r&s march 2011

March 2011 Number 440 £4.00 www.bar.co.uk

EuroUSA 36 Britannia at thirty 50 Waking up to self storage 51

��

Russell Fewins profi le Page 32

London Head Office:��

[email protected]

TRADE SHIPPINGCALL 020 8324 2044

www.excess-trade.com

Memb. No: E003

� Competitive Rates

� Regular Consolidations

EXCESS INTERNATIONAL MOVERS

� Online Rates, Bookings, Tracking

� Groupage, FCL, LCL & Airfreight

Dolphin Movers Ltd 2 Haslemere Business Centre, Lincoln Way, Enfield EN1 1DX Tel: 020 8804 7700 Fax: 020 8804 3232

Loose groupage, single items, part & full loadsFull destination services tailored to your needsAntiques, fine art & exhibition consignmentsCars, vans & boat transportationCompetitive nationwide collection serviceContinuous receiving in London & Manchester

Unrivaled weekly shuttle serviceMediterraneanCyprus (LCL)Cyprus NorthGreece & IslandsIsrael (LCL)TurkeyEastern EuropeCzech RepublicHungaryPolandRomaniaSlovakiaBalkansAlbaniaBosnia & HerzegovinaBulgariaCroatiaKosovoMacedoniaMontenegroSerbiaSloveniaRussia & Central AsiaAfghanistanAzerbaijanKazakhstanKyrgyzstanRussiaTajikistanTurkmenistanUkraineUzbekistan

Memb No: D052

Please contact our trade desk for all bookings & departure details

Trade Desk: 020 8344 [email protected]

dolphin_movers_advert_A4_2010_new 21/12/10 13:50 Page 1

TheScandi-mancan...

Who can offer the best rates and the best service to Scandinavia . . .

Weekly Service to:

Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, France, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Poland

Services also to:

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine & Uzbekistan

Head Office:

166 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1ATT 01444 871800 / 01825 768622E [email protected] / www.simpsonsofsussex.co.uk

Warehouse Deliveries:Unit 1-3 Ditchling common Industrial Estate, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8SG

Britannia Simpson’s of Sussex

Memb. No: S031

NewsFROM WATFORD

March 2011 Removals & Storage 5

Contact Details: Editorial Contribution on all aspects of the Removals & Storage industry are welcomed, together with photographs if appropriate. Please contact Andy or Louise at Analytica CommunicationsTel: 0208 458 5100Email: [email protected]

Contact Details: Advertising For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Steve Pearce at Rubicon Marketing Tel: 0117 330 8370Email: [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 Gee

Removals & 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]

The hot topic of recent weeks has, of course, been the referendum of BAR members on the subject of the

introduction of recognised Standards as a requirement for membership. A full report on the outcome, which became known on 4 February is to be found on page 30 of this issue, and everyone will have their own view, I am sure, on that result. In a way, what is most impressive is that no less than 75% of the entire membership took an active part, which speaks very well both for the interest that our members take in the affairs of the Association, and in the democratic strength of the organisation.

The Domestic Mover of the Year and Commercial Mover of the Year entries have all been considered, and a very impressive array they proved to be. It is very encouraging to see new names amongst the entrants, indicating that the real value of taking part, and with good fortune becoming a finalist and perhaps the winner of either competition, is being increasingly widely recognised. After careful scrutiny, finalists have been identified and on-site visits are in progress as we go to print. The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner held at the 2011 Annual Conference at the Renaissance Hotel in Manchester on 14 May. Whilst on that particular topic, have you booked your place at the conference yet? There is a stimulating line up of speakers for the business sessions, the opportunity to meet and network with fellow members, and of course to enjoy the superb facilities of the hotel venue itself. Full details of how to secure your place are at:

www.bar.co.uk/conference2011.aspx.Lobbying is hard work sometimes, whether

it is taking part in consultations on the EC Consumer Rights Directive and the EC Alternative Dispute Resolution, or trying to get the VAT registration threshold brought down, and, in consultation with other trade associations, to achieve a fairer deal on the cost of fuel. It may seem at times that no one is listening, but small victories do count. BAR has been lobbying over the issue of nomenclature codes being required for household goods and personal effects brought into and taken out of the European Union. The sheer impracticability of having to list multiple contents, each with their own individual code, seemed to be obvious, but this had not apparently occurred to officialdom. So, after our lobbying MEPs on the matter, it was encouraging to learn a few weeks ago that the EC had listened to the concerns of the industry and acted accordingly to introduce a single nomenclature code.

At the end of February, we were very pleased to welcome Paul Tidswell when he took up his duties as Quality Manager at QSS Ltd. Paul has long experience dealing with a variety of Standards. Although he will be out and about a great deal meeting members, Paul will be based in Watford for administrative purposes.

In closing News from Watford for this month, we all here at Watford must thank the team at The Words Workshop for their sterling efforts over recent years in producing R&S for us. We wish Steve Jordan and his colleagues all the best for the future.

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 2011

On the cover: Russell Fewins - more than a moving company.

No: 440 March 2011 www.bar.co.uk

This month:Editor’s Column 6Industry News 6-22Speed camera lotteryDistracted driversBournes supports Tumbleup4LifeECO-THAW trialled in ScotlandExcellent driving from AbelsCall for simpler tax lawsUK housing market updatePublic sector procurement

BAR News 24-30Young Mover Profile: Emma TennantNew Member Profile: JT and SonsYoung Mover Profile: Colin CraibReferendum resultProduct of the Month

CMG News 32-33Profile: Russell FewinsScottish success for Harrow Green

Overseas Group News 36-37Profile: EuroUSAFMC tightens up

Training News 38-42A busy start to 2011BARTS packing skills course

European News 44-45News RoundupCommission confirms unannounced inspections

Letters 46And another thing ... 47Competition 47 Articles 48-55NEST pension termsBritannia at thirtyRichard Allen interviewMoving in IndiaMoving premisesIndustry developments

Diary Dates 56Feature Schedule 56Memberships 57

Removals & Storage March 2011

Industry News

6

The months certainly do fly. March already, the daffodils in bloom and the busy season for 2011 just around the corner. We all held our breath as last year’s bounce-back summer moved into a much

more uncertain autumn but, according to many of the people I have spoken to, we need not have worried. The work seems to have held up over the winter for many companies and the prospects for 2011 look encouraging if not altogether rosy.

I trust there’s plenty in this issue of R&S to interest everyone. Congratulations to Britannia on achieving its 30th anniversary. I remember the early battles for supremacy with Pelican Van Lines, of which my company was a member, with fondness. In fact it was at one of those 1980s board meetings that I met my wife to be. A great deal to answer for, I feel.

Thank you to those of you who agreed to the scrutiny of one of my interviews this month: Active Supply and Design, Russell Fewins and EuroUSA. It’s always been one of the most pleasurable parts of my job to get around to visit companies, explore their origins, see how they do things now and how they have diversified. The stories are more, I hope, than simple company profiles. Each one has a message for the reader; a few experiences and tips from which we can all learn. I thank all those who offered their words of wisdom for the benefit of others.

In many ways this is a sad moment for me as this is my last issue of R&S as its editor. The April issue will be produced elsewhere and I wish the new team my sincere good wishes; I hope that the R&S continues to prosper under their stewardship.

I have been the custodian of this esteemed publication for around six years and it has been an honour to be among the handful of people who have fulfilled the role of editor during its 70+ year history. I would like to thank all those at BAR who have helped me (past and present) and, most importantly, all the members who have contributed articles and welcomed my prying eyes into their businesses. I must also thank my team here at The Words Workshop that has done most of the work and left me to accept most of the glory.

After 37 years in the moving industry I have learned many things including, a simple fact: it is an industry that is easy to get into, but hard to leave. It’s hard to leave because it’s a people business. It’s an industry where commerce is important but never quite as important as friendships. It’s an industry that holds inherently within it the assumption of trust, integrity and cooperation. That’s what makes it special.

As the wheel of life spins, I look forward to seeing you all again. Steve Jordan

THE

Editor’sCOLUMN

Rapide is a web-based service that allows users to keep track of company vehicles

and fleets on smartphones and tablet PCs from manufacturers such as HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, Sony Ericsson and soon Panasonic. The Android development follows the introduction of an Apple iPhone version of the app earlier this year.

The Masternaut Rapide Android app offers the core functionalities of the live Masternaut service on a mobile device, which gives fleet and service engineering managers a real-time link to important operational information whenever they are away from the office.

“The Android operating system is the world’s fastest growing smartphone platform. Around 200,000 Android devices are activated by Google each day. Therefore, we are pleased to be able to offer customers a free app that will allow them to access important Masternaut information on the go. This will be very useful for transport managers and mobile service engineers,” said Johann Levy, Research and Development

Manager, Masternaut.Rapide makes real-time and

historic vehicle information available to managers who use the information to monitor the exact movement of their entire fleet, with instant updates tracked by global positioning satellites. The system can also locate and monitor individual vehicles as well as provide their movement histories. For the mobile engineer, it gives an instant view of their nearest colleagues, customer contacts and next job.

“This is an extremely fast and reactive app thanks to the Masternaut system. There is no need to download web pages and you only download the data you need, so it is very cost effective. It provides a live on-map view of vehicles and staff with satellite images. Like our earlier release of Rapide for the iPhone, this Android development will be an important tool for the future of fleet and mobile worker management. We also offer a dedicated Rapide app for Blackberry smartphone users,” said Johann Levy.

Masternaut first to market with Android vehicle tracking app Masternaut has released the world’s first feature-rich vehicle tracking application for Android smartphones: it’s called Rapide.

Masternaut Android vehicle tracking app

Thinking inside the box

Tom Ryan of Ryans Removals of Solihull sent in this picture. The cherub’s name is Lucy Coleman,

daughter of Dr. and Dr. Coleman who Tom’s company moved during the summer of last year. The move was over three days and required a full export pack even though it was only for local delivery. The Coleman’s were delighted with the service provided by Ryans and included the picture with a Christmas Card.

Lucy Coleman

March 2011 Removals & Storage

Industry News

7

Foreign trucks to be charged for using our roads

Foreign operators are to be charged up to £9 a day for using British roads according to new plans recently agreed

by ministers. “We are committed to a system of charging that ensures UK hauliers get a fairer deal,” explained Roads Minister Mike Penning. He said that the amount charged to foreign drivers will be based on the size of the HGV and the amount of time spent in the country. “Charging will help make our hauliers competitive by making foreign hauliers contribute towards the upkeep of UK roads,” he added.

For years UK operators have felt cheated by foreign companies that work in the UK but do not pay UK taxes or even buy their diesel here. “We are thrilled,” commented Kate Gibbs from the Road Haulage Association. “Foreign hauliers using cheap fuel and not paying road tax pull the rug from under our feet.”

According to the Department for Transport, there are around 15,000 foreign lorries on British roads every day which would raise £50million if they paid £9 each.

O’Neil Software celebrates 30 years

For 30 years, O’Neil Software has celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Tim O’Neil started the company

in 1981 to provided records storage and management systems designed to increase record centre productivity and profi tability. Currently its software is installed in over 1,000 facilities in more than 75 countries from start-ups to multi-nationals.

A survey by Which? magazine showed that in some parts of the country less than a quarter of fi xed cameras are switched

on. In Staffordshire only 11% of cameras were operational. At the other end of the scale all 20 fi xed camera sites in West Mercia had working devices. Sussex and Cumbria had all their cameras switched on, while 96% of Lincolnshire’s and 94% of Avon and Somerset’s devices were also working.

In one of its fi rst acts after taking offi ce, the Coalition announced that it would provide no central government funding for new or replacement cameras. At the same time, spending cuts - which have formed part of the government’s austerity package – have seen some councils decide that they can no longer afford to contribute towards safety camera partnerships.

Other forces only operating a small minority of cameras include Gloucestershire, Thames

Valley and Derbyshire with 12% switched on at any one time, and Surrey with 24%.

Apart from West Mercia, only two other forces told Which? that more than three-quarters of their cameras were turned on. They were Nottinghamshire (78%) and Bedfordshire (77%). Five police forces – Dorset, Hertfordshire, Merseyside, Norfolk and Suffolk – refused to disclose the percentage of their cameras which were operational.

The discrepancies did not concern Andrew Howard, the AA’s head of road safety. “Their main purpose is to provide a deterrent and the fact that they are not in every camera housing means this can be done at minimum cost both in terms of prosecutions and fi nancial burdens on the authorities. We know this has been happening. We have 43 police forces who have independence and what they decide to do about speed cameras is down to the chief constable’s policy.”

Survey reveals speed camera lotteryAccording to a recent article in The Telegraph motorists are facing a speed camera lottery with a driver’s chances of being caught by a device varying from county to county.

Red Recruit, Pickfords Moving & Storage and Fox Moving are cycling to the BAR conference in Manchester this year.

The participants (including Darren Frostick, pictured) are going to be doing this gruelling event from London cycling over the two days - 175 miles!

This event is to raise money for the BAR benevolent fund, cancer charity Marie Curie and the NSPCC. Harrow Green and Pickfords Moving & Storage are donating buses for this event, it will be done on a relay type basis.

If you wish to sponsor this event or even take part, contact Caroline Frostick at caroline@red recruit.com or Darren Frostick at Darren@ redrecruit.com.

BAR 2011 conference bike ride

Darren Frostick

Is it or isn’t it?Whether a speed camera is actually working depends largely on where you are in the UK


Industry News

9

The study by the in-cab video safety specialists also shows that eating, drinking or smoking while driving should be

avoided so that drivers can concentrate fully on the road ahead.

The study is based on SmartDrive Distracted Driver research and uses the world’s largest database of risky driving incidents. So far more than 34 million incidents have been recorded on in-vehicle video cameras by the SmartDrive Safety programme in the USA and UK.

The research also analyses what the driver was doing prior to the event. This is possible by examining the video footage captured by the cameras 15 seconds before the event. The SmartDrive driver safety auditors ranked the most common distractions as:1. Operating a hand-held device, for example, texting on a mobile phone or using a Satnav;2. Eating, drinking, smoking;3. Talking on a mobile phone.

The research also showed that new drivers, who made up just 5% of the survey, accounted for 33% of all recorded distracted driving incidents. These new drivers were responsible for 57% of all mobile phone incidents and 47% of all operating hand-held device incidents captured on video.

“Our research shows that distracted drivers can be dangerous drivers – the correlation is clear. The Department for Transport (DfT) Think! Road Safety campaign highlights that drivers’ reaction times are 30% worse when

using a hand-held mobile phone than for driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit. All UK drivers know that it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving. Our study supports the DfT’s own findings with clear video evidence,” said Steve Cowper, Managing Director, SmartDrive Systems Limited

“In our study, text messaging and talking on a mobile phone are clearly present in the majority of observed distracted-driving incidents involving a collision or near-collision. By tackling these types of distracted-driving behaviours early on, and training drivers to correct them before a serious event occurs, our SmartDrive Safety programme is having an immediate, positive impact on road safety,” added Steve Cowper.

The research data is derived from the SmartDrive Safety programme, which uses in-vehicle recorders to capture video, audio and vehicle data during sudden stops, swerves, collisions and other events. Through detailed video analysis, SmartDrive is able to quantify distractions such as cell phone usage, text messaging, use of maps or navigation devices, eating/drinking/smoking, and other actions. Event data is categorised and scored according to more than 50 safety observations. The research compares drivers in their first three weeks on the SmartDrive Safety programme with drivers who have benefited from more time in the programme.

Distracted drivers more likely to crash

Research by SmartDrive - a company that provides in-cab cameras in commercial vehicles - proves that drivers using mobile phones or other in-vehicle gadgets are more likely to be involved in a road traffic incident, either a full collision or a near miss.

