Moving Matters

In this episode Adam Maton, Owner and Founder of wemove, discusses how he began his man and van journey in the sexy world of removals & storage 6 years ago, although Adam’s initial career started in the corporate world of Risk Management, where he worked for 8 years before relocating to China to teach English for year. wemove provide a full domestic removal service (mainly local), packing and some storage, running 4 x 3.5 tonne lutons (with no aspirations to run a big truck) and employ a fulltime team of 7. One of Adam’s challenges was lack of industry knowledge when he started out. Another challenge was and still is staffing, due to the yearly, monthly, weekly and daily challenges faced by the industry as a whole. The one thing Adam would change from his moving past is to have started his own storage, as wemove currently sub storage, but it is something Adam will be looking to focus his efforts on over the next 6-12 months during the expected downturn within the removals industry. Adam’s highpoint of being within the industry is being ranked first on the tender list for the Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch council contract, after only being in the industry for 2 years! The one thing Adam would change within the moving industry is VAT fraud, especially amongst those operators running 2/3/4 trucks, 4/5/6 men, and Adam has strong and valid views regarding this subject. The advice Adam would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to potentially be bolder and braver, and in doing so he probably could have achieved some of his successes quicker. Also, Adam believes he could have grown wemove quicker had he sooner learned to leverage capital. In the next 5 years Adam will focus on wemove and the challenges ahead, especially with the expected shift in supply and demand within the marketplace due to the current economic climate. Industry wise Adam see’s a shift in sustainability as he believes we are behind as an industry. Outside of the industry Adam has a passion for exercise, whether that be training daily in the gym, playing football or boxing. Adam is also an avid AFC Bournemouth fan and attends every home game but loves the occasional away game. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding a stressful incident involving bugs. Enjoy! Links to wemove: * Website (https://www.wemovesouth.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://facebook.com/wemovesouth) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/wemovesouth) Special Guest: Adam Maton.

In this episode Holly Oven, Transport Manager of Britannia Alan Cook discusses how she began in the industry only 2 years ago and is still a mere 21 years of age! Holly has always been indirectly involved within the industry, but her initial career path was to be in accounting where she began her training during and after college, until Covid happened. Britannia Alan Cook is a family business which Holly’s parents bought in 2008, as Alan Cook Removals, joining Britannia Movers International in 2018. Today Britannia Alan Cook operate 25 vehicles (10 trucks, 1 trailer, 15 vans), have 3 warehouses across 2 sites and employ approximately 40 staff. Britannia Alan Cook specialise in the domestic removals & storage market, self-storage, international relocation and offer a shredding service. Holly’s biggest challenge has been having a young and female voice on the telephone, where customers would question her knowledge. Other challenges have been being the boss’s daughter, and more recently the tachograph changes. As Holly’s chosen career of being within the industry is still so early on there is nothing she would change from her moving past but is excited for what the future has to offer. Holly has several highpoints of being within the industry already, obtaining her CPC qualification, being part of the Removals & Storage Magazine’s Women in the Industry feature, and of course being a guest on Moving Matters. We digress away from the standard questions to find out more about the recent BAR Young Movers Group conference in Cambridge. The one thing Holly would like to change within the industry is again the conveyancing system, however on the flip side, if it didn’t provide such complications would more companies provide removal services and potentially flood the marketplace? Holly also believes the removal industry and solicitors should be working closer together rather than against each other, and together we touch on legislation. The advice Holly would give herself just starting out within the industry again is to have confidence and believe in yourself, something Holly has been working upon. Also, to find and implement a robust organisation system. In the next 5 years Holly would like to continue her development and undertake more courses, including the BAR Removals Masterclass, and to obtain her Class C licence! And within Britannia Alan Cook, Holly is hoping that a younger management team will be in place, alleviating the pressure from her father. Industry wise Holly hopes we will all be recovering from the expected downturn, an increase in sustainability and environmental practices, electric vans (but not electric trucks), recognition of the industry at governmental level, and finally that the crews get the recognition they thoroughly deserve. Outside of the industry Holly enjoys watching her football team of Norwich City, she is a bookworm, participates in yoga with her mother, and she is a ‘proper’ foodie (her words not mine) who enjoys going out for meals and drinks with friends. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, or more a quaint one, regarding a move to an old railway signal box on the Norfolk Broads using her father’s cruiser as the transportation vessel. Enjoy! Links to Britannia Alan Cook: * Website (https://britannia-cooks.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Alan-Cook-Removals-360758970694692/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/alancookremoval) Special Guest: Holly Oven.

Continuing on from Episode 56 (https://www.movingmatterspodcast.co.uk/56), the one thing Judith would like to change within the industry is the whole exchange and completion experience, making it more legalised and no longer allowing exchange and completion on the same day, and to become prouder in requiring a financial commitment from the customer, such as a deposit. The advice Judith would give herself just starting out in the industry again is that the only person stopping you is yourself, not be afraid of your dreams, and to have courage and faith in you and your team’s ability. In the next 5 years Judith hopes to spend more time away from the business, maybe stepping back a little, but is happy to continue in any role her team delegate to her. Industry wise Judith doesn’t think the days of self-driving trucks will be in her lifetime, but does think we will be moving less as more items come fitted within new houses. Outside of the industry Judith enjoys walking the family dog, cooking and entertaining for friends, fine dining, and holidays. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, two in fact, one regarding a trilby hat and the other regarding fish and chips. Enjoy! Links to Britannia Bennetts of Malvern: * Website (https://www.britanniabennetts.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BennettsofMalvernRemovalsandStorage/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/britbennetts) Special Guest: Judith Bennett.

