts industry on carbon savingsTransport Minister Mike Penning has backed industry-led initiatives such as the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) to reduce carbon emissions from freight, rather than heaping more regulation on operators by making eco-driver training mandatory.

Earlier in 2010, the government had consulted on making fuel efficiency training a mandatory part of vocational

driver training linked to the Driver CPC. In effect, every driver would have to undergo an eco-driver training module every five years.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) had argued that to be effective, eco-driver training needs to be undertaken more frequently. Individual operators should have the flexibility to decide what training should be included within Driver CPC, and making eco-driver training compulsory would cut across more

targeted approaches to fuel efficiency training in which effort is concentrated on the poorest performing drivers.

Simon Chapman, FTA’s Chief Economist said, “This is excellent news for industry. It is clear from our audits of Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme members that driver training is a well-established part of efforts to reduce fuel usage. However, each business has a different approach. Trying to regulate the duration, course content and delivery mechanism for training through Driver CPC makes no sense.”

New UK LCL Service From Kuehne & NagelRoger Brown from Kuehne & Nagel has advised R&S that his company has introduced a new LCL service groupage service for UK MTC members.

The service provides easy-to-use calculators that can be customised for each company’s brand providing rates from collection point to destination; and access to Kuehne & Nagel’s web-based Track and Trace, using a KN Login, offering total visibility and reporting. Features of the KN Login include:• Displays any attachments to the shipment within the system: i.e. inventory photos, passport details, invoices, certificates, or any documents that can be scanned can sit alongside the shipment details; • Secure passwords (at both ends) allow the receiving agents overseas to also view the documents and any other non-sensitive information well in advance of shipment arriving;• KN Login can be configured to advise automatic ‘milestones’ which are sent by e-mail to the exporting company’s operator’s PC;• All captured shipment details can be reported monthly, quarterly or annually in spreadsheet format, tailored with the removal company’s brand to show the exact data they require; • Captures all information so is ideal for removal companies with many UK branches all making bookings;• Reporting of specific KPIs for performance monitoring;• Automatic alarms if agreed timescales and parameters are missed.

Kuehne & Nagel has a dedicated department in Minworth, Birmingham, offering bookings and customer service support, including the monthly distribution of calculators to the trade (as described above). All groupage containers are loaded at the company’s site in Coalville, Leicester.

Kuehne & Nagel offers global coverage and independent ‘KN-to-KN’ services. It has the ability to make all destination landside charges visible to customers – which is a challenge for the trade at quoting stage.

Roger himself has had many years of experience dealing with the international removal industry and understands what the trade requires from a neutral LCL consolidator.

He can be contacted at the company’s Dartford office on 01322 283400. Over the next few months he will be visiting members personally to offer the service.

Kuehne & Nagel has some 55,000 employees at 900 locations in 100 countries.

Government to make public contracts more accessible to small firms

Kuehne & Nagel’sRoger Brown

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Industry News

9

It’s a remarkable achievement for a relatively new player on the British moving scene and good news for BAR members as the

company has committed to sub-contract all the UK work to BAR companies.

Agility was established in Kuwait in 1979 and by 2004 grew to be the largest logistics provider in the Middle East. The company pursued an aggressive merger strategy from 2004-2008, acquiring many global brands, some with a history dating back to the 1800s. All acquired firms were unified into a seamless global network under the Agility brand name in 2006. Today, Agility is a leading global provider of integrated logistics with over 32,000 employees in 550 offices in 120 countries. The contract was won by the company’s office in Heathrow however, on signing the deal, it immediately set up a management office in Reading to co-ordinate the entire programme.

Anne Bradley is the company’s business development manager and now GRMS project director who has been involved with the MoD bid right from the start. “The bid started in 2009. Since then we’ve had discussions with a number of British moving companies. We

decided at the outset only to approach BAR members,” she said. “We have made our selection based upon their expertise and performance level. It was never a question of price. Our movers work from a common tariff. Performance is the only factor we rely on. We have to continually show a competitive process, however we have not selected any supplier based on rates alone.”

So why did Agility win the contract? Simon Kirby is the project manager in Reading. He believes that it was technology that played an important role in the decision. “Firstly, we believe that the MoD saw in Agility the way forward,” he said. “We introduced a state-of-the-art, web-based system to transform the complicated process of worldwide multi-service, multi-entitlement, military HHG moving. The system assigns a mover to a task after the service person has completed a five-minute online information portal. Secondly, we are a management company on this project. We have no warehouses, no trucks and therefore no reason not to be totally performance based. We have no reason to use any particular mover because of price as they are all working from a

Agility wins MoD contractAgility, a new BAR affiliate member, has won the MoD contract to perform around 40,000 moves a year for the next four years – all being well.

common tariff. The only factor that counts is performance.” He added that although price was important in the tender to the MoD, he believes that it was other areas that swung the deal. “… our scoring for the technical proposal was extremely high.”

But with around 800 movements a week to handle, both in the UK and across the world, maintaining that level of quality is a major task. Simon explained, however, that Agility has insisted that all its sub-contracted suppliers are committed to providing the same high level of quality. “We have personally vetted all our agents worldwide. All direct agents have signed up to our Statement of Work, Service Level Agreements and Terms and Conditions. They all have taken on the same Key Performance Indicators as we have taken on from the MoD. They are all inspected at very regular intervals on actual moves and to check their offices, systems and warehouses. We have everything in place to ensure that quality continues.”

Around 10% of the moves will be deep sea. Although the mover in the UK may be contracted to provide a door-to-door service, it will be required to operate strictly within the terms of the contract. “We have sourced agents in all destinations and these have been signed up to our quality program,” explained Anne. “In some cases where ‘lanes’ have been created for high level traffic areas, a UK mover will organise door-to-door moves but use the agent and freight agent designated by us.”

The contract has been awarded initially for two years with options on a further two years based on performance. Agility are expecting in the region of 10,000 UK moves, 10,000 to Europe, another 10,000 self-pack moves, around 3,000 consignments going into storage with international and third-country moves making up the remainder. In the UK they have chosen a key list of ten moving companies to perform the work with another ten waiting in the wings to take up the slack during busy times and to step in should the performance of any supplier fall below expectations.

But for UK movers this is not a done deal. It remains an opportunity for any company with the skills and the capacity. Anne explained that the selection of partners is a continual process. “Over the next four years we know that our list of suppliers will evolve,” she said.

Kent removals firm Move-it Channelmoving was delighted to support the Folkestone Rotary half

marathon which took place on 26 September. This is the 5th consecutive year the company has provided vehicles and manpower for moving equipment into place and setting up the all essential water points for the runners.

The 13.1 mile race began at 10am but the preparations started much earlier thanks

to the team at Move-it Channelmoving. Craig Wilson of Move-it Channelmoving’s Ashford depot explained: “There was quite a lot of equipment which needed to be put in place such as barriers and the water points which are essential to the runners. I was out by 7am setting up and then back again at 12 noon to dismantle everything. Due to the logistics of setting up the event, it took me longer to set up the course than it did for the fastest runners to complete it!”

Moving help for runners

The start of the Folkestone Rotary half marathonPicture courtesy of www.leejorobinson.com

Simon Kirby and Anne Bradley and (inset) the Agility team at the Reading co-ordinating centre


Industry News

10

Moving heavy equipment in and out of difficult to reach places has been a challenge to logisticians throughout

the ages. Even the latest modern aircraft is useless without a substantial runway. Heavy-lifting helicopters solve the problem, but even the strongest can only lift a measly 20 tonnes. So what’s the solution to getting super-heavy payloads to seemingly inaccessible locations?

Although it might seem like a solution from Pixar’s movie Up, the heavy lifting balloon, being developed by Australian aeronautical engineers, is a scientific reality. The aircraft are designed to take off where helicopters leave off, with vertical pick-up and delivery capability of over-size, fragile or bulky items up to 150 tonnes and, on a case by case basis, potentially more. The business focuses on using an aerial crane to transport large self-contained accommodation modules but these aircraft may also be used to transport payloads of equipment, freight and other loads that are currently impossible to pick up and fly.

The Skylifter system uses a silver disc shaped balloon, which immediately earned it a comparison to a UFO. Aside from the improvements in tensile strength that this

form has, its creators also say that the shape greatly reduces how susceptible the balloon is to prevalent winds or local weather conditions, meaning that it could make drops in even the harshest of environments.

Rather than traditional airplane propellers, the Skylifter will use a rotor similar to a steamboats’ paddle wheel, equipped with hydrofoil blades that can realign their angle to alter and change the direction of thrust, meaning that they will both propel and steer the craft. Skylifter is a buoyant aircraft using established lighter-than-air (LTA) principles to vertically raise and set down almost any payloads to and from anywhere. The long flight duration of 24 hours ensures a good distance range but also adds flexibility to logistics. For instance the aircraft can loiter over a ground location for long periods using minimal energy. It can also be configured for long haul, overseas, long duration and high altitude applications.

Although being a few years from flying, the Australian firm said it has received interest not only from military and haulage groups, but also from companies who think the system has the chance to create flying cruise liners.R&S thanks Move One for this information

The Skylifter: the future of transport or just hot air?

An artisit’s impression of the Skylifter

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Industry News

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Families across the country are embarking on a cleaning and storage drive to improve the saleability of their homes according to

Bishop’s Move, who urged the public to get involved in the 2010 National Declutter Week, held from October 23-31, and sponsored by Storage.co.uk.

Whilst the property market is taking longer to recover than expected, Bishop’s Move has been encouraged by the number of people looking to use the its storage facilities as a ‘holding bay’ to increase their chances of selling their home.

However, the property market isn’t alone in benefiting from decluttering. Charities raise £120m a year by selling goods donated to charity shops and local councils are forced to spend £54m a year to clear up illegally dumped waste and fly-tips on the streets, with nearly two thirds of fly tips being household rubbish.

Al Bingle, Bishop’s Move’s Managing Director commented: “There is no doubt the property market has borne the brunt of the recent

recession, but there is a real opportunity at the hands of the public to help improve the sector through decluttering. It simply makes the home look more spacious and limits the potential of ‘buyer turn off’ and endangering the deal.”

Bishop’s Move is urging sellers to follow a selection of top tips to ensure their decluttering efforts do not go to waste:• Declutter one room at a time;• Grab three bags and label them ‘Keep’, ‘Sell’ and ‘Throw Away’;• Determine rules for what should go in each bag; • Start in the corner of the room and move around clockwise;• Place anything you’re uncertain about in a box and tape it closed, if it’s not been opened it in a year then the contents aren’t needed;• When the process is finished, each room should reflect its purpose to prospective buyers;• From then on, abide by the ‘one in, two out rule’ - each time something new is bought for the house, dispose of, sell or donate two others.

Al Bingle concluded: “If there ever was a time for families to pull together and make a difference then this is it. People shouldn’t underestimate the positive effects decluttering can have, not only on selling a property, but also on their mental health and relationships.”

Bishop’s Move says more families store to declutter

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Industry News

13

The statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that in Britain between April 2009 and March

2010:• There were 152 workers fatally injured - down from 179 the previous year. This is the lowest level on record in Britain, with 0.5 deaths per 100,000 workers;• There were 26,061 major injuries, such as amputations and burns, to employees - a rate of 101.5 per 100,000 - compared with 27,894 in 2008/09;• There were 95,369 injuries serious enough to keep people off work for three or more days - a rate of 371.5 per 100,000 - down from 105,261 the previous year;• An estimated 1.3 million people said they were suffering from an illness caused or made worse by their work, up from 1.2 million in 2008/09. Of this, 555,000 of these were new illnesses occurring in-year;• A further 800,000 former workers claim they are still suffering from an illness caused or made worse by work.

Judith Hackitt, Chairman of HSE said: “It is encouraging to see further reduction in the number of people being killed and seriously injured at work. We now need to ensure that the improvements which are being made

continue. Every statistic represents an individual or a family which is now suffering as a result of health and safety failings at work.”

Judith continued: “Britain remains one of the safest places to work in the EU and we are rightly proud of this record. The challenge now is to focus on those areas where improvement is slow to emerge. We know what good practice looks like but there remain significant areas of poor practice which still result in serious harm to people at work. These statistics also remind us yet again of the significant gains which are yet to be made in reducing the harm caused to people’s health by work.”

The construction and agricultural industries continue to report the highest levels of work-related injuries and ill-health, with disproportionately high numbers of incidents. The toll of injury and ill-health resulted in 28.5 million working days being lost, an average of 1.2 days per worker - 23.4 million to ill-health and 5.1 million to injury.

HSE continues to take a tough line with employers who put workers at risk of injury or illness. It issued 9,734 enforcement notices requiring firms to stop dangerous activities or make improvements to the way they manage safety. It also took court action against the 1,026 most serious offences.

Lord Young’s health and safety review

Lord Young, the Prime Minister’s former adviser on health and safety law and practice, issued his long awaited report

Common Sense Common Safety in October and St John Ambulance, the nation’s best known first aid and health and safety organisation, has commented on its findings.

The report follows a Whitehall-wide review of the operation of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture. It aims to not only improve the perception of health and safety but to also ensure that it is taken seriously by employers and the general public.

Included in Lord Young’s recommendations is the:• Introduction of a Good Samaritan Clause to make it clear that people will not be held liable for any consequences due to well-intentioned voluntary actions, such as the delivery of first aid;• Professionalisation of health and safety consultants, with a qualification requirement that all consultants should be accredited to professional bodies; • Simplifying of risk assessments for low-hazard workplaces to make it easier for organisations to understand regulations and implement them.

St John Ambulance knows that the right approach to health and safety saves lives as Sue Killen, CEO, explained: “We’ve all read the ‘health and safety gone mad’ stories where guidance is misinterpreted or taken to the extreme, perhaps because people are worried about potential legal action. Ensuring that trained and qualified professionals are the only people to determine the risks should help redress the balance, as should simple procedures for lower risk activities. Over 150 people died at work in the year 2009-10 compared with 178 the previous year which shows the effectiveness of good health and safety practises and that this is a matter that needs to be taken seriously. We look forward to seeing what comes out of this review and how it will help reduce unnecessary deaths.”

Britain is Europe’s safest place to work says HSENew figures released today confirm that Britain has the lowest rate of fatal occupational injuries in Europe and one of the lowest levels of work-related ill health.

Lord Young’s long awaited report Common Sense Common Safety was published in October

Join Darren on the road to ManchesterDarren Frostick of The Red Group will be cycling for charity to the next annual BAR conference in May 2011. The journey will be from the group’s offices in Maldon, Essex to the conference which will be held in Manchester … and he’d like you to join him.

The ride is around 175 miles to be completed over two days. You’ll need to be pretty fit, used to riding long distances and be the proud owner of a serviceable road bike. If you like the idea but feel you’re not quite up to it, Darren will be running coaching sessions in the weeks leading up to the event.

All proceeds will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Remover’s Benevolent Fund.

If you’d like to take part just e-mail [email protected] or call on 01621 840600.


Industry News

14

Clampdown on tachograph fraud

Many in the logistics industry are calling for stricter punishments for tachograph fraud. The call follows the announcement

of figures from the Central Motorway Police Group which showed that 30% of non-UK registered trucks checked were found to be using a magnet to alter the date recorded by tachographs.

Digital tachos were established in a bid to introduce devices which were not so easy to tamper with. However, it has been found that a magnet can disrupt the signal to a tachograph’s unit, meaning it will not record data accurately. Magnets can also affect speed limiter equipment.