Texting spells disaster if carried out while driving - no surprise there

Reason Global partnership with Moving Services Group

Reason Global has been named insurance broker of choice for Moving Services Group, the parent

company of the UK’s largest moving and storage company, Pickfords.

The announcement follows a competitive tender, and is the culmination of a long-standing relationship between the two companies through associations such as BAR.

“We are honoured to be working with Moving Services Group as its broker of choice,” commented Dave Raynor, Managing Director at Reason Global. “This is a major customer win for Reason Global and reinforces what many of our other clients already say: that we provide excellent service, specialist industry knowledge and competitive premiums.”

Steve Harris, Group Insurance Manager for Moving Services Group, added: “It was a logical choice to appoint Reason Global – we need an insurance broker that understands the commercial considerations of our industry and Reason Global knows the removals business inside out. It met all our specifications and demonstrated the experience we were looking for. And, having known Reason Global employees personally for almost 20 years, we know we can trust the company to deliver.”

Chris Smallwood takes controlling share of Britannia Anchor Removals

An agreement has been reached with the former owners of Anchor Removals Ltd which gives complete control of

the company to Chris Smallwood. Britannia Anchor Removals Ltd remains a small, family owned business, but more importantly can focus solely on improving the quality of service and growing the company. In a recent interview Chris explained that the new flexibility and autonomy would allow him to grow the company and replace the fleet to allow it to operate in a more environmentally sustainable way.

Chris Smallwood


Industry News

10

As a worldwide network UniGroup Worldwide UTS is supporting the Inspire2Live organisation by promoting

and supporting its events and encouraging teams from its 1,300 worldwide service centres to join the challenges and raise funds for this worthwhile cause. In the United Kingdom, Inspire2Live organises the Tumbleup4Life event for cyclists eager to join in the challenge up the Tumble that will be both symbolic and physically extremely demanding.

Tumbleup4Life is a new initiative of the international organisation Inspire2Live that has been recently established. Inspire2Live has been created to expand the success of the Netherlands-based Alpe d’Huez sporting events worldwide. The breathtaking success of the Alpe d’Huzes cycling events on Alpe d’Huez since 2006 has encouraged the organisers to join forces with athletes throughout the world, willing to ride in support of those who refuse

to surrender to illness. Inspire2Live hopes for an international sporting event in 2012 that will connect champions of life throughout 24 time zones.

In the initiative Tumbleup4Life cyclists unite to gather funds in support of cancer recovery. They also seek to share their inspiration about living life to the fullest, even when that seems an uphill battle. The struggle to conquer the Tumble 15 times in a single day symbolises the sheer impossible task that cancer patients undertake every day to live life in spite of a disease. Individual participants cycle up to the top of the ‘Iron Mountain’ up to fifteen times each (or as much as possible); teams pool their efforts to total at least fifteen runs.

Tumbleup4Life promises to bring together athletes, support volunteers and sponsors in an irresistible cycling event. The participants in Alpe d’Huez and Ven2-4Cancer have experienced the amazing synergy of working

together to achieve the impossible and to gather a huge sum of money. 100% of all contributions directly benefit the struggle to overcome cancer, as Tumbleup4Life implements a strict zero cost policy.

If you or your company would like to join or put together a team to participate in the event please complete an entry form and submit via the website. In addition the Bournes team would welcome any sponsorship and donations can be made directly via the Cancer Research UK website http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/fundraising-pages/uts-bournes .

More information on the cycling challenge can be found at https://sites.google.com/site/tumblecyclingchallenge.

UniGroup Worldwide UTS supports Tumbleup4LifeA team from Bournes Removals in the UK will be supporting the Inspire2Live organisation in the challenge to conquer the Tumble in South Wales in its first Tumbleup4Life cycling event on May 2, 2011.


Industry News

11

Economic downturns are typically a time when businesses take stock of their assets and reassess areas for cost reduction. One

major area of expenditure for many businesses is office and storage space. Whilst some might expect the cost of space to fall significantly during a recession, market information shows that despite the current economic uncertainty average monthly office rents in the UK remain significant, often standing at well over £40 per square foot for prime office space in London. Given that the cost of office space remains high, the natural question many are asking is whether their business could simply use less space or use what they have more efficiently.

One such solution is outsourcing storage. Whereas a typical four-drawer filing cabinet might require 10 square feet of office space, by contrast outsourcing storage of the documents held could cost as little as £1.20 per month.

Companies can therefore achieve significant reductions by utilising office space for essentials only and sending other records off site for storage.

Money is never the only consideration when making strategic spending decisions though - there are wider reasons to consider outsourcing storage, such as security and administrative compliance. Records management policies need to be rigorously endorsed and policed, ideally by a recognised professional, in order to protect companies against the financial implications and reputational damage caused by data losses.

Storing documents off site in a fully-protected and purpose-built facility also helps guard against the risks of crises such as flooding, fire or IT failure. In such an event, an inability to get back up and running quickly can prove expensive. Therefore, by ensuring that crucial information is backed up and stored in a secure

Records Management: why you should offer it to your customersAccording to Frank Hopping, Managing Director of Crown Records Management (UK and Ireland), outsourcing records management makes economic sense for companies. Here are some tips on how to sell the idea to your customers.

Frank Hopping is Managing Director of Crown Records Management (UK and Ireland) Ltd. Based in London, he has more than 17 years of experience in the records management industry.

location, companies can significantly improve their chances of being able to return to normal operations as quickly as possible, thus avoiding lost custom and increased costs.

Beyond storing hard copy documents, over the last decade the growth in electronic data has turned the concept of records management on its head. Businesses now face new threats, from hacking to computer hardware theft, so good records management is no longer the sole responsibility of records managers. Indeed, it is now vital that everyone within an organisation, from the CEO to frontline staff, is aware of the need to protect data and understands individual responsibilities in this respect.

Effective records management procedures also protect companies against the legal consequences of information losses. Data breaches can lead to substantial fines, so an audit to ensure data is not retained for longer than needed is well worthwhile.


Industry News

12

ECO-THAW is a natural liquid concentrate derived from agricultural processes which has been used on roads to reduce the impact

of snow and ice in severe weather conditions, with positive results.

ECO-THAW was trialled on roads in Aberdeenshire in January and is successfully used in countries that manage severe weather conditions every year. This is one of the first times the product has been used in Scotland and initial results show how ECO-THAW can provide effective treatment of UK roads down to temperatures of -20°C. ECO-THAW is environmentally friendly, non-toxic to vegetation and has been approved by the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). The product is designed to be used directly on road surfaces or can be added to salt for traditional application.

Conventional mixtures of salt are ineffective at treating iced roads when temperatures plunge below -8°C and this winter many parts of the UK experienced lows of -20°C. When added directly to salt, the cost of deploying ECO-THAW is minimal compared to the expense of gridlock on the roads and the resulting effects on the economy.

The trial of the product as a direct liquid in Aberdeenshire is part of a new Scottish government winter transport plan. Together with their operating company BEAR Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and ECO-THAW

manufacturer, Innovative Global Products Limited, the national transport agency was delighted with the results of the trials.

Transport Minister Keith Brown commented: “Last December was the coldest for 100 years and although we’re currently experiencing more normal winter weather, we must prepare and improve our winter resilience. By carrying out innovative trials such as this, we can take the necessary steps to deal efficiently with future severe winter weather events.”

Camillus Dunne, General Operations Director of Innovative Global Products Ltd. said, “ECO-THAW comes into its own when we have periods of sustained cold temperatures, particularly when traditional methods and applications struggle to perform. It is vitally important that government bodies embrace alternatives to using salt alone in an effort to improve our response to severe weather conditions, improve road safety, keep the country moving and the economy functioning. ECO-THAW provides us with more ammunition in our fight against the elements.”

The versatility of ECO-THAW allows it to be spread using many different forms of applicator, to match existing methods and locations - be it trunk roads, local roads, cycleways, footways or car parks. Similarly it can be used to compliment more traditional and existing freezing point depressants (or de-icers) in falling temperatures without any additional cost or capital investment.

ICM Gerson moves Saracen

As soon as Niall Mackay of ICM Gerson Ltd saw that Brendan Venter, Director of Rugby for Saracens, had decided to return to Cape

Town, he immediately wrote to him at the club’s HQ and patiently waited for a reply. The reply didn’t take long. Five days later Dr Venter rang Niall inviting ICM Gerson to quote for the move.

“To be honest,” said Niall, “I didn’t hear him announce his name at first and embarrassingly had to ask him to repeat it as the call came straight through on my direct line and I was really surprised that he had responded so quickly.”

Phil Knee of ICM Gerson carried out the survey three days later and Niall hand-delivered the quote the following day. “Phil felt pretty confidant about this one as he had got on very well with the Venters at the survey and they wanted a firm who would do the job properly for them and take everything off their hands,” said Niall. Perhaps Saracens fantastic display in Paris in a snowstorm against Racing Metro helped as the move was booked just before Christmas with packing set for Monday 10 January.

Brendan Venter was capped 17 times by South Africa’s Springboks: he was with London Irish from 2001 to 2009 as both a player and then coach, and took over as director of rugby at Saracens in 2009. He leaves the club in second place in the Aviva Premiership Rugby table, behind Leicester Tigers.

Celebrity move for Matthew James

Kent-based Matthew James Removals & Storage recently moved Steven Way Hairdressers – a business belonging to Gloria Hunniford’s

husband – from New Bond Street, London into self storage in Beckenham. Apparently they constantly see Matthew James’ vehicles in Beckenham, Kent and were recommended so using the company seemed to make sense.

Gloria Hunniford oversaw the move into storage and the crew said she was very happy and a lovely lady. On the comments it was noted ‘Fantastic team, we will use you when we go to France - very professional’.

Ice eliminator to keep traffic running next winterA recent trial by Transport Scotland has demonstrated a new way to tackle dangerous conditions on the national road network with the implementation of ECO-THAW.

ECO-THAW could provide a viable alternative to gritting

Dr Venter, flanked by Jeremy Hawes, left, and Robbie Mann, right, of ICM Gerson

Left to right: Jim Marmara, Dean Adamson and Dean Lawrence with Gloria Hunniford

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

2011-12

WINNER

DOMESTICMOVER OFTHE YEAR

WINNER

COMMERCIALMOVER OFTHE YEAR

2011

BASIL FRY & COMPANY

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

FINALIST

DOMESTICMOVER OFTHE YEAR

2011-12

��

��

��

��

��

��

FINALIST

COMMERCIALMOVER OFTHE YEAR

2011

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��


Industry News

17

Out of 1079 awards made worldwide by the IRU in 2010 the men from Abels were the only drivers from the UK to be

honoured for their excellent driving. The awards were presented by BAR’s Director

General and FEDEMAC Director Stephen Vickers at Abel’s premises in Brandon, Suffolk. FEDEMAC is an associate member of the IRU. Speaking after the presentation Stephen praised the men for their achievement saying it was remarkable that the only four drivers in the UK to receive the award were all from the same company.

Abels’ Managing Director Phil Pertoldi echoed Stephen’s comments and added his congratulations to the drivers before presenting them with Abels’ own awards in recognition of their long service to the company.

Speaking on behalf of the four drivers Kevin Baker said that they were all delighted to receive the IRU award and to be recognised for their long service to the company. “With so much traffic on the road these days driving a large vehicle gets more difficult all the time,” said Kevin. “The training everyone will have to do to comply with CPC should help improve overall standards in the future, but in the end it’s every driver’s responsibility to be professional and drive safely.”

The IRU, through its national associations, represents the entire road transport industry worldwide. It speaks for the operators of coaches, taxis and trucks, from large transport fleets to owner-drivers. By promoting the highest professional standards, the IRU improves the safety record and environmental performance of road transport companies and ensures the mobility of people and goods.

This prestigious award honours long-serving, safe, loyal, upstanding drivers. To be considered for the award drivers must have performed to the satisfaction of current and previous employers by driving commercial vehicles professionally and safely over a career lasting at least 20 years. They must have performed their duties consistently over the last 15 years without causing any serious accident that resulted in an injury. They must also not have committed a serious traffic violation of traffic or broken any customs or administrative regulations in the last five years.

The diplomas are awarded to the most deserving drivers for their outstanding professionalism over the last 20 years. Their example encourages younger drivers to develop their skills and helps improve the public image of the commercial driving profession by continually improving its safety record.

Abels men honoured for excellent drivingDuncan Perry, Graham Ling, Kevin Baker and Tony Froir, four drivers from Abels Moving Services Ltd in Brandon Suffolk, have been honoured with the ‘IRU Diplôme d’honneur 2010’ awarded by the International Road Transport Union.

Pickfords helps MTV UK move home

Pickfords recently teamed up with MTV Networks UK & Ireland (MTV UK) to promote the main channel’s brand

new move from Sky Channel #350 to #126.To support a raft of other MTV initiatives

introduced to promote the new move – including a series of bespoke on-air and online promotions – MTV UK wanted to introduce something instantly eye catching, that could easily inform a wider audience across the length and breadth of the UK. With this in mind, the channel’s in-house marketing team contacted Pickfords Moving and Storage to propose using its vehicles as mobile poster sites.

With Pickfords’s support, several four pallet vehicles were re-liveried on one side with MTV UK’s message – ‘Pickfords, proudly moving MTV from Sky Channel 350 to 126’. A vehicle was used on the day of the launch to promote the channel move around Camden (the home of MTV UK) with even more vehicles taking part in the campaign throughout the month.

Photographs of the vehicle and information about the move will be promoted on MTV UK’s social media platforms including its official website mtv.co.uk (reaching an audience of 400,000 people) as well as its official Facebook and Twitter pages. MTV viewers have been encouraged to tweet if they spot the Pickfords vehicles out and about – resulting in a series of tweets already coming through thick and fast.

Emma Roscoe, Head of Marketing at MTV UK said “We are delighted to bring this idea to life with the excellent support of the team at Pickfords. What better way to indicate that the channel is moving than by taking the message on the open road – literally! We hope that our audience is as excited about this news as we are and will continue to frequent our new home at 126.”

Pickfords’s Managing Director Russell Start said, “This was an unusual request, but we jumped at the opportunity to be part of this campaign and promote the association between two great brands.”

Left to right:Kevin Baker, Graham Ling, Tony Frior, Duncan Perry andStephen Vickers

On the open road - literally - Pickfords’ vehicle liveried with MTV UK’s message


Industry News

18

Well over half (57%) of business owners surveyed by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) said they

would be willing to pay more tax in exchange for a simplified system – providing the system led to greater rewards. Meanwhile, 50% said they would be prepared to pay more under a simplified system if that system cut down on tax avoidance among their competitors. Tax avoidance is typically carried out by bigger businesses with the resources to exploit geographic loopholes. And 45% of business owners on the Forum’s Tax and Budget member panel said they would tolerate a higher tax bill under a simplified system if it was accompanied by a general reduction in legislative red tape.

The findings come after the Coalition announced the creation of the Office for Tax Simplification last summer. The Office is a Treasury department which is currently working on tax simplification proposals ahead of the March budget. Forum Chief Executive Phil Orford said: “The cost of complying with Britain’s hugely complex tax system is such that, if simplification and profitability result, most businesses believe a little more tax would be a price worth paying. Clearly, if the government is serious about stimulating small business growth, streamlining tax administration must be a priority.”

He continued, “In addition, small businesses are deeply concerned that the tax system favours large companies and is deeply unfair. Plans to clamp down on tax avoidance, for example, seem to fall short in several areas. How can the government continue to allow major retailers to set up shop in the Channel Islands to deliberately undercut small shops and internet businesses by exploiting a VAT loophole that clearly distorts competition and leads to tax abuse?” Mr Orford added: “Tax policy directly influences

business behaviour. We desperately need reforms that incentivise small business growth by freeing up time and money to invest in future planning and expansion, rather than a system that impedes it, as the present one does.”