In this episode (part 1 of 2) Judith Bennett, Director of Britannia Bennetts of Malvern discusses how she began in the industry nearly 25 years ago after going on a blind date through mutual friends with the enigma that is Alan Bennett (episode 35 (https://www.movingmatterspodcast.co.uk/35)), who Judith got engaged to only 8 weeks later! Britannia Bennetts run 4 HGV’s, 4 low-loaders, have a 20,000 sqft warehouse with 350 containers and 130 self-storage rooms. We discover what lead Judith (and Alan) into the self-storage industry as Malvern Self-Storage, which was led by customer demand in choice. Judith’s challenge is being female in a male dominated industry, although this has changed as there are a lot more women in key roles today than when Judith started 25 years ago. The one thing Judith would like to change from her moving past is to have more confidence in the business decisions she and Alan made in their early days in business together. And I ask Judith if she thinks females make better surveyors. Judith has several highpoints of being within the industry, meeting Alan is obviously the biggest, but also was joining A C Bennett Removals and turning it from sole trader into a limited company where she became a 50% shareholder, signing on the land for their current warehouse, joining Britannia Movers International and being invited onto the board, and finally, having her 2 eldest children join the family business as second generation. Enjoy! Links to Britannia Bennetts of Malvern: * Website (https://www.britanniabennetts.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BennettsofMalvernRemovalsandStorage/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/britbennetts) Special Guest: Judith Bennett.

In this episode Graham Byers, Managing Director of Removal Services Scotland discusses how he began in the industry in 1986 as a trainee manager for Pickfords, becoming their youngest branch manager at the tender age of 21! In 1992/3 Graham’s good friend Ian Wright started Removal Services Scotland, a company Graham joined from the offset, and in 2017 Graham and his colleague Greg McMullan took over ownership. Removal Services Scotland is your traditional domestic and commercial removal company with its own container storage facility. Removal Services Scotland also provide European removals, which since Brexit has become more complicated, bureaucratic, time consuming and costly, but they are getting better prices due to fewer companies providing this service. Graham has faced many challenges in his removal career, especially in the last 5 years since becoming a company owner but moving from a long-standing employee to company owner has been his biggest. The one thing Graham would like to change from his moving past is to have become a company owner sooner, something that seemed so daunting during his early years within the industry. Graham has a couple of highpoints of being within the industry, his early days at Pickfords being one, and taking ownership of Removal Services Scotland, and more recently Guardian Moving & Storage, being the other. The one thing Graham would like to change within the industry is to accelerate the transition from diesel to electric/bio-fuel trucks as the opportunity is very limited at the current time. The advice Graham would give himself just starting out in the industry again is not to be put off having a go at running your own business. In the next 5 years Graham wants to continue to push and develop both Removal Services Scotland and Guardian Moving & Storage, and to ensure that there is an easy transition if and when Graham’s wife says he has to stop! Industry wise Graham hopes more people join the industry, skilled or unskilled, by showing them the possibilities that exist within our industry. Outside of the industry Graham enjoys running and is part of a local club, he is a season ticket holder at Glasgow Rangers FC and loves his holidays, with Italy being his favourite destination. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, two in fact, one regarding a new suit and the other a shipping container prank. Enjoy! Links to Removal Services Scotland: * Website (https://www.removalservicesscotland.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://twitter.com/scottishvanman) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/scottishvanman) Special Guest: Graham Byers.

In this episode Tommy McNee, General Manager of Guardian Moving & Storage returns for a full episode and discusses how he began in the industry nearly 20 years ago, but prior to that and when just out of nappies (Tommy’s words not mine) he began travelling with his Dad who had started a delivery company and consequently branched out into removals. Tommy was due to go to Sterling University, to become an accountant or an actuary, however, from the age of 15 he was working the summer holidays for his Dad, earning £161.40 for a 45 hour week, a wage he soon got used to, and therefore ended up telling his Dad that he no longer wanted to go to university but wanted to work instead. Guardian Moving & Storage are based between West Lothian and Edinburgh, and they provide mainly domestic and commercial relocation services, facilitate overseas relocation, provide containerised and self-storage as well as archive storage services. Tommy has faced new challenges since becoming part owner of Guardian Moving & Storage as he’s since become HR, agony aunt, operator, salesman, etc., where so many more people have become reliant on him. However, his biggest challenge was experienced at a very young age, where he lost his father to a heart attack during a commercial move, and thus having to facilitate with the paperwork that followed, as well as taking over his father’s company. Tommy would not change anything from his moving past and explains why, even with an old analogy. Tommy’s most recent highpoint is becoming part owner of Guardian Moving & Storage, another is becoming part of the council of the BAR Young Movers Group. Tommy goes on to inform us of the BAR Young Movers Group annual conference, which takes place in Cambridge as this episode airs, and we discuss how to become a member and the costs involved. The one thing Tommy would like to change within the industry is to have a course on how to build/run a business, as described in episode 17 (https://www.movingmatterspodcast.co.uk/17) by Danny Pollard. Tommy also states that unlike many previous podcast guests he is against regulation, and I challenge him as to why, in which he builds an extremely good argument. The advice Tommy would give himself just starting out in the industry again is to ask questions and seek answers quicker. In the next 5 years Tommy doesn’t think the industry will change that much, although we are being quickly pushed into a more sustainable way of doing things. Personally, Tommy sees more of the same, growing, learning, and asking questions. I ask Tommy if he sees any changes in the selling side of the industry to which again, he has very strong views on. Outside of the industry Tommy enjoys family time with his wife and 3 children, and he also runs his own fitness, nutrition, health, and wellbeing company. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding porters getting a fright. Enjoy! Links to Guardian Moving & Storage: * Website (https://guardianremovals.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/www.guardianremovals.co.uk) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/guardianremoval) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/guardianmovingandstorage) * Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/guardian-moving-&-storage-ltd./about/) Special Guest: Tommy McNee.

