R&S June 2012

June 2012 Removals & StoragePB

Features

Removals & Storage June 2012 1

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Inside this Issue

June 2012 // Issue 455 // £4

Cover Feature The winner of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2012 award is M.J. Christophers & Son. The winner of the Commercial Mover of the Year 2012 award is Specialised Movers. See pages 28 and 30.

www.bar.co.uk

Industry News BAR News

>> Opening up roads to private capital

>> New online training check for lorry drivers

>> National recognition for BAR Training Services

>> Fundraising boost for the Removers Benevolent Association

Breaking News

>> BAR Vehicle Competition winners

>> Two new Olympic online road user tools

Features

>> Ian Studd takes over as BAR President

>> DKV Euro Service and ReachLocal: new BAR Affiliates

Removals & StorageThe Magazine of the British Association of Removers

BAR Annual Conference 2012News & Analysis Inside

COMERCIALMOVER OFTHE YEAR

DMotY 2012 WinnerM.J. Christophers & Son

CMotY 2012 WinnerSpecialised Movers

June 2012 Removals & Storage2

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Industry NewsIndustry News

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BAR News

Removals & Storage June 2012


June 2012 Removals & Storage 5

Olympics MonitorPHS Teacrate publishes plans for

Olympic period, green light for out-of-hours deliveries and look out for John Southerington who will be an Olympic torchbearer.

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Commercial Moving Group News28

News from WatfordBAR Company Secretary James

Falkner reports on new appointments and how to take part in the consultation on the draft revised Membership Criteria this month.

On the cover: Mike and Sue Christophers of M.J. Christophers & Son (Domestic Mover of the Year 2012) and Carole and Nigel Shaw of Specialised Movers (Commercial Mover of the Year 2012).

DKV Euro Service: leading fuel and service providers on the roads ReachLocal: online marketing for removals and storageBAR Membership criteria reviewBAR Vehicle Exhibition and Competition 2012: going full circle

Contents

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Industry NewsJust a snippet...

•Olympictradingterms&conditions•Lorrychargetohitlargefleets•Crackdownondrugdriving•Minimumwagefrozenforyoungsters

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BAR NewsExtensive coverage of this year’s very

successful BAR Annual Conference at Old Windsor, including the BAR and RBA AGMs.

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Features33

Training News58

European News60

People News66BAR Services26

Diary Dates70

Memberships72

Contents

BAR ConferenceMike Christophers of M.J. Christophers & Son talks about what it took to become Domestic Mover of the Year 2012 (page 30). And, Nigel Shaw of Specialised Movers speaks about what winning the Commercial Mover of the Year 2012 means for his business (page 28).

Cameron opens up roads to private capitalThe Prime Minister, David Cameron, has placed himself at the centre of the debate on how to best improve the state of the UK’s road infrastructure, calling for more private sector involvement in the running and funding of the road network.

Ian Studd: Presidential prioritiesIan Studd, incoming President of the BAR, does a SWOT analysis of BAR and its Members and explains his new role.

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BAR News


News from Watford

Well, at last the sun is shining nicely here in Watford as I type this – a Bright Sunshine Day as Samuel Pepys would have said! So, even though hosepipe bans might be in force for some, let us hope for a fine Summer to see us through the London Olympics. Talking of things bright, you will not have failed to notice the new eye-catching format for R&S – the content remains comprehensive, thought provoking, and informative, of course, and we hope you like the changes.

We also have a new President, as Ian Studd of Harrow Green was elected to this important post at the Annual General Meeting held during the Annual Conference in Old Windsor on 18 May. The AGM was well attended, and outgoing President Reg Hackworthy wished Ian well in his new duties. Ian, in turn, spoke of the energy and dedication that Reg had shown during his two years as President, a sentiment that was greeted with warm applause from those present. Gary Wheadon was elected as Vice-President, while Timon Thorncroft took up his duties as a newly elected Directly Elected Director on the Board. The AGM also marked the retirement as Honorary Treasurer of David Bunting, whose long and valued service in that role has to be noted.

Everyone at the Conference seemed to enjoy themselves, the vintage vehicle exhibition and drive-by was a real show stopper and not likely to be quickly forgotten by those who saw it. The announcement of the DMotY and CMotY winners at the Gala Dinner on

the Saturday night was another highlight, while UKIP MEP, Mike Nattrass, the keynote speaker, gave an entertaining and challenging presentation on the workings, or otherwise, of the European Parliament. A full report on this, and all the other highlights of what was a thoroughly enjoyable Conference, can be found on pages 43-53. The Annual Conference in May 2013 will be held on 16th, 17th and 18th of May 2013 at Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park.

One more last reminder on a topic of prime importance for all BAR Members – don’t forget that the draft revised Membership Criteria are still out for consultation, and feedback will be considered by the Board at their meeting later this month. You have to take part in this consultation if you want your opinion to count, so do make sure your views on this key matter are made known either to a National & European Council member, your CMG or Overseas Group Councilors, to any of the three Directly Elected Directors (Brian Maidman, Matt Faizey, Timon Thorncroft), or direct to the Director-General here at BAR headquarters.

Contact Details:

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

Please contact the Managing Editor, Louise Gale on:Tel: 020 3235 1806Email: [email protected]

Advertising For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Steve Pearce on:Tel: 0117 957 5400Email: [email protected]: The booking deadline for all display advertisements for the August 2012 issue of R&S is 10th July.

Subscriptions Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas. Current annual subscription is £48.00 in the UK and £72.00 overseas. Additional subscriptions are available from BAR (see contact details to the left).

Registered as a magazine © The British Association of Removers 2012. ISSN 0034-4265

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be scanned, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in part or whole in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the British Association of Removers.

Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not necessarily those of the publisher, British Association of Removers. The description of a product or service in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the publisher. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for any claims by advertisers. The articles in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to be advice to any specific person. Readers are recommended to seek professional advice before taking or refraining from taking any action on the basis of the contents of any article in this publication.

The British Association of Removers

Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 Email: [email protected]

Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 OTG

President: Ian StuddDirector General: Stephen VickersCompany Secretary: James Falkner

Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of The British Association of Removers by:Rubicon Marketing Ltd. Tel: 0117 957 5400Email: [email protected]

Removals & Storage is written and edited for the British Association of Removers by Analytica MediaTel: 0203 235 1800 Email: [email protected]

Copy and advertising deadlines 2012 for future issues of R&S magazineArticle submission: 2nd of the month preceding publication

Booking of display Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Booking of classified adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Booking of trade adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

Artwork for adverts: 15th of the month preceding publication



European fuel prices rise...Several European countries have higher petrol prices than the UK even though many are in the midst of a severe economic downturn, according to research released by the RAC Foundation. British diesel prices are however the second highest in Europe, the research found. Denmark has the highest petrol price (£1.59 per litre) followed by the Netherlands and Italy (both £1.58), Greece (£1.56) and Sweden (£1.51). Portugal, Belgium, France, Finland, Germany and Ireland also have higher prices than the UK which is at number 12 in the list. The cheapest petrol in Europe is to be found in Romania at £1.12 per litre. Nevertheless the picture is different when it comes to diesel with UK pump prices second only to Italy, with cheaper diesel to be found in the remaining 25 countries of the 27-member European Union (EU).

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said “compared with the other 26 countries in the EU, the UK is the only one to have the same level of duty for both diesel and petrol. Everywhere else the rate of duty for diesel is less than that for petrol and this is reflected in the price of diesel which is almost universally cheaper across the Channel.”

...as UK fuel prices hit the economyThe Road Haulage Association has reacted strongly to news that the economy has shrunk by 0.2 % in the first quarter of 2012.

“Of course we are disappointed at the news that the UK has returned to a state of recession”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “However”, he continued, “what comes as an even greater disappointment is that this news is not unexpected. If Government would heed our advice and address the issue of fuel duty once and for all, this is a situation that could almost certainly have been avoided. The RHA states that if there were a reduction in fuel duty, the subsequent savings would be put back into the economy, giving trade the boost it so desperately needs. FairFuel UK has mounted an offensive in Parliament to scrap the 16p a gallon tax rise on petrol and diesel planned for 1st August. To register your support, go to www.fairfueluk.com and click on the ‘Why Our Politicians Need to Act on Fuel Duty’ survey. FairFuel UK will then collate the results from the survey and make sure that MPs see the conclusions so they can take stock of just how severe this petrol/diesel price crisis has become and how badly it is affecting families and businesses. BAR is a member of the FairFuel UK campaign.

The IAM conducted a survey to obtain information about members’ experiences when importing or exporting shipments of used household goods and personal effects to or from the United States. The main purpose of the survey was to establish how burdensome intensive customs examinations are on members.

The IAM said that about half of these examinations resulted in damages to the goods being shipped. Clearly there is no objection to CBP trying to identify and prevent risky cargo from reaching US shores. What IAM takes issue with is how the household goods are often handled during the examination procedures. With over half of the respondents in the IAM survey reporting damages following an intensive examination, as service providers to their clients, IAM members are often blamed for these damages despite the fact that they have no control over the examination process.

The IAM said that examinations often lead to delays in clearing and unloading the containers. As a result, shippers of used household goods and personal effects have to pay additional fees to the port facility or

shipping line. “Our survey also confirms that these examinations often result in excess shipping charges,” the IAM said. “Coupled with the examination costs, these extra fees add another huge expense to those people wishing to move to or from the United States. IAM, as a representative of international shippers of used household goods, would like to work with CBP in order to reduce some of these burdens through greater information sharing and training.”

According to the IAM, the survey shows that in particular “the port of NY/NJ is problematic for our members and their clients and those examinations unnecessarily result in damages and extra fees borne by the shipper.

These damages and extra fees often end up costing the shipper at least a thousand dollars all to prove that they are innocent of transporting contraband or risky cargo.”

Together, the port of NY/NJ and the ports of Baltimore, Savannah, and Norfolk comprise roughly 62 % of all examined shipments, with NY/NJ making up 35 % of the total, according to the IAM.

IAM blasts US intensive customs examinationsThe International Association of Movers (IAM) has sharply criticised “intensive customs examinations” carried out by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which it says often damage clients’ goods and lead to increased fees for IAM members.

Trading terms and conditions during the OlympicsIn addition to preparing ahead to ensure you can continue to operate your business during the Olympic period, Backhouse Jones Solicitors recommends that in addition to the BAR Model Terms & Conditions, BAR Members also include in any order or quote to a customer wording such as: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring potential port and customs delays, road closures and

the imposition of commercial vehicle restrictions in certain areas resulting in additional charges for storage, warehouse handling, extra vehicles and labour overtime charges. These problems may arise not just in London, but in all games locations.”If you have any queries, please contact Nick Hodgson of Backhouse Jones on 01254 828 300 or email [email protected]


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Delay to OCRS changesThe Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has advised that it has delayed introducing changes to the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system (VOSA’s enforcement targeting tool).