Other key findings of the Tax and Budget panel included:

Small business owners have strongly differing views concerning the purpose of the tax system. At 59%, many respondents felt that the priority of tax is simply to raise revenue to pay off the UK’s national debt, however a significant 33% said the tax system should prioritise the regulation of economic behaviour.

Business owners also have very mixed views of the recent VAT increase. 48% of respondents felt that the VAT rise would create minimal problems for their business but 21% said it would have a significant impact. Additionally, 9% believed it would give some competitors an unfair advantage and 6% considered the administrative burden associated with price adjustment in light of the increase to be a barrier.

78% of businesses felt that the tax system deters smaller firms from employing due to the complexity of payroll taxes and the repeated increases in National Insurance. A further 45% said the tax system hinders financial planning and 41% said it impedes prompt payment.

57% said the tax system should be incentivised to allow businesses to employ more people. Panel members also said they want to see a reduction in unemployment and felt that the government should reward individuals who are prepared to work by increasing the number of workers taken out of the tax system, as well as taking measures which would encourage businesses to employ. Respondents also said they would like to see taxation rates for employees and the self-employed more closely aligned in any reform of the IR35.

Move One Afghanistan helps orphanageWinters in Afghanistan can be extremely harsh and following a long-standing tradition of humanitarian work, Move One Afghanistan donated 330 blankets and bedsheets to the local Tahia Maskan Orphanage in Kabul.

Cook – 776, Taxitruck – 1

It took Alistair Cook 776 runs to help England blast their way to winning The Ashes but only one for Maldon-based

Taxitruck to take legendary Alistair Cook to his new home.

Taxitruck recently carried out the removal of the English cricketing hero after storing his effects whilst he was in Australia making history.

Taxitruck has been fortunate to move Alistair and his family many times in the past, dating back to when he was playing for a variety of youth teams, and once again were chosen for the task. After a short delay due to him being in Australia for obvious reasons, the company successfully delivered his effects to his new property.

He kindly gave each of the crew members a signed copy of his autobiography and a signed bat to the removal foreman Phil Griffiths, but only on the proviso that Taxitruck carried out his next removal.

Removal foreman Phil Griffiths (left) with Alistair Cook

Blankets and bedsheets being distributed at the orphanage

Business owners want simpler tax lawsSome small business owners are so frustrated with the complexity of the UK tax system that they would pay more just to see it simplified, new research has found.

The FPB’s survey suggests most business owners feel taxation is too complicated

Free Legal & FinancialAdvice Lines for BAR Members

Financial Support Advice LineTel: 0207 630 6665

email: [email protected]

Please tear off and keep this card

For legal advice see reverse

The “Credit Crunch”, rising fuel prices, rising inflation, and more specifically the down turn in thehousing market and reductions in new mortgages and re-mortgages, are impacting us all.

As an Association we aim to support member companies in every way possible. To that end we have set up two freeadvice lines using partners with whom BAR have long established business relationships. One is an expansion of an existing service, the other being a brand new service.

The advice lines will be available to Directors/Partners/Owners of member companies and will work as follows:

• Please give your BAR membership number, company name and your contact details.

• Briefly describe your issue/question to the advice line operator.

• Your call will be logged and checked by a partner to ensure proper follow up has taken place.

• The call will be passed through to the most suitable contact person.

• If you use the email facility, please provide the same information as above so that the email can be correctly dealt with.

• If it is possible to resolve the matter over the phone within a reasonable time then the advice will be free.

• If the specialist thinks that the matter needs a ‘face-to-face’ meeting then this will be suggested. This meeting can be at your premises, the adviser’s offices or a neutral convenient location. This meeting will also be free.

• Should the matter be complex requiring significant time, resource or research then the adviser will provide a full written proposal and quotation. This proposal will be at a discounted rate. No charges will be made until such proposal is received and agreed.

You should note that this service is an additional and exclusive free service to members who, in the currenteconomic climate, may need immediate independent financial or legal advice.

More complex matters may be chargeable by our partners in this venture, but no charges will be made until all costs and services have been clarified and agreed by all parties.

To help us to monitor these services please send any comments, queries, suggestions to:[email protected]

Addressing the Needs of our Members...

&inassociation

with

BAR Advice Line 2pp Ad 11/6/10 16:17 Page 1

MEMBERSHIPINITIATIVE

Legal Support Advice LineTel: 01254 828300



Main contacts will be:

Main contacts will be:

Advice Lines

Financial Support Advice Line

Legal Support Advice Line

Advice lines will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays)

Please tear off and keep this card

For financial advice see reverse

Kathleen Parker – Partner:With Wellers for eighteen years and specialises inproviding strategic advice to her SME clients.Her work includes business reviews, tax planningand delivering advice for sustainable growth.

Norma Stewart – Partner:Has a broad range of commercial experience andworks with her clients as an integral part of theirbusiness, helping them handle compliance issues aswell as identifying fresh opportunities for growth.

Michael Webb – Manager:Michael knows the value of long lasting clientrelationships; has the technical ability and expertiseto respond rapidly to changes in legislation andprovide relevant and timely advice to his clients.

Timir Palit – Tax Manager:With more than thirty years experience covering awide range of corporate and personal tax issues,he has the skills to provide practical expertise andtailored solutions for his clients.

James Backhouse - Director:Regulatory and compliance matters and advice onO licence issues.

Jonathan Backhouse – Director:Company and commercial matters, includingrestructuring and business organisation.

Stephen Meyerhoff – Solicitor:Provides employment law advice as well ascommercial advice on contractual disputesincluding advising on terms of trading.

Barry Prior – Consultant:Specialises in goods in transit and liens.

0207 630 6665 email: [email protected]

01254 828300 email: [email protected]


&inassociation

with

BAR Advice Line 2pp Ad 13/8/09 16:44 Page 2


Industry News

21

Early bird breakfast deal at the CV ShowRegister online for the Commercial Vehicle Show or the Workshop 2011 Fast Track ticket deal and you’ll also get an Early Bird breakfast voucher worth £2 at participating restaurants in the NEC. “This means you’ll beat the queues at the gates, and can enjoy breakfast while you put the finishing touches to your plans for a day at the two adjacent shows,” said Show organiser Bob Sockl. “Go to either of the two show websites, www.cvshow.com or www.workshopshow.co.uk and follow the link.” The 30 March issue of Commercial Motor and 4 April’s Motor Transport will carry the Show Guide. This will list the 250 exhibitors, their exhibits and stand numbers. The CV Show runs from 12-14 April at the NEC, Birmingham.

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.

January 2011Average House Price for January£162,435 - up 0.8% on the previous month - down 2.4% on last year; down 0.7% on the previous quarter.

Prices in the three months to January were 0.7% lower than in the preceding three monthsThis continues the slight decline on this measure since last spring. The pace at which prices are falling, however, remains markedly lower than during the second half of 2008 when quarterly declines of 5-6% were recorded.

Prices in January were 2.4% lower On an annual basis, prices in January were 2.4% lower as measured by the average for the latest three months against the same period a year earlier.

Fewer properties coming onto the market for saleThe latest RICS survey, for example, reported a decline in new seller instructions for the third successive month in December. A continuation of this trend would help to

reduce the imbalance between demand and supply and support house prices.

Slight rise in housing market activity in 2010The number of home sales in the UK increased by 4% from 846,000 in 2009 to 884,000 in 2010, according to the latest HMRC figures. Despite this modest improvement, sales remain very low historically and are just over half the annual levels of 1.6-1.7 million in 2006 and 2007.

Latest mortgage approval figures affected by the weatherBank of England industry-wide figures showed a 10% decline in the number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase – a leading indicator of completed house sales – between November and December on a seasonally adjusted basis. These figures, however, are difficult to interpret due to the unusually severe weather in December, which is likely to have reduced the level of approvals in that month. Similarly, the 28% fall compared with December 2009 is significantly affected by the ending of the stamp duty holiday on properties between £125,000 and £175,000 at the end of 2009, which boosted the number of approvals during the last few months of that year.

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

Despite recently promising a ‘light touch’ approach to mistakes made in the process of implementing the 2.5% VAT rise,

HMRC is planning to clamp down on firms for what it calls ‘significant record keeping failures’, as well as probing likely unpaid taxes.

Firms are expected to keep records going back at least six years. Information including invoices, bank statements, receipts and cheque stubs will have to be supported by up to date accounts books and detailed analysis.

The Forum’s Accountancy Adviser, Matt Holmes, who is the Managing Director of Liquid Accounts Ltd, warned firms to be prepared. “HMRC is planning to clamp down on small businesses tax payments and record keeping from the middle of 2011,” he said. “But it is important that firms act now to get their houses in order – for many this will represent a lengthy administrative headache. Obviously entrepreneurs will want to make sure they are not caught out and hit in the pocket at a time they can least afford it, but the key is to focus on creating business intelligence that you can use to your benefit, rather than just keeping records for the tax man because you have to.”

Mr Holmes’ three top tips to business owners for better book-keeping – and avoiding a hefty fine – are:1 Seek advice – if you are struggling for time or don’t have the expertise make use of freelance

bookkeepers or virtual assistants. There will be a cost involved but you will be buying peace of mind and precious time to concentrate on making money for your business. 2 Embrace mobile technologies – there are smart phones and numerous apps to enable you to keep on top of your finances, including one that allows you to photograph and record expense receipts. 3 Consider new, cost-effective online accounting packages that allow you to store and analyse much more information compared to older desktop programmes and manual filing systems.

Mr Holmes added: “HMRC’s decision to clamp down on struggling firms rather than provide further support to help them is unfortunate but it is a fact that small businesses are much more likely to succeed by keeping good accounting records. It allows them to keep on top of their cash flow and plan ahead. Most online accounting packages will let your accountant and bookkeeper access accounts remotely, which gives you the choice of doing as much or as little of your own accounting as you’re comfortable with or can afford. It also means that they can be on hand to help you solve problems or rectify mistakes and to give you advice throughout the year and not just at your year end. And doing things this way might also save you money on your accounting bills as there will be less for your accountant to do at key times.”

Keep proper books or risk a fineThe Forum of Private Business (FPB) is warning small firms to keep proper financial records or face fines in excess of £3,000.

The Commercial Vehicle Show

HMRC will clamp down on struggling firms - rather than providing more help - in mid-2011


Industry News

22

The transparency agenda as a whole is being overseen by the Public Sector Transparency Board, which has been established in the

Cabinet Office, whose role will include providing support to departments as they deliver the government’s transparency commitments.

As part of the transparency agenda, the government has made the following commitments with regard to procurement and contracting:• All new central government ICT contracts to be published online from July 2010;• All new central government tender documents for contracts over £10,000 to be published on a single website from September 2010, with this information to be made available to the public free of charge;• All new central government contracts to be published in full from January 2011.

These requirements apply to all central government departments including their agencies, all non-departmental public bodies, NHS bodies and trading funds. Departments are responsible for meeting these requirements. Separate requirements are in place for the wider public sector such as local authorities.

Practical instructions and supporting resourcesThe Cabinet Office’s Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG OGC) has produced a range of practical instructions and supporting resources to assist departments in meeting these requirements as part of a consistent approach:• Publication of tender documents;• Publication of all contracts including ICT;• Suppliers - frequently asked questions.

Departmental publication arrangements - using Contracts FinderContracts Finder was launched to the public in

early January 2011 and is the government’s single platform for providing access to public sector procurement related information and documentation free of charge.

From 1 January, 2011 all tender documents and contracts (including ICT) over £10,000 awarded from 1 January, 2011 must be published on Contracts Finder.

Departments can also use Contracts Finder to publish all other new (including ICT) contracts awarded between 1 September, 2010 and 1 January, 2011 to align with the publication of tender documents from September 2010.

Using Contracts Finder, departments will be required to show which new contracts have been awarded to SMEs from 1 January, 2011. New, live contracting opportunities will also be made available via Contracts Finder from 31 March, 2011.

Tender documents that were published on the interim publication website www.businesslink .gov.uk/transparency/procurement will be automatically migrated to Contracts Finder. This interim site will be decommissioned once Contracts Finder is launched to the public.

Contracts Finder resourcesTo get started with using Contracts Finder, departments have to become established as recognised ‘buying organisations’ within the system. If your organisation is not yet set up on Contracts Finder, a form must be completed and submitted to businesslink. This forms part of the necessary process to identify an individual (or set of individuals) within departments who control their organisation’s publishing rights within the Contracts Finder system. To help with familiarisation of the Contracts Finder system, the Cabinet Office has developed a simple presentation to show how the system works

along with a set of frequently asked questions.

Monitoring departmental progressDepartments are required to complete and return the exception reporting template at the end of each calendar month to the Transparency in Procurement and Contracting team.

Information courtesy of Graham Puddephatt, Yorkshire Area Secretary

Public sector procurement – a new approach The government has set out the need for greater transparency across its operations to enable the public to hold public bodies and politicians to account. This includes commitments relating to public expenditure, intended to help achieve better value for money.

The suspense is over. Our Bristol depot now open

www.pluscrates.com tel: 0208 900 0321Depot Locations at: London, Birmingham, BRISTOL, Manchester and Livingston

For more information about the Transparency in Procurement and Contracting agenda or the resources provided contact the Transparency in Procurement and Contracting team via [email protected] or visit www.ogc.gov.uk/policy_and_standards_framework_transparency.asp.

The BAR Services guide to upping sticks: 12

��

As a co-operative, BAR Services exists for one reason-that is to meet the needs of the BAR members. BAR Services combines the member‘s extensive industry

knowledge with its own bulk purchasing power to produce a company that can provide lower prices on good quality products. This is just one of the benefits provided by BAR Services, for more details please call on 01342 870087

BAR Servicesmembers

co-operative.

(Keeping a lid on prices is just one of its benefits)

bar ad feb 2010.indd 1 13/1/10 12:34:34


BAR News

BAR survey results

Jan 2011Change on 2010

Change on 2009 Jan 2010

Change on 2009 Jan 2009

Average vehicles per location 6.52 -0.23% -0.27% 6.53 -0.04% 6.53

Total extrapolated vehicles in membership 4189 4199 4201

Average operative staff per location 8.91 0.12% -4.57% 8.9 -4.68% 9.34

Total extrapolated operative staff in membership 5731 5742 6005

Average admin staff per location 5.42 -4.33% -8.80% 5.67 -4.67% 5.95

Total extrapolated admin staff in membership 3487 3644 3823

65 members submitted returns (14.10% of membership). 161 locations (25.04% of membership locations). Figures do not include casual staff.

BAR recently conducted a survey of the BAR membership relating to staff and vehicles. The data was to be collected to

help the Association be much more robust in its lobbying by being able to quote actual employment fi gures, the recent affect on employment and, for discussions on VAT, fuel charges, etc. the number of vehicles. This gives scale to BAR’s infl uence and helps it decide which partnerships to form or where it is large enough to “go it alone”.

“It may not show it, but I would think that the number of vans per location is constant, but they are all 2 years older, and eventually the numbers will fall as people realise that something is at end of its life, and they haven’t the cash or the necessity to replace it.”Robert Bartup of GB Liners

“What a pathetic response from the members, 14.10%. If 80% had responded then I believe the results would have been very different! Get your fi nger out members or this type of survey is a pointless waste of everybody’s time. Thanks for trying BAR.” James Griffi n of Yeates

Comments

Emma’s fi rst role within the industry was providing relocation services for the new homes industry. She said, “My work

involved putting together moving packages for the national home builders that offer incentives for people to buy their property.”