In this episode Adam Sinclair, Managing Director of Sterling Sinclair Removals discusses how he began in the industry only 6 years ago (in 2016) at the tender age of 23, after experiencing removals several times during his professional rugby career. Sterling Sinclair Removals have a fleet of 6/7 lutons/loloaders, a 18, a 15 and a 7.5 tonne truck. Storage wise Adam has 130 shipping containers in Sterling, with 110 shipping containers in Edinburgh, and 100 wooden 250 cuft containers in a rented warehouse. Adam has recently purchased additional land at his Sterling yard where he plans to add a further 100 shipping containers, together with a further 150 shipping containers in Edinburgh. Adam faces challenges every day, with a business constantly expanding he ensures that the service levels are kept high, to keep up with the expectations of his clients. Also, in the early days how to price a job was a challenge, especially as Adam was a total newcomer to the industry. The one thing Adam would change from his moving past would have been to obtain advice from fellow removers earlier or starting his career at a removal company. In such a short space of time within the industry Adam has two highpoints, the first is acquiring a fellow competitor, and the second buying his first piece of land. The one thing Adam would like to change within the industry is to make it more of a career for people or making the industry a recognised trade. The advice that Adam would give himself just starting out in the industry again is to approach other removal companies and fellow removers for advice and finding a good mentor to look up to. In the next 5 years Adam would like his own warehouse, and to add one or more trucks, but to make the removals side as efficient as possible and to become a recognised brand. Industry wise Adam see’s huge staffing problems, with removals being one of the hardest labour-intensive industries left, people find it physically to hard. Adam also see’s changes regarding the regulation of the smaller vehicles, such as luton/loloaders. Outside of the industry Adam still plays rugby, albeit socially, where he still trains 3 times a week, and he enjoys a good run or a workout at the gym both pre and post the working day. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding hired vans. Enjoy! Links to Sterling Sinclair Removals: * Website (https://www.sterlingsinclairremovals.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/SterlingSinclairRemovals/) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ssremovals/) Special Guest: Adam Sinclair.

In this episode Andy Shotbolt, Managing Director of Britannia Reeves discusses how he began in the industry after a (non-working) 3 night trip away to Scotland at the tender age of 11 with his grandfather, who was a driver for White & Co, a company Andy joined, becoming a fourth generation remover for the company. Andy spent approximately 18 years at White & Co, starting as a porter for Curtiss & Sons (a division of White & Co based in Portsmouth) before moving onto their Southampton branch and then head office in Botley. 24 years ago, Andy joined Britannia Reeves and today heads up the company as Managing Director. Britannia Reeves celebrates 125 years in business this year, starting in 1897 by Robert Reeves originally as rag-and-bone. In the mid 90’s Reeves of Petersfield joined Britannia (prior to Andy joining the business), and today Britannia Reeves cover all aspects of removals, have 2 containerised warehouses holding approximately 800 containers, 2 smaller warehouses which have recently been converted to 24/7 self-storage (which Andy is looking to expand), and a successful shredding business. Britannia Reeves employ 14 full time staff and run a fleet of 10 vehicles (6 x large, 4 x low-loaders). Andy’s biggest challenge was being sent to a branch on a Monday to problem solve, only to find that not only had the manager and manageress ran off together, but they had also emptied the filing cabinets, erased everything from the diary and told all staff on the Friday that they were no longer employed! Another challenge was moving a 4.5 tonne bronze cannon from HMS Victory into the museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. There’s not really anything Andy would change from his moving past, as his past has enabled him to be where he is today and to assemble a really great team around him. Andy’s highpoints of being within the industry are the places he’s visited and the people he’s met along the way, but a proper highpoint was being voted onto the board of Britannia Movers International where he served for 7 years. The one thing Andy would like to change within the industry is professionalism, and that has to start with us, beginning with employing your staff on a full-time basis and treating them with respect, as most have a family and want to be part of that family lifestyle in these modern days. The advice that Andy would give himself just starting out in the industry again is to learn what we do, get a grounding in it, know your numbers, learn the legalities of the industry, and learn from those that went before you. In the next 5 years Andy doesn’t think there will be much of a change within the industry but hopes we will endeavour to satisfy the green issue regarding materials, and IT will play a bigger role (Andy being a huge fan of Video Surveys, which we discuss in more detail). Personally, Andy still sees himself at Britannia Reeves, maybe slowing down slightly although his wife (and I) is of a different opinion! Outside of the industry Andy likes fishing, clay pigeon shooting and in recently years, wait for it, Andy has taken up running, after a challenge from his youngest daughter, and is just about to start paddleboarding. Andy also has a huge passion for local history and provides historical tours of old Portsmouth, which involves 7-8 pubs! And as always we end Moving Matters with a couple of funny moving stories, regarding divorce cases. Enjoy! Links to Britannia Reeves: * Website (https://www.britannia-movers.co.uk/branch/reeves-removals-petersfield) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/britannia.reeves/) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/britanniareeves/) Special Guest: Andy Shotbolt.