The changes were due to enter into force on 30 April 2012.

However, VOSA stresses that this is because of technical issues, rather than a problem with the scoring system itself, and that once these problems are resolved a new date of introduction will be announced.

The predictive scoring points system that has been in operation for six years is due to be overhauled in response to industry complaints that it created a “misplaced assumption by the wider business community that OCRS is a good way to judge an operator at tender.” VOSA has acknowledged that many operators have been given predictive scores which are not always fair or representative of the operation in terms of specific vehicles.

Crackdown on drug driving The Government has announced plans to crack down on people who drive while under the influence of drugs. Legislation proposed in the Queen’s Speech in May will create a specific drug driving offence. Currently police have to demonstrate that driving had been impaired by drugs in order to prosecute. Under the proposed legislation it will automatically be an offence to drive a motor vehicle if you have certain controlled drugs in your body in excess of specified limits. This will make it much easier for police to take action against drug drivers. Devices to screen for drugs in the body are expected to receive approval from the Home Office by the end of the year.

The exact drugs covered by the offence and the specified limits for each will be determined following advice from an expert panel and a public consultation.

The penalty for the new offence will be a maximum of 6 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000, and an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months. It is already an offence to drive whilst impaired by drugs, and this will remain in place alongside the new specified limit offence.

The DfT wants to level the playing field for UK and foreign hauliers by introducing a charge of up to £10-a-day for lorries of 12 tonnes and over. UK operators will pay the charge as part of their annual VED (vehicle excise duty) transaction, but the Government plans to neutralise the impact by reducing the VED part of the bill to compensate.

The DfT has already admitted that EU laws governing minimum VED rates will mean that 6 % of UK operators will face an extra cost of up to £79 per vehicle, per year.

However, the BVRLA believes that fleets currently benefiting from reduced pollution certificates (RPCs) – which provide a reduction of up to £500 in annual VED per vehicle – could end up paying millions more.

To get round the EU laws on minimum VED rates, the DfT wants to replace RPCs with a new grant. The BVRLA understands that a separate EU state aid law will mean that operators with fleets of more than 50 RPC eligible vehicles will not be allowed to receive these grants.

“The DfT is trying to work around EU law and introduce this new charge in a way that targets

foreign hauliers without costing UK operators,” said BVRLA chief executive John Lewis. “Unfortunately, its over-complicated tax workaround looks like having some rather unpleasant cost implications for operators of large HGV fleets.”

In its response to the DfT’s consultation, the BVRLA has suggested that the Government could, in addition, put a cap on the amount of fuel trucks are allowed to bring into the UK from abroad. This would ensure that vehicles using UK roads have paid fuel duty for the privilege.

Elsewhere in its reply, the association raised its concerns with enforcement of the lorry road user charging scheme. The DfT has not set out what additional enforcement budget will be provided to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) or the level of penalty for non-compliance.

“If the scheme is not robustly enforced it is likely that foreign hauliers will chance their arm and risk a fine rather than pay the charge,” added John Lewis. “Through our informal discussions with the DfT they have indicated the penalty could be around £100. We have suggested that a £1,000 fine is more likely to be a sufficient deterrent to ensure this does not happen.”

Lorry charge to hit large fleetsUK operators running more than 50 trucks could end up paying millions more in vehicle excise duty as part of the Government’s plans to bring in a lorry road user charge according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

New online service for lorry driversA new online driver enquiry service allows drivers to view how many hours of periodic training they have completed towards their Driver CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence). Drivers can also give temporary passwords to prospective or current employers, allowing them to confirm how much training drivers have completed. The Driving Standards Agency’s chief executive, Rosemary Thew, believes that the new online driver enquiry service “will allow professional drivers to check that their training has been uploaded and

allow employers to see that this crucial training is taking place – helping the passenger transport and road haulage industries to maintain high professional standards.” The service aims to provide a ‘one stop shop’ to access clear, simple and up to date information. The enquiry screen shows the Driver CPC qualification expiry date (bus and coach and/or lorry), and details of each training course completed. The online driver enquiry service can be accessed 24 hours-a-day via direct.gov.uk/checkdrivercpc.



Trialling low carbon lorries

The Department for Transport and the Technology Strategy Board will invest £9.5m in trials of carbon-cutting trucks. Truck operators are now being invited to bid for a slice of this funding.

The ‘Low carbon truck demonstration trial’ will deliver fleets of low-emission heavy goods vehicles as well as supporting infrastructure such as fuelling stations and electric recharging hubs.

Transport Minister Mike Penning said “this competition will help drive down emissions from trucks. Almost a quarter of carbon from transport in this country comes from heavy goods vehicles, so this is a key area for us to tackle.

These trials will show us how low-carbon technologies perform day-to-day in the real world, providing vital data to build operator confidence in these green trucks and allowing us to make policy choices based on hard evidence. The investment in gas refuelling infrastructure will also give haulage firms a push to buy gas-powered HGVs – leaving a legacy that will support low-carbon transport well into the future.”

Companies wishing to take advantage of the funding have until 13 June to register their interest and 20 June to bid for up to £750,000 each. Trials will run for two years and data collected over this period will be used to inform Government policy on low-carbon road freight.

To qualify for the competition, vehicles must deliver carbon savings of at least 15% compared with the equivalent conventional vehicle. A variety of technologies are eligible for funding under the rules of the competition including gas-powered, dual fuel or hybrid trucks of over 7.5 tonnes and electric vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. For more information, see https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/low-carbon-truck-demonstrator-trial.

Send to: [email protected]

In partnership with a local coach firm, P. Fahey provided the transport by coach for the return of 70 cyclists who had cycled from Stockport County Football club to Southport Football club, and the safe return of all the expensive bikes back to Stockport County. P. Fahey’s Tony Deveney rode the 46 miles with only two weeks to prepare and Lynne Deveney assisted with the co-ordination of the transport andcheering the cyclists over the finish line. After the ride

all contestants were treated to a Stockport County v. Southport football match. Driver and porter, Simon Fahey and his nephew Luke carefully packed everyone’s bikes onto the air-ride suspension 17ton Scania for the safe return for collection from Stockport. According to Simon “The day was an entire success apart from the football result: Stockport County lost 5 – 0, but up to £10,000 was raised for the charity and a well-earned pint of Guinness was enjoyed later in the bar.

P. Fahey & Sons sponsors charity bike rideP. Fahey & Sons provided support earlier this year to St Anne’s Hospice, a North West charity that offers high levels of support and palliative care, both through its hospices and within the community, to provide people who have life – limiting illnesses with both dignity and greater quality of life.

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


Features


FeaturesIndustry NewsIndustry News


Go-ahead for A164 road improvements The Government has announced that work on improvements to the A164 Humber Bridge to Beverley route in East Riding of Yorkshire can now start.

The £10m improvements work will mean that four of the roundabouts along the A164 will have capacity improvements and a section of the A164 will also be dualled. There will also be a continuous footway/cycleway between Humber Bridge and Beverley.

The scheme aims to help tackle the traffic congestion on the A164 and provide more reliable journey times, as well as providing better and more reliable access to the International Hub and Humber Ports Complex and other areas and communities along the A164 route corridor.

The scheme was one of 20 given initial approval in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement last year. Work can now start on the main construction works, with the road scheduled to open in March 2013.

A8 development plan welcomedRegional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has given his approval for the A8 Belfast to Larne dual carriageway scheme to proceed.

The £100m works are considered an essential link in the supply chain between businesses in Ireland and large freight hubs in northern England and Scotland. As such the decision has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association. Tom Wilson, FTA’s General Manager – Ireland said “the A8 is a vital trade route and one which has lacked the capacity to cope with the sheer volume of lorries that rely on this important route to reach Larne Port.”

The short sea crossing is preferred for urgent ‘next day’ inward deliveries of a wide variety of items required for production lines and domestic consumption, but also for deliveries of fresh food products into the GB marketplace.

Cameron opens up roads to private capitalThe Prime Minister, David Cameron, has placed himself at the centre of the debate on how to best improve the state of the UK’s road infrastructure, calling for more private sector involvement in the running and funding of the road network.

Mr Cameron said that “we lose £7bn a year because of congestion on our roads... Britain already has a long and successful track-record of regulating infrastructure providers such as the water industry, and now we need to go much further and faster in opening up the financing of our infrastructure. I think we need to look at innovative approaches to the funding of our national roads to increase investment to reduce congestion.”

These approaches include road tolling, for new, not existing capacity, and ways of attracting investment into the road network from investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds. The Department for Transport and the Treasury are carrying out a feasibility study of new ownership and financing models for the national roads system and will report progress in the autumn.

Industry associations and transport academics have welcomed the acknowledgement from the top that Britain’s roads need major investment, but there are serious concerns about the possible costs to road users if the private sector steps up its involvement in the road network.

While welcoming the Prime Minister’s statements, the Freight Transport Association warned against additional costs which could discourage lorries from using those roads.

Theo de Pencier, FTA’s Chief Executive, said: “The freight industry will want to look at how these plans relate to existing transport taxes such as fuel duty and vehicle excise duty, and how any new pricing structures can be developed to ensure that the new capacity is utilised in the most efficient and effective way. Given that road users already pay £41bn a year in taxes, charges and tolls, then any new cost cannot

be in addition to this and must be a substitution for fuel duty.”

“Business needs more roads now,” insisted Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors. “Congested roads place a huge burden on business, and we urgently need to ease long-standing bottlenecks. I welcome David Cameron’s plans to bring in private money to finance new road construction, but it’s vital to get the detail right. If tolls are only introduced on new road schemes that are not already funded, the Prime Minister will have the backing of 60% of IoD members.”

However, the Road Hauliers Association Chief Executive Geoff Dunning was more critical. “While we welcome the acknowledgement that the UK road transport infrastructure needs to see major investment, we consider the proposal of introducing tolls on new roads to be quite unthinkable,” he said. “We have an economy and a workforce that is desperately trying to recover from several years of extreme hardship. To hear that there are proposals on the table to take yet more money out of the pockets of motorists and hauliers is ludicrous and would do no more than put the economy back on its knees.”

According to the RHA, over £48bn was collected from road users in 2010/11, and fuel duty alone at £26bn accounted for over half of that figure. Yet, despite the amount raised, just short of £10bn was used to improve and maintain the current network. Geoff Dunning is calling on the Government for road users to finally see a return on their investment. “Unless we see the issue of fuel prices and fuel duty addressed as a matter of extreme urgency, the chances of traffic levels returning to the levels that reflect economic growth will be slim,” he said.


Features


FeaturesIndustry NewsIndustry News



Government to double small company procurement The Government plans to double its spending on public sector contracts awarded to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), from £3bn to £6bn, it has announced.