James Firth, Head of Road Freight and Enforcement Policy at the Freight Transport Association (FTA) believes more must be done to crack down on tampering. He said: “Tougher consequences will help to deter magnet cheats, but sadly, there will always be a minority of drivers wanting to chance the law, regardless of the penalties they face.” He added: “The FTA has been working closely with Whitehall and Brussels to exert further influence over the development of the next generation of digital tachographs, ensuring that they will offer safety, security and, crucially, that flexibility is built into the final specifications so the industry can keep one step ahead of rogue operators. After all, nobody predicted that digital tachographs could be so easily corrupted by a simple magnet.”

Geoff Dunning, Chief Executive of the Road Haulage Association, has also spoken out on the issue. He said: “It is quite rare for British drivers to use magnets. However, the consequences are severe for both the driver, who is likely to lose his licence, and in all likelihood for the employer, who may lose the licence to operate trucks.” He added: “We are urging VOSA and the police to take the driver to court as a matter of course when there is evidence that he has used a magnet, and for the courts to then impose a heavy fine and instant disqualification of the driver if he is guilty.”Courtesy of Backhouse Jones

McGimpsey’s Removals has taken receipt of an Iveco Stralis Active Space Super with a Euro 5 engine -

which has proven to be the most fuel efficient vehicle of its class returning 9.2 miles per gallon - and all the green environmental issues incorporated.

The tractor unit has the highest specification with fully automatic gearbox, fridge, freezer, TV, heated seats, two full-size single beds, electric window blinds and fold down table for the crew to play cards or sort paperwork. A third seat has been fitted behind the passenger seat with factory fitted seatbelt for additional comfort and safety when travelling on packing jobs. Full standing headroom compliments the roomy feel within the cab which has separate air bag suspension from the chassis giving a smooth ride.

Based in Bangor, Northern Ireland, McGimpsey Removals sends five of its vehicles to the UK mainland every Tuesday, returning to base on Saturday morning. Paul McGimpsey, Director, said: “With the tightening of the LEZ legislation coming into force in January 2012 requiring a minimum Euro 4 emissions standard, it was clear to us that we had to take action now and start to renew our fleet over a couple of years rather than wait until the last minute. With this vehicle, we have gone one step further than the requirement and selected a truck with Euro 5

emissions that will take us safely to the next LEZ legislation in 2016 requiring this standard.”

The new truck replaces one of McGimpsey’s regular serving UK vehicles, however it is the first Iveco to be brought into the fleet as the company has always bought Mercedes. The main reason for the change of model was due to the incredibly high specification offered as standard, whereas the Mercedes offered ‘optional extras’ which kept pushing the cost up. McGimpsey’s currently operates twelve trucks and several packing vans covering all of Ireland and the UK on a weekly basis. Each vehicle is fitted with the most up to date tracking system, allowing the company to evaluate miles per gallon per vehicle and live time data that shows what gear the truck is in and if the vehicle is being driven aggressively, allowing McGimpsey’s to direct driver training to the people who need it most and in the long-term reduce fuel costs and wear and tear on the vehicle.

Paul concluded: “Although the economy is having a huge affect on us all, the standards at McGimpseys can never be compromised by using sub-standard vehicles, equipment or staff. It is our ethos that if you maintain integrity, quality and high standards, you will retain your clients. To be honest, the cab is better finished and more comfortable than some up-market hotel rooms!”

The future in trucking has arrived at McGimpsey’s

Paul McGimpsey, Director (right) hands the keys over to Colin Brown, Operations Manager

Alistair Murray, Robinsons’ Group Manager for Corporate Relocation, recently ran the Berlin Marathon.

After 16 weeks training – mostly in the evenings after the kids had gone to bed - Alistair set his sights on running the marathon in under four hours, and managed it with five minutes to spare. According to Alistair, “The course took in a number of the famous sights of this fantastic historic city and I saw none of them, I just saw the road

in front of me. The last two miles nearly killed me! (Perhaps that’s when he hit his own Berlin Wall!) Oh, and it rained most of the way round.”

Most importantly, Alistair has raised almost £600 for the British Heart Foundation.

Perhaps he’ll go back to Berlin for some sightseeing one day …

Race you to Checkpoint Charlie!

Right: Alistair Murray running the Berlin marathon


Industry News

15

Andrew Woolfall, solicitor at Backhouse Jones was featured in an article recently in Commercial Motor magazine, examining

the offence of overloading.Overloading is a serious offence, with fixed

penalties ranging between £60 and £200 from the police and VOSA, and magistrates guided to impose serious fines upon convicted drivers and owner companies.

Commercial Motor reported that since VOSA began issuing graduated fixed penalties in May last year, excess weight has been one of the most common offences. Research from the Department for Transport (DfT) backs this up – 7% of 44 ton vehicles were recorded as being overloaded by weigh-in-motion equipment.

Andrew said that fines for overloading can be unpredictable. He explained: “The courts that do a lot of VOSA work tend to be more receptive to the arguments of hauliers and fine

at the lower end of the scale.”There are only two defences for overloading:

that the vehicle was being taken to or from a weighing station, or the load had increased in transit, e.g. by absorbing rain.

If a vehicle is seriously overloaded drivers face either a fixed penalty or three penalty points on their licence for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition. Drivers and operators are both liable to prosecution if a vehicle is overloaded on gross weight or axle weight. Drivers are often in a difficult situation, unable to check whether they are carrying the correct weight if the consignor has under estimated a load. In Ireland, a new law has allowed consignors to be prosecuted for overloading, but the legislation has reportedly had minimal impact. In the UK, it is rare for consignors to be summoned to court and an operator or driver will not escape blame.

Insurance man learns the trade

A new staff member joining BAR panel member and insurance specialist Reason Global has gained invaluable insight

into the removals and storage industry after completing the Inland Advanced Removals Course with Britannia Lanes of Somerset.

Account Executive Jonathan Davis has extensive experience in general commercial insurance working for renowned firms such as Norwich Union, London & Edinburgh and NFU Mutual, and is Cert CII-accredited, but had only basic knowledge of the removals trade before taking the course.

Reason Global MD David Raynor explained: “It’s unusual for an insurance specialist to take this kind of course, but it’s undoubtedly been the best way for Jon to gain first hand experience of the industry.”

“We’ve always been proud of the insight we have into how our clients’ businesses operate. By taking the course, Jon has gained in-depth understanding of the challenges our clients face every day, which can only help us deliver a better service in future.”

The two-day course covered a variety of removals situations and the wrapping and packing of goods such as glass and china; paintings and fine art; large case clocks (grandfather) and barometers; chandeliers; upright, baby grand and grand pianos.

Jon added: “What better way to understand the needs of our clients than by actually participating in what they do? It was a real eye-opener for me; I don’t think you can ever truly appreciate the type of work these guys do unless you have a go yourself. The amount of skill, care and team work required for wrapping, packing and moving different types of goods is unbelievable.”

UK HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

To keep BAR members informed of the changing conditions in the housing market the R&S will be compiling a monthly update of the most important facts and figures taken from the Halifax House Price Index.

October 2010Average House Price for October: £164,919 - up 1.8% on the previous month; up 1.2% on last year; down 1.2% on the previous quarter.

Prices in October were 2.3% lower than at the end of 2009 on a seasonally adjusted basis (-1.2% unadjusted)The underlying pace of house price growth has turned moderately negative in recent monthsThe rate of decline, however, is significantly lower than the quarterly rate of decline of -5% to -6% during the second half of 2008.

House prices remain higher than a year agoPrices in October were 1.2% higher on an annual basis

as measured by the average for the latest three months against the same period a year earlier. This continues the recent downward trend from a high of 6.9% in May.

House prices in October were 6.6% higher than in April 2009 Despite the recent downturn, prices remain above the trough reached in spring 2009. The average price is now £164,919; £10,256 higher than in April 2009.

Housing market activity is softeningBank of England industry-wide figures show that the number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase – a leading indicator of completed house sales – fell for the fifth consecutive month in September. The number of approvals in Quarter 3 was 3% lower than in Quarter 2.

(Statistics taken from the Halifax House Price Index October 2010)

Overloading – the penalties

Jonathan Davis with Angus and Ria Russell of Brtannia Lanes

Excess weight is one of the most common offences for which VOSA issues fixed penalties


Industry News

17

PAIMA is a worldwide organisation of international moving companies with global representation, having offices

based in Panama, Central America and Florida, USA.

Initially Gary represented Northern Europe as regional director before representing all of Europe. Two years ago he was voted onto the Board and has now been elected by the full assembly in California to vice president of PAIMA and is the first person from outside the Americas to hold such a high rank in the Association. PAIMA represents every Latin American country, the US and Canada, along with countries from around the world, with representation in 41 countries.

Part of PAIMA’s plan during the previous two years was to help relocate the administration from Panama to Tampa in Florida, including incorporating PAIMA into the USA, and also to develop the online tonnage system between members globally to enable further trade between member companies. Gary has helped oversee arbitration and claims between members as well as bringing forward training in English and Spanish for the global Association online, with global certification due to be announced and released.

Over the next two years Gary will help oversee the expansion plan to increase membership and to make sure PAIMA is represented in more than 50 countries. The PAIMA Board has been slimmed to seven, with Board members from the USA, Switzerland, Costa Rica and Mexico.

With the development of the second set of locks at the Panama Canal, shipping will be able to move more quickly between the Atlantic and Pacific as global movement continues to increase. More and more trade is

also being carried out between Central and South America and the rest of the world.

Burke Bros was formed in 1982 by brothers Gary and Chris with less than £1000 and today operates internationally with agents in more than 100 countries. Operating in Wolverhampton with 25 vehicles plus support, Burke Bros has a 24-hour logistics distribution service, along with UK domestic and overseas removal services, commercial office moving and storage facilities operating from the Burke Bros Trading Estate near central Wolverhampton. Burke Bros purchased leading removal companies in a two year period between 1992 and 1994 in Birmingham, Coventry and Rugby to establish the formation of the Group.

Burke Bros, with a financial commitment in Panama, are situated nicely and aim to further develop trade and partnerships with Latin American countries once global relocation eases out of recession. Burke Bros Moving Group are seen as a main international household moving company servicing Latin America and are already representing many UK movers as consolidators of shipments to countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil. With agents in all major capitals, Burke Bros are represented and are also able to deal with movement from Latin America to the EU.

Terry Head from IAM, Ian Waters from OMNI and Colin Quarrington from FIDI Focus also attended the meeting in California along with new members and potential new members as guests of PAIMA. Many of the PAIMA attendees are FIDI and LACMA members too, although the BAR is only represented by two members, Arrowpak and Burke Bros Moving Group.

Wolverhampton’s first PAIMA vice presidentGary Burke, aged 52, managing director and joint founder of Burke Bros Moving Group who has its head quarters in Wolverhampton, has been elected vice president of PAIMA, the Pan American International Movers Association.

Gary Burke is the first person from outside the Americas toreach such a lofty position within PAIMA

Movers on the run in San Diego

The annual Santa Fe fun run returned to San Diego at the IAM conference, the place where it all began six years ago. The run was, as always, in

aid of the Johns Hopkins Cancer Research Charity Fund. This year there were over 100 registrations with 89

of those competing in the 5K event. Last year the company raised almost US$19,000 for the charity.

Race organiser Robert Cormier thanked all those that took part for their generous support.

Men’s Results:39 and under: Enrique Lopez – Relocations Espana (New men’s record of 20:02)40-59: Steven Brown – Grace 60 and over: Ed van Bodegraven - Voerman

Women’s Results:39 and under: Lisa Drewry – Taylor Moving & Storage (New women’s record of 22:40)40-59: Mindy Vanden Berg – Graebel 60 and over:Doris Bourne – Premier Worldwide

Top: men’s winner Enrique Lopez;above: women’s winner Lisa Drewry


BAR News

How often does a gold-plated, dead-cert marketing opportunity come your way? Not often I’ll wager. But winning, or

even getting close to winning, either the CMOTY or DMOTY competitions has become recognised by some as one not to be missed.

Luxfords of Weybridge won the first DMOTY competition in 2009. Managing Director John Luxford was understandably delighted to win and said that it was a great morale booster for everyone that worked at the company. But what was possibly more telling was a comment John made in an interview a few months later where he said that 62% of his customers had been influenced by it.

Similarly Matt Purdie, the 2010 DMOTY winner, was similarly impressed with the response from his customers. “We put it on all our canvassing letters and promotional material,” he said. “It’s had a dramatic effect on our conversion rate and will continue to do so for many years to come.”

But Matt was keen to point out that it’s not necessary to win the competition to derive some benefit from it. “We were finalists in

2009 too and even that had a big effect on our conversion rate,” he said, adding that just the process of going through the audit if you get into the last ten is useful in itself. “It lets you know what you are doing right and what you can improve upon.”

Brian Maidman from Maidmans in Bournemouth feels the same way. His company received a Certificate of Merit in 2010 and Brian is proud to put the logo on quotations and on his website.

The CMOTY competition has been taking place longer but even so the contestants still feel that it is of enormous commercial benefit to win or even to get close. Anthony Robinson’s company won a Certificate of Merit in 2010. He said that of course everyone wants to win but he acknowledged that even those who don’t make it to the finals still benefit from the experience. “Even if you don’t get an award the exercise of presenting your company in the right way is useful and good practice, not just for entering competitions but for tenders too.”

Both competitions are very well supported however there are still a majority of companies

CMOTY and DMOTYA marketing opportunity

who never even bother to try to enter despite the obvious, and maybe not so obvious, benefits. Among the reasons for not taking part were the mistaken belief that these competitions will only ever be won by the bigger companies (although nobody explained why they felt that way); and a perception that taking part is a long and difficult process that is not worth the time. Nobody who offered this point of view had, however, ever investigated what was involved in taking part.

Brian Maidman feels that companies probably feel that they can’t win so they can’t be bothered to enter. Matt Purdie says that it’s very simple to enter and absolutely anyone could win it. Neil Rogers summed it up: “You’ve got to be in it to win it,” he said.

Will you be having a go this year?

John Luxford was delighted to win the DMOTY title in 2009


BAR News

Technobox

Product of the Month

BAR Services Ltd, Moor Hall, Sandhawes Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3HQ Tel: 01342 870087 Fax: 01342 870072 E-mail: [email protected]

What is the quickest and easiest way to pack a computer system ready for your customer’s moving day? The answer lies in the BAR Services’ Technobox.

A good old faithful box that has been available for many years, the Technobox is made of a heavy duty corrugated cardboard. The carton not only provides protection for the terminal but also allows space for all the other ancillaries. The only other

packaging required is a cushioning product, i.e. bubble fi lm and the tape to close up the box – simple!

The Technobox is often a forgotten about carton but it defi nitely has its advantages on both offi ce and domestic moves. At a 15% discount through the month of December, you would be mad not to try them.

After a diffi cult 2009, hopes were for a more prosperous and positive 2010 but improvement has been slow and ‘patchy’

has been a word commonly used by the members. Whilst there has been a defi nite improvement in the housing market and in consumer confi dence, 2010 has been defi ned by a slow, steady but fragile recovery.