In this episode Max Kreynin, Managing Partner of VoxMe Software discusses how he began as a fellow supplier to the industry some 22 years ago after being told by his brother to develop tech for moving. VoxMe Software is a Canadian based company, with offices and staff in Israel, Europe and the Far East, and they provide mobile apps for pre-move surveys, digital inventory control, scanning and label printing, a full stack move management system for removals, a fine art logistics system and a virtual survey app. All the inside and practical knowledge of the apps is down to Max’s brother Roman who was a mover from 1991 until 2017 when he sold his successful moving company. Max’s biggest challenge has been the lack of technological savviness from the owners and upper management to trust their own staff to just go and learn to use mobile apps. The one thing Max would like to change from his moving past as a supplier to the industry is to have taken a bottom-up approach rather than his top-down approach and developed the portal first rather than the full move management system. Max’s highpoint of being within the industry was being on a digital inventory webinar at an IAM conference when a VoxMe client came on to explain that their crews are craftsmen and craftsmen require not only good tools but tools they can trust. Max would like to change the way movers think when changing from paper to digital, and implement gradual changes, starting simple and letting the process take you to the next level naturally, rather than this need to change every single process and create havoc. The advice Max would give himself just starting out in the industry again is to have learned to delegate and trust other people earlier. In the next 5 years Max hopes to see VoxMe as the standard digital inventory infrastructure for the moving industry. Industry wise, Max see’s two extremes, the traditional movers will remain busy as the demand for them will be stronger, but there will also be an increase in smaller contractors as bookers/brokers/move managers move towards an Uber working style. Outside of the industry Max likes to meditate and work out, and he does get to switch off and turn on ‘airplane mode’ when away from the workplace. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding biowaste modern art. Enjoy! Links to Voxme Software Inc: * Website (https://www.voxme.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/voxmesoftware/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/voxmesoftware) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/voxmesoftware/) * Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/voxme-software-inc/) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdC6yXO_ZIepB8ICiGI0VZg) Special Guest: Max Kreynin.

In this episode Mark Tresler, Managing Director of Britannia Movers International discusses how he began his career in the industry joining Britannia almost 19 years ago as a temporary financial controller on a 6 month contract. Britannia Movers International is a co-operative of likeminded business owner/managers who all trade under the same brand and are shareholders within Britannia. Britannia consists of approximately 35 companies in 40 depots around the UK, 2 in South Africa and 1 in Spain. Britannia provide imports, exports, UK corporate, UK international and military relocations. Mark explains that Britannia are looking for new members, specifically in Scotland, Cumbria, Coventry, Reading and Maidenhead, to name a few areas. Membership requirements are that 2 vehicles are liveried at the start of the relationship, BAR membership (or an intention to join) and BSEN12522. Mark has had several challenges in his 19 years, the main ones being the financial side of Britannia when he first joined (as a temp), finding a warehouse to purchase or land to build a warehouse upon having spent 13 years in Croydon, and more recently the pandemic. The one thing Mark would like to change from his moving past would have been to possibly find the time and/or the reason to go out on surveys and removals. Mark’s highpoint of being within the industry is becoming Managing Director, a position he has held for 11 years now and is probably the longest serving, and also putting his mark on the annual Britannia Conferences, by taking them to places members wouldn’t have necessarily gone on their own accord. Mark would like to change two things within the industry, the first being the conveyancing system, and the second being to move away from the noisy, smelly, diesel vehicles and onto electric (or any alternative fuel). The advice Mark would give himself just starting out in the industry is to enjoy it, because life would be really dull if every day was exactly the same, but every day in our industry brings different challenges to rise to. In the next 5 years Mark would see himself 5 years closer to retirement, and that Britannia has a succession plan for as and when Mark decides to call it a day. Industry wise Mark does think we could go through a downturn in business in the next couple of years with talk of recession and costs continuing to rise. Outside of the industry Mark enjoys walking and reading, especially the Jack Reacher novels (by Lee Child) and a bit of Jeffrey Archer, and Mark plays occasional (due to lack of opportunity) golf. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, or not in Mark’s case as he admits to never actually moved house. Enjoy! Links to Britannia Movers International plc: * Website (https://www.britannia-movers.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BritanniaMoversInt/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/BritanniaMovers) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/britanniamovers/) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/BritanniaMoversInternational) Special Guest: Mark Tresler.