The Government is on track to increase its contracts with SMEs from 6.5% to 13.7% by the end of the year. Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office, acknowledges that some of its previous promises to increase SME procurement had failed, saying: “Governments may have been making positive noises about SMEs but they certainly weren’t buying from them.”

The package of new key measures is intended to drive faster growth and progress in opening up the goods and services industry to smaller companies, in turn improving the economy and saving money for taxpayers. The key measures include a new flexible approach to IT contracts; focusing on smaller and cheaper solutions with more firms, prompter payment and an extension of the investigative Mystery Shopper service which allows SMEs to complain about procurement procedures.

There will also be greater transparency between Government and SME procurements, and Government contracts with larger private sector firms.

“We are determined to shake up public buying so radically that there is no turning back to the old days of SMEs being shut out,” the Minister said.

Alexanders shortlisted for national awardCongratulations to new BAR Members, Alexanders, who have been shortlisted as a Finalist for the “Small Business of the Year”.

Alexanders are up for the Business Excellence Awards for companies in South Herts, South Bucks and North and North West London. It’s a terrific achievement, as Alexanders was competing with around 90 businesses to make the shortlist of finalists. For more information, seewww.alexandersremovals.co.uk

As well as using conventional driving test centres, the DSA has been looking at whether practical driving tests can be delivered from other venues such as local authority buildings, hotels or leisure centres. This new approach is currently being trialled at eight locations, and following positive feedback from candidates and instructors, the DSA now plans to extend the scheme to five more areas across the country.

The DSA plans to further develop this flexible and

cost-effective model and extend the scheme across areas in and surrounding: Watford, Manchester, Kettering, Glasgow and Worcester.

As part of the longer term planning for driving test delivery, the DSA is looking for opportunities to work in partnership with the private sector across the country. Tests will still be conducted by DSA examiners, but the agency is inviting businesses who may be interested in providing premises for delivering driving tests to register their interest.

Driving tests in the private sectorThe Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is extending a trial that is exploring a new approach to driving tests.

Minimum wage frozen for youngstersFrom 1 October 2012, the adult minimum wage rate will increase from £6.08 to £6.19 an hour, the Youth Development Rate will remain at £4.98 an hour and the 16-17 Year Old Rate will remain at £3.68 an hour. The Apprentice Rate will increase from £2.60 to £2.65 an hour. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Low Pay Commission. The Chair of the Low Pay Commission, David Norgrove said that young people’s employment prospects continue to suffer more than those of other workers. “Our recommendations to freeze the youth rates were made reluctantly, and may help to increase the relative attractiveness of young people to employers. We believe our recommendations for October 2012

balance the needs of low-paid workers against the challenges facing businesses, particularly small businesses.” The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said that businesses are likely to welcome this approach. Katja Hall, CBI Chief Policy Director, said: “The moderate rise in the adult rate and the freeze in the youth rates will come as a relief to the many hard-pressed firms right across the country. With youth unemployment at its highest level for a generation, we must take great care not to price young people out of a job. Freezing the minimum wage will help reduce one of the barriers to employers deciding whether or not to take on a young person.”

A303 upgrade summit Politicians from the West Country have held a summit meeting in London to call for upgrades to the A303. Somerset County Council Leader, Ken Maddock, said: “the A303 is crucial to Somerset’s economy and is of local, regional and national importance. It has been recognised for some time now that

major work is needed in order to deal with the huge increases in traffic we have seen on the route over recent years and the time is right to take this forward.” He believes more sections of dual carriageway will help to speed up travelling times between the West Country and London and the South East.



Sandersteads upgrades fleetTo remain compliant with the new London Low Emissions Zone, Britannia Sandersteads have just taken delivery of another DAF 65 series, 18 ton, 6 container, 2,400 cubic foot lorry.

Director Stuart Almandras says that a further order has been placed with DAF for two more trucks that should be due in August and September. Stuart says that because of the new driver licence regulations, Sandersteads will no longer be purchasing 7.5 ton trucks as ‘grandfather’ driving rights will only apply to drivers over 37 years old and all younger drivers coming through the company will need to pass a test.

“In the future, we may just as well by-pass the non-HGV test and go direct to HGV standard; the new trucks will be DAF 45 series / 12 ton / 4 container / 1600ft3,” Stuart says. “They will be just the ticket for the poor access around the Surrey area, where there are many large houses with long and narrow drives, and also for the tight roads and parking issues when working around the Kensington, Chelsea, and Belgravia areas of London.” For more information, see www.sandersteads.com

Harrow Green moves top law firmHarrow Green has won a new contract to relocate the head office of international law firm, Trowers & Hamlins.

Five hundred staff will move from their current location at Tower Hill to new offices in the City of London.

The move will take place in two core phases which will see the packing and secure relocation of some 2,800 linear metres of filing as well as furniture and the company library.

Harrow Green’s specialist technical team will be working with the client to carry out the decommissioning and relocation of IT – providing a single source of expertise for a complex office move.

The difficult access at Tower Hill has meant undertaking a very detailed assessment of the volume of material to be moved, in small transit vans, and careful planning around working activities to schedule the moves without disruption.

Project work has started, with a plan to complete the move this month, a critical period for any move activity in London in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games. For more information, see www.harrowgreen.com



BCL completes major move in Manchester

Office removals specialist BCL have carried out a major move for a client who was based in a building of international architectural significance in the heart of Manchester.

Approximately 1,500 staff had to be moved within buildings and between locations across Manchester. This included 1,400 staff who had to be moved into 140,000 square feet of temporary office while the three-year refurbishment takes place. New furniture was purchased in the region of 1,500 workstations and associated furniture leaving a requirement for the redundant furniture and equipment to be disposed of in an ethical and responsible manner in line with the client’s Sustainable Procurement Policy.

BCL were awarded the contract after formal tender procedures and appointed a dedicated senior management and administrative support team and helpdesk to the Project to ensure effective communication. BCL’s Project Manager, Paul Flowers started the planning process in conjunction with the client’s project team. Clearly defined budgets for each support service were provided and cost change management updates were tracked and communicated at regular intervals as circumstances and client needs changed.

The moves needed to be carried out with precision timing over six weekends. Each element of the move was carefully and sequentially scheduled from Friday afternoon through to final unpacking on Sunday.

The moves were all delivered on time, on budget and to the total delight of the client. BCL also came up with an ethical solution to source outlets for the redundant furniture by donation to charities and local business.

It was calculated that there was at least 692.5 tonnes of redundant furniture and equipment to be disposed of. “We took a gamble and in our tender bid we only charged for our labour and transport to remove the items with no charge for the actual disposal thus saving the client over £83,000 in recycling charges!” BCL says.

BCL also included a Waste Management Plan in their proposal and appointed an environmental process manager: at the end of move, no waste at all went to landfill.For more information, seewww.bclmoving.com

The works, which began in January, have seen around 200m of the central reservation along the flyover removed in preparation for new tensioning cables to be installed, which will support the structure.

Transport for London will begin to install a new concrete base, drainage and tailored anchorages for the new cables within the structure. The design for the new post-tensioning system will see new cables installed above and below the bridge deck inside a specially made duct, which will supplement the load capacity of the remaining cables.

Work to strengthen the five weakest spans of the 16-span structure will be completed ahead of the 2012 Games. Following the Games, TfL will return to the structure to strengthen the remaining spans. This work however will not require further weight restrictions to be imposed and TfL hopes to complete it with only off peak lane closures, causing much less disruption than is presently the case.

Isabel Dedring, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said engineers are working twenty four hours a day to get the job done.

Work continues on Hammersmith FlyoverThe first key enabling works to allow the Hammersmith Flyover to be fully reopened to traffic have now been completed.

New trucks for Steeles Removals

Steeles Removals has recently purchased five new trucks. Managing Director Dean Steele said that although the company has an on-going fleet renewal programme, “we had to bring this forward due to the high demand for low mileage used trucks in order to enter the Low Emission Zones in London and other European cities.” Steeles Removals’ fleet now includes a 2012 DAF (44 tonnes) to pull an 8 x pallet trailer, a 2011 Fiat Ducato 3.5 tonne 5 seats crew box

van, a 2009 Mercedes Atego 4 x pallet removal van, a 2008 Mercedes Axor 5 x pallet removal van and a 2008 DAF LF 7.5 tonne 3 x pallet removal van with a 2012 new body. Dean says to complement the company’s self-storage business Steeles Removals now offers 3.5 tonne self-drive removal vans, and they have 6 vans available.For more information, see www.steelesremovals.co.uk



Hamiltons’ new Scandinavian service

Hamiltons are now providing a weekly service to Scandinavia in addition to their regular European routes and worldwide provision.

“We have added nine vehicles to our fleet this year,” said Brian Sawyer, Chairman of Hamiltons Removals. “This has led to a surge in our European groupage business, and the extra capacity has enabled us to take regular consignments to Scandinavia.”

Bookings are busy for the new routings to Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Single items, part loads and full loads can be accommodated in Hamiltons’ 120 cubic metre modern road trains. Tranship and hoist services are available, and collection can be from the customer’s depot or residence.

As Hamiltons already has a strong presence in the European market, they are able to offer competitive prices and high standards of service to customers operating in Scandinavia. For more information about the Scandinavian service, please visit www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

Rogers moves celebrity singerRogers Removals continues to be a remover of choice for celebrities in North West London. The company recently carried out the removal of everybody’s favourite S-Clubber, Rachel Stevens.

The move within North West London took place over two days and included a full packing service. Dennis Rogers says that unsurprisingly every member of staff wanted to be on this move so the team had to draw straws. Kevin Lamont and Ali McGifford were the lucky winners and completed the move.

“Until the order was received we had no idea that all of our staff were such S-Club fans!” says Dennis, who went to school with Rachel. “Ms Stevens and her husband Mr Bourne were a real pleasure to work for and gave our team some really nice feedback on the client questionnaire.” For more information, see www.rogersremovals.co.uk

The Kenya Aid Programme was established in 2010 after the outbreak of post-election violence in early 2008. A small group of people started to work with a mandate to relieve the hardship and distress of people in need of humanitarian support in Kenya. The charity is now working with a number of on-going educational and structural projects to enhance the lives of those living in the country and it works to facilitate the transfer of surplus furniture and resources from schools and offices in the UK to schools and community projects in Kenya.

Bishop’s Move’s donation, which will provide new equipment to numerous schools throughout Kenya, will mean that the children will be provided with modern furniture on which to learn, enhancing their studies and improving their school lives. Bishop’s Move has also confirmed that donations will continue to the programme with similar equipment stored within their warehouses and containers.