While her introduction to the industry through this position did not involve any family connections, Emma now works alongside her brother at Movecorp as a Company Surveyor. Having the experience of working within the industry both as an outsider in her initial position, and now alongside family, Emma can shed an objective point of view on the opportunities for outsiders joining the industry. “I don’t think it

is any more diffi cult for outsiders to join the removals industry than it is in any other industry,” she said. “I have found most people to be very friendly initially and, as I have attended more and more BAR meetings over the last 18 months, those relationships have grown and are now stronger than ever. That is the case with most industries – building relationships is key.”

Emma does not consider the industry to be old fashioned, instead she likes to think of it as traditional. “I think removals companies all operate in different ways, but a nice side to the industry is the family and traditional values that I have seen on many occasions.” But this doesn’t mean that the industry is stuck in its ways and afraid to modernise. “Certainly Movecorp offers all of its employees a vibrant and challenging environment that is always changing.”

Since joining the company three years ago Emma has been trained to carry out surveys for domestic and international moves. She said, “From a sales point of view the majority of Movecorps removals are overseas. I get to meet and talk to lots of very interesting people. The crews work very hard but get the added bonus of travelling all across Europe.”

It is not a case of all work and no play however.

Emma acts as the Social Secretary for the Young Movers Group assisting Loren Webster with event organising. “All of the events have gone really well. The business sessions are great and they are always followed by a fun aspect and a small amount of alcohol! I really enjoyed the go-karting in Birmingham and our get together at the BAR conference in Bristol. Loren did a great job of keeping us all in line at the crazy golf evening!”

Emma believes that the Young Movers Group succeeds in its aim of bringing together the people who are the future of the removals industry. “I have made lots of great contacts from different areas of the country and industry. It gives us a great chance to learn from each other. We also get to meet more experienced BAR members who have some great advice to give and stories to tell.”

So what are Emma’s hopes for her future within the industry? “I am going on maternity leave in May but I will be looking forward to getting back to work and the removals industry. I am keen to further myself within Movecorp and develop the relationships I have built up so far.”

And, with this sort of ambition within the younger generation of movers, the industry looks set to prosper and grow in the years to come.

Young mover profi le

Emma TennantEmma Tennant of Movecorp has had a variety of jobs in fi elds ranging from nursing to tourism. Here we fi nd out what has led Emma to the removals industry and her thoughts on the Young Movers group.

is any more diffi cult for outsiders to join the removals industry than it is in any other industry,” she said. “I have found most people to be very friendly initially and, as I have attended more and more BAR meetings over the last 18 months, those relationships have grown and are now stronger than ever. That is the case with most industries – building relationships is key.”

old fashioned, instead she likes to think of it as traditional. “I think removals companies all operate in different ways, but a nice side to the

Young mover profi le

Emma TennantEmma Tennant of Movecorp has had a variety of jobs in fi elds ranging from nursing to tourism. Here we fi nd out what has led Emma to the removals industry and her thoughts on the Young Movers group.

Entry FeesEach Regional Event£50.00 (+vat) per person.

The Finals at Portal£95.00 (+vat) perperson.

Individual Competitions�� Nearest the Pin�� Longest Drive

There will be a charity collection for the RBA at each event.

................................... ...........................................

‘BAR Annual Golf Challenge 2011’

The ‘BAR Annual Golf Challenge’ is back! In Association with:

The ‘BAR Annual Golf Challenge’ is back!

REGIONAL EVENTSMarriott Worsley Park Country Club, ManchesterThursday 12 May 2011

�� First Tee-off: Mid Morning�� Last day of booking: 02 May 2011�� ONLY 36 places available

��Thursday 26 May 2011

�� First Tee-off: Mid Morning�� Last day of booking: 16 May 2011�� ONLY 24 places available

Tea, coffee and snacks are included at both regional ��Park (directly with hotel, quoting ‘BAR Golf Day’).

THE FINALSPortal Golf & Country Club, CheshireThursday 15 September 2011

�� Lunch and presentation dinner included�� Last date for bookings:�� 01 September 2011 (subject to availability)�� Web: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/theportal/golf

.......................................................................

All BAR members are invited to take part in the BAR Golf Challenge 2011 sponsored by Basil Fry & Company. The qualifying events will be played at two UK prestigious golf courses - Worsley ��Club.

In addition the winning Conference attendee atthe Worsley Park regional event will receive an extra competition prize!

The top eight members from each region will go through to compete for the Basil Fry Trophy at��Now in the fourth year of the competition, the ��Association Challenge - currently held by BAR.

Places are strictly limited! So don’t miss out on ��

For further details, please email:[email protected]

For full Terms & Conditions and to book online, please visit:www.bar.co.uk/golf2011.aspx

Golf2011Master.indd 1 07/12/2010 09:51:07


BAR News

JT & Sons Relocations Ltd was formed on 15 December, 2008. It was formed out of necessity, one of the directors had just been

made redundant and the others were facing the same fate. The only capital investment came from one of the director’s credit cards.

Despite these humble beginnings the company turned over £750,000 in its first year, from a standing start.

During the 2009 year all of the office staff received certification in Managing Safely, a course approved and validated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, as well as successfully undertaking a course in Emergency First Aid. All the company’s removals staff successfully undertook courses in Emergency First Aid, Manual Handling, Working at Heights and Undertaking Risk Assessments.

In 2010 the company was awarded BS 8522 (commercial moving services quality Standard). Last year the office staff also undertook a course in Project Management and all were awarded certification as PRINCE2 Registered practitioners.

Joining BARTimon said that as a new player on the block the company wanted to join a trade organisation and undertook a detailed review of those available. BAR was chosen because: “It was apparent that the traditions, values and membership criteria for BAR was far more in tune with our own company ethos,” he explained.

“We also liked the fact that audits would be carried out by independent auditors, which was felt would be a benefit to ourselves, as we all believe that we are doing things right, but sometimes need an outsider’s view to ensure

that our own perception meets and hopefully exceeds those of our peers and our industry standards. We passed our first audit with no non-conformities just over a year after we had formed and the credit for this goes to all of our staff who always strive to exceed expectations.”

Perceived benefits of membershipWe feel that being a member will give us the following benefits:1 Membership in itself is a benefit providing the kudos of being in a publicly recognised trade association;2 The Code of Practice equals a level playing field for all members;3 Recognition by the Office of Fair Trading: whilst not everyone has heard of BAR everyone knows who the OFT is and its role in society as a whole;4 Access to one’s peers through Area meetings;5 Increasing our company profile, throughout the industry;6 Better chances of meeting PQQ tendering criteria;7 Possible lower insurance premiums;8 Recognition of our staff’s efforts to meet criteria;9 General Business support through BAR via communication and lobbying on behalf of our industry;10 Customer assurances via membership.

Timon said that in its short history his company has moved university libraries, hospitals, blue-chip companies and government departments. But he is particularly proud of the fact that, as a company with no vehicles, he was able to undertake a 2000-personnel move in his first three months in business.

New member profileJT & Sons RelocationsJT & Sons Relocations Ltd, from Staplecross in East Sussex is a new BAR member having been accepted into membership just recently. Timon Thorncroft, the company’s managing director, sent information to R&S to introduce his company to the membership at large.

Left: Timon Thorncroft, Managing Director and Jenny Thorncroft, Company Secretary, beneath some company advertising at Crystal Palace Football Club;Two pictures below: Liam Thorncroft , Director

Above and below: Steven Brill, Foreman/Fitter


BAR News

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Your Association Needs YOU!BAR new Industry survey... TAKE PART & WIN A TOP PRIZE

1st Prize - BAR basic annual Membership subscription for one location

2nd Prize - 1 x Full delegate package for the BAR Conference 2012

3rd Prize�- an Apple iPad or equivalent (To qualify for these prizes, all 12 surveys must be completed)

The BAR industry survey plays an important role in promoting BAR. The statistics are also used to represent the industry and analyse current market trends.

BAR is off ering a brand new incentive scheme rewarding Members who participate in all 12 surveys. Those Members will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win one of three fantastic prizes. In addition, a £100 monthly cash prize will also be drawn and awarded to a Member company who completes the individual survey for that month. Draws will take place by the 15th of each month and the winner’s company name published in R&S.

To participate, look out for the fi rst email in May which will contain a link to the online survey. These surveys will run monthly to cover the trading periods from April 2011 to March 2012. ��

Monthly Cash Draw - £100 (May 2011 to April 2012)

For full Terms & Conditions visit: www.bar.co.uk/stats2011.aspx For more information call 01923 699 483 or email: [email protected]

��


BAR News

“I left school in February 2000 with no qualifi cations, no job and really no idea what I wanted to do.” Colin explained.

“By chance I bumped into the operations manager of Luxfords who I had worked alongside during my work experience. I explained my situation and he offered me some work.”

And so his career at Luxfords began with Colin starting as a yard boy, cleaning vans, splitting down boxes, sweeping the yard and helping out on removals when needed. Now, 11 years later and after lots of hard work, Colin is now Luxfords’ operations manager.

Having left school with no qualifi cations and, Colin admits, heading down the wrong road, he has gone on to re-sit exams that he missed out on at school, get his driver’s licenses for cars, lorries and fork lift trucks, complete both the F.C.R.M and Surveyor courses, pass many packing courses as well as complete management courses outside of the removals industry.

Colin said, “Thanks to the support from Luxfords and getting involved with things like the Young Movers group, it has shown me that I can still have a good career, rather than just a 9-5 job not really going anywhere. That’s something I could never have dreamt of when I fi rst left school.”

Having joined the company at the age of 16 Colin has grown up at Luxfords and despite not joining the industry through family links he said that those at Luxfords have become like a second family. “Luxfords still has that family feel to it and it tends to promote from within. As a result many of the staff have been there for years with the longest serving employee having been there for over 35 years.” A credit to the company as a whole and something which Colin believes does not happen at every removals company.

He continued, “Not every removals company is forward thinking in terms of bringing its younger members of staff through the ranks or getting them involved with the business outside of its own company. Once companies do get their staff involved in external groups like Young Movers or attending conferences, everyone is very friendly and helpful.”

As with most members of the Young Movers Group, Colin highly recommends it and believes it to be the perfect platform for the younger

generation to get more involved in the industry. “It gives us a chance to meet other people in similar jobs, share experiences and learn together. I think being part of something like this has given me more confi dence.” He was also given the chance to go to last year’s conference on the special Young Movers package. “It was great meeting up with other Young Movers and so many of the people I’d read about in R&S and actually putting names to faces.”

And that defi nes the whole point of the Young Movers Group. It is a way to build relationships with others within the industry. “It’s good to know I can ring these people up and that they will do their best to help us and vice versa.”

Colin is a fi rm believer that the industry as a whole is progressing year-on-year. In the ten years he has been in the industry he has noticed vast improvements in the packaging used. “Things like TV bags, piano covers, door frame protectors and plastic fl oor coverings are just a few things I could mention that have been introduced to make the industry more professional. Warehouses and forklifts have also been improved. Our fork trucks being purpose built to lift containers fi ve high.”

Despite this progression and use of more professional methods, Colin has noticed that the industry seems to be somewhat under-rated. “It’s a shame because people in this industry do care about delivering a high level of service and I’d like to see more people appreciate the skill and devotion which people have for it.” Hopefully, with time and the addition of more young movers like Colin, this is a misconception that can be changed.

Young mover profi le Yorkshire Area annual dinner

The Yorkshire Area is pleased to announce its annual dinner for 2011 will be returning to the Ambassador

Hotel, Scarborough on Saturday 26 November with special rates available for both Friday and Saturday. With stunning views across Scarborough’s South Bay and the town’s harbour and castle, this Victorian hotel offers recently refurbished accommodation and great leisure facilities, including a 40ft indoor heated swimming pool.

Looking out to sea from a prime position on the beautiful seafront esplanade, the hotel’s elevated cliff top location means it commands wonderful sea views. Situated above the beach and the Scarborough Spa Complex conference and entertainment centre, the hotel has a superb location from which to explore the historic charm and splendour of Scarborough and the North Yorkshire coast.

Dinner will be served in the recently refurbished Bronte Suite, which has the capacity for 120 people, followed by dancing to a DJ. The Ambassador has recently been refurbishing its rooms and there are sea view rooms available on a fi rst come fi rst served basis; last year was booked very quickly. Special rates have been negotiated for BAR based on two people sharing on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis; children are welcome and the hotel will quote a small fee to cover food.

Non-sea view two-night stay :£90 per night or Saturday only is £100 per night.Sea view Double two-night stay: £110 per night or Saturday only is £120 per night.Double Premier two-night stay:£120 per night or Saturday only is £130 per night.Premier Deluxe two-night stay:£130 per night or Saturday only is £140 per night.

A deposit of £30 per room is required, also please confi rm to Graham Puddephatt, Yorkshire Area Secretary when you have made a booking - [email protected].

Bookings can be made by contacting:Hayley Roy, Sales ExecutiveThe Ambassador Hotel, Centre of the Esplanade, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 2AY.Teleophone: 01723 36284, fax: 01723 366166,e-mail: [email protected], or visit: www.ambassadorhotelscarborough.co.uk.

Colin CraibColin Craib had his fi rst experience of the removals industry aged just 15 after he completed two weeks work experience with Luxfords of Weybridge. Now, 12 years on, Colin is still in the removals industry and still progressing his career within Luxfords.

“It’s good to know I can ring these people up and that they will do their best to help us and vice versa.” Colin Craib

Colin Craib had his fi rst experience of the

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


BAR News

Picture Cartons

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]

Good news! After numerous requests from members, BAR Services is pleased to announce the addition of picture cartons to its packaging range. For many years, the mirrorpack has proved to be a successful product that could accommodate mirrors and pictures of varying sizes. The current pack consists of two sleeves that can be fi tted around the mirror/picture and secured with packing tape.

So what is the benefi t of the new picture carton? Members who currently use these cartons give several reasons for

choosing them over the existing packs. Firstly, with the carton needing a smaller amount of tape to secure it, the look is more aesthetically pleasing and therefore more professional. Secondly, for the same reason the picture carton can be fl attened and reused so they are cost effective and more environmentally friendly. The cartons can also hold and protect up to three mirrors/pictures (depending on the size) and with the correct cushioning, offer greater protection. That said, BAR Services believes there is still a place for the trusty mirrorpack and feel

whether members choose to use the pack or the carton is simply a matter of preference.

These cartons will not be held in stock but will be available on request and further details can be obtained by calling the BAR Services sales offi ce on 01342 870087 or e-mailing [email protected].

T A C H O S M B U F F

O N O Q I T R F N O I

N B N G A E I G M C Z

Y S T H O R P C T S S

A S A S N E U T G H M

L F I X K O Y S T E R

L B N G S C R H Y E O

E T E R A K O G A T D

N C R A L N E L U B I

G O S I Y R T J D O C

I T F M N I U O F A W

W E B B I N G H O R P

E Y G O V T A R U D S

S T K A Y R U N I G L

I A D R U G G E T S O

N T I D K R E B A T E

O F J G M A S O I A T

F O U R C T H I R T Y

T N B A E S X S L D N

A B O D K U T R E T O

M U M E S M I L X A S

1 Abbr. for the graphs used to track drivers hours; a traditional Mexican dish;2 The form used for printing on cartons; an electronic record player, tape recorder, etc.;

This month, instead of writing an informative article, BAR Services would like to test your knowledge on all of its packaging products. Let’s see if you have been paying attention. Good luck! Solution on page 65.

Standards-based membership referendum result

From 24 January to the 4 February BAR members were invited to take part in an online referendum to decide

whether they were in favour of BAR membership being Standards-based.

The question members were asked to answer was: Do you agree with BAR becoming a recognised Standards Based Membership organisation (Standards being defi ned as a recognised Quality Standard externally assessed based on the businesses’ core activities)?

When the referendum closed at noon on 4 February 345 members had voted (75% of the total membership). There were 94 votes in favour and 254 votes against.