In this episode Ian Siddle, Managing Director of Arnold & Self discusses how he began his career in the industry some 33 years ago, joining Arnold & Self after being refused time off for his skiing holiday from his first job! Arnold & Self was originally formed by Andy Self & Peter Arnold in 1986, mainly providing furniture delivery services for Alders during the week and undertaking removals at weekends. Today, Arnold & Self is owned by Ian, and operate predominantly in the domestic removals & storage market, although they also provide commercial relocation, archive storage and trade work. Arnold & Self operate 4 trucks, 3 lutons, and employ a daily team of 10-14, a small office team and a surveyor. Ian’s biggest challenge was the crash of 2008 and the liquidation of the company, which Ian states was a challenging time but a very rewarding time as well. The one thing Ian would like to change from his moving past would be to have got involved with the BAR (British Association of Removers) sooner, particularly the YMG (Young Movers Group). As Ian mentioned he would have liked to have undertaken training earlier in his career, we discuss the Removals Masterclass course, which was a weeklong residential course provided by BAR Training Services in November 2021, in which Ian sent his Transport Manager on. Ian’s highpoint of being within the industry is the friendships and contacts he has made, many being local competitors. The one thing Ian would like to change within the industry is regulation (although we did discuss conveyancing off air) especially with the 3.5 tonne vehicles, and we discuss how we (as movers) or our association(s) should show that we are a regulated industry, should that come to fruition. The advice Ian would give himself just starting out in the industry is to speak to as many people as you can, get involved, be part of the process, join the groups, join the associations, and get as much knowledge as you can. In the next 5 years Ian would like to see himself with a lower handicap, but on a serious note Ian would like to see himself being in a position to work on the business rather than in the business. Industry wise Ian says there is clearly a challenge ahead trying to attract new (younger) staff into our industry. Outside of the industry Ian enjoys a round of golf, Ian loves his football (although he is a Spurs fan), playing vets football on a Saturday and 5-a-side during the week, and Ian enjoys socialising and cooking. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, or in Ian’s case a funny warehouse story, regarding a fox. Enjoy! Links to Arnold & Self: * Website (https://arnoldself.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/removalssurrey) * Twitter (https://arnoldself.com/contact/#) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xzj8va5BhojDKbslg6Peg) Special Guest: Ian Siddle.

In this episode Joshua Taylor, Managing Director of Caversham Moves discusses how he began his career in the industry 15 years ago, which was on a part-time basis for 10 years during his initial career as a sports & massage therapist. Caversham Moves was formed 5 years ago (although their management team have 15-20 years of experience within the removals industry) and are based in Berkshire, providing predominantly local and national domestic moving services, although they also provide packing, installation, furniture delivery and trade assistance services too. Caversham Moves run a fleet of 2 x 18 tonne, 1 x 7.5 tonne and 5 x vans, employ a staff of 10 (employing only those living within a 3 mile radius of their operating centre) and offer containerised storage in 2 warehouses. Joshua’s biggest challenges was firstly coming into the industry and starting a business with zero assets and zero financing, and secondly purchasing good reliable assets as the company grew. Things that Joshua would change from his moving past is to give himself more respite, and to start his own business sooner, citing that it’s more beneficial for the development of yourself and your skillsets. Joshua’s highpoint of being within the industry so far, is offering employment to multiple individuals, but also investing into their development. The one thing Joshua would like to change within the industry is an operators licence for anyone that offers a hire and reward as a service. Joshua’s advice to just starting out in the industry again is to have worked for a larger/national operator to get a feel for other avenues, and in the early years of Caversham Moves to invest in staff sooner. In the next 5 years Joshua is looking to get more involved in networking having recently attended the BAR Young Movers Group Conference in Belfast, to join BAR, and possibly FIDI too as Joshua looks to add on International moving to their current services. Industry wise, hopefully in a good place, but Joshua would like to see is more emphasis put on quality and service delivery. Outside of the industry being an owner operator Joshua finds that there is not a lot of free time. And as always we end Moving Matters with two funny moving stories, regarding broken windscreen wipers and a device found in a divan storage drawer. Enjoy! Links to Caversham Moves: Website (https://www.cavershammoves.co.uk/) Twitter (https://twitter.com/cavershammoves) Facebook (https://facebook.com/cavershammoves) Instagram (https://instagram.com/caversham_moves) Linkedin (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshua-taylor-7296b4176) Special Guest: Joshua Taylor.

In this episode Neil Purdie, Managing Director of Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage discusses how he began his career in the industry some 21 glorious years ago, delivering coal in the company’s early years before the role of the business changed to removals and storage. The original company was started in 1960 by Neil’s grandfather, as Matt Purdie & Sons, a coal merchant but he quickly began to see opportunities in moving and storage, where Matt Jnr (Neil’s uncle) and Archie (Neil’s father) became directors. In 2015 Matt Purdie & Sons was subject to a takeover and is now known as Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage. Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage offer domestic, international, and commercial moves, as well as storage and self-storage. They currently run 26 vehicles, employ 46 staff, and have recently expanded into property maintenance and haulage. Neil says every day brings its own challenges, growing up and working within the family business was and still is challenging, but his major challenge was in 2015 turning a paper-based office into an IT savvy office. Neil doesn’t believe in having any regrets and that everything happens for a reason, so he has nothing that he would change from his moving past and has learned from every little mistake made. Neil has many highpoints of being within the industry, but the main one is the people and classing many of them as friends, becoming Managing Director is a huge highpoint which allows Neil the chance to grow and change the business. There is nothing in particular that Neil would change within the moving industry, but regulation for the 3.5 tonne market does need to be looked at which would help to make the industry be seen as a profession. Neil’s advice to just starting out in the industry again is not taking anything for granted and time, enjoy the time that you are in this industry but do take time out for yourself and your family. In the next 5 years Neil is in the process of having an 11,000 sqft unit with retail shops built on the land next door to their current location which they have been chasing for the best part of 20 years. Neil has recently started a haulage side to the business and is looking to expand upon this. Industry wise, Neil would like to see the industry achieve regulation. Outside of the industry Neil is a big football supporter, his team being Hearts, and with his son now playing for the local team (which of course is sponsored by Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage, as too is the local stadium), Neil helps throughout the week and at weekends with coaching sessions. And as always we end Moving Matters with three, yes three funny moving stories, regarding a costly sat nav error, a McDonalds Drive-Thru and a burst zipper. Enjoy! Links to Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage: * Website (https://www.purdieworldwide.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PurdieWorldwideLtd) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/PurdieWorldwide) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/purdieworldwide/) * Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/purdie-worldwide) Special Guest: Neil Purdie.