Chris Marshall, Bishop’s Move Marketing Director, said “charities like this can humble you in an instant and we all feel honoured that our furniture donation is going to improve the lives of hundreds of children throughout Kenya. You can quite often get caught up

in everyday life and take items such as office furniture for granted but it’s important for us all to realise that these items can simply change the lives of those that need it for the better.”For more information, see www.bishopsmove.com

Bishop’s Move supports Kenyan schoolsBishop’s Move has donated 4,000 cubic feet’s worth of office furniture to the Kenya Aid Programme. Having first been introduced on social networking platform Twitter, Bishop’s Move contacted the charity organisers who welcomed the donation and will now ship the furniture, which includes computer tables, chairs and bookshelves, to schools throughout Kenya.

Wearing the fox hat, BAR style When Jo, the youngest daughter of Leatherbarrows director David Trenchard, decided to get married in Inverness, Scotland, many of the Trenchard family were confused. Not only did some of them not know where Inverness was, but when the wedding invites went out there was a note saying ‘wear the fox hat.’ David struggled to find an actual fox hat to wear for his speech as father of the bride. But thanks to some timely BAR networking, on the big day he had something even more original to use. At a BAR lunch just before the wedding, David told Paul Fox of Fox Moving and Storage about the wedding and the strange request for fox hats. Paul then made sure to send David a hat from the Fox the Mover uniform, which David wore at the happy event, to widespread acclaim! It’s been a positive year for the family. Jo has her own computer software consultancy company and in March won the Young Highlands Businesswoman of the Year award. And, she has

married Alastair Traquair. No foxes were harmed in the celebration of this marriage! As you may know, the ‘wear the fox hat’ joke comes from a classic 1999 beer commercial showing an American in the Fife countryside wearing a fox hat. He says “When I told the folks back home I was coming to Auchtermuchty, they said wear the fox hat.”



Price Change by Region source: Land Registry

Housing market dips againHouse prices appear to be tracking the economy. As the UK entered a recession in the first quarter of the year, most house price surveys from leading financial institutions and public sector organisations recorded a fall in prices in March and April. Nationwide, which covers the whole of the UK and is based on a sample of loans issued in any given month, reported that house prices fell by 0.2 % in April. The price of a typical home is now £164,134, 0.9% lower than in April 2011. This is the fourth time in five months that house prices declined.

Nationwide expects housing market activity to remain subdued, with prices showing little growth or moving modestly lower over the next twelve months.

The Land Registry survey, which is based on actual sale prices achieved and includes nearly all sales in England and Wales, whether the purchaser obtains a mortgage or pays the full price in cash, gives the most accurate overview of prices actually being paid, although as it reports actual prices achieved its figures lag behind those produced by the Nationwide and Halifax. By contrast the other authoritative surveys – including Halifax and Nationwide – cover only house sales where the purchaser takes out a mortgage. All three do however cover the UK as a whole so their sample is broader but less comprehensive than the picture offered by the Land Registry.

Figures from the Land Registry for March record an annual price decrease of 0.6% which takes the average property value in England and Wales to £160,372. The monthly change from February to March is a decrease of 0.6%.

The region in England and Wales which experienced the highest increase in its average property value over the last 12 months is London with a movement of 0.7%. The North East experienced the greatest monthly rise with a movement of 5.6%. Wales experienced the greatest annual price fall with a decrease of 5.5 % and the most significant monthly price fall with a decrease of 4.1%. The most up-to-date figures available show that, during January 2012, the number of completed house sales in England and Wales increased by 13 % to 42,511 compared to 37,584 in January 2011.

Halifax, which also covers the entire UK, but bases its index on a sample of each lender’s own loans each month, said that on a monthly basis house prices decreased by 2.4 % in April. The UK average house price in April 2012, at £159,883, was virtually the same as in December 2011 (£159,888).

Prices in the three months to April were 0.5 % lower than in the same period a year earlier. This measure of the annual rate improved slightly from -0.6 % in March and showed the smallest fall in prices since October 2010 (+1.2 %). Martin Ellis, housing economist, said “despite the slight improvement in

the underlying trend in recent months, house prices continue to lack real direction with the current UK average price little different to where it was at the end of 2011. We continue to expect little overall movement in prices as the UK economic situation remains challenging.”

Figures from the Office for National Statistics for February show that seasonally adjusted UK house prices increased by 0.2 % over the month. In the 12 months to February 2012, average house prices increased in both England and Scotland by 0.4% and 1.1% respectively. These increases were offset by decreases in Wales, where average prices decreased by 0.5%, and Northern Ireland, where average prices fell by 9.7%. The annual increase in average house prices in England was driven by increases in both London

and the South East, where prices increased over the year by 1.7% and 1.2% respectively.

Finally, the National Association of Estate Agents found that demand from the first-time buyer market hit a ten-month high in March. The association’s monthly housing market report found that the percentage of sales being made to first-time buyers increased from 23% in February to 24% in March. It last reached this level in May 2011.

Sales levels were consistent with February, with

branches selling seven properties on average. Anecdotal evidence from NAEA agents suggests that the increase in interest from first time buyers in the last weeks of the Stamp Duty Holiday helped to support this figure.


BAR NewsIndustry NewsIndustry News

Price Change by Region source: Land Registry

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BAR News


Olympics Monitor

>> Olympics monitor

This regular section of R&S is designed to help Members prepare for the transport challenges that we face this Summer as the UK hosts the largest sporting event in its history.

FTA publishes Olympics Guide With less than 100 days to go to the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games, the Freight Transport Association has published guidance for managing deliveries in London and other Games venues during the summer.

The FTA Support Guide to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games includes maps, diagrams and details of the expected restrictions that will be in force across London over most of the summer period.

The FTA believes there is enough information available now for most businesses to start making serious plans and managing their deliveries and supply chains around the road closures, loading and unloading restrictions and other route changes that will apply.

The guide includes model guidance for staff and drivers that can be used by employers to advise on attendance at work and unauthorised absence during the Games period; volunteering as an Olympics support worker and instructing drivers on additional precautions to be taken at a time of heightened security. Advice is also included on scheduling drivers’ time, arranging night-time deliveries and on the information to carry that the police and enforcement agencies may expect to see.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London said “London’s roads are the most heavily regulated in the country with the London Lorry Control Scheme limiting routes at night-time and weekends and the Low Emission Zone effectively dictating the age of vehicles that can operate in Greater London. Add to that the Congestion Charge Zone and all the normal parking and loading restrictions that will continue to apply and London will be a delivery minefield ready to trigger fines, penalty charge notices and ultimately licence revocation for the unwary and unprepared.”

John Southerington to carry torchJohn Southerington, Director of W. Southerington & Sons Ltd in Melton, has been selected to be a Torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

The appointment is tribute to John’s hard work over the years as a fundraiser for charity. Over the past 20 years, John has raised more than £650,000 for Melton Mowbray charities.

For two special needs schools he has raised £330,000, providing multi-sensory stimulation equipment, transport and wheelchair-friendly play equipment. For Melton Mowbray Town Estate he has raised £320,000 which has been spent updating the town’s parks to include new sporting facilities and inclusive playground facilities for less-abled children to play with more-abled friends; a connecting bridge

linking the play areas with the sporting facilities; restoration of the town centre park gardens, bandstand and riverside walk, and updating the town’s War Memorial to include those from Melton killed during the Afghanistan conflict.

John’s five minutes carrying the flame will take place on Tuesday 3 July 2012 between midday and 2pm.

John says he is hugely honoured to be carrying the flame and “hopes the many thousands of children who see the flame take on the Olympic spirit and really go for their goals in life.”

Green light for out-of-hours deliveriesTransport for London (TfL), London Councils and London’s business community have confirmed that they will be supportive and sympathetic to companies that need to make or receive out-of-hours deliveries in London during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The pragmatic approach was endorsed by London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, which approved a statement to help local authorities explain the position on night-time deliveries during the Games. London boroughs reserve the right to continue to enforce against businesses that are inconsiderate or disturb local communities, especially if complaints are received about excessive noise being made when making or receiving deliveries. Good steps to minimise the chance of any enforcement action include following the Code of Practice and, in particularly sensitive areas, businesses are advised to discuss this issue with local borough councils in advance. In order to support the needs of London’s residents and those of the freight industry and businesses affected by Games-time restrictions, Transport for London (TfL) has published the final Code of Practice

for out-of-hours deliveries. The code, which was developed with the Noise Abatement Society and the Freight Transport Association, provides businesses and delivery companies with practical guidance on how to minimise noise from night-time deliveries and is available on the TfL website. For more information, see the Olympics 2012 section of MyBar: www.bar.co.uk/trade/MyBAR/Olympics2012/LatestNews.aspx

89% of London’s freight is moved by road. On a typical weekday in London there are:280,000 freight journeys delivering to 290,000 businesses and7.8 million residents.Source: Transport for London (April 2012)


BAR News

PHS Teacrate plans for OlympicsMore than twelve months of planning by the PHS Teacrate management team, led by Managing Director David Wicks, has resulted in an extensive range of measures to ensure they can satisfy their customers’ demands in London and minimise the disruption to service for PHS Teacrate’s crate hire and packaging customers during the Olympic and Paralympics Games.

A project team, headed up by Alan Thomas, Operations Director, has been attending seminars and canvassing expert opinion on the likely disruptive impact of the 2012 Olympic Games. Alan and his project team have now designed an effective plan to ensure all customers can access crates and packaging for the 8-week period from the 23 July-14 September, which is the time that PHA Teacrate believes major disruption is likely to occur.

Some of the key points to note are that PHS Teacrate’s Beckton (E6) and Scrubs Lane (NW10) depots will be open, as required, between 04:00 and 22:00 hours in order to facilitate earlier/later deliveries and collections. Dedicated telephone numbers will be given to clients on request prior to the Olympic period dates.

PHS Teacrate will, as always, do its best to meet requests for timed deliveries and collections within the affected area. However, as the company cannot guarantee fulfilment of timed jobs for this period, timed charges will be abolished within the London area. If your delivery or collection is vital to a specific time, then please speak to a member of PHS Teacrate’s

customer services team when placing orders and they will do all they can to facilitate your request.

The company will also make available possible rendezvous locations in the field where cross docking of crates would be an option. Its depots will be available at the weekends by prior arrangement with customers to enable them to collect or return crates.

As a reflection of the additional costs incurred because of opening longer hours, delivering and collecting both early and late and lost revenue through not charging normal timed charges, PHS Teacrate will be increasing the central London charge from £6 to £15 for the 8-week period.

The company is also increasing its packaging stock levels significantly in advance of the Olympic period to minimise the potential impact of problems getting stock from suppliers. It urges all its packaging customers to consider doing the same and ordering 3 months’ stock in June.

To discuss your crate hire or packaging requirements during the Olympic period, please contact PHS Teacrate on 0800 980 7000 or email [email protected].