Further to the outcome of the referendum, it is clear that the majority of the membership of BAR is not in favour of adopting an approved quality standard as a pre-requisite for membership of the Association. Therefore implementation of the policy, previously circulated by the Board of Directors, will not now take place. This is a clear and unambiguous withdrawal of the policy of moving towards an approved quality Standard membership as a pre-requisite for new and ongoing BAR membership.

The Board will, at its next meeting on 6 April, consider any feedback from the Council meetings held in February and other direct feedback made to Directors, and will discuss and determine any impact that feedback has.

The Board also wish to thank all those members that took part in this Referendum.

3 A corrugated product used to protect and wrap up awkward items i.e. guitars;4 The three letter word we use for our economy dolly trucks; the abbr. for an institution where a degree is gained;5 An alternative phrase used by the industry for our foam fl oor protectors;6 A previous BAR Services General Manager;7 125K/125T BC and 150M/150T BC, for example (for those of you who have been paying attention to our articles on corrugated board this should be easy!);8 The ideal product to strap and secure heavy items in transit; in between ducks feet?;9 This word denotes the thickness and strength of polythene products;10 How many years BAR Services has been supplying BAR members;11 The term occasionally used for mottled, white corrugated board; an amorous mollusc?;12 The type of tyres found on an Expresso truck;13 Commonly known as a ‘linen carton ... The pack ‘?’ is part of the BAR Services modular range;14 The industry term for brown tape; to polish or shine metal;15 A 3 letter abbr. – the BAR secured this body’s approval in 2008;16 Large wooden items used to contain, store and transport goods;17 BAR Services made this payment back to its members at the end of 2010;18 A handy, protective product for members with storage facilities; 19 A higher grade of tape that can be torn by hand; a trendy term for 45s, LPs and 12” records.

BAR Services word search

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��


CMG News

BS 8522

It was back in 1998 that Charlie Russell and Paul Fewins left their jobs as foremen for their moving company employer and set up

shop for themselves. They explained that when they were with their old company they felt they were missing out on opportunities. “The amount of time we were telling clients ‘no’ didn’t make any sense,” they explained. “Can you dispose of this waste? Can you get rid of these toners? Can you dismantle this furniture? It seemed that we should be saying ‘yes’ not ‘no’.”

So that’s exactly what they did. Starting from a small office with one phone, one desk, one computer and no experience of running a business, Charlie and Paul took a leap of faith. It paid off – eventually.

“It was scary,” said Charlie, “we had to spend some time telling our wives that there might not be much money around for a while.” But business did pick up. “You just have to make it work.” What that difficult, but not uncommon, start did was help build a very strong bond between the business owners and the staff. That bond was tested to the limit when the company suffered an arson attack and a flood all within a few weeks of each other. “The men were great,” said Charlie. “Everyone pulled together and it made the bond between us even stronger.”

Mike Puszyk joined after a year or so. It was supposed to be a temporary appointment but 12 years later he’s still there. “Mike didn’t know anything about the business but he could use a PC and a phone so it made sense for Mike to stay

and take the calls and book the appointments,” said Paul.

Richard O’Sullivan joined six years ago. He was originally taken on as a business consultant but he stayed too. “We were both movers,” said Paul. “We knew what we wanted to do but not how to do it. The business had reached the size where it had to go forwards or fall back and Richard helped us move it on.”

The business started with domestic moving, then moved on to commercial work. Richard O’Sullivan said that the domestic work just wasn’t working for them. “Domestic moves were 5% of our turnover and 90% of our grief. What we were getting out of it wasn’t worth the effort,” he said.

Office clearancesOffice clearances were the company’s first area of diversification. It does the work to a very high standard, producing the right certification, dealing with IT and even pushing the vacuum cleaner around before they leave. Richard said that they will never get the work when companies are shutting down as they just want the work done as cheaply as possible. “But the blue-chip companies need everything done properly and we win more of them.”

The company also specialises in the clearance and destruction of confidential information, particularly contaminated waste. This is often caused by floods, when information can become contaminated with sewage or mould; and by

rodent infestation. “The guys are trained to deal with these difficult jobs.”

And it seems to be the difficult jobs that the chaps at Russell Fewins crave. The harder the better. Jobs where offices or companies are coming together, the job keeps changing, different occupation dates , sometimes politics are involved, etc. “We’ve built something of a reputation for this type of work. People know we can do it so we seem to get more,” said Richard.

Furniture supplyThen there’s the furniture supply operation. Companies would often tell the movers that they weren’t taking their furniture, so it was an obvious opportunity to offer to supply new desks and chairs for their new office. Now much of the company’s business is workspace design and furniture supply. Mike explained that they have the ability to produce rendered illustrations of proposed work areas then arrange for furniture to be supplied, or even built to fit.

“We were always a moving company that did other things,” said Richard. “We decided that we would always win moves and some of the other things on the back of that. After all, who would choose a removal company to supply furniture? So we re-branded the company, hence not having a big lorry on the front of our brochure and offered a range of services with every one being as important as the next.”

It’s a service that Russell Fewins is happy to extend to any moving company. If they see an

MOVING AND MOREA profile of Russell FewinsWhen is a moving company not a moving company? Answer – when it’s much more. Although Russell Fewins in Dartford sure enough started life in the moving business, time has done its work on the company allowing it to diversify to become almost unrecognisable from its humble beginnings. By Steve Jordan

Left to right: Charlie Russell, Paul Fewins, Mike Puszyk and Richard O’Sullivan


CMG News

BS 8522

“I was impressed,” said Tom Bourne, Project Director, “with Harrow Green’s flexibility and their ability to

manage change at short notice.” Harrow Green also completed the relocation of the leading law firm MacRoberts LLP from Bath Street to its new offices in the Capella building. Perfect planning and weekend working meant that the more than 300 staff were at their desks and open for business as usual on Monday morning.

Harrow Green is heavily involved in the education sector. Among the successful projects secured in the year was the prestigious contract for the relocation of Edinburgh Napier university. The move saw the facilities of its eight current sites consolidated into the new purpose built University building in Sighthill, Edinburgh. Harrow Green also continued to partner with Perth & Kinross Council in the delivery of nine new primary schools and high schools.

Much of Harrow Green’s focus in 2010 has been in the health sector, led by David Gray, who is himself a health sector specialist. Harrow Green successfully delivered the recent relocation project for NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, moving Dalian House to Gartnavel Royal Hospital. The project

schedule was very tight in order to contain downtime to the very minimum, working extended shifts and deploying a high level of resource to load and deliver the equipment on time. “Harrow Green delivered a move to such a standard that we have received numerous compliments on how smoothly it went,” said Isobel Scott, Project Manager, Facilities Management.

This follows on from the relocation of the old hospital buildings to the new build Stobhill and New Victoria hospitals, part of a major series of building projects transforming the provision of healthcare in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. “On projects like these there is no scope for error,” said David Gray. “You have to ensure the hospital keeps working without interruption, and that patient care is never put at risk.”

All this activity impacted on Harrow Green’s Glasgow office. Its Glasgow office itself moved next door into newly refurbished office space. It also doubled its warehousing capacity to 30,000ft2 to accommodate business expansion. Harrow Green remains confident of business growth in 2011 as it continues to build expert teams with local knowledge, and an increased capacity for secure storage and records management services.

Below: Two computer rendered options for a customer workspace design, based on a flat plan (right)

opportunity to supply furniture to an office Richard and the team will do the designs and supply the furniture leaving enough in the kitty for everyone to make a living. Why not give it a try?

BAR and CMGEight years or so ago about 20% of domestic enquiries asked if they were members of BAR, so they joined. However, in terms of domestic business generated Paul is still not sure it helped much. “I’m not sure it made any difference really. It’s still about price. You can do the best presentation but it’s the bottom line that always counts.”

The company joined the CMG having gate-crashed a CMG conference and been enthusiastically welcomed by Andy Carr and David Bunting. As far as the CMG is concerned Paul is a little more positive. “I think it’s slowly getting there but not enough people have heard of CMG. That’s the biggest thing.” Richard agreed: “It’s fundamental to get the awareness up.” Mike too said: “Everyone understands what’s meant by the term Safe Contractor or ISO 9001 but I always have to explain CMG”.

That said, Richard has been a member of the CMG Council for some time. He is on the Marketing sub-committee working to raise the profile of the CMG. He also values the camaraderie that being a member of the Group provides, and he finds it to be a useful way of keeping abreast of what’s going on in the industry.

New contract for Pickfords Business Solutions

Scottish success for Harrow GreenNew business developments and some major NHS and public sector projects have seen Harrow Green winning a number of significant contracts. Among them was the completion of a storage and delivery contract for Glasgow’s very first Hollister store, the cool clothing brand from Abercrombie & Fitch in the Buchanan Galleries.

Pickfords Business Solutions has won a framework contract with Watford Borough Council to provide office

furniture, procurement and installation services. The company was selected following a formal bid procedure.

Watford Borough Council considered proposals from a number of potential suppliers before appointing Pickfords Business Solutions’ Interiors division as part of a framework of suppliers to manage furniture planning, procurement and installation services.

Stuart Thacker, Head of Interiors from Pickfords Business Solutions said, “We are

looking forward to working with the Council over the next three years and the Interiors team at Pickfords Business Solutions is very pleased to have been selected.”

Furniture procurement and installation is just one of a range of services provided by Pickfords’ specialist Interiors Division. Other services in the Pickfords portfolio include: space planning, asset management services and turnkey refit and refurbishment. These services complement Pickfords’ other business relocation services including: IT relocation, environmental reuse, business moving and storage.

Secure, dry, containerised or loose storage in the south east and along the M4 corridor. Storage Locations: Wembley & Swindon. Call Bob or Linda at our London sales office T:020 8795 4837 or fax them F:020 8795 4841.

www.tradestorage.co.uk

Containerised storage for the things your clients love

Extensive un-signwritten trailer fleet available to support your business, Ideal for national or international use.

Difficult loads a speciality. On-trailer storage available in our secure facilities. contact details opposite.

www.tradestorage.co.uk

Easy accessHealthy backsSafe secure removalHappy client...

Great profit.

Hire from 3 hours upwards � Fully trained operator � Delivery to and from site � Experienced export packers � Additional manpower available for UK and overseas moves � Handyman service for window removal and replacement

trailers for hire?yes, we have one

or two...

Whatever your business needs, let us take some

of the load.(and maybe some they don’t)(and maybe some they don’t)

Tel: 020 7435 3694Email: [email protected]

TradeStorage_a4advert_january_press.indd 1-2 19/1/11 18:15:25


Overseas Group News

Left: Tony Tickner;Top: Karolina BlaszakAbove: training takes place under the aegis of Trevor Stanard;Right: Jon Barton

It was back in the boom years of the 1980s that Tony Tickner and Mark Nash founded European Van Lines. A few years later the

duo started an NVOCC in the USA called EuroUSA Inc. to consolidate household goods traffi c bound for Europe. Tony and Mark subsequently sold European Van Lines and developed a partnership with Bill and Dennis Flynn of P&F Safepac in Mildenhall: the shape of their current company was set. Today, Mark runs the US operation with Tony minding the shop in the UK. Bill and Dennis continue to run the Safepac operation. EuroUSA also has an operation in Paris and a sales offi ce in London.

That’s the company history in one paragraph. It sounds very simple but, as always, the full story is more complicated and peppered with triumphs, disappointments and a great deal of hard work.

One of the high spots was the relationship with Safepac. “Our partnership with P&F Safepac was a natural fi t,” said Tony. “We had loads of work and they had the equipment. It’s been very good for us both.” Safepac was heavily involved with the US military work which is seasonal. Tony’s company could keep them busy all year round.

But it almost didn’t happen. When Tony and Mark were on the lookout for a partner they entered into discussions with another company. “But we needed a quick decision,” said Tony, “and they were dragging their heels. We did the deal with Bill and Dennis overnight.” Just goes to prove the adage: ‘he who hesitates is lost’.

Another early success for the company was the winning of a baggage contract with KLM.

At that time Tony and Mark did all the work themselves, exhausting days and still all the paperwork and sales left to do in the evening. But it’s quite clear that Tony relished the old days and, more importantly, the experience was the perfect grounding for managing a much larger organisation when success came.

It was quite a leap from handling baggage and inbound consolidations to providing a full-blown moving service but, according to Tony it was a perfectly natural evolution. “Many of the people we moved in were here on short-term contracts; when they went back, they called us.” There was another advantage with the outbound work. Until then all their work had been on contract with the inevitable delays in payments. “Packing was cash in advance,” Tony explained, a great help to a growing business.

It was also a fast learning curve. Looking back Tony feels that they probably grew too quickly in the early days. “When we sold EVL we swore we would never have our homes at risk again. We decided then that the new company would always be self suffi cient. From day one we never used the bank’s money, just our own. As a result we’ve had straight-line growth year on year. If we can’t afford it we don’t have it. Everything we have, we own. The only thing that’s leased is the photocopier and that’s because it breaks down so often.” The company hasn’t grown through revolution or acquisition, it’s just consistently done the same thing extremely well.

Today the company employs around 90 staff operates 40 trucks and has over 100 trailers. At any one time around 15-20 vehicles are running

around Europe providing consolidated deliveries for both direct and trade customers. Along the way though Tony has learned a few lessons. “I now know how hard it is to open a new company in the States and how you need to look after what’s important. When you are young you think it’s all about sales and customer service. But if you don’t get your invoicing out on time, if you don’t have proper management accounts, you cannot make correct decisions. Over the years I’ve also learned how to say ‘no’.”

Just one look at Tony’s company and it’s easy to see that quality is important. The warehouse is impressive, the vehicles polished and the offi ce – well, I have rarely, if ever, seen an operations offi ce that was so pristine: not a fi le out of place or a day-old coffee cup anywhere to spoil the image. So, what is quality? According to Tony it’s giving the customer what they want. “There are different levels of service. A trade agent needs to be competitive at an acceptable level of service. A blue chip client might want something different. It’s recognising what they want and expect that makes the difference,” he said.

EuroUSA also runs its own training school that is open to outside companies to use.

The Faculty Manager Trevor Stanard looks after the sites and organises the training. Training covers statutory requirements and training for everything the company does. “We are in the lucky position of not having to pay others to do that for us,” said Tony.

The company also likes to nurture its talent, promoting from within wherever possible. Jon Barton one of the on-road sales team, for

Overseas group profi le: EuroUSASteve Jordan interviews Tony Tickner of EuroUSA in Mildenhall, Suffolk.

Overseas Group News


The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating international

ocean transportation in the US, approved a number of new recommendations to protect consumers at its meeting on December 8, 2010. The Commission first initiated this investigation in June 2010 to develop a record on the nature, scope and frequency of potentially unfair, unlawful or deceptive practices in the shipping of household goods or personal property within the FMC’s jurisdiction.

Each year, the FMC receives a substantial number of complaints from individuals who have experienced various problems with their international household goods shipment. Between 2005 and 2009, the Commission received over 2,500 such consumer complaints related to household goods moving companies transporting personal effects and vehicles between various locations in the United States and foreign destinations.

Typical complaints involve:• Alleged failure to deliver the cargo and refusal to return the pre-paid ocean freight; • Loss of the cargo; • Significant delay in delivery; • Charges to the shipper for marine insurance that was never obtained; • Misinformation as to the whereabouts of the cargo; • Significantly inflated charges after the cargo was tendered and threats to withhold the shipment unless the increased freight was paid; or • Failure to pay the common carrier engaged by the company as another intermediary.

In many cases, inexperienced shippers have been forced to pay another carrier or warehouse a second time to have their cargo released.