For BAR Services, the fragile market coupled with several increases in paper prices throughout the year have proved frustrating. As a cooperative, the company sympathises with its members that an increase in the cost of their packaging materials is not helpful at a time when there is stiff competition for fewer removals. In June, BAR Services explained that the three paper price increases which had been incurred so far in 2010 were largely due to a shortage in worldwide paper supplies. But did you also know that a shortage of wheat throughout many of the world’s nations has had a knock on effect? Sound bizarre? Well the paper industry uses wheat starch at various stages of the manufacturing process for different purposes; the shortage of starch is just another contributing factor that is affecting carton prices. BAR Services has negotiated hard on behalf of the members to ensure the percentage increase on

BAR Services 2010 yearly round upDecember has crept up on us again and before BAR Servicestake it as an opportunity to eat, drink and be merry, it must be time for the yearly round up.

BAR Services Ltd, Moor Hall, Sandhawes Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3HQ Tel: 01342 870087 Fax: 01342 870072 E-mail: [email protected]

packaging required is a cushioning product, i.e. bubble fi lm and the tape to close up the box –

The Technobox is often a forgotten about carton advantages on both offi ce

moves. At a 15% discount through the month of December, you would be mad not to

For further details, please contact the sales team on 01342 870087 or e-mail [email protected]

your cartons has been minimal. but unfortunately a further price increase had to be accepted in mid November.

Throughout 2009 and 2010, BAR Services has recommended a temporary move to kraft cartons as an immediate way to save costs in a slower and more competitive market. With the common misconception that kraft cartons may mean a compromise in quality, several articles have provided a comprehensive explanation as to why this isn’t so. Members seem to have accepted this fact and several bulk buying offers on brown Pack 2s and Pack 6s have proved to be very successful throughout this year.

BAR Services has always seen part of its role as providing important and useful packaging information to the members. Back in April, it discussed fi rstly the ISO 14001 and secondly, how necessary (or unnecessary) it was for smaller removal companies to chase this accreditation. It concluded that whilst the ISO 14001 is worth implementing for larger companies, it can be too onerous for smaller ones and that a simple document outlining the company’s environmental policy is highly recommended and achievable. August’s article provided detailed instructions on how to understand the board grade that is listed on your carton quotations. This was to give customers a better understanding of the quality of board that is being used and to highlight that when prices of cartons are too good to be true, this may be because the board quality is of a lesser grade.

July and August proved to be steady but patchy months for many removal companies and many other industries, but BAR Services was still surprised to learn that their preferred uniform supplier, Alexandra Workwear, had gone in to administration. Price Waterhouse Cooper were called in as administrators but the uncertainty, interruption in supply and major service issues caused BAR Services to look elsewhere. In November 2010 it was pleased to announce that it is to work in partnership with Safpro – a leading supplier in corporate workwear. With the discount prices that have

been negotiated, BAR Services is confi dent that this alliance will lead to the ongoing supply of a simple and cost effective range of clothing for the membership.

Throughout the year, the BAR Services ‘Product of the Month’ has suggested some new or helpful packaging products. The unidolly, quilted cover and fl oor protection as always proved to be popular products but most recently BAR Services introduced the new Cordlash 95 system from Cordstrap. This innovative restraint system has generated much interest and is a product that has obviously been wanting in the industry for some time. Further information and a free demonstration can still be provided by contacting sales on 01342 870087 or e-mailing [email protected].

Well that is 2010 in short, so what is new for 2011? On the negative side it looks like more of the same for the housing market with RICS data suggesting we might reach the low levels of property sales in 2009 again. Predictions are that the most likely national average property prices will see a reduction of 10-15%. However, BAR Services is determined to stay positive – the company is still strong, it has many loyal customers and it intends to continue providing the same quality of service and products as it always has.

As always, BAR Services will be dependent on contact from the membership to be able to fi nd new ways, new products and negotiate new deals that will benefi t your company. As a co-operative, BAR Services is owned by the members and exists solely to work on your behalf. It therefore relies on industry knowledge and information that it is fed back and can utilise this knowledge to buy intelligently. Please feel free to contact any of the sales team with any information you may have or products you would like sourced. Don’t forget BAR Services is your company and is working for you.

That just leaves all the team at BAR Services to say thank you all for your continued support and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year.

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BAR News

Pickfords displays the BAR badgeIn October, Pickfords further embraced its support of the British Association of Removers by applying the BAR and OFT logo to the back doors of its national fl eet.

Pickfords is the largest member of the British Association of Removers and is one of its longest standing members. For many years the company has used the BAR/OFT logo in its marketing materials including its Yellow Pages adverts, website and sales brochures but has always stopped short of displaying the BAR logo on its vehicles.

Pickfords has a large fl eet with many versions of its livery, which has previously made adding logos problematic. However, following recent renewed enthusiasm to show support for BAR in recognition of its positive

direction and ongoing commitment to actively market members, Pickfords decided to place the logos on the back doors across the entire fl eet. The addition of the BAR/OFT logo has been rolled out in stages.

Managing Director Russell Start said, “The BAR does great work to promote quality and the BAR/OFT badge is a mark of credibility amongst removal companies. We know that many of our customers choose us because we are BAR members and the timing is right now to promote our membership as widely as possible and realise the benefi ts of our association with the BAR.”

BAR Director General Stephen Vickers visited Pickfords’ Head Offi ce to see the badges being applied to vehicles. “I’m delighted that Pickfords has taken the decision

to carry the BAR badge on its fl eet. Vehicles are a tremendous advertising medium and an excellent way of promoting the BAR and its Code of Practice to prospective customers.”

Having studied Politics at Lancaster University Phillip took a somewhat different path and applied for a sales

position within White & Co. “I worked at Whites as an estimator for two years before moving to the Leeds branch and working as the operations manager,” Phillip said. It was then that the too-ing and fro-ing began as Phillip returned to manage the Lancaster branch before again returning to Leeds as manager of the Leeds and Harrogate branch. After fi ve years with the company, Phillip moved on and became commercial manager of Harrow Green, the position that he still holds today.

Phillip admits that he had no specifi c ambition to join the removals industry. So what has kept him in the fold? “I really enjoy dealing with all sorts of different people and projects. The variety that I get in my job is what keeps me interested.”

While Phillip is a keen advocate of the industry’s ability to provide successful careers,

he believes that many companies within the industry, when considered against other sectors, lack coherent recruitment and growth plans making it a less attractive career choice to those without family ties. He said, “I do think that the structure of many companies could lead to problems in nurturing talent and encouraging people to progress.”

“I think much of the problem within the industry is to do with economics,” he continued. “As margins tend to be tight and competition fi erce, overheads are consequently kept to an absolute minimum and focus tends to be on day-to-day issues, rather than succession planning and staff development.” Phillip is proud that Harrow Green’s approach is to try to offer continuous training to allow staff to better their skills.

It would seem that the addition of the Young Movers Group to BAR is a welcome one, allowing those new to the industry to learn

SPECIAL OFFER

Young Mover Profi le: Phillip Marston of Harrow Green

Many within the removals industry arrive there because of family ties or other such connections. However, for young mover Phillip Marston of Harrow Green this was not the case.

from each other and build relationships with like minded people. “I think, at the moment, the group has some really smart, outgoing and capable members, who I enjoy spending time with. It benefi ts me by giving me the opportunity to meet people within the same interest group.”

Phillip’s ambitions for the young movers seem to match BAR’s high hopes for the group as a whole. As the group meets more and gains more experience, its members will come to have more infl uence on shaping the removals industry and the way in which it works helping it to modernise and progress.

And Phillip has some ideas as to where the industry should be headed. A higher profi le for the industry, better training standards and more of a focus on quality would allow the industry to grow as a whole he believes. “I think the biggest problem is the tendency to compete on price only rather than on quality. It really is symptomatic of market conditions. The removal portion of any relocation process or event is predominantly still seen as an area where clients, both domestic and commercial, can save money. If the market were to compete on quality instead it would offer a way for companies to increase profi ts and therefore modernise and progress which will in turn attract new blood to the industry.”

Phillip appears to be very keen to not only develop Harrow Green as a company, but also help develop the profi le of the industry for all concerned. He concluded, “There is such a variety within the industry and it has a lot to offer. I hope that, as the industry grows, it will attract more people and customers, through innovative approaches to people management, service provision and customer care as well as embracing new technology.”

Stephen Vickers with Pickfords’Managing Director Russell Start

Get 10% discount off all BAR and BAR/OFT vehicle stickers from BAR Services until the end of March 2011

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BAR News

Campbell McGimpsey opened the meeting with a warm round applause for the hardy group of golf enthusiasts who had

turned up at 7.30am to play 18 holes of golf in what can only be described as ‘four seasons in one day’ weather. The prizes were donated and presented by Basil Fry & Company.

Then it was down to business. Campbell thanked everyone for attending and said it was good to see so many BAR members attending but also very positive to see such a good turn-out of non-BAR members: a good sign for the future of the Northern Ireland Moving Industry. He then confi rmed that the context of the meeting was to try and strengthen the Area membership to sustain regular meetings and also to provide a voice at National Council level. He thanked Stephen Vickers (Director General of BAR) not only for fulfi lling his promise to come over for the meeting but also for arranging the format of the entire day from the hotel and golf, right through to the lunch and the meeting itself. He also introduced and thanked the various speakers from BAR and several BAR affi liate companies who had travelled over for the meeting: Reg Hackworthy, BAR President; Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General; Chris Fry, Basil Fry & Company; Miranda Hyder, BAR Services; Daniel Reynolds, Reason Global and Loren Webster, BAR Training Services.

Reg discussed the governance review and the changes to the Association to make it a more commercially focused Association that directly benefi ts members. He explained the new democratic processes to elect the Board, Councils and the BAR subsidiary companies making the whole organisation more transparent and more accountable. Later in the meeting Reg presented the Board’s policy document on Standards. This will be discussed further at the next meeting but there was broad agreement that this was a positive move for the Association.

Stephen presented to the meeting the benefi ts of membership, demonstrating many of the new additional benefi ts that had been introduced in the past couple of years. He talked briefl y about

the website and referred to the details on the memory stick being provided to each attendee that included details of each of the presentations and a BAR Services catalogue.

Chris explained the history of Basil Fry, the role of brokers and how they add value to removers’ businesses. He described many of the services available from Basil Fry and who was who within the company.

Miranda gave a description of the products and services provided by BAR Services. She gave some of her background and the background of BAR Services set up as a buying co-operative and explained how surpluses were rebated to buying members.

Daniel organised the charity raffl e for RBA (Removers’ Benevolent Association) and offered to attend a future meeting and speak rather than repeat much of the broker information given by Chris. The prizes were donated by Reason Global and the winning bottle of malt Whiskey was well received – but, presumably, not drunk on the night. £150 was raised for the RBA.

Loren concluded the presentations by describing the many and varied courses available to members and non-members and fi nished by offering a special, on the day only, discount of 10%.

The formal part of the evening was the election of offi cers. After some ‘gentle’ persuasion the following offi cers were duly elected: Chairman: Campbell McGimpsey, McGimpsey Brothers (Removals) Limited; Secretary:Dominic Murray, Coastways Storage & Removals; Treasurer: Aaron Fulton, Pickfords National Council Rep: Dominic Murray, Coastways Storage & Removals; Deputy National Council Rep: Campbell McGimpsey, McGimpsey Brothers (Removals) Limited.

On conclusion of the election of offi cers Campbell duly thanked everyone again for their attendance at the meeting and hoped that this would be the start of a new chapter for the Northern Ireland Area of BAR. No date was set for the next meeting although this is expected to be in January 2011.

Northern Ireland Area meetingIt has been some time since the Northern Ireland Area has held a meeting but on 19 October this was remedied in some style with both a business meeting and a golf competition to get everyone back in the swing.

Golf results:Overall winner Bill ShannonRunner-up Fenton ArcherThird place Keith LowryTeam prize Fenton Archer Michael Brison Chris Fry Ken McFaulNearest the pin Reg HackworthyLongest drive Aaron Fulton

Winner: Bill Shannon

Runner-up: Fenton Archer

Team prize: Ken McFaul andFenton Archer

Nearest the pin: Reg Hackworthy

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play and consequently we have sourced a manu-facturer who supplies a comprehensive range of garments to suit all your needs. If you would like further information or would simply like to place an order please contact Grant Harris at Safpro on

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CMG News

BS 8522

The CMGCouncillors

ROGUE’S GALLERYThe CMG Council meets regularly and works hard between meetings to serve the needs of its members. This ‘rogue’s gallery’ will help members identify the councilors and their specifi c functions where applicable. If you would like to voice your opinion on CMG related matters or are considering joining the CMG, please contact any councillor for more information.

Alan Hoggin is the general manager of Harkers Removals of Southwick in Sunderland. The company was established

in 1932 by the grandfather of the current owner, Keith Harker. Currently the company has around 20 staff, six removals vehicles and a number of smaller vans. Its business is 60% commercial and it’s a relatively new member of the CMG having joined only last year.

Alan said that he discovered the CMG when he was serving on the National Council. “It seemed to me that the CMG was looking to put us on the map and being members of the CMG would benefi t us in the future retention of contracts.”

He explained that the company had already achieved BS EN 12522 and there were so many parts that were similar to BS 8522 that it seemed sensible to Alan to do that as well and reap the benefi ts. “There are more benefi ts than a certifi cate or a badge on the vehicle,” he said. “You really enhance the way that you operate. You are more procedure based. There is a methodology behind everything that you do. It makes it

easier for managers, staff and clients too.” Alan had noticed that domestic clients had

responded well when the company achieved BS EN 12522 because they were familiar with Standards in their own working environments. “As soon as we mention that we have a British Standard the people go with you because of it.”

Then, he said, the penny dropped. “If the people you wouldn’t expect to realise the signifi cance of a Standard are responding in that way then surely the commercial clients, who are working to a quality standard themselves, are going to respond well too.” Asked whether the principle had worked, Alan agreed that although it is in its early stages it is already showing dividends. “I fi nd that we are now accepted at face value as members of BAR and CMG with recognised Standards. I‘ve visited the Yorkshire Area meetings and I’ve seen how they have been able to infl uence the NHS and the universities. I’m sure that will fi lter into my Area in time.”

Part of Alan’s reason for joining the CMG was because he intends to tender for some sizeable

CMG Profi le: A monthly look at what the members thinkHarkers Removals & Storage

contracts in the near future. Although CMG membership is not currently a requirement of the tenders he is confi dent that membership will help him. “I’m pretty much certain that the procurement people, to make it easy for themselves, will insist on membership of the CMG being one of the requirements. So we are building ourselves up in readiness for it.”

Alan admits that he still has to tell his customers about the CMG rather than them asking for it but he feels that recognition is improving. “People want us to be members of something even if they don’t know what it is.”

He’s never been to a BAR or CMG conference because, he says, he’s always on holiday when it’s on. He acknowledges though that it’s probably wise to go to one so he can make up his mind about its value. Maybe Manchester will be the one.

In conclusion it’s clear that Alan is pleased that his company is a CMG member and is very supportive of what it is doing. “I think the team behind the CMG are all going down the right lines. They are trying to build up awareness and partnerships which is why I decided to get on this bandwagon. I think the enthusiasm they have there can only be good for the members.”

Next month’s featured company: Crown Promotions and Removals of Hackney

Rod SeealndChairman

Brian MaidmanCouncillor

Nigel ShawCouncillor

Neil RogersDeputy Chairman

Danny RutterCouncillor

Kevin MackCouncillor

Richard HillCouncillor

Mark HerringtonCouncillor

Robert PoynerCo-opted

Richard O’SullivanCouncillor

David StanleyCouncillor

Phil OramCo-opted


CMG News

BS 8522

Delivery Services honoured in the Sixth Belfast Business Top 50

Delivery Services, the Belfast-based commercial mover, has been honoured at the sixth Belfast Business Top 50

held at the Parliament Buildings in Stormont.The Belfast Business Top 50 celebrates a

diverse range of entrepreneurs and business leaders from every part of the city. Richard Hill, owner of Delivery Services, said, “The award is really encouraging for us in the difficult market conditions. It reflects the success of the introduction of the company’s Library Relocation Service with its innovative approach to moving books.”