Olympics Monitor

The Team at PHS Teacrate

BAR Training ServicesTraining from the Removals Experts

To book Call: 01923 699484 or email: [email protected]

Selling Skills/Promoting the BAR OFT Code of PracticeThis 1 day course is designed to enhance sales skills and to demonstrate the most effective way of promoting the BAR OFT Code of Practice to win business, covering topics such as:

• The Role of the Salesperson • Marketing• Prospecting & Negotiating • Promoting the OFT Code • Communication & Presentation• Identifying Customer Needs • Closing the Sale Just £99 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

Course Dates 201211 July 19 September

Course to be held at BAR, Watford

At this year’s BAR Annual Conference, David Silvey, London 2012 Road Freight Interface Manager, revealed two new TfL online road user tools. To find out more see page 46.

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BAR News


BAR leads growThe number of visitors to BAR’s website is growing by the month with an increase of more than 20% in May 2012.

BAR has launched a new initiative to track monthly data on amount of leads generated through the BAR Lead Generator. The latest map for May shows that there was a good spread of leads across the country for BAR Members who are signed up to the BAR Lead Generator. “The key to increasing enquiries is for

Members to actively use the Lead Generator by uploading their price matrices, opt-ins and having a sufficient number of units,” says Caroline Suard, BAR Director of Marketing. For more information, visit www.bar.co.uk/trade/MyBAR/BARLeadGenerator/Introduction.aspx.

RBA provides help at a difficult time The Removers Benevolent Association (RBA) has stepped in to help the fiancée of a removals worker after the untimely death of the employee.

Damien Davenport at Roy Jacks in Cheshire says the RBA handled the claim in a very efficient, quick and generous way, and that the support has made a huge difference to the employee’s fiancée, his son and family.

“No amount of money will ever take away the devastating blow, but this financial award has helped ease a lot of the financial pressure,” Damien says.

Check your contact details are correct on MyBAR BAR is asking all Members to log on to the Member’s area of the BAR website (MyBAR) and check that all contact details, number of branches, sales offices and ATN’s are accurate. This will ensure that the correct information is being published and displayed to your customers on the BAR website. It will also ensure you are billed correctly in July.

To log into the Members Area, please visit MyBAR in the Trade Section of www.bar.co.uk/trade.

For a full report of the BAR Annual Conference 2012, including the presentations, photographs, videos of the DMotY and CMotY 2012 winners and more, please see www.bar.co.uk/conference2012.aspx

Windsor 2012 in detail!


BAR News

Annual General Meetings - BAR and RBAThe AGMs for both the British Association of Removers and the Removers Benevolent Association were held on Friday morning, 18 May 2012, at the BAR Annual Conference in Old Windsor.

As is customary, the Report and Accounts for the previous year for both BAR and RBA were considered, and the Auditors were re-appointed for the coming year. The proposed amendments to the Articles of Association were approved. This occasion also saw outgoing BAR President, Mr Reg Hackworthy, stand down after his two-year term of office, and the election as President for the coming two years of Mr Ian Studd. On handing over the President’s chain of

office, Reg spoke of the pride felt, and the pleasure he had taken, in his term as President, and he wished Ian Studd well for the future. Ian responded by handing Reg his Past President’s badge, and thanking him for his energy and commitment while President of the Association. The meeting also elected Mr Gary Wheadon, as BAR Vice-President for the coming two years.

Outgoing BAR President Reg Hackworthy congratulates Ian Studd on taking over the BAR Presidency

BAR Annual Conference 2013 BAR Vice-President Gary Wheadon set out plans for next year’s Annual Conference which will take place in Newcastle on 16-18 May 2013.

Building on the successes of this year’s Conference, BAR plans to stage the 2013 Annual Conference at the 4-star Newcastle Marriott Hotel at Gosforth Park. This venue has outstanding conference and exhibition facilities, and as it has a good sized car park, there will be another opportunity for a vehicle exhibition.

The Newcastle Marriott Hotel is easy to reach – it’s 15 minutes from Newcastle International airport and 15 minutes from Newcastle City centre.For more information, check on the BAR website (www.bar.co.uk) and see future announcements in R&S.

The delegates ranged from BAR Members, International Associates, BAR Affiliates and companies that provide products and services to the professional removals and storage industry in the UK.

Those with the biggest smiles on their faces, not surprisingly were the conference winners, listed in the box below, but satisfaction with the conference went far wider than that, as the feedback from delegates indicates.

Delegates’ Feedback“I would just like to thank you for a very successful conference. It was an excellent introduction and ‘jumping off’ point for our association with BAR. We got to meet a lot of members and other affiliates and we made plenty of useful contacts.” Valerie Bamping, DKV

“Interesting workshops and business sessions and a chance to catch up with new and old acquaintances.” David Russell, Harrow Green

“There was an atmosphere at conference of optimism and enthusiasm that has been missing since the financial crisis hit.” Gary Wheadon, D. Sully and Son Ltd

“The cavalcade of veteran and vintage trucks was superb.” David Trenchard, Leatherbarrows Removals

“I have just returned from Windsor and it was simply the best BAR conference for many a year, everyone I spoke with agreed, including our overseas visitors.” Graham Puddephatt, Reason Global Insurance

‘A New Focus’ and a new buzzThis year’s BAR Annual Conference was held in the historic town of Royal Windsor, from 17-19 May 2012. With a new focus on preparing the removals and storage industry for the business challenges that lie ahead, an excellent venue and a spectacular vehicle exhibition, it was able to attract 286 delegates and 123 companies, an impressive increase on last years’ figures (24% and 21% respectively).

BAR Conference 2012

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BAR News


BAR Conference 2012

Membership CriteriaIan Studd, the new BAR President, provided delegates with an insightful look into one of the most important topics discussed at Conference this year: the review of the Association’s membership criteria.

Ian gave a brief overview of the shape of the new membership criteria being considered, which cover areas such as finance, good repute, insurance, premises, staff, vehicles, packaging, materials and equipment, administration, and company structures, organisation and ownership.

BAR will carry out an inspection and require evidence of compliance in all criteria, Ian explained. Ian said that re-inspection was required at least every three years, and maybe as frequently as every two years or even once a year.

“Although the referendum rejected mandatory standards-based membership, there was a clear message. At all the meetings I attended following the referendum there was an absolute desire for more stringent membership criteria,” Ian explained. “Members are prepared to invest their time and money in something that is more relevant today.”

It was exactly one year ago, in June 2011, that the Board established a Working Party to examine the topic, following strong support for improved membership criteria in the referendum. Ian was himself a member of the Working Party, along with Stephen Vickers, Reg Hackworthy, Rob Bartup, Mark Herrington and others representing a broad spectrum of opinion across the Association.

Each draft from the Working Party was submitted to the consideration of the Board, which adopted the final proposal for consultation in December 2011. It is this review that was posted to the BAR website in February of this year for consultation with BAR Members.

CriteriaIan discussed the evidence that could constitute compliance with all the different criteria. These range from VAT registration, details about shareholders and directors, an O licence (or other considerations for a company which does not need one), to insurance terms, inspection of vehicles, certification awards (BS EN 14873 and/or FIDI FAIM) for premises, environmental considerations, maintenance contracts, and staff training and statutory requirements for employment.

“Staff should be one of the leading criteria for membership,” Ian said. “It is an issue that is very dear to me. It means that the Association can sell on a difference, on value, as it shows we have invested in our people.”

Q&AAt a lively Q&A session with the BAR Board of Directors, Conference delegates discussed the implications of these far reaching proposals.

On the suggestion of Jonathan Hood from Cadogan Tate, Ian said he would support publishing results from re-inspections in R&S, in the interests of transparency.

There was also strong support from the Board and from the floor for far more frequent re-inspections, ideally on an annual basis, although this would strain BAR resources. “We have already asked QSS for a fully-costed proposal for one-year and two-yearly inspections, so that the Board is aware of the cost implications,” BAR Director General Stephen Vickers said. “We also want to look at ways for those organisations with a Standard in place to merge re-inspections with this annual audit, so we have asked Chris Waymouth at QSS to address ways to avoid duplication.” Stephen also explained that the Board is also discussing using a voluntary credit check for members, but noted that it was hard to determine financial criteria for this item, because of the very different ways in which organisations report these metrics.“The question of a grace period for the new criteria is a hot issue at the Board,” Ian added, “but any new applications would be subject to the new criteria with immediate effect. For existing members, the Board still has to determine whether they will apply at the next re-inspection.”

“The criteria review will be a continuous process, as best practice changes and legislation changes, or any other considerations from the membership that we need to take on board,” Ian added.

Ian said that the Board would consider all feedback from Conference, make any appropriate amendments, and then adopt the landmark review in its June meeting.

‘‘Although the referendum rejected mandatory standards-based membership, there was a clear message. At all the meetings I attended following the referendum there was an absolute desire for more stringent membership criteria.

‘‘

BAR President Ian Studd


BAR News

CMotY 2012Fifteen members of the Commercial Moving Group entered this year’s Commercial Mover of the Year competition, kindly sponsored by PHS Teacrate.

The rules for the competition were shaken up this year. Rather than 750-word project details of one move only and the mini-audit of BS 8522, this year entrants had to submit seven moves undertaken in 2011.

In addition, the judging procedure changed, with the appointment of three judges, one from an FM background, one from a Client position, and one from a removal perspective. All operated independently and were free to ask their own questions of clients and allocate their own scores.

Fifteen entries were received at Watford by the appointed time of the 31st of January 2012, including three newcomers to the competition, namely Greens Removals and Storage, JT & Sons Relocations, and Rose Removals and Storage.

Each judge spoke with three of the seven client moves submitted as entries, with 100 marks per entry available, making a total of 300 marks available per judge per entrant. Multiplied by 3 for the 3 judges, the total mark available was therefore 900.

“The scoring at the top was very, very close indeed, with the winner scoring 829 marks out of the 900 available,” judge David Bunting (pictured) revealed in Windsor.

As every entrant achieved a score within 80% of the winner’s total, the following fifteen companies received a certificate of merit:

BCL Business Moves, Company Moves, Delivery Services, Edes, Fahey, Greens, Harrow Green, Johnsons, JT and Sons, Maidmans, Premier, Rose Removals, Specialised Movers, and Xpress Relocation.

There was no doubt for David Bunting – who has been involved as an entrant in the competition for 16 years, and as a judge for the past four years – that the standard is rising year on year. “You are not only delivering service excellence, but also going beyond the call of duty, as it were, and exceeding expectations,” he told the competition entrants. And, David stressed that the clear message he heard in most cases was that “price was NOT the controlling element in contract award.”