During the first phase of their fact finding the FMC interviewed individual shippers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), local and national trade associations representing OTIs and household goods movers, vessel operating common carriers, and other government agencies.

Commissioner Khouri, the Fact Finding Officer, explained the team’s preliminary observations and conclusions about the nature and scope of the problem, recommendations for immediate action, and topics for further development:

Consumer education:• Further develop the Commission’s website

content to assist consumers as they choose international shipping options; • Formalise cooperation with other governmental agencies in the household goods area; • Enhance cooperation with trade associations representing household goods movers; • Develop informational documents tailored to household goods consumers for use and distribution by OTIs; • Target outreach to local communities that regularly ship household goods overseas; • Develop an advisory asking that licensed OTIs link their websites to the FMC’s website; and • Encourage Internet-based ‘lead source providers’ to link their website to the FMC website and check the license status of mover clients.

Industry ‘best practices’ and model forms:• Engage with industry groups and consumers to develop a set of ‘best practices’ and model shipping forms that address consumer issues raised by the fact finding; and • Develop an advisory for Commission consideration that would recommend the use of these practices and forms to licensed OTIs in the household goods business.

Licensing issues:• Prepare recommendations specifically related to the movement of household goods for inclusion in any draft regulation developed by the Commission working group currently considering changes to existing licensing rules and regulations for OTIs.

Enforcement:• Develop guidelines and procedures to facilitate and implement joint law enforcement efforts to protect consumers and address problem household movers; and • Develop an agency enforcement strategy focused on entities offering services related to the transportation of household goods in US – foreign container trades.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):• Promote alternative dispute resolution services provided by the Commission to assist consumers experiencing problems with household goods movements.

The FMC committed to develop additional options for consideration by the Commission during the second phase of the investigation that took place in February 2011.

example, started with the company as a porter later becoming an administration clerk. This breeds a culture within the company that allows everyone to understand each other’s role. In the office it goes one stage further: everyone must be able to work every desk.

Although the company handles its operations electronically, Tony insists that everything is backed up with old-fashioned paper files. “If we have a power cut the company must be able to continue its business.”

EuroUSA joined BAR around six years ago and went straight into the Overseas Group. Tony admits that, at the time he was a little anti-establishment but the public expect companies to be members of a trade body. “BAR gave us a voice to say to our clients that we have put our money where our mouth is. We are not frightened of working to a code or working with quality. We went straight down the BS EN 12522 road when it was introduced.”

Tony felt that Standards are not well understood. “It just gives you a structure to work to. It gives you a guideline that every company needs and if you don’t have one, you make up your own. We had everything in place and when we did ISO we had to make very few adjustments.”

The IMMI guarantee has been very useful and Tony believes that it is as relevant now as it ever was. “If someone was selling me something and they could give me a guarantee and show me a certificate to say that my money is safe, it would be a great comfort.” Tony currently sits on the working group for the overseas Standard and he intends to comply with it as soon as it’s available. “It proves that we are qualified to do overseas work. This will be a great differentiator.”

Tony joined the OSG Council three years ago. “I used to be a person who moaned about this industry, but I realised that if you really want to make a difference you’ve got to get involved. Being on the Council allows you to make decisions for the industry but it also gets you to meet your peers: people you’ve looked up to. It’s a great sounding board. It also allows you to understand the reasons things were done in the past.”

This year’s BAR conference is on the theme of moving forward and Tony believes that it’s not just companies but the Association itself that must move forward. “We have to look at what we can do for our consumers and for ourselves. Having a big voice is more important than having a lone voice.”

Tony wants to encourage people to come to the conference, both UK overseas members and their overseas partners. “My business would not have grown as it has had I not travelled and attended many other conferences around the world. Conventions are a great way to find out about the industry and to meet people. This industry is still about who you know.”

It’s hard not to be impressed with EuroUSA, and Tony’s down-to-earth style and frankness is infectious. It’s a company based on practical experience and simple values of doing what you know best very well indeed. An inspiration for all.

The FMC tightens up on household goods shippers


Training News

BAR Training Services busy start to 2011 began with visiting the premises of those BAR members who signed up to the

Driver CPC fi ve-year training plan. The plan, which is exclusively available to BAR members, forms an agreement where BARTS conduct on-site Driver CPC training on roughly the same date each year.

As part of the plan, BARTS agree to freeze the price of Driver CPC training up to the September 2014 deadline, meaning those members who signed up to the plan enjoy BARTS 2009 daily rate over a period of fi ve years. The other price advantage in using the plan is the ability to spread the total cost of the training over the remaining period. This means that members receive one Driver CPC training invoice every

January and only the fee for that particular calendar year is payable.

As well as the price advantages, BAR members have found it incredibly useful to have their drivers trained by trainers who deliver removal industry specifi c Driver CPC training. This enables drivers to learn skills that are relevant to their everyday working responsibilities as well as meeting the necessary Driver CPC training requirements.

To fi nd out more about BARTS Driver CPC courses or to discuss any of your training requirements, please contact BARTS on 01923 699484 or e-mail [email protected].

BARTS 2011 full training brochure is now available to all BAR members. To view the brochure please visit www.removalstraining.com.

BARTS packing skills course

On Wednesday 2 February, 2011 delegates from Jeakins Removals, Transdec Transport and Reliable

Removals attended a fragile and non-fragile packing course at BAR Headquarters, Watford. The delegates learned about the correct packing techniques and materials to use, a systematic approach to the sequence of packing materials, adequate protection of goods, recycling and economic use of packing materials, the marking and labelling of cartons, weight distribution and effectively managing time constraints involved when packing goods.

The delegates received demonstrations of how to best pack a variety of different goods and then all were assessed on their understanding of the techniques shown by giving a practical demonstration to the trainer. Delegates rated the training as above average or excellent and gave comments on how this training had helped them with their personal development and given them the necessary skills and experience to be able to pack more effectively and avoid damages or breakages.

BARTS rates frozen for 2011BARTS would like to announce that there will be no rate increase in 2011 for all BARTS training courses and there is no uplift on training delivered at weekends. BAR member discounted rates will also still apply.

Overseas Group Training – funded by the Overseas Group

Following the recent success of its training for 2010, the Overseas Group has chosen to instruct BARTS to deliver further training to its members

completely funded by the group. As before, Overseas Group members will be allocated one place per company to attend the BARTS Overseas skills training specifi cally designed for the Overseas Group. BARTS will be offering an alternative of two sets of dates, the courses will take place over three days at BAR Headquarters in Watford on the following dates:30th, 31st March and 1st April or 19th, 20th and 21st April

A busy start to 2011 for BARTS

Delegates from Jeakins Removals, Transdec Transport and Reliable Removals attending the fragile and non-fragile packing course at BAR Headquarters

www.removalstraining.com

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

£In Partnership with Basil Fry & Company and Reason Global Insurance BARis pleased to be able to offer an exclusive Legal Expenses insurance scheme for our members with DAS Legal Expenses - the UK’s market leading legal expenses insurance company.

The scheme pays up to £100,000* to cover the legal costs for:

�� Employment Disputes and Compensation Awards�� Motor Prosecution Defence�� Licence Protection

*£5,000 for claims relating to tachograph / speed limiter offences

All for the competitive price of £58.30 (inclusive of Insurance Premium Tax) ��please speak to one of the Brokers listed below.

For full details, please visit the members area of the BAR website: www.bar.co.uk The scheme is currently only available via the two insurance members of the Professional Advisers Panel (Brokers).

BAR EXCLUSIVE LEGAL EXPENSES SCHEME

Claire House Bridge Street Leatherhead Surrey��

Contact: Bob Tree

T:��F:��E: [email protected]

Basil Fry & Company

�� Brighton East Sussex BN1 3XB

Contact: Nicholas Marshall

T:��E: [email protected]

Reason Global Insurance

LegalExpenses.indd 1 3/2/2011 11:43:38 AM


News RoundupEuropean News

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

UK Truck Clean grows After a successful three-month trial at Hartshead Moor services on the M62, truck wash firm UK Truck Clean plans a ‘massive’ expansion, working with Welcome Break. This involves opening truck washes at strategic Welcome Break sites across the UK. The first phase includes South Mimms on the M25 and Leicester Forest on the M1. Phase two includes sites on the M11, M62 and M6 motorways. For more information visit www.uktruckclean.com.

Iveco UK guarantees 4% fuel savingIveco UK says it will guarantee UK fleet operators a 4% cut in fuel use with its new EcoStralis truck. The offer is good for three years or 400,000 km. The firm says independent tests show that the truck can cut fuel use by 7.32% over comparable models. Iveco’s guarantee covers items specific to the EcoStralis; the new 460hp engine, Eco-gearbox and new drive axle ratio, which cut fuel bills by some 4%. The remaining 3.3% comes from cutting road speed from 90 to 85km/h and using Michelin X Energy Savergreen low rolling resistance tyres. The fuel guarantee will be measured against the combined average performance of the customer’s heavy truck fleet. But it will only be available to fleets whose trucks do at least 55% of their work on motorways and dual carriageways. Visit www.iveco.com for more information.

Russia lifts restrictions on cross-border road transportJack Short, Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, expressed his satisfaction on the breakthrough in the impasse over the organisation’s multilateral license system.

“This decision is good for Russia’s economy and trade and sends a positive signal about multilateral

cooperation in transport”, said Short. Multilateral licenses facilitate international

road freight transport by allowing hauliers to cross borders with just one permit, rather than having to apply for several bilateral licenses. The system operates with the cleanest trucks and so supports environmental improvements in the road sector. The system is administered by the International Transport Forum, an intergovernmental organisation based at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

At a recent meeting of the International Transport Forum in Paris, Russia agreed to lift a reservation on the quota system it had temporarily imposed in 2010. Russia was able to lift its reservation as it could accept the main findings of a report undertaken at the request of the Russian Minister of Transport, Igor Levitin, on improvements to the operation of the quota system and improved implementation of Ministers’ decisions.

Poland and Russia also signed a new bilateral road transport agreement to resolve serious recent problems on road transport between the two countries. Short welcomed this agreement: “This illustrates the role of the organisation in facilitating dialogue and closer cooperation between International Transport Forum member countries.”

Europa.eu, the official website of the European Union, reports that in January 2011 European Commission officials

started to undertake unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the truck industry in several Member States. The Commission has reason to believe that the companies concerned may have violated EU

anti-trust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices and/or the abuse of a dominant market position (Articles 101 and 102 respectively of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).

The Commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the relevant national competition authorities.

Unannounced inspections are a preliminary step into suspected anti-competitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the companies are guilty of anti-competitive behaviour nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself. The Commission respects the rights of defence, in particular the right of companies to be heard in anti-trust proceedings.

There is no legal deadline to complete inquiries into anti-competitive conduct. Their duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of each case, the extent to which the companies concerned co-operate with the Commission and the exercise of the rights of defence.

European Young movers in MaltaThe 17th European Young Movers Conference will take place in Malta from 26 to 29 May, 2011 in Malta.This is a wonderful opportunity for industry members to network in this hauntingly beautiful island steeped in history and bathed in sunshine. To register and for more information go to www.youngmovers.eu.

EU looks at truck weights and sizesPiet Wieman, writing in the Netherland’s Nieuwsbrief reports that the EU Commissioner Siim Kallas says the EU is preparing new legislation on truck weights and sizes, but has made no decisions on legalising long heavy vehicles. “We think about that but we also take into account the arguments of opponents of LHVs.” He didn’t say when he’ll publish his plans but did promise the long-awaited European white paper for traffic and transport in March. “This only indicates the direction of EU transport policy in the coming years,” and won’t include “concrete measures and plans”. He also suggests that passenger traffic should pay the costs of road and environmental damage, along the same lines as freight traffic will under new Eurovignette rules. For more information visit www.ttm.nl.

European Commission confirms unannounced inspections


Do you have any news? If you have please send it to: Andy or Louise at Analytica Communications on 0208 458 5100 or e-mail: [email protected]

European News

FEDEMAC has recently been in correspondence with MEP Malcolm Harbour regarding the on-going problems

arising as a result of companies receiving invoices and/or demands from misleading directory companies. This, as we all know, is not a new issue but still remains of real concern as company accounts departments can sometimes inadvertently pay out needless money to such companies whilst others can feel threatened and vulnerable.

We are pleased to note that MEP Harbour has agreed to an article for FEDEMAC on this.

In a further development MEP Simon Busuttil commented: “We need to change European legislation to cut the fraudulent industry of Misleading Directory Companies from its roots. Vulnerable organisations, small businesses and professionals need our protection from the

misleading practices of certain directory companies,” Busuttil said. “We must show them that European Law is there for everyone to follow and respect. According to EU law such fraudulent practices must not be tolerated.”

Busuttil publicly named the European City Guide, Construct Data, Novachannel, EU Business Services, Intercable, EXPO guide and DAD as some of the companies involved in such fraudulent practices.

These companies send out forms that ask recipients to simply update their details free of charge for a listing in their directory publication. However what victims fail to recognise is the very small print at the bottom of the page which declares that signing such a form engages the individual into a three year contract involving an annual payment of euro 1000 per year.

Misleading Directory Companies:European Parliament’s Petitions Committee backs MEP Simon Busuttil

“Speaking of victims, even MEPs have received these forms. This industry truly has no shame!” Busuttil told the Petitions Committee.

The European Commission confirmed that such practices are already against EU law. Nonetheless the cross-border dimension of this fraud makes it very difficult for the victims to pursue the fraudsters. According to Busuttil this creates a situation whereby “citizens do not have the adequate tools in this respect to enforce their rights”.

Busuttil asked the Commission to step up its action in finding not just a legal, but a practical solution to the problem. “Too many people are still ending up victims of this scam. Too many people are being harassed every day by legal letters from these companies.”

The Commission will be reviewing the Misleading and Comparative Advertising Directive by the end of the year with a view to analysing all possible options to protect business in Europe, including the possible insertion of a specific provision to prevent the fraudulent practices of Misleading Business Directories. The Commission also pledged to consider enforcement cooperation tools that would be aimed at solving the problem of cross-border enforcement.

scan. store. manage. deliver.

Tales of Success. Just one of many stories. Ready to write yours?

Tel +44 (0)1908 635320 Fax +44 (0)1908 635328www.oneilsoft.com [email protected]

www.oneilsoft.com/stories

Offices in California, Florida, Texas, UK and Australia.

“A key point we make with customers is our ability to scan down to the tape level and require an electronic signature - the ‘100% chain of custody’ we provide by printing the receipt of items we have picked up, or delivered with a date and time stamp. They always have a record of what happened at each transaction and not just a number total.”

Greg Le Francis, President/General ManagerSouthwest Data ProtectionLas Vegas, Nevada

Memb No: O904

Dear Sir,Come rain, shine or even snow, all our staff reported for duty despite six inches of snow, to enable RHEMO to carry out their scheduled removals as the customer’s photo shows.B.A. Newell, Rhemo Removals

specialists in transport law

“the sky is the limit”when there are tyre tracks on the moon

never say

tel: + 44 (0) 1254 828 300 email: [email protected]

www.backhousejones.co.uk

BHJ moon ad 180x132-5:Backhouse advert 10/8/10 10:29 Page 1

SOME OF OURCURRENT VACANCIESInternational Move CoordinatorArea: LondonSalary (range): £26K - £28K

Removals Warehouse ManagerArea: LondonSalary (range): £25K - £30K

Removals Branch ManagerArea: Home CountiesSalary (range): £25K - £35K

Removals Sales EstimatorArea: MidlandsSalary (range): £20K - £25K

Innovative recruitment solution to the moving industry

A Seamless Recruitment Service

www.redrecruit.com Tel: 01621 840600

6098 Red R 1/4 Page Advert.indd 1 10/02/2011 15:50

B.A. Newell, Rhemo Removals


Letters

46


Industry News

47

KISS – keep it simple stupid By WALLY WHINGER

What is it about the people who make electronic gadgets that makes them think we’ll be more likely to buy

their stuff if they load them with features we’re never likely to need? Phones are the worst. I bought a new one the other day and despite coming out with the usual old codger’s line, “I just want a basic one please,” the thing does just about everything other than mowing the grass and cooking the Sunday roast. I don’t need a camera with a video setting, I don’t want to surf the net or read e-mails, I don’t want an FM radio and I don’t want to sit playing games on it – I just want to talk to people! To make matters worse the things I do want to do like transferring the numbers from my old phone are almost impossible to fathom, despite the 240 page instruction manual that I can only read using my over-featured computer. I suppose I could ask a ten-year-old to help, but there’s never one around when you need one.