The firm’s library relocation team will have little time for mince pies over Christmas as they face an intensive two week project in Edinburgh, relocating and integrating three libraries at Napier University’s new Sighthill campus. The team will then return to Scotland next year to complete phase two of the Andersonian library refurbishment at the University of Glasgow. This follows the relocation of Queen’s University’s medical library and the Strandmillis teaching college library this autumn, both of which involved dismantling and moving shelving in addition to the book moves.

Richard believes that the company has benefited from the US Foreign Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton’s efforts to promote Belfast as a location for US corporations to establish European headquarters. An investment by The New York Stock Exchange in Belfast creating 400 jobs generated a major move for Delivery Services merging three offices into one new site. “This move comes after a major investment by Citi Group which resulted in the relocation of 600 staff,” Richard said. “We hope that there will be similar work in the pipeline to fill premises being created in Belfast’s new Titanic Quarter commercial development.”

“Being able to demonstrate our quality credentials in the BS 8522 standard and CMG membership has been important to give these large corporations the confidence to use a regional mover such as ourselves,” Richard concluded.

Delivery Services’ Library Relocation Service has an innovative approach to moving books

The King’s Head was so badly damaged by fire and smoke that the only exit from the second floor where the kitchen was situated

was via an open fire escape. In advance of the move, Operations Director

Malcolm Ingram inspected the site along with Eric Hunter from R.G. Design and Quarmby Construction Site Manager Tony Knott.

An intricate method statement was then drawn up in consultation with Quarmby to take into account the safety regarding all aspects of the move.

On the day of the move Quarmby Construction arranged for Ingram’s operational staff to attend an induction course at 08.00 hours to brief them before they were allowed on site to carry out the precarious move. Ingram’s five operational staff, complete with PPE clothing and footwear, then lowered the bulky kitchen equipment via the open fire escape with the use of restraining straps, a dolly truck, piano wheels and manual handling techniques onto a vehicle situated in the loading bay of the hotel, ready for delivery to Blackburn the following day. The loading procedure was completed in seven hours.

Malcolm commented: “We are used to carrying out all sorts of commercial moves, however this particular move was a tricky

operation due to the intricate method statement Quarmby Construction insisted was put in place because of the restricted access and bulky kitchen equipment including industrial double-door fridge freezers and double-range ovens.”

Malcolm concluded: “I know our company would not have been considered for such a move without CMG membership and BS EN 12522 accreditation.”

Ingram’s shows its versatility CMG member Ingram’s Removers and Storers of Bishop Auckland recently showed its versatility and adaptability by moving the entire commercial kitchen of a burnt out prestigious hotel in the centre of Darlington, County Durham.

The only exit from the kitchen of The King’s Head was via an open fire escape

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Overseas Group News

BAR Overseas Group members have been discussing the level of service received from the shipping lines. The Group has

a close relationship with the shipping lines and through the MTC (Members Trading Club) freight rates are negotiated annually for the benefi t of the membership. So far, so good, but what happens when something goes wrong? Do the shipping lines do enough when a problem occurs?

Sometimes problems arise because the mover has not supplied the shipping line with all the details needed to fulfi l the booking. The mover should always ensure that full and accurate details of the loading address are supplied with details of access or parking problems at the property.

However in many other cases the shipping lines fail to meet agreed bookings and other problems regularly occur after loading, such as the mis-routing of containers.

One member had a problem when a container booked and loaded for New York was sent to Colombo, Sri Lanka, by mistake. The customer, an employee of a large multi-national bank, was ready to take delivery of the shipment in New York and had entered into a lease agreement on an unfurnished apartment there; they were planning to furnish it when the shipment arrived. When the problem was discovered (two days before the shipment was due to arrive in New York) the client’s employer held the mover responsible for consequential expenses: the cost of rental furniture for the period of the delay. Whilst the mover attempted to avoid liability under its terms of business, the bank was able to use the threat of withdrawing future work as a lever to pursue its claim.

The shipping line shipped the container from Colombo to New York arriving one month after

the original date. They declined a claim from the mover for the rental furniture saying that this was a transit delay and so they had no liability for it under their Terms of Carriage – despite the container being sent to the wrong country. After a negotiation taking a month, the shipping line eventually agreed to make a contribution towards the claim.

Other members have reported problems with shipping lines delivering containers too late for loading, or not at all – then declining to reimburse the cost of wasted labour and other consequential costs. To make matters worse, if a mover takes more than the permitted free loading/unloading time - usually three hours (20ft) or four hours (40ft) - then the shipping lines apply punitive detention charges, often around £60 per hour.

So it seems that it is okay for them to be late or to not show up at all without liability, whilst the can charge excessively if a container is detained even half an hour over the free period.

Is it time to bring service levels into the annual discussion about rates? At the least the lines should be asked to supply a formal complaint resolution plan including details of how to escalate any unresolved complaints and a suitable time-frame for replying.

Overseas Group News

Welcome to the fi rst Overseas Group News section in the R&S.

Every month we will include stories and information that is particularly relevant to Overseas Group members including: shipping information, reports from the Overseas Group Council, industry news and comments from members. If you have any information you’d like to include please send it to BAR at commercial@ bar.co.uk and to Chris Mackley at [email protected]

Ian Palmer

Are shipping lines providing a good enough service?By Chris Mackley

Position Name E-mail Address Chairman Ian Palmer [email protected] Deputy Chairman Peter Strange [email protected] Hon Vice Chairman Michael Gerson [email protected] Hon Vice Chairman Nick Kerr [email protected] Immediate Past Chairman Ian Tate [email protected] Councillor Rupert Morley [email protected] Councillor Steve Denning [email protected] Councillor Chris Mackley [email protected] Councillor Phil Pertoldi [email protected] Councillor Austin Clark [email protected] Councillor Tony Tickner [email protected] Councillor Robert Bartup [email protected] Councillor Steve Fanning [email protected] Councillor Andy Wade [email protected] Co-opted Moore Shanks [email protected]

The Overseas Group CouncilThe BAR Overseas Group is administered by the Overseas Group Council made up of representatives from OSG members that have specifi c expertise in their fi eld. To voice your opinion or for more information on matters relating to overseas moving, contact any of the councillors as follows:

Overseas Moving Standard BS 8564The British Standards Institute (BSI) has already issued the BS number for the Overseas Moving Standard currently under development: it will be BS 8564. The detailsof the Standard are currently under review before BSI convenes the fi rst meeting of the development committee.

The Professional Advisers Panel is a brand new initiative specifically designed to offer members extended support across every aspect of their business. This is a development of our highly successful Insurance Broker Panel scheme whereby BAR members receive unlimited support, guidance and advice from qualified specialist co

specialist companies within the UK. We are constantly looking at ways to support our members’ businesses; therefore, if this initiative proves to be a success, we will develop the Professional Advisers Panel even further into other relevant areas such as Health & Safety and Environmental services.

For any independent insurance, financial or legal advice, please contact a BAR Professional Adviser partner.

Financial Legal

Insurance

Basil Fry & Co Ltd

Tel: 01372 385 985Email: [email protected]: www.basilfry.co.uk

Reason Global Insurance

Tel: 01273 739961Email: [email protected]: www.reason-global.com

Wellers

Tel: 0207 630 6665Email: [email protected]: www.wellersaccountants.co.uk

Backhouse Jones Solicitors

Tel: 01254 828 300Email: [email protected]: www.backhousejones.co.uk

in association with


Training News

Minister sets out government commitment to apprenticeships

Skills Minister John Hayes has set out his vision for apprenticeships and reaffirmed the government’s

commitment to work-based learning and training.

John Hayes said: “The truest measure of the success or failure of this government’s commitment to apprenticeships will be found in how well-equipped today’s young people will be in future years to face the shifting challenges of life and work. To be successful in that, we must create a radically new model for workplace training with apprenticeships at its heart and with partnership between government, employers and individuals as its motive force. We have promised to re-shape the apprenticeships programme to ensure that it provides more high-quality training opportunities. We have already begun to deliver on that promise by redeploying £150 million to provide an extra 50,000 places.”

The minister told the audience at the Institute of Directors that the government would expand and improve the apprenticeships programme by building on the existing strengths of the GTA (Group Training Association) sector.

He has asked the Skills Funding Agency to review what funding they might make available to support the work of GTAs and to help them expand. He told the audience that GTAs can and should play a major role in the drive to increase advanced and higher level skills in growth sectors.

He also invited GTA England to put forward a set of recommendations to him that will help the sector grow in a way that will encourage even more businesses to get involved in apprenticeships and other training.

Mr Hayes said in his speech that the government plans to reform apprenticeships to build on the quality of the training programme, and better meet the needs of employers and learners, and said the government will do this in three ways by: • Expanding the number of apprenticeship places on offer and prioritise more advanced skills levels at level three and above; • Taking a firm approach in establishing what the employer contribution to apprenticeship programmes should be; • Making it easier for businesses to access apprenticeships, and in particular small businesses that can take advantage of the support GTAs offer in this respect. Taken from: trainingreference.co.uk

The ability to complete an accurate and professional Pre Qualification Questionnaire and tender document has become something

of a key skill; such is its importance in securing valuable commercial contracts.

With this in mind, the CMG Council in conjunction with BARTS has prepared some key information and advice on the tendering process and how to prepare a winning tender document.

The PQQA Pre Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) forms the first stage of the tender process. It enables the authority or client to create a shortlist of potential providers by evaluating their suitability to carry out the work.

The following information will be asked for on a PQQ document: basic details of your organisation, financial information, business activities, references, insurance, quality control, health and safety, equal opportunities and environmental management.

When completing the PQQ document:• Before entering into the PQQ stage careful evaluation should take place to assess the requirements of the work you will be asked to carry out. Is the work within your capabilities? What is the size of the task? Is it in the best interests of your organisation to spend time preparing a bid? • It is essential that all questions are answered in full and the information you provide is accurate and honest as it will be checked.• Do not leave any question unanswered as this looks poor. If you are unsure of the information you are being asked to provide you should contact the person listed as the contact on the PQQ. • Ensure your organisation can provide up to date policies on health and safety, equal opportunities and environmental management as these are key areas where you can score highly. • If there are any anomalies in the information you are providing, such as a sudden drop in turnover, etc., it is essential that you explain the reasons for this in full.• Note the deadline for the submission of the PQQ. Do not miss it. If you do your PQQ will not be considered.

Based on the information you have provided your PQQ will be evaluated and scored.

Successful providers will then move on to the tender stage.

The written tenderUpon successful completion of the PQQ stage suppliers are invited to submit a written tender for the work to be carried out. A tender is always asked for in writing so it is transparent and non discriminatory, it is fair and open to everyone and it forms part of a formal legal proposal.

When completing your written tender document:• As with the PQQ stage assess the risk before deciding to bid. What impact will the contract have on your organisation? How much will it cost to prepare your bid and fulfil the contract?• Understand the requirements of the tender. What is the brief? What are the evaluation criteria? Contact the buyer and ask questions if necessary.• Know your competition. How have they done in other tenders? What makes them competitive? What do you do better than them?• Offer value for money but don’t under bid. Excessively low bids will reflect poorly on your organisation as it will appear you cannot carry out the contract to the standard required.• Read all instructions carefully. Make sure you understand what is being asked of you.• Get inside the buyers’ heads. What exactly are they looking for? How can you assist them in reaching their objectives?• Whilst ensuring that your tender is fully compliant in every respect, look for, and suggest, ways in which you can offer an alternative to the client which offers real benefits in terms of cost reduction/time saved/minimising the impact on the clients’ operations.• Note the deadline for the tender and do not miss it. Decide who from your organisation will be working on the tender and design a time plan. What information will you need to prepare? • Ensure your written tender is clear, concise and easy to read. Avoid poor grammar and unnecessary ‘waffle’. Present your tender professionally, well referenced and labelled. • Demonstrate your knowledge, skills, experience and understanding. Illustrate points with relevant examples and written evidence.• Answer all of the questions and address the requirements. Back up statements with evidence.• Ensure the information you have provided is consistent. Check it, re-read it and ask someone else to check it. • Get your tender in on time. Late tender documents end up in the bin!

For further information and advice or to find out more about BARTS’ Writing a Winning Tender workshop, please contact a member of the training team on 01923 699484 or e-mail [email protected].

Writing a winning tenderMost CMG members will have some experience of the tendering process as it plays a vital role in modern business life, especially in the commercial market. By Martyn Minker

Skills MinisterJohn Hayes

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Domestic Mover of the Year 2011-12

The BAR Domestic Mover of the Year is a National & European Council initiative that is open to any

BAR Member company or Branch whose domestic moving accounts for more than 50% of their total turnover.

The Award will be presented at the BAR Conference in Manchester in May 2011.

Application forms can also be downloaded from: www.bar.co.uk/dmoty2011.aspxor contact BAR on 01923 699483

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The BAR Domestic Mover of the Year CompetitionThe Aims of the AwardThe National & European Council initiative is for outstanding performance, commitment and leadership in the domestic removals market. The aim is to encourage and celebrate high standards, and to reward those companies who really lead by example.

The Prizes��BAR Conference which includes the Gala Dinner at which the winner will receive the Award for Domestic Mover of the Year.

The winner will receive:

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Award CriteriaEntries for the Award will be judged according to the following criteria:

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Entry is open to any BAR Member company or Branch whose domestic moving accounts for at least 50% of its removals activities.

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The completed application form must be sent to:DMotY Judging Panel, BAR, Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts,WD18 0TG no later than 18 February 2011.

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Training News

Training Available on your premisesThe following courses can be delivered on site by our Field Trainer using our mobile training vehicle:

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• Health & Safety awareness• Manual Handling• Fire Safety Training• Induction Training• Basic/Advanced Packing Skills• Vehicle & Container - Loading• Warehousing• Export Wrapping• Commercial & Overseas Training• Team Leader Training•� Driver CPC

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BAR Training Services, Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 0TG. T: 01923 699484 F: 01923 699481 E: [email protected] W: www.bar.co.uk

• Removals Documentation• Fire Warden Training• Risk Assessment• Fragile Packing - Beginner/Refresher• Specialist Packing/Piano’s• Writing a Winning Tender - NEW!• Selling Skills• Removals Apprenticeship• BTEC in Practical Estimating• BTEC in Removals Management•� Train the Trainer

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Employers reap the benefits of better motivated and more highly skilled staff when they get involved in work-related

training, according to a report published by Ofsted, the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

The Ofsted report, ‘Good practice in involving employers in work-related education and training’, says that training developed by providers working closely with companies helps employees make greater contributions to the effectiveness of their business.

The report highlights that small businesses also benefitted from good support from specialist training providers, helping to keep them up to date with changes in legislation or business practice. Twenty-two of the thirty providers visited also helped employers to get public funding for training.

Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert said: “Employers, providers and employees all benefit from employer involvement in work-related training. Where employers and providers develop good relationships, learners, trainees and staff are able to develop the skills and confidence to reach their potential and help employers compete more effectively in the

marketplace. This report identifies the features of good practice and highlights practical examples of good or outstanding provision. I hope others will learn by these examples.”