CMotY 2012 WINNER: Specialised Movers

COMERCIALMOVER OFTHE YEAR

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BAR News


We have now been running R&S Magazine for just over one year and we know some of you, but not all of you! Please let us know if you are not receiving and want to receive our monthly email reminders for submitting ideas, news, comments and events to include in future issues of the magazine, and the deadlines for

submissions. While we cannot promise to publish all your news and information, it does help if submissions are received within the copy deadlines.

Please also send us your feedback on the content of the magazine and your ideas for new regular sections or other improvements made.

It’s your magazine!

Looking forward to hearing from you soon. The Editorial Team at R&S E: [email protected] T: 020 3235 1806

DMotY 2012The DMOTY presentation at the BAR Annual Conference in Windsor was made by Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General. Stephen commented that “the results were very tight this year, down to very narrow margins and small points which swung the difference.”

Entries for the Award were judged according to the following criteria, with all of the finalists reaching high scores in each category:

• Commitmenttoqualityandstandards• Qualityandappearanceofpremisesand vehicles• Knowledge,professionalismandhelpfulness of staff• Customersatisfaction• CompliancewiththeBARCodeofPractice• SupportandparticipationinBARactivitiesand services • PromotionofBARthroughmarketing,display and advertising materials• Adherencetoessentialissues,e.g.Health& Safety• Commitmenttotraininganddevelopmentof staff.

Judging took place in four stages:In Stage 1 the judges assessed the nineteen written submissions and scored each company. Stage 2 consisted of a mystery telephone shopping exercise, carried out from outside the BAR, to test the shortlisted companies. “One company still swears that it hasn’t been mystery shopped and three were not aware that it had happened – the shopper did an outstanding job,”

Stephen said. Stage 3 entailed on-site assessments of the shortlisted companies after which the three finalists were identified, and five certificate of merit winners. In Stage 4 a completely outsourced Customer Satisfaction Survey was done for the three finalists.

Five companies each received a Certificate of Merit to acknowledge the high standards they have maintained:

• AndrewsofKent• BritanniaAnchorRemovalsLtd (Manchester)• Maidman’sRemovals&Storage (Bournemouth)• ReddawaysRemovalsLtd (Okehampton)• RichardHealeyRemovalsLtd

The three finalists were:

• MJChristophers&SonofNewquay• MattPurdie&SonsLtd,Bathgate,West Lothian• KilmarnockRemovalsInternational (MattPurdie&Sons)

The winner of the DMotY 2012 Award, announced at the Gala dinner, was M. J. Christophers & Son. Congratulations! For the winners’ profile see page 30.

BAR Director General Stephen Vickers

If you have any news or comments about your business, the economy, and the industry in general, please send in your information, letters or articles.

BAR Conference 2012


BAR News

BAR Golf ChallengeThe largest amount of players from the last three Conference golf days met early at Lingfield Park Golf Club for the Basil Fry sponsored BAR Golf Day. Peter Doman of Basil Fry & Co. Limited reports on events.

With the weather being kind to us for a change, the course in great condition and with the extra excitement of a chance of winning a Ford Focus in the hole in one competition the stage was set for a great day of golf. Some of the usual bandits scored low over the first nine holes and there was a variety of skills on display but all who attended enjoyed the banter, regardless of the quality of their stroke play. The 24 players came from all over the UK as well as international guests in the form of Willy Peters and Donald Kachur of Highland Moving and Storage from Canada.

Prizes were awarded for nearest the pin, longest drive, second and first place.

The top three were as follows: First Place: Daniel Reynolds, Reason Global - 37 pointsSecond Place: Barry Kempton, AbrahamsCases-31pointsThirdPlace:PeterMonk,BritanniaQuickmove-28points

Nearest the Pin was won by the only lady attending the day – putting all the gentlemen to shame – Willy Peters (a great shot over the pond from a lady from over the pond!).

TheLongestDrivewaswonbyJamie(Tiger)BriggsfromJamieBriggsRemovals.

I was very happy to bestow awards on behalf of Basil Fry & Company and those who stayed on afterwards tucked into some well-earned sandwiches, chips and a beer!

Before everyone departed, I took the opportunity to thank Chris Fry for his contribution to the BAR and the wider Removals Industry.

Chris has worked for the Removals Industry for 42 years, 36 of which were full time.

Chris responded by thanking everyone in the industry for their support over the years and noted that through Basil Fry’s long-standing sponsorship of the BAR golf events he had made some great friendships over the years.

Chris is officially retiring at the end of the year but was keen to stress that he would be more than happy to keep playing at the industry golf days!

At the BAR gala dinner event, Greg Wildman, Director at Basil Fry & Co, awarded a bottle of Champagne to Dan Reynolds for his efforts. This was collected by Graham Puddephatt on Dan’s behalf.

BAR Conference 2012

Above (left) Overall Winner: Dan Reynolds and Runner up Barry Kempton

Above (left) Longest Drive: Jamie Briggs and Winner of Nearest The Pin, Willy Peters

Above L-R: Nick Flaxman, Malcolm Pearson, Greg Wildman and Anthony Robinson and (right) Peter Doman(far right) Onkar Sharma

Above (left) Bill Tieman and (right) Donald Kachur


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BAR Services

David was clearly delighted to be headlining at the BAR Conference and brought all of his customary charisma, showmanship and management experience to bear in his keynote presentation.

Ably supported by Miranda Hyder of BAR Services, David shared with an appreciative audience many deep insights into the challenges he has faced as a business icon for our times.

It was a shame that David’s telephone rang on several occasions during his presentation, but BAR Members understood that this was only the price that David has to pay for his enduring popularity.

David decided, perhaps wisely, to leave the technical side and the product descriptions to Miranda.

As Miranda explained, the new RB flute cartons are both thinner and stronger, enabling movers to put 25 per cent more boxes on a pallet, saving on space and logistics, in addition to environmental benefits and being cheaper.

Delegates agreed that the presentation was one of the highlights of this year’s Conference. However, some regret was voiced that there was not time for David to tell his joke about the nun and the priest, or to perform his legendary dance – maybe next year? For more information, see www.barservices.co.uk

David Brent gets back on the boxBAR Services unveiled a surprise celebrity to launch their new line of boxes – David Brent from ´The Office,’ who some delegates thought bore more than a passing resemblance to Tim Oliver of BAR Services.



BTEC Award in Practical EstimatingThis 2 day course is practically based and is designed to teach students the art of estimating as well as face to face sales techniques, covering topics such as:

• Quantity assessment made easy • Instructor with 27 years experience in estimating • Best practice - survey to report to quote • Confidence in sales & estimating. • Understanding the importance of communication £545 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

Course Dates 201217 & 18 July 11 & 12 September 6 & 7 November


NEWLYIMPROVED

for 2012!


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CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations.

CMotY 2012 Winner: Specialised MoversR&S caught up with Nigel Shaw of Specialised Movers shortly after the company won the 2012 Commercial Mover of the Year Award in Windsor.

The CMotY 2012 award is tribute to the hard work of Nigel and Carole Shaw over the last twenty years, which has seen Sheffield-based Specialised Movers grow from being a porter hire company to completing commercial moves on any scale nationwide.

“We have come very close to winning the Commercial Mover of the Year on many occasions before – category winners, runners-up, and merits,” Nigel says. “So, at this year’s BAR Gala Dinner event when our name was called out, both Carole and I were quite literally stunned! Going up to collect the trophy and being applauded by our most respected peers meant so much to us. Winning the Commercial Mover of the Year is a culmination of all those moves and people past and present that have given us the experience to make us and Specialised Movers who we are today.” Nigel reports that when he and Carole returned to the office the following Monday morning after the Awards night, morale was at an all-time high: “We are still buzzing! Entering the busy Summer period, our crews are highly motivated, and determined to maintain and improve their own standards.” Nigel agrees that the selection process this

year was much tougher than before, making victory all the sweeter. “This year, there was less emphasis on our literary skills, and more on our removals performance! Entrants were required to submit contact details of seven clients who had used our commercial relocation services, clients who were then contacted by an independent judging panel. It was a fair but very challenging system as it meant that the only control we had, was making sure we provided an excellent service to all clients in the first place!”

Always a winnerWinning CMotY 2012 will of course be a major selling tool for Specialised Movers. “All our correspondence to both existing and potential clients will from now on permeate the message of this award!” Nigel says.

“BAR have been great in their support and assistance with all aspects in communicating our award. We are getting help with press releases and where to direct them to maximize the commercial benefits of this award. We are also grateful to the sponsors, PHS Teacrate.” Nigel considers Specialised Movers to be a progressive company “in that we invest heavily in

development of our equipment, training and services. Specialised Movers strive to be ahead of the game, providing our clients with solutions to all their moving obstacles.” At the same time, he describes the traditional side to the company “in that our core beliefs are about providing an excellent service at a fair price. Just ask our clients who have been with us from the very start”

Nigel and Carole have become well-known figures in the BAR and the CMG and have put a lot into the industry over the years. “We’ve made some great friends in the industry and continue to make new friends too,” Nigel says. “I would advise any company that is a CMG member to enter the CMotY competition.”

“You may not win outright; you may win a merit or be a runner-up. But, whatever happens, you will always be a winner in that you will look more closely at your own company to improve in all aspects of your work. This will make you a winner in business regardless of this competition. Remember, this is a competition based solely on service, not on price – how refreshing!”


BAR News

Commercial Moving GroupAnnual Networking SeminarGolf Day & Awards Dinner

Tuesday 2nd October 2012St Pierre, a Marriott Hotel & Country Club,Chepstow, Wales.

The CMG Chairman, CMG National Council and Basil Fry look forward to welcoming you on the day.

For more information please visit: www.barcmg.co.uk or email: [email protected]

Sponsored by:

This year we are promising an excellent networking opportunity for all members of the CMG whether you enjoy golf or not!

Afternoon seminars are set in the relaxed atmosphere of the St Pierre Country Club and the day finishes with John Stiles, our after dinner speaker, who promises us an entertaining evening and awards presentation.

Golf, Seminar & Dinner £48Golf, Seminar, Dinner, B&B £145Seminar, Dinner, B&B £125Seminar & Dinner only £28Golf Buggies £30

Prices

CMG News

Sponsored by:

CMotY 2012 COMERCIALMOVER OFTHE YEAR


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BAR Conference 2012

DMotY 2012 Winner: M.J. Christophers & SonR&S spoke to Mike Christophers as he savoured his triumph in this year’s Domestic Mover of the Year competition.Newquay-based M.J. Christophers & Son have progressed from certificate of merit winners in DMotY 2010, to finalists in DMotY 2011, and then this year have gone one better, walking away worthy victors in what turned out to be a very close run contest.

“It’s official recognition of the quality of service that we provide and recognition of our dedicated and hard-working staff,” Mike says.

“We’re thrilled and the whole team here is feeling very proud.”