It’s not just phones; you need a PhD in electronics even to use the machines in the kitchen. Our dishwasher has about six different programmes and is able to cope with every

combination of dirty pots ever created by man. How many do we use? One! Like everybody else. It’s the same with the cooker, the washing machine, the microwave and the tumble dryer, they’re all bristling with handy features we’ll never use, but have presumably had to pay for.

I blame the Japanese. They started the throw away society where instead of waiting until something was worn out before taking it to the tip, you bought a new one because it had an extra button on the front and nobody would be seen dead using the old version. Not very green, but I guess it was good for business.

Now I may be a bit of a dinosaur, but I bet I’m not the only one who gets frustrated trying to figure out how to use new devices that are supposed to make my life easier. They’ve all gone feature mad and I reckon people are beginning to lose patience with companies that change things just because they can. They would do well to remember the old salesman’s maxim KISS – “Keep it simple stupid.” In other words a confused customer doesn’t buy.

Congratulations to James Griffin of Yeates Removals and Storage of Clevedon for squinting at the page long enough last month to work out the image of Greg Wildman from Basil Fry swinging aimlessly at a golf ball. We only had two correct answers, the other being Ted Mooney from Company Moves, so well done both. Only one winner though.

Solution to February’s puzzle

Extensive desk research followed by qualitative testing with potential members and their employers has allowed NEST

to develop a phrasebook of key terms, phrases and principles aimed at helping future NEST members to better understand pensions. The phrasebook can be downloaded from NEST Corporation’s website.

To continue the work, NEST has also set up a plain-speaking forum and published an interactive game to encourage people to carry on the conversation about pension terms.

Launching the research and phrasebook at an event to debate pension communication challenges, Lawrence Churchill, NEST Corporation Chairman said, “This is the fi rst time that pension terms have been independently researched with our target audiences. Our research suggests that using simple and appropriate terms can reduce barriers to understanding. The way we talk to our members and employers will be critical; many won’t have much, if any, experience of pensions or other complex fi nancial products. We will develop our approach over time, but after 14 months of careful research and development this is a very credible foundation. We hope our work contributes to the drive to reduce jargon in the fi nancial services world more generally.”

Minister for Pensions Steve Webb said, “I welcome NEST’s phrasebook as a big step forward in making pensions easy to understand. Employers and workers alike fi nd pensions very complicated. As we move forward with radical reforms to automatically enrol people into workplace pensions it is vital that we use clear and simple language to make that process as straightforward as possible.”

Tim Jones, Chief Executive of NEST said, “NEST is launching this year, and our potential future members and their employers are telling us how they want us to talk with them. It’s really exciting to get to the stage when we start to understand how we will talk about NEST. We also recognise the great work others have done – we want to join with them to encourage a consistent approach across the sector.”

Helen White, Director of Life and Savings at the Association of British Insurers said, “We are facing a pensions crisis in this country with many people not saving enough for a comfortable retirement. In 2012 automatic enrolment could begin to revolutionise pension saving and see millions more people saving for their retirement. It is crucial we use the next 12 months to get people ready for this huge change and we welcome the work NEST is doing. We need to make sure that we, as a pensions industry, are communicating in the clearest and simplest

terms with people so that they understand why it is good to save and what they can expect from their pension.”

Key facts about the nest project This work was developed over 14 months. This consisted of: • An initial review of UK-based pension providers, international markets, fi nancial services advisers, plain English organisations and other industry sources to look at existing research, advice and best practice relating to language and fi nancial services/pensions. • The development of two narratives for NEST – one for employers and one for workers – which included terms within descriptive text. These were then reviewed by an invited group of external stakeholders including journalists, pensions organisations and bodies representative of NEST’s audiences. • Qualitative research using these narratives, through a series of mini focus groups and in-depth interviews with workers and employers.

Terms were tested in isolation; in context, with a defi nition of the term; using an explanation that didn’t include the term itself; and using different words and words with similar meanings, where appropriate.

The research helped NEST to identify some best practice principles for words and phrases it should use. Suggestions included: • Keep it simple, but don’t patronise; • Be open and honest and don’t baffl e with jargon or mystify with complexity; • Use clear signposting and provide clarity on what needs to be done next where appropriate; • Provide step-by-step instructions where possible.

The research also identifi ed four categories of words and phrases: • Terms that can be used as they are, without change or explanation; • Terms that can be used but require a defi nition when they fi rst appear within a piece of communication; • Terms that should be avoided and not used; • Terms that should not be used but need to be replaced with an alternative.

NEST publishes pensions terms researchNEST Corporation (National Employment Savings Trust) recently published the results of its initial research into the understanding of current pension terms amongst its target audiences.

Download the NEST phrasebook at www.nestpensions.org.uk/plainspeaking

A representative of NEST will be speaking at the BAR conference in Manchester

NEST haspublished its fi ndings in a dowloadable phrasebook


Pension terms

48

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

The intention will be to hold various celebrations and fund raising events throughout the year, not only drawing

attention to the anniversary that has sparked the festivities but also to bring together the global family of Britannia to mark the occasion.

Britannia was born in general as a response to the increase in shipping traffi c to the principle Commonwealth Countries in the 1970s. It was felt that the market wanted to look outside of the constraints of the larger established international movers and embrace smaller family owned companies that could offer something extra in terms of their services. Britannia began in 1981 with a small cooperative group of 14 companies. The minutes of the fi rst offi cial meeting show that items such as inland and destination rates, advertising strategies and expansion were discussed. The name of the group was also discussed with titles such as Seahorse considered before the full name of Britannia Movers International was settled upon.

Since those beginnings in 1981, Britannia has expanded rapidly and evolved into what it has become today: a large network of well run ‘members’ all connected to the Britannia philosophy of togetherness, family and a commitment to professional service. As John Court (one of Britannia’s founders writes) “From the outset Britannia membership demanded

complete and absolute trust and loyalty. It is that spirit which has seen this unique Group through to its 30th birthday celebrations as a multi-million pound internationally recognised market leader with worldwide representation.”

Now, with over 40 UK offi ces and fi ve overseas locations, it is easy to see the appeal of the Britannia group. The basic foundation of the organisation has remained the same with the network pivoting around a central offi ce that co-ordinates work, partnerships, purchasing and corporate contracts. While international shipping continues to be the lifeblood of the company, Britannia has diversifi ed into other spheres and built up strong reputations in commercial and corporate moving as well as a wide range of different storage services. Britannia has also opened its doors to trade operations and continues to forge strong partnerships with fellow organisations within the moving industry both at home and abroad.

During the course of this year Britannia has organised various opportunities to celebrate this milestone. The annual conference in June will allow faces from Britannia’s past and present and its wider family of overseas agents to get together and toast to a bright future. Britannia will also be involved in various sporting and charity events including the latest instalment of the overseas marathons, this year in Amsterdam.

Britannia’s 30th anniversary One of the biggest names in the industry Britannia Movers International turns 30 this month. Britannia has sprung from relatively humble beginnings to become one of the largest moving groups in Europe in a relatively short space of time.

With thanks to Mike Devereux and John Court for their invaluable contribution.


Britannia at thirty

50

The company has grown from virtually nothing in 1991 to a multi-million pound turnover and is celebrating its twentieth

year in business this year. Here Steve Jordan interviews the company’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Richard Allen, to find out more about the company and the industry it serves.

Andrew Donaldson founded the company in 1991 financed by a grant from the Princes Trust. Andrew already had much experience in the shelving and racking business and decided to go on his own. His new company specialised in shelving, racking and mezzanine floors and soon won a series of business awards both for itself and for Andrew as an entrepreneur.

It was around 1998 that Andrew had his first brush with the self storage industry. “We were asked to quote for a mezzanine floor installation in London,” explained Richard. “It was at the very early stages of self storage in the UK but even then it was clearly a business we needed to be involved in. We still do some industrial fit out now but since then we have concentrated mainly on the self storage market.”

Seeing the opportunities that self storage offered as a business proposition in itself Andrew soon committed himself to building his own stores. He developed two self storage companies – Storage World and Rent-a-Space – which were eventually sold to the UK’s largest self storage company Safestore. Today Andrew is a joint owner of Big Storage, with Paul Fahey of P. Fahey & Sons Removals, which includes one of the UK’s largest self storage facilities.

Today the company’s management and operational team consists of Gareth Williams, Scott Woodcock, Martyn Dickinson and Richard Allen all of whom have much industry experience and the necessary expertise to ensure that self storage will prove a valuable addition to your core business. A dedicated design team will maximise your available space to enable you to make the best return on your investment.

It should be reassuring to anyone contemplating moving into self storage that the CEO of one of the country’s biggest fit-out companies is also involved in the business for itself. It does rather demonstrate that Active are prepared to practise what they preach. More significantly, Andrew has clearly shown that he knows how to make self storage work and is prepared to share that knowledge with any company wishing to set up its own operation and employing Active for the fit-out. What better way to demonstrate that you are giving best advice than to have already proven its success.

That is a principle that has been adopted by Active Supply and Design. Richard explained that they don’t just build a facility for anyone

Waking up to self storageAn interview with Richard AllenActive Supply and Design is one of the UK’s leading self storage fit out companies trusted by moving companies throughout Europe to build their self storage facilities and advise on how to make them successful.

who asks. “First we do a feasibility study. We look at the building, where it is, the access, its visibility and suitability as a self store; the demographics of the surrounding area including statistics on age groups, average incomes, etc.; and we look at the competition in the area. There’s no point in us building a facility that will fail, we’d rather people be successful and come to us for the fit-out of their subsequent phases.”

But, strangely, it seems as if even now the moving industry hasn’t really worked out the benefits of integrating self storage into its business. Richard explained that only about 10% of his company’s business is for moving companies and only a very small percentage of all the moving companies in the UK have self storage facilities. “The UK is far from saturation. There are about 700 facilities in the country but that’s only about one tenth of the coverage per capita than the USA.”

“The removals industry needs to look seriously at self storage and realise that this is the best possible add-on to their current business. It dovetails with it so perfectly, creating revenue and a constant flow of business that movers have just not been used to,” he said. “Clients have often told me that it’s only the self storage business that has kept them bouyant through the recession.” If you look at the trading figures of the major self storage companies in the UK it’s clear that they too suffered during the recession but they have emerged strongly. The industry has long thought itself to be recession resilient and its performance through its first down turn does appear to support that view.

Perhaps it’s the up-front investment that puts moving companies off starting self storage

facilities. But with an average return of around £25ft2/annum it doesn’t take long to get the money back. Richard conservatively predicts three years to see a net return but many moving companies maintain they have returned a profit much faster – 18 months in some cases.

The view that location is the holy grail of self storage success seems to be subsiding. Yes it’s better to have an ideal location with passing traffic than be stuck in some backwater but the emergence of the Internet as the main source of business has made that less important. “You need good Search Engine Optimisation and marketing, drive-by business is still important, but we have customers who have done very well in rural locations. Not having an ideal building is no longer a show stopper.”

Self storage units are not, it appears, used only as a place to abandon unwanted household items. Today people use the handy units for a whole range of purposes: as substitutes for garden sheds where dad can indulge in his passion for model aircraft making or stamp collecting; as depositories for companies selling goods on eBay; even as business units where a small business can be run from. “But we are still a nation of hoarders,” said Richard, “and when the housing market is unpredictable people will often sell up, store their goods and see how far the market will fall.”

In Europe the UK has been something of an early adopter in the self storage business. France and Germany are fast on our heels with the Netherlands and Scandinavia growing too. But the potential, both here and abroad, is still huge for those with suitable buildings, a little capital and an adventurous spirit. Could you be one of them?

Richard Allen and Martyn Dickinson support the BAR conference


Self storage

51

And while it’s true that India has seen phenomenal growth technologically and economically during the last twenty years,

it remains, to westerners at least, a strange and mysterious place. From the moment you step off the plane your senses are bombarded by a cacophony of sounds, pungent exotic smells, intensely vivid colours and most noticeably, an all enveloping humid heat.

There are untold riches in India, but there is poverty too - in Mumbai alone it’s estimated that half of the city’s 13 million inhabitants live on the streets or in slums - India is not a place for the squeamish or the oversensitive. But despite its extremes, India is a fascinating country with enormous potential, its people are largely well educated, friendly and optimistic about the future. Labour is still cheap and the country’s greatest asset, but there are still opportunities for expats willing to move to the subcontinent and become part of its booming economy.

Ajit Venkatesh is Director of Globe Moving & Storage Ltd in the southern city of Bangalore, the company also has offices in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. R&S asked him about

the removals business in India and how the worldwide economic chaos of the past two years has affected their business.

“Once the recession hit in 2009 we saw a large number of Indians coming back to India from overseas,” said Ajit. “At the same time expats were moving out of India and large organisations were retrenching staff and moving to smaller offices. In the second half of 2010 Indians started moving out again, but the number of expats moving in remained very low – it seems corporations felt it was better to hire locals than expats.”

“We saw the volume of business increase briefly in 2009, in 2010 the volumes have reduced slightly. Also our margins have taken a severe beating. Corporates are trying to squeeze movers out of every single dime. We haven’t seen a single corporate giving a price raise in the last ten years, even though all the input prices have been constantly going up,” continued Ajit.

Perhaps not surprisingly, most moving companies tend to focus on household moves rather than corporate work, with general

Moving in IndiaWhen Mario Lanza sang of India’s ‘ever never changing land’ in A Song of India, the teeming, sweltering subcontinent was a very different place from the India of today – or so some will tell you.


Moving in India

52

Far left: the Globe Moving & Storage crewAbove left: office staff from left to right - Rajeshwari Vasanth, Senior Executive – Customer Service; Sushma Somaiah,Move Coordinator; B Yashoda, Move Coordinator; Mr. G S Shinoj, Senior Executive – Customer Service.Above: Ajit Venkatesh, Director, Globe Moving & Storage, left; Mr Fabio Macchitella, Sales Manager, DGM Veron Grauer SA Left: typical Globe Moving & Storage vehicle

commercial transport and logistics companies taking most of the corporate business. According to Ajit these companies offer extremely low prices but their service is often poor and lacks the expertise of the specialist removers.

“About 60% of our business comes from residential moving and storage,” said Ajit. “The rest comes from industrial relocations, pet moving, office moves, fine art, etc. Most of the relocations are between major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. But over the last couple of years we’ve seen an increasing number of moves between smaller cities like Pune, Cochin, Ahmadabad, Coimbatore, Trivandrum, Jaipur and Nagpur.”

Winning the business of a typical Indian family moving house is far from easy, with most getting at least ten quotes before making a decision! According to Ajit, price is usually the main factor with little consideration given to the quality of service - although word of mouth recommendations and testimonials do sometimes help.

As the world saw during the run up to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last year,

Indians tend to have a fairly relaxed approach to planning. “Everything has to be done at the very last minute,” said Ajit. “Even large office moves are sometimes done with only a day’s notice. Very few people plan a move in advance.”