Even in the good and outstanding examples, the report highlights that almost all of the involvement of employers was at the instigation of providers. In the best examples, however, providers worked hard to involve employers and to tailor training provision to their needs.

The study found that employers rarely took the initiative to make or maintain contact with providers or to influence provision. The report recommends that employers take more responsibility for engaging with providers and shape provision to meet their own needs.

All of BAR Training Services on site training can be tailored to suit the individual company requirements of BAR members.

To find out more about the training available from BARTS, or to discuss your training requirements further please contact a member of the training team on 01923 699484 or e-mail [email protected] Taken from trainingreference.co.uk

Ofsted Report: Good practice in involving employers in work-related training

Everyone benefits when employers get involved in employee training, says Ofsted

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Bridge closure in CologneAccording to the German Association of Removers (AMÖ), in mid October the Cologne bridge ‘Zoobrücke’ was closed for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 30 tons or more. HGV traffic has to use diversions to get to the Cologne Trade Fair Centre and other destinations in the city centre. Long-distance HGV traffic is being diverted via the motorway ring, terminating and originating HGV traffic is being diverted via ‘Mülheimer Brücke’ and ‘Severinsbrücke’. Cologne authorities confirmed that HGV traffic will be granted access to these route diversions even though they are tangent to Cologne´s LEZ. The bridge was closed because a check revealed that the bridge was constructed with specific parts which could corrode, therefore it will be closed until further checks have been finished.

Road Transport: common social standards between the EU and its neighbouring countries The new European agreement concerning the work of crews of vehicles engaged in international road transport (AETR) entered into force on 20 September, 2010. This agreement extends the European Union rules on driving time and rest periods for lorry and coach drivers to 22 additional countries. It will make it easier for EU hauliers to work in neighbouring countries and will improve safety and the conditions of competition in all the AETR countries. With minor exceptions, the AETR rules correspond to those of EU legislation in the same field. In particular, the use of the digital tachograph to enforce the driving time limits of hauliers is now obligatory in all new vehicles of the 49 Contracting Parties to the AETR. Having one set of rules inside the EU and in international transport from third countries to the EU Member States and between the third countries prevents distortion of competition arising from differences in permissible driving times between countries, protects the working conditions of drivers and ultimately contributes to better road safety across Europe.

Mandatory manifest of shipping cargo 24 hours prior to loading in LatviaIt will become mandatory to manifest all shipping cargo a minimum of 24 hours prior to loading on board as from 1 January, 2011. In view of changes in EU customs regulations expected to take effect from 1 January, 2011 the shipping lines in Riga, Latvia are adjusting their procedures in order to be in line with the requirements. According to the new requirements it will become mandatory to manifest all cargo a minimum of 24 hours prior to loading on board. This means that along with the usual customs documents all shipping instructions and BL drafts need to be confirmed by that time otherwise loading on board might not be allowed. Between now and the deadline they intend to gradually introduce the changes. During this transit period short sea cargo will be manifested 24 hours after sailing from Riga port and all other cargo 24 hours before the feeder arrival to the transhipment port. For consignors it will mean that complete shipping instructions for short sea cargo together with booking orders are needed very quickly after the sailing from Riga as the lines will literally only have a couple of days to finalise Bills of Lading.

Alpine transit of road freightDespite legality concerns the Swiss government seems determined to push forward with its controversial Alpine Transit Exchange Scheme (ATES) and its possible extension to the entire Alpine region. The Swiss domestic legislation aims to allow Alpine freight transit only on rail but allows for exceptions. The number of road freight transit routes is currently limited to four and the legislation does not allow an increase of this number or an increase of the capacity of existing road transit routes. In addition, the Swiss domestic legislation aims to limit the number of annual road freight journeys to 650,000.

Launch of new freighter route Grimaldi Lines has launched a new freight-only Ro-Ro service between the Italian Mediterranean port of Livorno and Catania, the industrial hub of Sicily. Two vessels, the Eurocargo Malta and Eurocargo Genova, are plying the twice-weekly route, which also calls at Malta and Genoa. The vessels have a loading capacity of about 4,000 metres of rolling cargo and a speed of 23 knots.

Trucks to pay for pollutionThe EU wants Member States to charge trucks for air and noise pollution as well as infrastructure costs. The idea is to revise the ‘Eurovignette Directive’ to help Member States deal with congestion problems better. The plan offers the opportunity to charge different rates for using the same piece of road at different times of day. “It is part of a much broader drive to create a ‘fair financial’ framework for transport where prices for the different transport modes reflect the real costs to society and the taxpayer,” according to Siim Kallas, Vice President of the European Commission and responsible for transport.

New border crossing point: Bulgaria-GreeceBulgaria and Greece will be opening a new crossing point on their joint border. After the first ever joint sitting of the governments of Bulgaria and Greece took place in July, the Bulgarian President and Greek Prime Minister confirmed, amongst other decisions, the upcoming opening of the Ivaylovgrad-Kiprinios border crossing point located in the south of Bulgaria and in the very northeast of Greece. This will be the fifth crossing on the 493km long Bulgarian-Greek border, which already has four border crossings – Kulata-Promahonas, Ilinden-Eksohi, Svilengrad-Ormenion, and Zlatograd-Xanthi. The last one is only for cars and was opened in January 2010.

Change of addresses for Rome Customs Clearance DepotThe main, historical Rome Customs Office, known as Dogana di Roma - San Lorenzo, is moving to two new sites. From September 24, Customs Clearances are now being carried out in Via del Commercial 27 and at the Centro Agroalimentare (Agricultural and Food Centre). The new site is in the Ostiense area, quite a distance from the San Lorenzo one. To go from San Lorenzo to Via del Commercio 27 means crossing the city centre with serious problems for drivers and local circulation.

News RoundupEuropean News

R&S is grateful to FEDEMAC for its contribution to this section


Do you have any news? If you have please send it to: The Editor, Steve Jordan, Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd, 26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 9LDTel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 Email: [email protected]

European News

SNCF in line to collect French ‘green’ tax on trucks

This summer SNCF, the French Rail Group, became a member of a consortium tendering to implement and

run a scheme for the collection of a ‘green’ tax to be levied on trucks in France. The consortium is 70%-controlled by Italian motorway concession group ‘Autostrade’ and the French railways, with a 10% stake, is expected to provide expertise via its subsidiaries operating in the field of network maintenance management and logistics.

The irony of a rail utility having a role to play in collecting a tax on HGVs is further enriched by the fact that this year, SNCF, for the first time in its history, is set to earn more of its global turnover from road transport businesses than from trains. Three other consortia, including one headed by France Telecom and another by French motorway concessionary group ‘Sanef’, are also candidates to operate the scheme.

The task facing the future operator is to set up a taxation system, applicable to up to 850,000 trucks (including 600,000 vehicles registered in France) and extending over 12,000km of French highways, toll-free motorways and the secondary network – the aim being to encourage shippers to use other modes of transport than road.

The introduction of the HGV green tax scheme has already been postponed twice, having initially been planned to launch this year and next. The scheme is now unlikely to become operational before the second half of 2012. If the scheme goes ahead trucks would be taxed at between euro 0.12 and euro 0.20 per kilometre, which could generate revenue for the state coffers of euro 1.2 billion a year.

Ironically, SNCF is set to earn more of its global turnover from road transport businesses than from trains, for the first time in its history

FEDEMAC has provided R&S with information in an attempt to better explain the growing confusion over the use and

requirements of customs numbers and codes. The main confusion appears to relate to the numbers being used at present and those to be used in the future for different reasons.

Most of the changes are as a result of the very long and very complex rules relating to European Union Regulation 1875/2006 which contains many different elements which are being introduced over a period of years.

Further confusions appear to be arising as a result of the different ‘start dates’ for particular changes.

Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI). The EORI system is a European Union-wide system. This requirement was introduced on 1 July, 2009 in all 27 Member States. EORI numbers are issued in each EU country with one registration number format which is recognised in all EU countries and recorded on a central EU database.

Some EU Member States initially had difficulties in implementing EORI Regulations. Consequently, the EU Commission advised EU Member States that they should not strictly enforce the requirement. This period of flexible enforcement of the EORI number came to an end and the EORI Regulation was fully enforced with effect from 1 July, 2010.

EORI numbers allow customs in any EU Member State to identify traders in all EU States. In addition the numbers will be used for the exchange of information between the customs authorities as well as between customs authorities and other authorities, for example other government departments, but only in respect of the movement of goods involving a customs procedure.

EORI numbers must also be provided by carriers on provision to the customs authorities of pre-arrival and pre-departure information on all goods entering and leaving the customs territory of the Community and for imports from and/or exports to countries outside the European Union (EU). Note: Norway and Switzerland have the same status, in relation to these matters, as an EU Member State.

EORI and the EU 24-hour manifest ruleThe filer of an entry summary declaration (ENS) and exit (EXS) under the EU 24-hour manifest rule must include their own EORI number in the ENS/EXS and, if they are not the carrier, must also include the carrier’s EORI number.

When the EU 24-hour manifest rule becomes effective on 31 December, 2010 all cargo imported to/exported from the EU will have to show EORI numbers on ENS/EXS declarations and on manifests. Most shipping lines are working on the EU24 project and their systems plus full instructions are expected to be made available to customers globally before the end of 2010.

HS CodesThe Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) of tariff nomenclature is an internationally standardised system of names and numbers for classifying traded products developed and maintained by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) (formerly the Customs Co-operation Council), an independent intergovernmental organisation with over 170 member countries based in Brussels, Belgium.

The HS system is being brought into use by the EU as of 1 January, 2011 but at this stage it will not be compulsory.

As of 1 January, 2011 moving companies involved in international work will be allowed to use: the HS codes; a packing list giving proper/accepted descriptions; and/or both.

However, whilst the use of the HS code alone will not be made compulsory to begin with there will be considerable pressure to use the codes and their use may well become compulsory at a later date. Movers are therefore advised to start using the HS codes at the earliest opportunity in order to become familiar with them before any further anticipated legislation.

According to the information given by the European Commission, the first six digits of the HS code should always be the same for the movement of used household goods and personal effects. Individual countries can then add additional specific numbers for their own purposes and depending on their own needs, for example, statistics, etc. The European Commission is very interested to know if there is a discrepancy in the first six digits and have advised that they are obliged to deal with such matters and that they will deal with these issues to ensure that Member States are acting correctly. However, to do this it is necessary to have adequate proof such as a scanned copy of relevant documents, etc. It is not sufficient to receive verbal reports or e-mails referring to comments by operators.

FEDEMAC is continuing to monitor these matters and trying to gain further clarification on issues which are still causing confusion. As mentioned above the complete Regulation is very complex and involves many changes and introductions of new requirements which are being introduced over a period of time.

Customs numbers and codesImporting/exporting household goods and personal effects to or from the European Union.


European News


The report of the meeting said that the European Commission is currently working on a ‘Standardisation Package’, which

will include a legislative proposal to revise the existing legal framework on European standardisation and set the standardisation policy for the next decade. It “… should build on the strengths of the existing system which constitutes a solid base for improvement, refraining from any radical changes that would undermine its core values.” It should not require a “complete overhaul of the system” the report said.

The report concluded that, “The full potential of the single market cannot be released without the support of a modern standardisation process,” adding that “mutually agreed voluntary standards have enabled better regulation, stimulated business competitiveness and removed barriers to trade.” It also hints that the European Commission will be seeking to impose more compulsory standards in the future with its comment: “The extension of the use of standards in new areas of Union legislation and policies is desirable, taking into account the specificities of the areas concerned in accordance with the principles of better regulation.”

In a comment that suggested increased participation and perhaps control of the standardisation process the report said: “It should be also emphasised that in most Member States public authorities show a limited interest in participating in the standards development process, notwithstanding the

importance of standardisation as a tool to support legislation and public policies. Member States, and in particular market surveillance authorities, should send representatives to take part in all national technical committees mirroring the development of standards in support of EU policies and legislation.”

It would be a mistake to think that the EC’s attention in this regard will be focused mainly on large industry sectors. In the section entitled ‘Facilitating access to standards’ the report states: “Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of the European economy, their involvement in standardisation is not always commensurate with their economic importance. Moreover, standards are not always designed and adapted to take account of the characteristics and environment of SMEs, in particular small, micro and craft enterprises. It

is necessary, therefore, to ensure that standards are comprehensible and easy to use so that they can be better implemented by all users. Measures should be also taken to ensure that SMEs are able to fully take part in the development of standards and have easier, and less costly, access to them.”

In its conclusion the report said that the ongoing debate on the review of the European standardisation system should build on the strengths of the existing system which constitutes a solid base for improvement, refraining from any radical changes that would undermine its core values. It then offered some 43 proposals including:• Calling on the Commission to simplify procedures where possible, and specifically to take the ‘think small first’ principle into account in future changes; • Calling on the Commission to present an action plan aimed at a more integrated EU standardisation system, more efficient and effective standard-setting, better access to standardisation, in particular for innovative and high-growth companies, a stronger EU role in standard-setting at international level and a more sustainable financing system for the development of standards.

For a long time there has been concern in the moving industry that if general standards were not developed and embraced then they would be imposed from Europe. This report appears to support this theory.

Standardisation – the European viewA sitting of the European parliament in October discussed the future of European standardisation and came to a number of conclusions that relate directly to BAR’s current plans for a Standards-based membership.

“ ... mutually agreed voluntary standards have enabled better regulation, stimulated business competitiveness and removed barriers to trade.”

The European parliament’s conclusions could have a bearing on BAR’s plans for Standards-based membership



European News

The European Parliament recently adopted the revised Late Payment Directive setting a general 30-day deadline for

invoice payment, for both public and private sectors. Member States will have two years to transpose the new directive which means by 2013 at the latest, this will be the binding law in the European Union. However, many MEPs will be pushing for an earlier transposition into the national laws.

The directive sets a general 30-day deadline for paying invoices and only in exceptional cases will this period be extended. For public authorities, it will not be possible to have a longer paying period than 60 days. This is important given the amount of money spent in public procurement in the EU each year. The Directive will improve the behaviour of public authorities through the introduction of compensation for recovery costs making it easier to claim interest on outstanding amounts.

The aim of the revised directive is to make life for SMEs and businesses easier, to cut down the risk of liquidity problems and, in extreme cases, bankruptcies. It is estimated that European businesses spend an estimated euro 25 billion (around 22 billion pounds sterling) per year chasing late payments from the public and private sectors. The revised directive will now provide businesses with the instruments effectively to exercise their rights and confront debtors in case of late payment.

The only derogation that the European parliament agreed to involves health care institutions; however this remains optional for the Member States. Other provisions state that public authorities can extend the deadline up to 60 days, but not exceed it; companies may charge 8% interest on overdue invoices and euro 40 (approximately 35 pounds sterling) to cover expenses that might have occurred.

EU VAT?

There are rumblings in the media that the European Commission is exploring the possibility of the EU generating its own funding

through a system of European taxes. The commission has decided in a budget review

that the current funding system in which two thirds of the EU’s budget is provided by Member States is no longer the most suitable method.

A report in The Guardian newspaper says that any new system could involve a European level VAT system, as well as EU taxes on fi nancial market transactions, air travel, and carbon emissions. BBC News reports that the UK, France and Germany have all rejected the idea of an EU level tax system.

The European Commission has now published the 4th edition of the CMS: a Consumer Markets Scoreboard revealing

which markets meet consumer expectations. Out of 50 industries surveyed the removals and storage industry came 35th out of 50.