Mike says that following the 2011 competition, the company went away and fine-tuned its processes to make sure that it could go the extra distance and win the award in 2012.

“But it was even tougher this year because the bar was raised – only three finalists rather than five, but it was gratifying that the judges noticed the improvements we made when they visited us.”

Promoting the WinIn terms of getting the news out to the public, Mike was impressed that BAR got in touch straight away with the local press on the company’s behalf, handling the public relations implications of winning such a prestigious nationwide award.

Mike says, from his side, he will make the most of marketing this fabulous win. It is interesting to note that Mike kept his customers informed of the company’s progress throughout the DMotY 2012 awards process, particularly once M.J. Christophers was selected as a finalist.

As a result, there has been a lot of interest from Mike’s customer base in the contest. Mike told R&S that he has been busy fielding phone calls from clients wanting to know the result. Everyone is delighted that he has walked away with the main

prize. He intends to put the BAR DMotY 2012 Winner badge on all the vehicles and stationery, as well as the company website. “I’ll be getting onto the printers to make sure everyone knows we’re a winner,” Mike says. “If it’s anything like the experience we had with being a finalist, it’s definitely going to help increase sales.”

What it takes to be a DMotY winnerMike’s advice to other companies considering entering next year’s DMotY: “It’s free to enter, andmost BAR companies should be doing a lot of what is

asked anyway,” Mike says. “It’s an excellent marketing tool, especially if you get to the finalist stage. It’s also not too much work, as it takes place in the beginning of the year, which is a quieter period for the industry.” “We’re probably the smallest of the previous winners. We’re a family-run company and I am the third generation of the family, so it’s not only the big companies who win it! I would encourage everyone to get involved.” But watch out, the competition may be fierce if champions M.J. Christophers enter again...

Mike Christophers of M.J. Christophers & Son receives the DMotY 2012 award from Ian Studd, BAR President and BAR Conference keynote speaker Mike Nattrass, MEP.

DMotY 2012 Sponsored by:

DMotY 2012 Winner: M.J. Christophers & SonR&S spoke to Mike Christophers as he savoured his triumph in this year’s Domestic Mover of the Year competition.


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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...

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

DMotY 2012 Sponsored by:


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MEMBERSHIPINITIATIVE

Legal Support Advice LineTel: 01254 828300



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)


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


FREE


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Legal Support Advice LineTel: 01254 828300





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)


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]


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with


New Affiliate: DKV

You drive, we care.

With over 35,000 filling stations across 42 countries, including the UK and Ireland, DKV has one of the largest and most comprehensive supply networks in the sector.

Through the DKV Card and additional services, this new BAR Affiliate offers BAR Members a range of products that are geared to day-to-day transport operations and designed to optimize the fleet management process. DKV’s aim is to help its customers avoid delays, take advantage of price benefits and operate in a more efficient manner.

DKV customers can use the DKV Card to obtain different brands of fuel and lubricants, cash-free. It also provides a high degree of transparency when it comes to billing and the potential for savings.

Using DKV’s extensive and cost-effective services means companies in the removals industry can settle motorway tolls and the charges payable to use bridges, mountain passes, tunnels and numerous ferry links, cash-free throughout Europe. DKV are the only non-French accredited suppliers of on board units for the French motorway toll system TIS PL. With the fully compatible DKV Box, DKV is able to bill tolls for both France, Spain as well as the Liefkenshoektunnel in Belgium.

The company also provides VAT and Fuel Duty refund services, 24-hour breakdown, windscreen and tyre services, and online services for route planning,

e-reporting, Tachomanager, and a dedicated Account Manager and Administration Assistant for each client.

Valerie Bamping of DKV explains: “With the economic slowdown, our customers are looking for the whole package rather than just cheap fuel. We can provide a one-stop solution for all their transport-related requirements, thus freeing them up to concentrate on what they do best.”

DKV offers strongly competitive structural cost management services, based on flexibility, 24/7 continuity of service and a full pan-EU coverage. At the same time, Valerie stresses that each customer has individual needs that are catered for by DKV. “Our personal approach to our customers and their needs sets us apart from any competition. We offer each customer a personalised package to suit their specific requirements,” she told R&S.

Building relationships with BAR MembersMarket pressures mean that there is increasing demand by companies operating in the transport sector to provide flexibility and costs savings. DKV is able to offer high quality and competitive pricing. “We have put together a special package of rebates and services specifically for BAR Members, with the flexibility to discuss specific requirements. We invite all BAR members to get in touch with us to arrange a personal consultation,” says Valerie.

The company also offers useful tools such as refund services on foreign VAT to improve cash flow geared to the needs of removals companies.

For Valerie, DKV’s new relationship with BAR as an Affiliate will enable the company to “demonstrate our professional and dedicated approach to BAR Members’ needs and strengthen trust in our services.”

“We are always at the forefront of any new developments to keep customers informed of changes which may affect their operations and we have introduced several 1-box solutions across Europe,” Valerie says. “We are working closely with the French operator Ecomouv’ in relation to the new Eco tax that will come into effect as from 2013.”

Please contact us on our free phone number: 0800 3160465.

DKV Euro Service is a leading fuel and services provider to the goods and passenger transport sectors on the roads of Europe. The company was established in 1934 and for over 75 years has offered the well-known DKV Card, a fuel payment card for the whole of Europe.

DKV offers strongly competitive structural cost management services, based on flexibility, 24/7 continuity of service and a full pan-EU coverage.

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As the Night unfolded...

BAR Conference 2012

BAR Gala Dinner & Awards NightThere was a tremendously positive atmosphere at this year’s Gala dinner and awards night. Conference delegates relaxed over a delicious three-course meal with good wines and caught up with old friends and networked with business acquaintances and new contacts. A surprise troupe of singing waiters added some fun to the event, which was just as well as tension was mounting in anticipation of the results of the main awards and prizes at the end of the dinner.

The RBA raffleAs a result of the raffle organised by BAR in aid of the RBA, together Conference delegates contributed nearly £1,800 towards the charity. The raffle tickets sold particularly well when delegates found out about the ten lavish prizes on offer, generously donated by the following companies:UniqueVanBodies: a fabulous miniature truck design in the winner’s company livery ActiveSupply&Design: Two early season tickets to a Manchester United Game at Old Trafford BackhouseJonesSolicitors: an Apple Ipod TouchBAR Services: a 10-inch widescreen HD ready LED TV with FreeviewBasilFry&Co:a 32-inch LCD TVBrittany Ferries Freight: £100 voucher towards Channel Crossing with Brittany Ferries.

JurysInnHotels: Complimentary weekend stay at Jurys SouthamptonMarriott Hotels: Complimentary Golf, 4 Ball on Aylesford Course, Forest of ArdenMarriott Hotels: Afternoon tea for two at Marriott County Hall, LondonRed Recruit: Large hamper of local produce. BAR raised £950 for the raffle during the Conference period, and this amount nearly doubled at the Gala Dinner event – perhaps an indication of the positive feelings that most delegates had about this year’s Conference, and hopefully about the future of the sector. There was much excitement as the winning ticket numbers were called out, and even more pleasure to know that this initiative raised £1,754.25!

Fundraising for the RBA The strong commitment by the industry towards its own charity, the Removers Benevolent Association (RBA), was demonstrated by the generous contributions at this year’s Conference.

More than £3,350 was raised for the RBA which will be used to help industry employees, their widows or dependents in need.


BAR NewsBAR Conference 2012

Red’s RBA bike rideBAR Affiliate, Red Recruit is a specialist recruitment consultancy that focuses on the Removals industry both nationally and internationally. As part of its commitment to raising funds for the RBA, Red Recruit organised a 26-mile cycle ride from Watford to Windsor. The 9 people who joined the ride came from a broad range of companies operating within the removals and storage sector, including 2 consultants from Red Recruit (Steve Maples, Lorna Jefferies), as well as Matt Purdie, Chairman of the RBA, and representatives from Anglo Pacific (Stephen Gray), Interdean Relocation Services

(Tim Worsley, James Saar, Julia Day, Paul Berryman), and Chris Waymouth of QSS Ltd. As R&S goes to press, the sponsored ride had already raised approximately £1,600. Caroline Frostick-Seear, Managing Director of Red Recruit, said: “It has always been important to Red that we put something back into the industry and this is one way that we can help. A big thank you to the riders, without whom it wouldn’t have been possible. Next year we will be organising a ride from Edinburgh to Newcastle, so we are actively seeking volunteers now, and have 4 riders already.”

For more photos from the BAR Black Tie Gala Dinner & Awards Night, see www.bar.co.uk/conference2012.aspx


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BAR News


BAR ProfileBAR Conference 2012

When Windsor & Eton Brewery opened in 2010, it became the first brewery in the town in over 80 years and has quickly made a name as one of the best regarded craft breweries in the UK.

The Young Movers attended the welcome BBQ, sponsored by the Overseas Group to network with BAR Members, friends and colleagues before making their way to the brewery by coach.

The visit included a tour of the plant, looking at the raw materials and a chance to try four special Diamond Jubilee beers each created using selected ingredients from across the Commonwealth. Traditional cask brewing is a uniquely British institution and the Windsor & Eton brewery aims to make great traditional cask ales.

The Young Movers enjoyed this interesting tour in a relaxed atmosphere. “For someone who does not drink beer, I thought this tour was really good: short but sweet,” said Colin Craib of Luxfords. “Will, the guy in charge was brilliant, his passion and knowledge was second to none. It was more than a job to him, anyone putting that much effort into something will succeed, regardless of their industry or background. The lager they brew was brilliant!!!”

Young Movers sample Diamond Jubilee beerThis year, the Young Movers visited the brewery to sample the local beers and ales in a fantastic tour which took place on the first night of the 2012 BAR Annual Conference.

Ria Compton of Basil Fry (L) with Loren Webster of BAR Training Services.

It’s good to be young…Or Young Movers ‘chillaxing’ at the Overseas Group welcome BBQ before moving on to their tour of the local brewery.


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Ian Studd: Presidential priorities

R&S: Whatarethekeypointsthatyouhavetakenfrom your term as BAR Vice-President that you hope to apply in your role as President?

Ian Studd: I have thoroughly enjoyed my term as Vice-President especially having had the chance to attend area meetings and meet so many people whom I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet in the daily scheme of things. What is abundantly clear is that there is a real passion for our industry and our Association across the whole country and a genuine desire for the badge to have more influence on the buying public across all sectors, Overseas, National and Commercial.

For me, there is a continuing need for the BAR brand to be even further strengthened and developed to create the opportunities for our Members to integrate that brand awareness into the marketing strategies of their own businesses.