In this episode, Andrew Fahey, Director of P. Fahey & Sons discusses how he began his career within the industry by joining the family business some 40 years ago. P. Fahey & Sons is based in Manchester and was started by Andrew’s grandfather some 65 years ago from a second-hand shop. However, legend would have it that, Andrew’s great, great, grandfather moved to Chicago in the 1890’s to work for Wells Fargo Transport. Andrew’s biggest challenge is being enthusiastic to carry on doing what he’s doing! Andrew didn’t have anything to change from his moving past but going forward he would like to change conveyancing. Andrew’s highpoint of being within the industry is being able to do what he’s been able to do over the last couple of years regarding Covid, learning to adapt, keeping customers and staff safe, and having the lads step up to the challenge. Apart from the conveyancing, Andrew would like to change the pay and conditions for the guys, and women of course. Andrew’s advice to himself just starting out in the industry again is that it’s not all about money, it’s important and vital to what we do but it’s not about being the cheapest, or the most expensive. In the next 5 years Andrew hopes to encourage the kids who have taken up roles within the company. Industry wise Andrew see’s more competition from the man & van type of operators who started up during the pandemic. Outside of the industry Andrew spends his time with the kids and family, stating there’s nothing better than a Sunday roast and getting the family around. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding Jock and his modus operandi! Enjoy! Links to P. Fahey & Sons LLP: * Website (https://www.faheygroup.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FaheyGroup/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/faheygroup) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/faheygroup/) Special Guest: Andrew Fahey.

In this episode, Jordan Bignell, Managing Director of Britannia Quickmove discusses how he began his career in the industry some 10 years ago as an apprentice, and only 2 years ago became the proud owner of Britannia Quickmove, just in time for a pandemic to arrive! Quickmove was originally started by Peter Monk in the early 70’s, where some twenty years later he joined Britannia Movers International. In 2017 Peter sold the business to a local self-storage company, who then sold the removal side of the business (which included Phillips Removals, a small local removal company that have been around since the 1860/70’s) to Jordan & his wife in 2020. Jordan’s biggest challenge that he’s had to overcome in the industry is his youth. Other challenges are the line ‘that’s how it’s always been done’, and managing the risk of Covid, but having only been in the industry for 10 tender years he does expect challenges ahead. The one thing Jordan would change from his moving past is to have spent more time on the vehicles. Jordan also wishes he had made the jump to owner sooner, and began studying earlier too, as he is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in Business & Leadership, where he hopes he can be a future industry leader. One of Jordan’s highpoints was the undertaking of a move for a very prestigious school in Wiltshire that was once home to a Princess, which resulted in further recommendations. Jordan believes to change only one thing within the industry is a disservice, therefore I happily gave him the opportunity to choose several, and he chose; being recognised as a trade, which is a long-term goal; legislation for the regulation of smaller vehicles; a push towards more young people taking on key roles within the industry; recruiting younger people into the industry; innovation of technology; sustainability; electric & driverless trucks; diversity. And we discuss Jordan’s reality TV idea that we just need Channel 4 to buy into! The biggest advice Jordan would give himself just starting out in the industry again is to not let any boundary stop you from pushing to achieve more. In the next five years Jordan hopes to have grown the business and taken on a new site. He would also like to become a BAR DED (Directly Elected Director), and who knows, maybe BAR President? Outside of the industry, when not working fulltime and studying for his Master’s Degree, Jordan’s life is completely determined by what his new born son wants to do. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a very naked lady! Enjoy! Links to Britannia Quickmove: * Website (https://www.britanniaquickmove.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://en-gb.facebook.com/BritanniaQuickmoveofCalne/) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/britanniaquickmove/) Special Guest: Jordan Bignell.