Earlier this year the FEDEMAC Board took the decision to sign up to the Consumer Scoreboard project following a direct request from the European Commission. The FEDEMAC Board felt it necessary to be willing to cooperate with the Commission in case the industry was badly rated in the exercise and in case any

remedial action was thought necessary. As it turned out the survey included the moving industry anyway.

Whilst it is too early to know if the Commission will call upon us for follow-up action, the initial results would appear to give the moving industry a rating of 74.6 with the worst performers achieving 65.3 and the best 83.5.

The autumn 2010 Scoreboard reveals that investments, pensions and securities, real estate services and Internet service provision are the three markets most likely to be failing consumers across the EU. Among goods markets,

Movers come 35 out of 50 in consumer survey

second-hand cars, clothing and footwear and meat have scored lowest. At the other end of the spectrum, airlines show good results in spite of the disruptions of spring 2010 and consumers also appreciate cultural goods and services. The Scoreboard ranks consumer markets by looking at indicators such as comparability, consumer trust, consumer satisfaction, problems, complaints, the ease of switching providers, prices, etc. The purpose is to identify the markets that appear most at risk of malfunctioning and to analyse problems and identify solutions. For the fi rst time, the Scoreboard ranks as many as 50 different markets – from food to domestic appliances to car repair – in all EU countries.

Out of the 50 different markets and with 1 being the worst performer and 50 being the best, the removals and storage industry comes in at around number 15. So nothing to be too complacent about but at the same time the differences between the ‘middle-runners’ are very marginal and it is perhaps reassuring to note that no news is good news as far as specifi c mentioning by the Commission is concerned. As a comparison the Commission actually praises the Airline industry which came in at 31 with a rating of 77.7. It is not yet known whether the Commission will ask for any action from the moving industry.

The full survey can be viewed at: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/strategy/docs/4th_edition_scoreboard_en.pdf.

The 4th edition of the CMS gives the moving industry a rating of 74.6

the CMS gives the

Late Payments DirectivePositive help for businesses

Caroline Mason of John Mason & Sons and her brother Simon, currently working with Crown Worldwide in

San Francisco, have won the FIDI top student award in Essentials in International Moving (EIM) in consecutive years. Caroline did her training in Brussels in November last year; Simon took the course in Denver this September.

“It was a week of intensive training, classroom learning, group work and field trips,” said Caroline. “Apart from learning so much about the moving industry, it is also really enjoyable as there is the opportunity to network and meet people from around the world. The tutors were also brilliant, really knowledgeable and enthusiastic about passing on their expertise and although the course is hard work, the tutors make it fun. I would definitely recommend attending the EIM, it’s a great experience and I am looking forward to participating in other FIDI Academy courses in the future.”

Simon also had fun on the course and learned a lot too. “I found the EIM a thoroughly enjoyable and empowering

experience. It reinforced some of the knowledge I already had of the industry whist teaching me new areas I have not previously encountered.” Simon also paid tribute to his tutors - Jesse Van Sas from Interdean Belgium, Kim Ngoc from Saigon Van International Relocations, and Maria Lundberg of ICM Kungsholms who he said were excellent and did a great job in making the learning sessions as interactive as possible. “They also were very adept at making even the most nervous of students at ease during the presentations and role plays,” he said. “I left the course feeling confident that I had improved my knowledge whilst making friends for life, from all over the world.”


People News

50

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And another thing ...

51

Banks, and why I hate them By WALLY WHINGER

I’ve always hated banks, they made my life a misery when I was a young married man struggling to pay a mortgage and now when

things are a little easier they keep sending me letters offering loans I don’t need at interest rates nobody in their right mind would pay anyway. Oh, and then there’s the credit card cheques, to help me over Christmas or that ‘unexpected emergency’ with an interest rate of only 19.5% APR … they’re having a laugh!

The banks’ post crash PR campaigns are out to convince us they’re our true friends. Watch their TV adverts and see how many times the words ‘help’ or ‘helpful’ are mentioned and how they all want to treat us as individuals – what twaddle.

Here’s an example. The current custodian of my modest funds has assigned, for my convenience, a personal banker who according to the letter was there ‘in branch’ to deal with any problems or give advice about my financial affairs; they even gave me his direct line number so I could avoid the usual rigmarole when I called. Trouble is he’s never there; it’s just another answering machine telling me everyone’s away on a course, or some other drivel. When I did finally meet ‘Damian’ he looked about twelve, wore white socks and an earring, called me mate all the time and kept

saying ‘cool’ at the end of every sentence – not exactly Mr Mainwaring.

Another thing that drives me mad is all the different kinds of accounts they try to flog you ... none of them paying any interest that you’d notice. Back in the good old days most people had a current account and, if you were lucky enough to have any spare cash, another one for savings. Now it’s a bit like Starbucks; there’s a Silver account, a Gold account, a Super Premier account or if you’re very posh a Platinum Premium Elite account, all with a different monthly fee covering ‘value added benefits’ that are usually of no value or benefit at all.

On the rare occasions when I’ve needed to raise some serious money for some scheme or other the banks have always been completely useless. The rule seems to be that if you’ve already got plenty of dosh they’ll lend you some more, but if you haven’t you don’t have a prayer. And even if they do condescend to cough up when times are good, they’ll chop your legs off the moment things start to get tough … very helpful.

Mark Twain once wrote, “A banker is a man who lends you his umbrella when it’s not raining and takes it away when it starts.” Ain’t that the truth?Happy Christmas

Can you think of any subjects for our grumpy old man to get his teeth into?

You can email him at:

[email protected]

Oh dear! Looks like last month’s competition was too hard as few had a guess and nobody recognised Jonathan Hood’s swirly features squinting off the page. Oh well! Let’s try again. This time it’s really easy so, if you want to win a free quarter-page advert for your company in R&S get your answers in now.

Answers to [email protected]

Solution to November’s puzzle

While the Act does and will have an impact in other areas (such as goods and services, premises, education,

etc.), the main changes and key concepts from an employment perspective can be summarised as follows:-

Key Concepts‘Protected Characteristics’The Act lists the protected characteristics as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation. There is no change from the list of characteristics protected under existing laws and the majority of the definitions remain the same, although there are some minor changes: for example gender reassignment is to be widened by removing any requirement for medical supervision. Interestingly, the Act lists pregnancy and maternity but does not define them.

Direct Discrimination In order to show that they have been directly discriminated against, employees must show that they have been treated less favourably than a real or hypothetical comparator ‘on grounds of’ a particular characteristic. There is currently no requirement for a comparator in pregnancy and maternity cases and in other cases it can be difficult to find a suitable comparator. The success or failure of a case largely depends on the choice of an appropriate comparator.

While serious consideration was given on whether to remove the requirement of a comparator, ultimately, the current approach was retained on the basis that discrimination is principally about equal rather that fair treatment. Removing the need for a comparator would make it harder to ascribe actions to inequitable treatment.

There is however one significant point of note in the wording of the new definition. The words ‘on the grounds of’ are replaced by ‘because of’. The intention of this word change is not to change the meaning but to ‘make it more accessible to the ordinary user’.

Indirect DiscriminationFollowing the House of Lords decision in London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm (2008) which significantly weakened the law on disability related discrimination, the

government has had to rethink its position and make a change in respect of indirect disability discrimination.

It is now proposed that disability related discrimination should be replaced by a new prohibition on indirect discrimination against disabled people.

The definitions of indirect discrimination shall now be harmonised in relation to all protected characteristics and will now cover both disability and gender reassignment.

The provisions of the Act have not changed in relation to indirect discrimination against pregnant women or women on maternity leave. This will still fall under the remit of indirect sex discrimination.

Associative and Perceived DiscriminationCurrently the law relating to perceived discrimination is inconsistent. For example, direct discrimination on the grounds of perceived (rather than actual) race, sexual orientation, religion or age is prohibited under current law. Equally, direct discrimination based on the same grounds (with the exception of age) of a person with whom an employee associates is also prohibited. However, currently there is no such protection of discrimination based on perception or association in relation to sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability or gender reassignment.

Following the ECJ decision in Attridge LLP v Coleman, the government extended the prohibition against associative and perceptive direct discrimination and harassment to other strands and areas where this does not currently apply. Accordingly, subject to any of the defences available, discrimination or harassment based on association and perception (with the exception of marriage or civil partnerships) is prohibited.

VictimisationVictimisation has been redefined so that it no longer requires a Claimant to establish that he has been less favourably treated than someone who has not performed a protected act. Victimisation can only apply to individuals.

Previously, victimisation in a discrimination case required an employee to show that he or she had been treated less favourably than a comparator. This provision is being removed as it is believed that it will lead to a more effective

system, although in reality it is not likely to lead to any major change as the central question for a Tribunal to consider (why person A has subjected person B to a detriment) will almost certainly involve consideration of how A treats other people in any event.

HarassmentThe Equality Act 2010 will align protection from harassment in the employment field across most of the protected characteristics. Pregnancy and maternity along with marriage and civil partnership are excluded although, importantly, employers may now have liability in cases where their employees harass a third party.

Harassment is defined as ‘unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic’. Therefore harassment will also be based on association and perception.

Combined Discrimination Combined discrimination is a new concept introduced by the Act and is designed to cover circumstances where employees suffer discrimination on multiple grounds.

Under the Act, claims will only be able to be brought in relation to a combination of two (and not more) of the protected characteristics. For example, an employee can only bring a sex and race discrimination case although in reality employees who believe they have been discriminated on three or more grounds can simply bring alternative claims to cover all bases.

Combined discrimination claims do not cover pregnancy/maternity and married/civil partner status actions.

Under the new Act a combined discrimination claim could be successful even though an employee may not have been able to establish direct discrimination against either of the characteristics in the combination. However, the wording of the Act, ‘each of’ rather than ‘either of’ suggests that the Claimant would need to establish direct discrimination in respect of one of the two protected characteristics to succeed with a combined claim. Ultimately, this will need to be tested by the courts.

A combined discrimination claim cannot succeed where the employer, with reference to another section of the Act or another statutory provision, can show that its treatment of the Claimant was not direct discrimination because

The Equality Act 2010 – employment implicationsThe Equality Act 2010 (or at least most of it) came into force on 1 October, 2010. The legislation was designed to harmonise the existing discrimination legislation concerning sex, religion, sexual orientation, race, age and belief whilst adopting a single approach to discrimination laws where possible.By Steven Mayerhoff of Backhouse Jones Solicitors


The Equality Act 2010

52

of either or both of the characteristics in the combination. For example, in circumstances of a black man bringing a combined claim based on sex and race, if an employer can show that it is an occupational requirement for a job that it should be held by a woman, then an employer can justify refusing the job to the man and their refusal is not unlawful.

The new rules on combined (or dual) discrimination will not come into force on 1 October, 2010. The previous government intended them to take effect from April 2011 but the new government has not committed to this date.

At this stage it is unclear precisely how combined claims will work in practice as to a large extent, the direct discrimination laws probably provide adequate protection in any event.

Occupational Requirements and other DefencesThe old ‘Genuine Occupational Qualifi cation’ defence has been incorporated into a new occupational requirement defence although the effect is very similar to existing law.

While the words ‘genuine’ or ‘determining’ have been removed, employers seeking to rely on an occupation requirement defence must still show it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

In addition, the Act replicates existing defences such as lawful age discrimination in relation to benefi ts based on length of service, compulsory retirement, redundancy pay, minimum wage and life assurance. Employers may also rely on a ‘positive action defence’ by taking reasonable measures to train and encourage under represented groups.

SummaryWhile the changes to discrimination laws are generally consolidating existing legislation, inevitably, litigation will arise out of the drafting of the Act and its new provisions.

With this being the third VAT change within two years, many lessons have already been learnt by

business owners and HMRC. However, the removals and storage industry should consider their ‘time of supply’ carefully to minimise the impact on their business and customers.

Dawn Fisher of Wellers Accountants commented: “Companies must use the 20% rate for all invoices issued on or after 4 January, 2011. However, if your customer pays on or after 4 January, 2011 for something they take away or use before this date, then you can still use the current 17.5% rate. If you start work on a job before 4 January but fi nish afterwards you may account for the work done up to 3 January, 2011 at 17.5% and the remainder at 20%. By scheduling any jobs carefully, companies can make a huge difference to what their customers end up paying.

“Households having work done will be hit hard as they can’t offset any price increases passed on by the builder. However, it is also businesses that cannot claim back VAT that may be keen to schedule in work before

4 January. The type of businesses affected will include insurance brokers, universities and other entities not able to reclaim VAT.”

“Generally, companies need to decide whether or not to absorb the VAT rise or pass it on to the customer. If a remover is able to pass on the increase it can bring a little comfort to know that the 2.5% increase in VAT up to 20% actually equates to an overall increase to the customer of just 2.1%. For example, you have quoted £1,000 plus VAT for a job prior to the change in VAT rate, therefore the customer pays you £1,175. However, this same job from 4 January will now cost the customer £1,200. The difference in price is £25 or an increase of 2.1% on the original £1,175 they would have paid.”

“Suppliers will also have to decide whether to pass on the costs to you or to absorb them. Try to fi nd out in advance how their pricing will change so that you can alter your budget and business plan accordingly. Try and do the best for clients by invoicing work complete up to the change date and making them aware that you have done so.”Visit www.wellersaccountants.co.uk.

Removals and storage companies should plan ahead of VAT riseOn 4 January, 2011 the standard rate of VAT will be rising to 20%. Wellers Accountants are advising removals and storage companies to schedule in as much work ahead of the rise, particularly for households and non-VAT registered businesses. By Wellers Accountants.

For further information please contact Steven Meyerhoff on 01254 828300 or e-mail steven.meyerhoff @backhouses.co.uk.

passed on by the builder. However, it is also businesses that cannot claim back VAT that may be keen to schedule in work before

up to the change date and making them awarethat you have done so.”Visit www.wellersaccountants.co.uk.


The VAT rise

53

The ‘It will not happen to me’ scenario does not stand up to scrutiny. The industry has not suffered major losses on a regular

basis, although there have been incidents which remind us that these events do occur with serious consequences.

Of course the cynical would suggest that this is yet another ploy by the insurance industry, to scare companies into increasing sums insured and as a consequence increase premiums at a time when the need to contain costs remains a high priority for members.

Calculating the sum insuredI believe that it is good business practice to review all sums insured for which the insurance cover is arranged on an annual basis to ensure that they remain adequate to fulfil the objectives of the policy. With regard to the insurance on buildings this is especially true if the sum is to be adequate to provide for the reinstatement of the buildings should they be severely damaged following a loss.

When calculating the sum insured it is important that the sum insured represents the full rebuilding cost of the property insured, this is not the market value of the property. It should also be borne in mind that whilst property values have fallen during the recession the cost of rebuilding has not. The sum insured should include the cost of any walls, gates, fences, outbuildings and annexes and any signs and nameplates.

In addition to the cost of rebuilding the sum insured should also take into account an allowance for:• Possible delays in rebuilding and alteration in design;• Site clearance and debris removal costs, e.g. moving debris from the site after a fire; • Local authority requirements, for example since the building was originally constructed the local authority may require its replacement to incorporate changes to fire escapes and cloakrooms;• Professional fees, e.g. architects’ and surveyors’ fees. As a guide the costs incurred by architects, consulting engineers, solicitors and surveyors represent 10 – 15% of the rebuilding cost.

Under insuranceThe result of underinsurance is that the policy may not provide enough money to rebuild the property insured. In the event of a major loss such as a fire this scenario could leave the business very exposed with a serious possibility that it may not survive the loss.