In terms of important things to consider when operating a move to India, Ajit recommends preparing a list of electronic goods stating their make, model and serial number and load these

at the door of the container or in a separate container for inspection. He also recommends informing customers that in India import duties are payable on all shipments and to avoid shipping alcohol - import duties on liquor are apparently very, very high.

To import goods through Indian customs a company such as Globe Moving and Storage would require the importer’s original passport, original bill of lading (signed on the reverse), an inventory of articles stating value, make, model, serial number and year of purchase for electronic and high value goods. Other documents such as transfer of residence forms, unaccompanied baggage forms, declaration and authorisation letters will also be required.

India’s past is riddled with disputes and war but has managed to recover and emerge as a strong economic force and an attractive location both for foreign investment and expats alike. Although this may have fallen away slightly in the last year, there is little doubt that the country will come out of recession with a stronger and more powerful economy than many of its western counterparts.

“Most families get at least ten quotes, but testimonials do sometimes help.” Ajit Venkatesh


Moving in India

53

The first step, if you have not already obtained an Operator’s Licence, is to make an application to the Traffic

Commissioner in one of the eight Traffic Areas which cover Great Britain. It is imperative that an Operator’s Licence is obtained as without this you cannot carry on your business.

One of the main considerations which the Traffic Commissioner will need to take into account is where the vehicles will normally be kept. This is defined as an ‘Operating Centre’ and usually refers to where the vehicles are normally parked when not in use. For example, if a driver takes his vehicle home every night and parks it in the street, that is where the vehicle is normally kept and must be specified on the Operator’s Licence.

However, this is not the usual scenario and most operators would find a piece of land from which to operate. This could be a bare piece of land which has not been used for such purposes previously or one which is located on an industrial estate. You may need to consider, and this will be down to each individual’s financial circumstances, whether or not this site should be leased or purchased.

In both scenarios, it is imperative to ensure that the appropriate Planning Permission has been obtained. We here at Backhouse Jones have encountered numerous occasions where operators have entered into a lease with a landlord, or indeed bought a parcel of land, then found that they cannot actually operate from it even though they have obtained the appropriate Operator’s Licence from the Traffic Commissioner. This is because they have not looked into the actual use of the land.

The Local Authority in which the land is located will decide whether or not the land can be used as an Operating Centre. Even if the land is located on an industrial estate, it does not mean that the appropriate planning use has

been obtained.The use of land as an Operating Centre

actually falls outside all of the uses within the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. It is termed “sui generis”. This means that a specific application needs to be made to the local authority applying for permission to use the land as an Operating Centre.

In such an application, the following matters must be satisfied:1 A plan showing the location of the proposed Operating Centre and which shows named roads to and from it;2 A plan showing within the site the location of the parked vehicles and, if necessary, the turning circle within the property of the vehicles;3 The hours of opening and use of the Operating Centre;4 The number of employees, either full-time or part-time who will be employed at the property;5 A fee of £335.00.

The application is then submitted to the local planning authority which will place statutory advertisements in the local press and upon the property. These advertisements will stay in place for three weeks. The public can lodge objections to a planning application but must do so within this three week period after which, if any objections are received, they will be discounted.

In addition, the local authority will make its own enquires, for example with highways to see whether or not there would be an impact on the use of the land as an Operating Centre to the local community due to an increase in vehicles from it.

The local authority will also take into account the situation of the land as to whether or not it is near any residential area as obviously the hours of operation could impact on the residential community and be classed as noise nuisance.

If no objections are received and the local

authority is happy after making all its enquiries, then a Planning Permission will be granted either with or without conditions. If, however, objections are received which could be pertinent to the application, then this could mean that the matter would be brought before the planning committee for a decision to be made. If such an application is refused, then the matter could then go to appeal.

Hopefully this would not be the case and an operator will receive the planning permission permitting its use as either a haulage depot or coach/bus depot.

Failure to obtain the appropriate planning permission could mean that the local authority could prevent an operator from working from that site by serving an Enforcement Notice. This would mean that the business would be prevented from operating from this site until such time as either a permission has been obtained rectifying the situation or a new site has been found which has the appropriate planning permission.

Obviously this is a costly exercise so it is therefore vitally important to ensure that the appropriate planning permission is in place before entering into any lease or purchase of property. Failure to do so could mean that a business cannot operate, would lose business and could also be stuck with a lease or property which is actually of no use whatsoever. Therefore we would urge you to contact us when you are first considering relocating to an alternative site.

Make the move, but bewareThose thinking of setting up a new business or moving to a new site should consider the following. By Wendy Newbury of Backhouse Jones Solicitors.

Contact Wendy Newbury at Backhouse Jones on 01254 828300 or e-mail wendy.newbury@ backhouses.co.uk.


Operating premises

54

The end of the year was due to see the Department for Transport (DfT) plans to change VOSA officers’ powers across

England and Wales and extend them to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Officers will be allowed to stop a vehicle at the roadside to make routine checks of drivers’ hours, overloading or paperwork.

Early 2011 was due to see enforcement of motor insurance using the DVLA vehicles register and the motor insurance database to warn and then penalise those vehicle keepers who fail to hold valid insurance. February 2011 will see all motor vehicle categories except trailers required to be fitted with dedicated daytime running lamps.

In Northern Ireland from April next year, the Department of the Environment (DoE) will

amend the operator licensing system to mirror that of Great Britain. At the end of next year, European regulations will introduce further harmonised licensing rules for operators and transport managers. These include the introduction of a pan-European database.

From January 2012, there are expected to be changes to vehicle testing. The DfT is reviewing the list of vehicle types that enjoy an exemption from testing with a view to removing as many as ten categories including electric vehicles.

The same month will see the set figures for standard operator licence holders reset annually based on the euro exchange rates on the first working day in October of the previous year. For example, the first reset will take place on January 1, 2012, based on the exchange rate on Monday October 3, 2011.

Industry developmentsThe fast-moving field of transport law and legislation has a number of key dates coming up.

Information courtesy of Backhouse Jones Solicitors.


Transport law

55


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.

Please contact Andy or Louise at Analytica Communications on: 0208 458 5100 or e-mail: [email protected]

Diary DatesNATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES 2011

The Commercial Vehicle ShowNEC, BirminghamApril 12 – 14

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 CommitteeMarch 16June 1September 21November 23

BAR AREA MEETINGS 2011

Kent AreaContact Tom Bourne: [email protected]

East Met AreaContact Ray Slemmings: 01708 440113 Northern AreaContact Alan Hoggin: 0191 549 1194April 14 - Northern Ireland AreaContact Dominic Murray: 02890 748 588 South Western AreaContact Sue Christophers: 01637 872 529March 29 - Sussex AreaContact Nicholas Marshall: 0845 602 1755

East Anglia AreaContact Andrew Pearson: 01362 853777

New Met AreaContact Darren House: 01932 253737March 15 - To be held at the Novotel, Heathrow

North West AreaContact Annette Harris: 0161 653 4455

Yorkshire AreaContact Graham Puddephatt: [email protected] 17 - Venue TBAMay 19 - Venue TBASeptember 8 - Venue TBANovember 26 - AmbassadorAnnual Dinner Hotel, Scarborough

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

Southern AreaContact Peter Doman: 01372 [email protected]

Western AreaContact Ria Russell: 01278 447099Meetings will be held at:Brent House, Bridgwater Road, East Brent Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4HLMarch 15 - May 10 - September 13 - November 8 -

West Midlands AreaContact Sarah Pargeter: 01384 377786April 18 7.00pmJune 13 7.00pmSeptember 12 7.00pm

BAR SCOTTISH AREA MEETINGS 2011

Contact Georgina Berry: 01505 502220

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

Diary Dates


BAR Memberships March 2011Applications:BAR has received the following applications for:

National GroupCheshire Moving & Storage LtdUnit 11 The Gateway International Business ParkBromboroughWirralCheshireCH62 3NXTel: 01513 431264Web: www.cheshiremoving.co.uk

House 2 Home Removals LtdUnit 9Forge WorksNorthampton RoadWeston on the GreenBicesterOxfordshireOX25 3ABTel: 01869 360050Web: www.h2hremovals.co.uk

ResignationsBAR is sorry to lose the membership of the following company whilst thanking them for their support:

National Group

Alliance Removals & StorageMemb No: A088

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

Trade Services


Sweden and Scandinavia

Channel Islands

Scotland/Europe

Ireland

Isle of Man

Established 1990

��

��

��

Scotland and Islands

Italy

• Regular runs to all areas • Full or part loads • Receiving depot 10mins from M25 J5 ...or we collect• All deliveries and collections carried out by our own crewsPhone Paul for advice and genuine delivery/collection [email protected]

TRADE ROUTES

TO ITALYFRANCE-AND OF

COURSE 01732 358900 ‘WHEN SERVICE MATTERS’EN ROUTE

Daily trade service to and from the Channel Islands

Tel: 01489 581 063 or 01489 579 997Email: [email protected]

www.pickfords.com

�� Packing services

�� Origin and destination

services

�� Local storage

�� International groupage

services

�� Export packing services

PO19

Trade Services


France

AustriaGermany and Austria

Weekly Groupage Service Full origin and destination services available.

German speaking staff

WH HUMPHREY & SON LTD

Contact Darrel or JustinTel: 0208 144 0734 • Fax: 0844 770 7111Email: [email protected]

NAT I O N A L & IN T E R N AT I O N A L RE M OVA L SH AMILTONS

Contact our European department on 01379 851074 [email protected]

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

depot or clients residence available

To download our tariffs visit:www.hamiltonsremovals.co.ukUsername:Trade Password: Ham662

SwitzerlandH081

Switzerland

Cyprus and Malta

� Weekly Services to North and Southern Cyprus, Malta, Egypt, Israel, Dubai, Morocco, Canary Islands, Lebanon and Tunisia.

Contact Darrel or JustinTel: 0208 144 0734 • Fax: 0844 770 7111Email: [email protected]

GREECEby Road

&ITALYENROUTE

�� transit time

�� departures

�� & ��

�� in Greece

�� | ��

��

Greece

Trade Services


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

REGULAR

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Cyprus

Canary Islands

TRADE RATES

www.evl-rates.co.ukRegular Trade Services to:

• CANARY ISLANDS • CYPRUS• MALTA & GOZO

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

Memb. No: E007

Worldwide

Regular Services to all Major Destinations Worldwide

Receiving in Windsor & StourbridgeContact Mike, Chris or Steve on

01633 488 [email protected]

Trade Rates to Europe

Trade Services


South Africa

United Arab Emirates

��

��

Caribbean

South America Training

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

��

Regular TradeServices toUNITED ARABEMIRATESDubai, Sharjahand Abu DhabiFull & part loads

Contact Justine or Stuart on

01432 377477fax: 01432 279894


OVERSEASREMOVER

AdvancePayment

Guaranteed

Memb No: GO13

IsraelIndia

TradeServicesto INDIAOne point of entry fordelivery anywhere in India.11 receiving depotsFull & part loads

Contact Justine or Stuart on

01432 377477fax: 01432 279894


Memb No: GO13

ISRAELThe largest consolidators of HHPE

from the UK to Israel.Weekly + full destination services!

020 8832 2222Stephen Morris Shipping Plc, Unit 9, Ockham Drive,

Greenford Park, Greenford. UB6 0FD UK.E: [email protected] www.shipsms.co.uk

W o r l d w i d e R e l o c a t i o nFi n e A r t & A n t i q u e s S h i p p i n g

Trade Services


Trade Storage

www.tradestorage.co.ukWe are not a removal company oryour competitor, you are our clients

on which our business depends.

[email protected] or Swindon

0208 795 4838 or 01793 731696

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 0208 963 4015Fortnightly 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 29/11/10 11:23 Page 1

Warehouse Containers

External Elevators

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


��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

� ��

Classifieds


For Sale

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

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

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:Steve Pearce at Rubicon Marketing on: 0117 330 8370 or e-mail: [email protected]

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) £30 per single column centimetre (Please note all lineage & semi-display ads are set by R&S in house style)

Half Page Mono £510Half Page Colour £615Quarter Page Mono £425Quarter Page Colour £500Box Number +£30All 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.

DOCUMENT STORAGE CONTAINERS

FOR SALE (250ft3)

Once used. Superb condition. £100 each + VAT.Contact Matt Purdie: 07770 583 407

��

��

SELL IT, FIND IT,

FILL THATVACANCY,

WITH A LINEAGE AD

£2.15FOR JUST

PER WORD

+VAT

Situations Vacant

Classifieds


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

£190+VATPlease contact Steve Pearce

at Rubicon Marketing on: 0117 330 8370 or e-mail: [email protected]

BOOK YOURCLASSIFIED

QUARTER PAGEADVERTISEMENT

MONO:£425 COLOUR:£500

Please contact Steve Pearce at Rubicon Marketing on: 0117 330 8370 or e-mail: [email protected]

+VATFOR

+VATFOR

T A C H O S M B U F F

O N O Q I T R F N O I

N B N G A E I G M C Z

Y S T H O R P C T S S

A S A S N E U T G H M

L I I X K O Y S T E R

L B N G S C R H Y E O

E T E R A K O G A T D

N C R A L N E L U B I

G O S I Y R T J D O C

I T F N N I U O F A W

W E B B I N G H O R P

E Y G O V T A R U D S

S T K A Y R U N I G L

I A D R U G G E T S O

N T I D K R E B A T E

O F J G M A S O I A T

F O U R C T H I R T Y

T N B A E S X S L D N

A B O D K U T R E T O

M U M E S M I L X A S

BAR Services word search solution1 Abbr. for the graphs used to track drivers hours; a traditional Mexican dish TACHOS2 The form used for printing on cartons; an electronic record player, tape recorder, etc. STEREO3 A corrugated product used to protect and wrap around awkward items e.g. guitars SHEET BOARD4 The three letter word we use for our economy dolly trucks; the abbr. for an institution where a degree is gained UNI5 An alternative phrase used by the industry for our foam floor protectors DRUGGETS6 A previous BAR Services General Manager TONY ALLEN7 125K/125T BC and 150M/150T BC, for example (for those of you who have been paying attention to our articles on corrugated board this should be easy!) BOARD GRADE8 The ideal product to strap and secure heavy items in transit; in between ducks feet? WEBBING9 This word denotes the thickness and strength of polythene products GAUGE10 How many years BAR Services has been supplying BAR members with packaging products? THIRTY11 The term occasionally used for mottled, white corrugated board; An amorous

mollusc? OYSTER12 The type of tyres found on an Expresso truck AIRLEX13 Commonly known as a ‘linen’ carton … The pack ‘?’ is part of the BAR Services modular range FOUR14 The industry term for brown tape, To polish or shine metal BUFF15 A 3 letter abbr. – the BAR secured this bodies approval in 2008 OFT16 Large wooden items used to contain, store and transport goods CONTAINERS17 BAR Services made this payment back to its members at the end of 2010 REBATE18 A metal item necessary for members with storage facilities PADLOCK19 A higher grade of tape that can be torn by hand; a trendy term for 45s, LPs and 12” records VINYL

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

Advertise your job vacancies in Removals & Storage magazineContact Steve Pearce at Rubicon Marketing on: 0117 330 8370 or e-mail: [email protected]

FIND THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB

BOOK YOURCLASSIFIED

QUARTER PAGEADVERTISEMENT

MONO:£425 COLOUR:£500

Please contact Steve Pearce at Rubicon Marketing on: 0117 330 8370 or e-mail: [email protected]

+VATFOR

+VATFOR

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

Jack of all tradeThose of you who don’t yet use our trade groupage shipping services obviously don’t know Jack.

You can rely on Anglo Pacific to handle your customers’ goods with care. 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 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 Jack and his team and get in the know.

Jack DorringtonTrade Manager

r&s march 2011

Documents