In this episode David Strank, Director of Stranks Removals & Storage discusses how he became a third-generation remover after beginning his fulltime career in the industry at the tender age of 16 (although he helped in his father’s business from the age of 11!), even after being told not to join the family business. Stranks Removals & Storage was started by David’s grandfather in Thornton Heath, Surrey, in 1941, who was an engineer by trade working in the bomb factory during the day and moving people from their bombed homes during the night. Today Stranks Removals & Storage are based in Ashford, Kent, having taken the decision several years ago to completely relocate themselves to a brand new area. They cover all aspects of removals, running 4 trucks, 5 vans, employ 17 staff and store 250 containers within their own 13,000 sqft warehouse. David’s challenges have been varied, but an immense challenge was relocating the company from Thornton Heath to Ashford. Covid was and still is a massive challenge, and so too is accepting change. David would like to change a few things from his moving past, not taking things personally, joining the BAR earlier, not to get too familiar with staff, and try to employ nonfamily members within the office. One of David’s biggest highpoints was to see his son join the business and become a fourth-generation remover, his other highpoints include becoming chairman of the BAR Kent Area, and then becoming elected as a BAR DED (Directly Elected Director), something David has thoroughly enjoyed. David would like the industry to be recognised, but he would also like to change the completion system as in its current state it is simply not fit for purpose anymore. The advice David would give, firstly to his son who hasn’t long been in the industry himself is to always go that extra mile, and then to himself just starting out in the industry again is to ensure you make time for yourself outside of the industry. In the next 5 years David sees himself hopefully only working 3-4 days a week, industry wise he does believe the completion system will change, emission zones and thus vehicles will play a big part within the industry, full packing (and unpacking) will become the norm as more and more people work from home, and we’ll continue to have problems with recruiting and keeping drivers. Outside of the industry David is very active, competing in motorcycle trials (show jumping on motorcycles), playing golf, and enjoying the 8 acres of land that came with his own recent house move. And as always with end Moving Matters with several short funny moving stories, involving moves in snow, a moustache, a man in a dress, and a dilemma over intimate photographs! Enjoy! Links to Stranks Removal & Storage: * Website (https://www.stranks-removals.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Stranks-Removals-Storage-Ltd-181100835286124) Special Guest: David Strank.

In this episode Angus Russell, General Manager of Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol discusses how he began his career within the industry some 34 years ago after responding to an advert in The Times for a Trainee Manager at Hoults. Although Angus wasn’t born into the industry, he does believe he was born to be in this industry having spent most of his youth as an expat, relocating from country to country. In his 34 year career Angus has only worked for 3 companies, Hoults (2 years), Bishops Move (15 years) & Britannia Lanes (17 years currently). Earlier than usual in the podcast, Angus tells us that his greatest point of being in the industry was convincing his bosses at the time (Bishops Move) that they should be represented at the BAR conference, which Angus then attended. And it was at the BAR conference at The Belfry that Angus met fellow conference attendee Ms Maria Lane, who in 2006 became Mrs Maria Russell, hence Angus’s move from Bishops Move to Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol. Britannia Lanes started back in 1974 by Sylvia and Mike Lane after they were left some warehouses. Today they operate from 3 locations, Chacewater, Exeter & Bridgwater, with an unmanned Self Store due to open in Falmouth very soon. Britannia Lanes offer containerised storage, self storage, van hire, international, european, commercial & domestic relocation, shredding, and records management. Angus talks in depth about training and the training services he provides to the industry, and we discuss the general question of what is the return on investment? From this came one of my favourite sentences, “we move dreams and aspirations”. Angus has faced the challenges of a recession, but he finds the constant changes in legislation one of his biggest challenges, especially when the small businesses (the mum and dad business) have to upgrade on a corporate scale. Angus wouldn’t change anything from his moving past, stating what you go through builds the character for who you are. Apart from the obvious highpoint (see above) another of Angus’s highpoint was being made a Directly Elected Director of the BAR, which he really enjoyed. The one thing Angus would like to change within the industry is the pay and value of the operational staff, but we can only do this by making the public recognise just how highly skilled moving actually is. Angus’s advice to just starting out in the industry is listen, understand, and then make your viewpoint. In the next 5 years Angus would like to continue his focus on training, maybe semi-retire (but that’s too hopeful) but without leaving the industry. In the next 10 years (rather than the usual 5), Angus sees the industry becoming more eco-friendly, with hydrogen vehicles being the way to go. And that the millennials will affect the industry as they collect less, resulting in smaller moves. Outside of the industry Angus enjoys cooking, loves travelling, is into his pyrotechnics and of course spending time with his wife. And as always we end Moving Matters with 2 funny moving stories, the first involving “milk!” and the second involving a chap looking for employment. Enjoy! Links to Britannia Lanes: * Website (https://www.britannialanes.co.uk/) Special Guest: Angus Russell.

In this episode Pauline Collins, Partner Relations Manager of The Voerman Group discusses how she began her career 33 years ago in the International Moving market, starting in a Sales Support role at Anglo Pacific – Pauline too is a fellow lifer of this wonderful industry. The Voerman Group were founded in 1986, their headquarters are in The Hague, The Netherlands, and they have with locations in Moscow and Prague, service centres in Asia and the United States, and affiliations with companies in a variety of locations across the globe. The Voerman Group while predominantly international movers, also provide private and trade groupage solutions, commercial moving, and insurance solutions. Pauline hasn’t had any great personal challenges to overcome, which she puts down to working with some truly great people, Sarah Rowlands, Paul Evans, Jack Dorrington, Nick Kerr, to name but a few, who supported and encouraged her to be the best version of herself. For the industry, the challenge is identifying and retaining talent. The one thing Pauline would like to change from her past, and it is only a small regret, is that she didn’t take opportunities to work overseas. Pauline’s highpoint of being within the industry is obviously being on Moving Matters! But, that aside, it’s the opportunity to meet people from so many different countries and walks of life, who have become good friends, and being recognised for her ability to go above and beyond. Pauline would like the moving industry to become more sustainable, and I challenge Pauline on the rising costs borne to the customer to achieve this. Pauline would also like the industry to embrace technology more into our processes and thus stop being so traditional. Pauline’s advice to just starting out in the industry is to be kind to herself, learn how to say no and that you don’t have to rule the world at an early age. Also, be confident in yourself and voice your ideas. In the next 5 years, Pauline personally still sees herself at The Voerman Group and with the company being so diverse there are always opportunities within the group. For the industry Pauline hopes it will be more sustainable, and with shipment sizes shrinking companies will have to diversify, and continued consolidation of companies. Outside of the industry Pauline enjoys exercise, especially running having participated in triathlons and half marathons, but today is more for pleasure. Pauline has recently taken up Yoga, she enjoys eating out, is quite partial to the odd Gin & Tonic, and is part of a WI. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a pickup truck in Cape Town. Enjoy! Links to The Voerman Group: * Website (https://www.voerman.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/voerman.international/) * Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/voerman) Special Guest: Pauline Collins.