Average Condition Most insurance policies include an Average Condition, which means that if the sum insured is found to be inadequate following a loss then the claim payment may be proportionately

reduced. For example, if the sum insured is only 50% of the ‘true’ value, then only 50% of the amount claimed will be paid. It is important to remember that the onus for setting adequate sums insured falls on the policyholder.

Day one basis of reinstatement and index linkingIt is likely that the policy will include a provision that automatically provides for an increase to the sum insured to counter the effects of inflation to the cost of rebuilding during the policy and rebuilding periods.

There are two main methods of countering the effects of inflation to the sum insured, namely:(i) Day one basis of reinstatement – the sum insured is shown in two parts – the Declared Value (normally shown in brackets) and the Sum Insured. The declared value should represent the reinstatement cost on the first day of the period of insurance (i.e. on “Day One”). The Declared Value is then increased by an agreed percentage, usually 15%, (the inflation provision) to produce the ‘Sum Insured’, which should be adequate to meet the reinstatement costs that could be incurred until the end of the period of reinstatement. This could be years after the damage has occurred. (ii) Index linking - the sum insured is automatically increased by a specified percentage at renewal based on the rate of increase specified by the index used by insurers in relation to rebuilding costs. The most common index used by insurers in the UK is that of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) rebuilding cost index

It should be stressed that for either of these mechanisms to be effective the rebuilding sum insured must be correctly calculated in the first place and noted that these are not designed to compensate for any underinsurance in relation to the original sum insured.

Perils insuredMost policies available to removal companies provide cover against a range of perils and the current competitive environment within the insurance industry ensures that these policies remain extremely cost effective.

However, if a company is looking to reduce costs further I would always start by looking at the scope of the cover to be provided and not by compromising the sum insured. For example, I would identify the most serious risks to which the buildings are exposed and look to arranging insurance cover which will provide protection against these for the full sum insured. The fact that fire could threaten the very existence of the business means that this will invariably be top of the list of perils to insure.

Next month: Business Interruption insurance

Insurance part 1 -

PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS: BUILDINGSBy Bob Tree, Director, Basi Fry & Co Ltd

If you have any comments or queries concerning this article please contact Bob Tree at Basil Fry & Company on 01372 385985 or by e-mail at [email protected].


Insurance

54

Andy and Ian were taking a break. For the past two weeks they had been stacking trucks five high with crates.

“It all seems pointless,” Ian mused. “The expense must be colossal, moving from Upper Thames Street to a building a hundred yards away and those at the other place coming here. Weird!”

Ian sipped his coffee. God, he thought, how can we land men on the moon but not produce a machine capable of vending a palatable beverage? He took an even deeper than usual drag on his Benson.

Andy checked his watch, “It’s not quite midnight, he’ll be along.” They walked outside and across to the river. Big Ben struck the hour. “Here he comes.” Ian spotted Charlie in the shadows and Big Ben was forgotten.

“Hullo Charlie,” they chorused. They need not have bothered, but then they didn’t expect any response. Charlie shuffled past and took up his customary spot beside the river.

“You know, Andy, I’m dying to know what makes Charlie tick.” Andy sensed Ian was tuned to the same wavelength as himself. Ian went on, “Talking to the security man earlier, I heard a gruesome tale. Just listen to this. Charlie had a friend, just one. They were inseparable. They ate, lived, slept and worked together in security. The friend developed an addiction for illegal substances, consequently losing his job. After that it was downhill all the way, finally begging around the streets to pay for the next fix.”

Andy interrupted. “So where does Charlie fit in?”

“Hold on,” Ian snapped, “I’m getting there. I told you they were inseparable. Charlie went with him. They became creatures of the night, living rough, begging by day, then coming here at midnight to buy drugs and when the friend crashed out Charlie protected him until he recovered his senses. But the begging couldn’t keep pace financing the situation. The friend came here to meet the drug people and they put him in the water. He was washed up down river some days later. Unbeknown to the crooks, however, Charlie was waiting in the shadows. He couldn’t save his friend but the crooks activities ended there. What was left of them was discovered at daybreak. He literally ripped them to pieces.”

“That’s awful, poor Charlie. Mind you, I wouldn’t cross him if I were in an armoured car,” said Andy. “Okay, his hair hasn’t seen a comb for months and the smell defies description but he’s awesome. Frankly I’d rather tackle a gorilla!”

Ian concurred, “His mind has obviously gone. He comes here night after night thinking his friend will come out of the water. But when he doesn’t appear, where does Charlie go? Where

does he spend his days?” They stubbed out their dog ends and went inside. The lift door opened revealing the friendly foreman. Andy got in and pressed a button. “Mr Foreman, like yourself, we’re intrigued with Charlie. Will you cover our absence if we follow him?” The foreman took his hand and shook it. “I thought you two were okay. No problem, but keep your distance. Predictable isn’t in that one’s vocabulary.”

Dawn finally arrived and Charlie stirred from his vigil, stretched a few times and ambled off. As he passed, the lads, concealed in the shadows, saw Charlie’s expressionless face for the first time. “I see frustration and disappointment,” Ian whispered. “Look at the eyes,” Andy responded, “never seen such evil. He did those dealers for sure.”

The lads followed keeping a very safe distance. In the hours that followed, the lads discovered every alley, every tunnel, every viaduct they never knew existed. “I know where he’s heading,” Andy poked Ian playfully, “he’s off to Harrods to pump up his supply of exclusive body deodorant!” They laughed despite their aching legs. They followed another myriad of back streets and dark alleys, then suddenly a blaze of light. They were in Brompton Road, Knightsbridge staring at Harrods.

“Well I’m bu....” Andy started. Ian cut him short. “That doorman, look, he’s talking to Charlie. Now where are they going?” The lads followed Charlie and the doorman through a tiny opening and along a passage, down some stairs to a cellar. In the half light they could see the doorman had a huge plate of food which he put beside Charlie who was already nearly asleep. He covered Charlie with a filthy army greatcoat and turned to leave. “Who’s there?” he whispered, not wanting to disturb Charlie. “What’s yer game?”

“No game, honest Mister, just worried about Charlie.” Ian explained what they knew of the character, now sleeping peacefully. “Okay, lads, park your butts and I’ll fill the gaps.”

“Right, Charlie and me were in the parachute regiment during the first Iraqi conflict. The authorities in their wisdom pumped us full of a right concoction of drugs. It affected many of us badly. My concentration suffered, Charlie developed a taste for injections. When we came out of service we lost touch ... that is until I found him begging and homeless. He deserved better so I gave him a base. Only a cellar but safe. We soldiers stick together you know.”

The lads glanced again at the sleeping figure. “I never saw Charlie’s friend out of that army coat till the night he died. He left it here. Reckon he knew his number was up and left it here for his friend, like a memento, you know. Well, it

worked. He comes back every day to sleep with it. Problem is,” he went on, “now the secret’s out I’ll have to turn him out, can’t risk losing this job.”

Ian scratched his brow. “Couldn’t we take him? The Guv’nor wants more security. He’s sick of all the trouble at the depot.”

“Oh, yeah,” Andy mocked, “Charlie will come quietly. I think not.”

“He might if we had that coat,” suggested Ian. Andy jumped up. “You’re a genius. Mr Doorman, when Charlie leaves tonight can you get that coat to us?” The doorman nodded. “I’ll bring it myself.” “Good. Ian, let’s go. I’ll tell you the plan on the way back.” They got back to Lower Thames Street in time to start their shift.

As usual at midnight, Charlie appeared and took his place looking at the water. The foreman and the lads came out for their fag, then got back to work. Shortly before dawn, Ian asked for another break. The foreman joined him.

“So where’s Andy?” he enquired, “Skiving like the rest I expect?”

“I don’t rightly know,” Ian replied, “but something’s up. He got me to phone the Guv’nor and persuade him to employ Charlie in Security and said to have the transit open with the engine running as it got light.”

“Did your boss agree to that?” the foreman asked. “Oh, yes. I told him all Charlie needed was a container to kip in and a bite to eat, but I think the no wages bit swung it!” The foreman nudged Ian. “Look Charlie’s moving back. I’ve never seen him do that before.”

In the half light they saw first one hand, then another, reach over the parapet alongside the river. Slowly a figure dragged itself up and over the wall. The foreman visibly trembled. “Mother of ...” whispered the foreman. “It’s a soldier. He’s been in the water.”

The figure stood before Charlie, Thames water pouring from his army greatcoat. “Hallo, old friend,” he said, ruffling Charlie’s matted hair. “I knew you’d wait for me.” The evil drained from Charlie’s face and he got to his feet. “Come on Charlie, let’s go home.”

As the bedraggled pair passed Ian and the foreman a familiar face glanced at Ian and grinned, “Drive, please.”

As they made themselves comfortable in the back of the transit Ian approached them. “You’re as mad as he was. If that stunt hadn’t worked he would have torn you limb from limb.”

“But he didn’t did he?!” Andy grinned. “Home, James, I’ve done my bit.”

“And another thing Mr Smart Arse,” Ian chided, “I know,” Andy laughed, “A dog is for life not just for Christmas.”

Charlie’s ChristmasIt was the season of goodwill. The entire nation was rushing about in confusion, wondering what they had forgotten! In just two days it would be Christmas and the world was a wonderful place ... for most! By Ray Slemmings


Christmas story

55

Dubai: A changing market?Dubai seems to be undergoing a great restructure in its commercial interests. Despite the current recession in the property and construction industry, Move One’s Managing Director Curt Clements, based in Dubai, believes that the outlook for the removals industry is mainly positive. However, there may be some potential points for concern which need to be taken into account when operating with and within the region.


Moving to Dubai

56

Dubai’s economic boom, taking it from a village relying on pearl fishing to an opulent metropolis in just a couple of

decades, has led to high levels of immigration and population growth leading to a massive construction surge.

Although the global economic downturn, combined with speculative buying over the past decade, has left the future of Dubai’s construction industry in question, the UAE remains attractive to foreign investors. Today, close to 10,000 companies are located in Emirates’ free trade zones. Planned airport expansions will make the UAE one of the most important transport hubs in the Middle East, allowing passengers and cargo to bypass European layovers on their way to Asia. However, this is not without its challenges.

Now more than ever, one major concern of all those in the forwarding industry is the security of freight, as highlighted by recent events when explosives were sent via passenger and cargo aircraft disguised as toner cartridges. Curt believes that the industry will see a major security reaction to this. “We could see fewer carrier options, reduced schedules, increased costs and longer transit times for shippers of personal effects in the coming months and even years. This could worsen if tensions escalate.”

“We can anticipate future disruptions to removals operations should hostilities break out,” Curt said. “One short-term effect would most likely be a spike in removals as families move further from the tensions. It is also likely that military action could close or disrupt the economically important shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf as well as airspace surrounding Iran. This of course would lead to higher costs, capacity issues and greater transportation costs.” Ultimately, hostilities could possibly lead to higher insurance and operating costs especially if the UAE was drawn into action in any way.

One of the biggest concerns of all companies operating in Dubai has been the constant and consistent yearly rise in property prices. However,

with the market now more or less in free fall and with vacancy rates at about 50-70% in commercial property and 40-50% in residential property, there has been much needed relief for renters and businesses. However, this has had a negative effect on bank loans as companies drive down their expat salaries and benefits in line with accommodation costs.

With the current real estate climate in Dubai, the government is attempting to diversify from property and construction and focusing more on financial services, tourism and light manufacturing. Although initially this may appear to be negative for the removals industry, Curt believes that this could have a positive effect on international removals. He said, “The timing may be just right for us to capitalise on this. If New York and London continue to chase away the financial service companies then we could see some of them seriously considering Dubai as their base and hub.”

Dubai has always been a top choice for expats with approximately 200,000 people deciding to move there each year. This mass influx, mainly thanks to the appeal of tax free pay cheques, means that only 5% of the population of Dubai is indigenous Emirati. Along with rapid development and the explosion of the global media, Internet and social networking there is little doubt that there will be an effect on the Dubaian culture and traditions, possibly leading to a more westernised culture. The growing insecurity and protectionism of the culture has led to an increased number of prosecutions and state measures to enforce local Emirati custom and law.

Encouragingly, Curt believes that these possible social clashes will not materialise. “Most, if not all, UAE banks are fully leveraged and heavily exposed to a drop in real estate. This combined with Emirate Airlines’ global ambitions and the need to fill up its existing fleet, as well as billions of dollars worth of back ordered aircraft, are key incentives for the government to ensure these social issues are resolved.”

“ We can anticipate future disruptions to removals operations should hostilities break out ... ” Curt Clements

Dubai: A changing market?Dubai seems to be undergoing a great restructure in its commercial interests. Despite the current recession in the property and construction industry, Move One’s Managing Director Curt Clements, based in Dubai, believes that the outlook for the removals industry is mainly positive. However, there may be some potential points for concern which need to be taken into account when operating with and within the region.

Above: Curt and Erika Clements in front of Dubai’s Burj al Arab;Top right: the old city;Bottom right: a metro station; Right: the monorail


Moving to Dubai

57

What motivates?Thoughts on staff motivation gleaned from the BAR roadshow by Steve Jordan

I felt a bit of a fraud at the BAR roadshow this year. Unlike my fellow speakers, all of whom were experts in their fi eld, I was a

complete novice. I was aware that I was out of my depth.

My subject was ‘Staff Motivation’. Now if you chat to our staff I trust they are not too demoralised, but I’m hardly an authority on the subject. My interest came from my experiences many years ago when I ran a moving company. We always suffered from a ‘them and us’ problem between the offi ce staff and the on-road crews. It was mainly animosity coming up the stairs from the warehouse with the crews venting their anger on incompetent salesmen (usually me) who, they felt, didn’t understand the pressures they were under. I had some sympathy with them until their dissatisfaction became obvious to the customers – then I lost patience. Did they not understand that they were as much, if not more, a part of the sales process as I was? Clearly not.

Thirty years on I felt sure that the problem would have been solved. The moving industry is today far more sophisticated than it was in those days. Training is better, communication is better, employment regulations and health and safety have improved the working environment, and vehicles are positively luxurious by comparison to the old days. Yes, today everyone must be happy. Oh no! A few casual enquiries proved to me, very quickly, that the problem was, if anything, worse than ever. How can that be? What can be done?

So this was the question I had in mind when standing in front of the BAR roadshow attendees.


Motivating staff

58

I was not there to give but to receive. Thank you to all who gave so generously.