In this episode Darrel Baker, Director of Humphreys Removals discusses how he began his career some 30 years ago, even though his passion was to be a professional footballer. Starting as a warehouse picker and progressing to forklift driver, operations manager, and estimator at Humphreys Removals, before he and his wife were given the opportunity to purchase the company in 2019. Today Humphreys Removals provide local, distance, European and International domestic moves, through its network of contractors (BAR members) that Darrel has built up over the years due to Humphreys Removals having no trucks, drivers or porters. Darrel recalls the wonderfully superb series of The Moving Story, which featured Elite Removals, and was filmed over 2 seasons at Humphreys Removals – If you have never watched an episode then I encourage you to find it online if you can. Darrel had an immediate challenge shortly after taking ownership of Humphreys Removals, Covid, which was then followed by the Stamp Duty holiday, where trying to book a contractor proved problematic unless 4 weeks’ notice was provided! Due to Darrel starting right at the bottom of Humphreys Removals and progressing through the ranks Darrel wouldn’t change anything from his moving past which he found it quite enjoyable. Darrel’s highpoint was obviously taking over Humphreys Removals, but he has another too, the people (or characters) within the industry and the friendships created. Darrel would like to change people’s perception of the moving industry, not just the value but in thinking it’s a straightforward and easy job, when we all know it’s quite the contrary. And I challenge Darrel on perception because when it comes to value, I believe movers need to change, not just the public. Darrel’s advice to just starting out in the industry again is to take any training opportunities the company is willing to offer with both hands. In the next 5 years Darrel would like to get his current contractors more involved, more overseas work and to apply for BAR membership. Industry wise, Darrel believes it will get harder, hence why he is trying to diversify his services. Outside of the industry, Darrel is a season ticket holder with his son at QPR (Queens Park Rangers Football Club), he has a fetish (collection) for trainers, and enjoys socialising, mini-breaks, and spending time with the family. But basically, its just football really! And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a fellow packer finishing early. Enjoy! Links to Humphreys Removals: * Website (https://humphreys-moving.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/humphreysremovals/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/HumphreysMoving) Special Guest: Darrel Baker.

In this episode Wesley Bourne, Managing Director of Bournes Moves discusses how he began his career at the tender age of 15, where his first payroll date was August 22nd, 1994 and became a 5th generation removal man. Bournes was established back in 1875 by Thomas Bourne, starting as a coal merchant and general haulier. In the 1960’s brothers Eric & Roy Bourne joined the business (sons of Stanley Bourne, who was the grandson of Thomas Bourne) and took over from Stanley in 1974. In 2016 Wesley together with his brother Leon (sons of Eric) and cousin Tom (son of Roy) took over ownership of Bournes Moves. Wesley is also Chairman of the advisory board of Harmony Relocation Network, a recently appointed director at MTC Ltd and is a member of the BAR Overseas Moving Group committee. Today Bournes Moves currently provide a variety of moving services and is operated across 4 branches (Aylesbury, Cranleigh, Tonbridge Wells, with headquarters being in Rye), employing just over 100, running approximately 30 trucks and each branch has a fully containerised warehouse. Wesley has had a few challenges, firstly the modernisation of the business, secondly scalability to manage future growth and thirdly the succession of the company. The one thing Wesley would like to change from his moving past was providing a home delivery service to fulfil the void that was created from losing a major contract. Wesley’s highpoints are that he has achieved most things he set out to achieve, he was on the young driver scheme for his HGV licence, he’s proud to be involved with the BAR, being Chairman of the Harmony board, but his biggest is that his kids are old enough to know what he does for a living and think he’s cool. Wesley would like to change the way movers appreciate their value within the industry as he believes other industry sectors do this much better. Wesley’s advice to just starting out in the industry again (which he didn’t find out himself until he reached his thirties) is invest in yourself by undertaking training, reading books, listening to podcasts or even hiring a business coach. In the next 5 years Wesley would like to think he is still leading Bournes Moves but that is more a question for his board, industry wise Wesley thinks we have challenging times ahead with cost increases in labour, equipment and assets, supply and capacity shortages, and even though in recent times customer have been paying more for our services demand is going to drop, lets just hope our prices don’t! Outside of the industry, and before children, Wesley would usually be found on a golf course, but not so much these days. Weekends are family time and Wesley does manage to switch off from work, spending time with the children at their activities, walking the dog, running and gym during the week which allows for cooking and drinking wine at the weekends. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a barb wired fence. Enjoy! Links to Bournes: * Website (https://www.bournesmoves.com/) * LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/bournes-relocation-solutions) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BournesRemovals/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/BournesRemovals) * YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/bournesremovals) Special Guest: Wesley Bourne.