Firstly, there was general agreement that this really is a problem. Everyone admitted, to a greater or lesser extent, that relationships could be better. Everyone also appreciated the benefi t of fi nding a solution. A company that had all their staff feeling part of the company, feeling that it was as much their company as their employer’s, who would work for and rejoice in its success, would be a very powerful organisation indeed. They couldn’t agree on a golden bullet of course, I didn’t expect they would, but they did come up with some good suggestions that I promised to share. Here are some of the best:• To foster the best possible attitude with staff it’s vitally important that they understand that their success and that of the company are inextricably linked. To this aim bosses should share the company’s objectives with employees and demonstrate their role towards achieving them. That way they feel part of a team.• Employees should be given a clear career path, designed specifi cally for them to help them achieve their aims. If, for example a porter wishes to be a driver he should be told exactly what steps he needs to achieve on the way. If he wishes to be managing director, the same applies: although the employer might not wish to retire quite yet, the day will come when a new depot opens or there’s an MBO and that man’s ambition might well come to fruition.• Regular appraisals are a valuable tool in setting aims and identifying progress towards them.• People want to be taken seriously. Someone who has been a packer for 20 years has an

opinion worth listening to. His experience is invaluable. Managers should consult experienced staff, value their opinions and be seen to be acting on their advice. It is not a sign of weakness to take advice from a specialist.• Show some vulnerability. No boss can be perfect or know all the answers. Setting yourself up as infallible makes you a target. If you are open, people will come to you to provide help and guidance when necessary.• Take responsibility. If there are tough decisions to be made, consult by all means but make the fi nal decision yourself.• Empower people by giving them the responsibility for making the decisions that relate to their area of expertise. Let it be known that you trust them and will always stand by any decision they have made.• Give people credit for their achievements. Never claim someone else’s idea as your own. • Treat people with respect. Never embarrass or ridicule them.• Be fl exible by allowing them to arrange their working lives around their home life as much as is practical. Allowing someone to start later so they can take their child to school, for example, will help create loyalty as long as others don’t see it as favouritism. • Send people who are inexperienced or don’t perform well out with the high-performing crews so they can learn from them. Make sure the ‘teachers’ understand their role and are appreciated for it. • If you have staff meetings make sure the communication goes both ways. They are not an excuse for management to impose their will on staff: they should be a way for everyone to learn from each other.• Play together by taking part in charity events, national days, and organising social events. Staff should not feel compelled to take part, but given the opportunity of joining in.• Pay people as much as you can not as little as you can get away with. Small regular increases or bonuses, given freely, are appreciated more than larger awards given grudgingly. They will also be more willing to accept short working or pay freezes when necessary if you have a history of generosity. As long as people have enough money for their essential needs, money is not a great motivator – it’s the appreciation that a salary increase implies that they crave. The cash is nice too of course. • Say thank you regularly. Also, when possible, include their families in any celebration of their achievements. If someone does well, why not tell the press about it – local and trade.

Some of these seem diffi cult to achieve midst turmoil of battle in a busy company trying to keep its customers satisfi ed. But I suspect, if I had tried to apply a few more of these tips in my company all those years ago, it would have been a better, more profi table place to work. I’d be interested to know how you get on.

Empower people by giving them the responsibility for making the decisions that relate to their area of expertise. Let it be known that you trust them and will always stand by any decision they have made.


BAR Memberships December 2010Registered:The following Members have registered:

National Group

Hackworthy & Sons LtdMemb No: H002The DepositoryElliott RoadPrince RockPlymouthDevonPL4 0SBTel: 01752 228815Web: www.hackworthy.co.uk

Monkey RemovalsMemb No: M100Unit 3, Vulcan ParkGeorge StreetLincolnLincolnshireLN5 8LGTel: 01522 792434Web: www.monkeyremovals.com

Self Storage Special Interest Group

Maidmans Removals & Storage (Store & Secure)Memb No: M0185 Yeomans WatCastlepointBournemouthDorsetBH8 0BJTel: 01202 520220Web: www.storeandsecure.com

Branch

Weston & Edwards RemovalsMemb No: W066A3 Trade Zone Commerce ParkFromeSomersetBA11 2RYTel: 01373 334580

International Associate

Peter Morton Removals LtdMemb No: M331

Applications:BAR has received the following applications for:

National Group

Adams Removals LtdUnit 1, 2 & 3 Rowleys YardC/O 2-22 Woodlands Park RoadLondonN15 3RTTel: 0208 800 1212Web: www.adamsremovals.co.uk

Rossway Transport Services Ltd t/a RTS RemovalsPadd FarmHurst LaneEghamSussex TW20 8QJTel: 01344 845007Web: www.rtsremovals.com

Change of Name:

Cadogan Tate Worldwide Moving Limited has changed its name to Cadogan Tate LimitedMemb No: C106

Resignations:

Cadogan Tate Moving & Storage LtdMemb No: C105

Gosforth Removals Ltd Memb No: G002

Terminations:Non-Payment of Subscription

National Group

A&G Jenkins RemovalsMemb No: J006

Lancaster & Kelly LtdMemb No: L025

Wilds Removals (Strood) Ltd Memb No: W070

International Associates

Alpha International Memb No: A305

Asya International Movers LtdMemb No: A307

Classic Movers and Logistics (PVT) LtdMemb No: C407

Home PackMemb No: H314

International Sea & Air ShippingMemb No: I311

Intertrans MoversMemb No: I402

Tong-In International Co LtdMemb No: T310

Transportes Fluiters S.AMemb No: T308

National Affiliate

Wendover Corporation Memb No: W076

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 website: www.bar.co.uk

Memberships


Diary Dates

Feature Schedule 2011Every month Removals & Storage includes a number of feature items. These are planned well in advance to allow members of and suppliers to the industry to join in.

Here’s what’s coming up: February 2011: Japan; March 2011: Korea; April 2011: Luxembourg.

E-mail us on any of the topics mentioned, or with anything you wish to say, at [email protected] or phone Charlotte Freestone on 01908 695500.

Diary DatesNATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES 2011

BAR Conference 2011Renaissance City Hotel, ManchesterMay 12 – 14

FIDI Annual ConferenceLisbon, PortugalMay 1 – 5

OMNI ConferenceAlbufeira, PortugalMay 6 – 10

Young Movers ConferenceMaltaMay 26 – 29

European Self Storage Annual ConferencePortugal June 15-16

MöLo International Fair ‘Furniture Logistics, Removals and Services’Kassel, GermanyJune 16 – 18

AMÖ General Assembly Kassel, GermanyJune 18

BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2011

Board of DirectorsApril 6July 13December 7

Executive CommitteeJanuary 19March 16June 1September 21November 23

BAR AREA MEETINGS 2011

Kent AreaContact Tom Bourne: [email protected]

East Met AreaContact Ray Slemmings: 01708 440113 Northern AreaContact David McGarry: 01325 348700 Northern Ireland AreaContact Campbell McGimpsey: 028 9145 6222 South Western AreaContact Adrian Foster: 01752 228815 Sussex AreaContact Nicholas Marshall: 0845 602 1755

East Anglia AreaContact Andrew Pearson: 01362 853777

New Met AreaContact Darren House: 01932 253737March 8 - To be held at the Novotel, Heathrow

North West AreaContact Annette Harris: 0161 653 4455

Yorkshire AreaContact Graham Puddephatt: [email protected] 20 - Venue TBAAGMMarch 17 - Venue TBAMay 19 - Venue TBASeptember 8 - Venue TBANovember 19 - Hotel TBAAnnual Dinner

East Midlands AreaContact Jayne Cliffe: 01778 394291Meetings will be held at:The Haycock Hotel, Wansford January 19 7.00pmMarch 16 7.00pmMay 18 7.00pmSeptember 21 7.00pmNovember 16 7.00pm

Southern AreaContact Peter Doman: 01372 [email protected]

Western AreaContact Ria Russell: 01278 447099

West Midlands AreaContact Sarah Pargeter: 01384 377786

BAR SCOTTISH AREA MEETINGS 2011

Contact Georgina Berry: 01505 502220Meetings will be held at:Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn

Do you have any diary dates?E-mail them to [email protected]

Trafalgar Cases Ltd

Jewel in the crownTrafalgar Cases range of warehouse containers are generally accepted as being the best in the removal & storage industry, with many gems in their range.

The standard “Warehouse Container”, the jewel in their crown, has many features and benefits. The robust container can be used for heavy duty storage, archiving or converted into a suite conversion kit.

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING AT ITS BEST

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING IN PLYWOOD, SOFTWOOD & CORRUGATED BOARD

Stanhope Works, Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8HSTelephone: +44(0) 1923 261155. Fax: (0) 1923 268064. E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.trafalgarcases.co.uk

Trafalgar adverts copy 24/1/04 1:43 am Page 9

Trade Services


Sweden and Scandinavia

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Contact our European department on 01379 851074 [email protected]

France&• Weekly services and competitive rates• Tranship & Hoist services available• Collection from your

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Spain

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

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• CANARY ISLANDS • CYPRUS• MALTA & GOZO

Call Paul: 01753 561490 Email: [email protected] Colnbrook SL3 0ED

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Worldwide

Regular Services to all Major Destinations Worldwide

Receiving in Windsor & StourbridgeContact Mike, Chris or Steve on

01633 488 [email protected]

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They say that imitation is a form offlattery - but there is only one

Trade Storage Limited.

Cadogan Tate® Trade ServicesTRADE STORAGE – Please call Alan Carpenter 0208 963 3905Depots in LONDON NW10 – WOKINGHAM (M4) – OXFORD (M40)Secure alarmed warehouses – helpful flexible service - competitive rates�

EXTERNAL ELEVATOR – Please call Alan Carpenter 0208 963 3905External access up to 6th floor – no stair/lift work. Includes Operator & Equipment.Immediate payback in saved time & money.

EUROPEAN GROUPAGE – Please call Stuart Ashe 0118 989 5500Fortnightly air-ride satellite tracked service between London, Paris, Geneva & Côte d’Azur.Fine Art service available. Trade rates.

www.cadogantate.com

Strip Ad Trade Services:Layout 1 12/5/10 12:55 Page 1

Warehouse Containers

External Elevators

Computers and Internet

Trailer Hire

TRAILER HIREFrom car trailers to 3200 cubic feet

stepframes, 8 containercurtainsiders unsignwritten haulage

available too. (UK and Europe).www.tradestorage.co.uk/trailers020 8795 4838 or 01793 731696

Piano Specialists

LOCAL MOVING • WORLDWIDE SHIPPINGWEEKLY EUROPEAN SERVICE

Recommended by the worlds finest piano manufacturers,auctioneers, music colleges & academies.

A family run business, Est. in 1968.

THE PIANOSPECIALISTS

Mem. No G005

100 BOLLO LANE, CHISWICK, LONDON W4 5LXTel: +44 (0) 20 8994 9733 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8995 0855Email: [email protected] www.gandrremovals.co.uk

G&R Advert 60x60mm:Layout 1 20/10/08 16

Trade Services


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Classifieds


ClassifiedAdvertising ChargesAll classified advertisements should be booked no later than the 10th and received no later than the 15th of the month preceding publication.

For all advertising enquiries please contact:Nikki Gee at The Words Workshop, nikki@the wordsworkshop.co.uk26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LDTel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099

RatesSituations Vacant £2.15 per word (min 15 words)For Sale and Wanted ads £2.15 per word (min 10 words)Boxed Ad (Semi-Display) £26.50 per single column centimetre (Please note all lineage & semi-display ads are set by R&S in house style)

Half Page Mono £509Half Page Colour £614Quarter Page Mono £422Quarter Page Colour £501Box Number +£26.50All charges are plus VAT.

Box NumbersReplies to Box Number advertisements should be sent to:The Advertiser Box no. (XYZ)The British Association of RemoversTangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0TG

Situations VacantIn line with the Sex Discrimination Act, all positions are open to male and female applicants.

VehiclesPurchasers of a vehicle advertised in Removals & Storage should satisfy themselves that the payload/volume is suitable for the purpose for which they intend to use it.

For Sale

Used 250ft3 storage containers £75 each. Contact Mandy on 01285 641003

SELL IT, FIND IT,

FILL THATVACANCY,

WITH A LINEAGE AD

£2.15FOR JUST

PER WORD

+VAT

FOR SALEScania 18t.

GVW, air suspension, sleeper cab, Marsden Vanplan

2,200ft3 body. First reg. Aug 1999,

long MOT. Superb condition. Ready for work.£12,500 + VAT

Tel: 01506 652792

FOR SALE2001 Mercedes Atego 18t.

air suspension, Marsden Vanplan 2,200ft3 body with sleeper cab

and night heater. Low emission engine

(only £280 p.a. road tax). Full year’s MOT.

Newly liveried in white. Ready to work immediately.

£17,500 + VATTel: 07770 583407

Advertise your job vacancies in Removals & Storage magazineCall Nikki Gee on:

01908 695500 or email: [email protected]

FIND THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB

Are You Looking To Sell?

We are looking to buy good quality household moving and storage companies in London and the home counties.

Please call 07933 123 123 in full confidence for a quick decision.

Opportunities

Classifi eds


FOR SALEMake and Model Marsden Vanplan X

container, new MOT to June XXXX, full service history

XXXXXkm. Feature, feature, feature,feature, feature, feature,feature, feature, feature,LEZ compliant.

Asking priceContact XXXX XXXXPhone and email

address

VEHICLESALESOFFER!THIS SPACE PLUS PICTURE FOR ONLY

£188+VATContact Nikki Gee

Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099Email:[email protected]

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BRANCHMANAGERLeeds

The Branch Manager is a key management role with full accountability for

managing and expanding a 5 vehicle branch with specialised warehousing.

Customer service and quality assurance is central to our success as is

maintaining our high reputation for reliability.

Excellent man management and inter-personal skills, as well as an eye for

detail are essential in a successful Branch Manager. You will be able to

demonstrate success managing in an independent role, preferably in a

similar business.

The rewards are excellent, including a competitive salary, company car,

a success related bonus and share ownership participation.

If you seek a real management opportunity and have the skills we areseeking, please send a CV by post or email and details of your currentremuneration to:

Robert Bartup, GB Liners Ltd, Holmer Depositories, Holmer Road,Hereford HR4 9RU. [email protected]

www.gbliners.com

GB Liners is almost certainly the UK’s best removals and storagecompany. Our emphasis is on high quality service. We have over 200 staff operating from 11 locations across the UK. Most of our staff areshareholders in the business.

Classifieds


R&S is published monthly and costs only £48 a year for UK companies and £72 a year for Overseas companies. You may order as many copies as you wish.

Please send your order with payment to:British Association of Removers,Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0TGEngland.

Order additional copies of R&S

Please send copies of Removals & Storage to:

Name

Company

Address

Postcode

Tel no

email

I enclose a cheque for

made payable to: The British Association of Removers

I wish to pay by debit/credit card (not Amex)

Card number

Expiry date MM/YY

Security code

Does your website need a makeover?

We all need to look our best when we meet our customers and it’s just as important for your website to look good too – after all it could be the first impression new clients get of your business.

Ask yourself these questions:• Does your website still reflect the quality of your business?• Does it give potential customers all the up-to-date information they need?• Does it score well on Google, or are your competitors winning the race?

We breathe new life into tired websites – call us today and we’ll show you how.

Call: +44 (0) 1908 695500 or visit: www.thewordsworkshop.co.uk

The Words Workshop26 Swanwick LaneBroughton, Milton KeynesUnited Kingdom MK10 9LDThe right words for your business

Or visit us at www.anglopacific.co.uk. London, Manchester, GlasgowFREEPHONE 0800 707 6093

Our Services ◆ Continuous receiving in London, Manchester and Glasgow◆ Worldwide LCL, FCL and airfreight services◆ Regular groupage services to Australasia, North America, South Africa, S.E. Asia, Dubai, Cyprus◆ On-line sailing schedule updates and shipment tracking

Memb No: A026

Trade SecretsFind out what you can achieve on-line with

our trade groupage shipping services,and make sure you’re in the know.

We’ve been in the business for 30 years and offer frequent

sailings on all routes to major destinations worldwide.

We’ll arrange shipment on the vessel promised and nominate reliable FIDI agents at destination. With depots in

London, Manchester and Glasgow we offer a competitive groupage solution

wherever you are located.

At Anglo Pacific we understand your business and will ensure that your goods are handled

professionally from start to finish.

Visit our website or simply call our friendly experts and

get the facts.

r&s december 2010

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