Now that I have served as Vice President for 2 years, having previously been the CMG Chairman, I fully appreciate the amount of work and effort put in by all those Members who have had similar voluntary roles in the past and I would like to pass on my appreciation to them all. Sometimes I feel that the Membership does not fully understand or appreciate these people who give up their time, often at their own expense, for the benefit of all Members, and they are to be applauded. Likewise I have also worked closer with the BAR secretariat and see the amount of work they get through to promote the Association for our benefit, much more than many of us realise. I think one of the real challenges we have is to ensure that we communicate these activities better to the Membership.

R&S: As the principal figurehead for BAR, what do you envisage for your main areas of activity and objectives as BAR President?

Ian Studd: My main activities will be to represent the Association and its Members in the best way that I can, both internally through very active involvement in statutory meetings, area meetings, focus groups and so forth, and externally through being exactly that, i.e. the figurehead for the Association. My objectives are very simple in so far as I just want to do the very best that I can to promote and develop everything that is good about our Association and its Members and everything that we stand for. I am personally very passionate about people and quality, and for me that summarises what our Association should stand for.

R&S: Based on your professional, industry experience, if you did a SWOT analysis of BAR anditsMembers,whatdoyouthinkthemainstrengths,weaknesses,opportunitiesandthreatsare for the organisation?

Ian Studd:Strengths: Our main strength is our Membership. The Association is well established but has been through a period of substantial change and improvement.

Those Members who have embraced this change have definitely seen this impact positively on their businesses. Our other main strength is our ability to adapt in a changing and economically challenging market place.

Weaknesses: I see the main challenge for the Association as communicating with the Membership. A significant amount of work is done that is reported widely through R&S, the excellent new newsletter, the various councils and by regular attendance at Area meetings, but often this is not fully received or does not filter through to the Memberships. This is something that is a regular discussion at the Board.

Opportunities: Embrace the work we have done and continue to do so. Apprenticeships, new Standards, new website, improved customer awareness, better marketing and better communications. If we as Members recognise and accept these for what they are, i.e. ways for us to improve our businesses, then Membership of BAR is of great value.

Threats: The single biggest threat to all removers is the economy. Not just the current ‘recession’ but the wider issues, the cowboy operators, the cash-in-hand merchants, the companies not registered for VAT, companies who perform removals as a service add-on with no real experience, no investment, no training and so on. This is why Membership of BAR and the continued improvements in criteria and standards are so important for the industry.

R&S:What are the next steps envisaged in terms ofprocessfortheMembershipCriteriaReview?

Ian Studd: There was a healthy debate on this subject at Conference and we very much look forward to receiving constructive opinion for the councils and then the Board to further consider at the next meetings this month. Following on from last year’s

Ian Studd, incoming President of the BAR, took time out from a very busy period at Harrow Green, where he is Business Relocation Director, to discuss with R&S his new role with BAR.


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referendum on standards, we are in no doubt that there is a universally held desire for membership of the BAR to be governed by stringent entry criteria initially and for continued membership to be subject to regular inspections to ensure that those entry criteria standards are maintained as a minimum level of performance. My personal hope is that the criteria review is properly debated, any amendments considered, and then adopted without further delay. I would also like to see a regular review of membership criteria so that changes in legislation and best practice initiatives are always considered and included, as appropriate.

R&S:How can BAR Members benefit from the commercial initiatives that BAR is now offering its Members?

Ian Studd: These are truly such exciting times for the Association. So much has been achieved over the last year or two in terms of raising the profile of the Association, and therefore of its Members, through the various commercial initiatives that have already been put in place and indeed those that are still works in progress. I mentioned earlier that there is, in my view, a need for each Member to fully consider how best to integrate the strength of the BAR brand with their own marketing initiatives/collateral to achieve their desired goals. It is simply unrealistic to suppose that the commercial team at Watford can act as the dedicated marketing resource for each and every Member and individually create unique marketing strategies for all. There is a responsibility on our Members to ‘own’ their own marketing initiatives and to support those with the power and depth of the BAR brand and to fully exploit the opportunities that exist through the numerous commercial initiatives that are already very much live. One really good practical example of this is that if every BAR Member displayed the BAR logo on their website with a hyperlink back to the BAR website, the benefits to the BAR website and the raising of the profile of the Association would be significant – easy for every Member to do, at no cost and creating great benefit.

R&S:Fromyourexperience,howcanBAR’sapproach to industry apprenticeships, training and development help the industry?

Ian Studd: I am on record as saying how lucky I have been in my career to work for companies that believe in and are committed to training and investing in their people, I have, without doubt, benefitted enormously from having that support and am eternally grateful for it. I am also on record as having voiced my concerns that our industry isn’t seeing huge influxes of new ‘talent’ and as our experienced staff age and move toward retirement, the necessary skills are in danger of becoming diluted or potentially lost. The approach being taken by the BAR through the apprenticeship schemes and its training and development programmes is fundamental to addressing this massive issue. I have enjoyed a career in this industry, and it is only through having structured training and development programmes that we can hope to encourage the next generations to see

the removals industry as a career opportunity and not just as a ‘stop gap’ job. The development of removals-specific Apprenticeship is a major step forward for our sector and the fact that we, as an Association, drove through this initiative should be recognised by the wider Membership as another success.

R&S:You will be the third BAR President in office followingthegovernancereview.Canyouexplainthesignificance/effectivenessofthekeycorporategovernance measures that are in place?

Ian Studd: The key output of the governance review is that we now have a truly democratic and commercially-led Association, with all board positions (with the exception of the Director General) being elected roles that have very defined terms of office. The offices of the President, Vice President and Council Chairpersons follow tried and trusted election protocols, but we also have 3 directly elected members who are nominated and voted in to office by the membership and those directly elected Members are intended to represent the independent views of the membership. In terms of effectiveness, we have achieved the intent of the governance review and are now reaping the benefits as we certainly do have a much more commercially-orientated Association with strategies debated and determined by the Board of Directors. We also have the implementation of those strategies into our day-to-day business being managed by a very financially astute, competent and commercially experienced Director General, supported by an advisory committee.

R&S: Does your role as BAR President take you to Europe?

Ian Studd: I am very much looking forward to attending the next FEDEMAC conference which will be held in Austria later this year. I attended the conference last November in Windsor and really enjoyed meeting my counterparts from across Europe. BAR is a very well regarded association in the European community and again some very good work has been done by our team to increase the influence that we have in that forum. For the most part however, I will be devoting my time to attending the area meetings throughout the UK and continuing to strengthen those relationships with our own Members as my more immediate priority.

R&S:Areyoumoreofaface-to-face/talkoverthephonepersonorareyoumore‘switchedon’tosocialmediasuchastheBARLinkedInforum?

Ian Studd: Like all of us these days, I find there is a tendency to get more and more involved in social media as a communication challenge which I enjoy BUT, and for me this is a big but, that should never be a replacement for face to face/personal contact. Social media should in my view be an ‘as well as’ and not an ‘instead of’ means of communication. It also concerns me that there are opportunities on occasion for debate on social media sites to become far more destructive than constructive and I see no benefit for any of us in such instances.

R&S: For new Members to BAR who want to get involved in the Association, what do you suggest they do and how do Members get to hold positions within BAR?

Ian Studd: I would welcome a more active involvement from any Member, new or old, and the opportunities to do so certainly exist. There are, of course, the open nominations for office as described above, and there is a constant need at area level to get more and new people to be involved in the process of the local meetings. We do sometimes have to overly rely on the goodwill of people who have held office for many years at area level as there has been a reluctance on the part of other attendees to volunteer. I would urge all members to attend their local area meetings as they are generally very well run with excellent debate and the opportunity to network with our colleagues across the industry. Please don’t be shy in coming forward; we will always welcome those who want to get more involved.

‘‘I have enjoyed a career in this industry, and it is only through having structured training and development programmes that we can hope to encourage the next generations to see the removals industry as a career opportunity and not just as a ‘stop gap’ job.

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The exhibition was like a tour of the industrial revolution from the perspective of the removals business, starting with a horse drawn tunnel van from White and co and a pair of pantechnicons (Fox

and J&H Friend), followed by an amazing Foden steam van from Bishop’s Move and then a wonderful array of vans from the 1940s through to the present day.

For all those unlucky enough to have missed the event, we present a selection of some of the many vans on display, and R&S hopes the next exhibition is already being planned!

BAR Vehicle Exhibition & Competition 2012 This year’s Vehicle Exhibition and Competition, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, was without doubt one of the highlights of the BAR Annual Conference 2012, with a stunning display of vehicles, and good weather to make the drive by a pleasure for all. BAR Honorary Life Member Frank Rose (pictured top right) and John Cromer of Volvo judged the Competition.

Vehicle competition winners 2012:BestHorse/SteamDrawn:J&HFriend

Best Mechanical Vintage: FoxMoving&Storage

Best Mechanical Modern: KilmarnockRemovals

BestBespoke/Innovative:Britannia Reeves



A confirmed Eurosceptic, for Mike, nothing illustrates the absurdities of European institutions better than the fact that it has two seats of parliaments in Brussels and Strasbourg, all paid for by long-suffering European taxpayers. “Those who defend this system claim that the Strasbourg seat costs €51,543,000 per year which is €€1,073,000 per working day, because it opens for 48 days per year, whereas those wanting the Empire in Brussels put the cost at between €€169m and €€203m or about €€4.2m per working day,” Mike explained.

According to Mike, for the budget period 2007-2013, compared to 2000-2006. Britain’s contributions to the EU Budget are rising by 33 per cent gross, and 97 per cent on a net basis. Britain’s annual contribution to the EU budget for 2010 is estimated at £15.25bn gross or £6.9bn net. In addition, Mike estimated that the EU’s “over-regulation on business” costs Britain an estimated £48.7bn per annum. “My belief is that all laws and directives affecting the UK should be made in Westminster,” Mike said, “Responsibility would then rest with those making ridiculous, unsuitable or costly regulations and suitably dealt with, when those persons face the next election.”

Transport ChaosMike recounted some particularly ill thought out or superfluous examples of European legislation in the transport sectors, such as regulations on speed limits in forests and windscreen wipers on tractors.

“The Transport and Tourism Committee also passed a regulation to limit trailer sides to four metres. In the UK, in over 7,000 cases, the trailers are almost five metres,” Mike said, “The directive is not ‘green’ as it forces more trucks onto the road and it is hoped but unlikely that they see common sense before the 2014 implementation date.”

And, whatever the rules on transport in Europe, many EU member states continue to flout them. Malta and Portugal charge tax on cars taken there by EU citizens settling in those countries. “I get many complaints about this from those taxed and they also

complain to the European Court. So each year Portugal is taken to court, is found guilty and pays the fine. Why do they pay the fine keep doing it? Simple, the fine is far less than the tax collected,” Mike said.

European legislation often favours the interests of large, well connected businesses on the continent, he added. For example, he said French manhole maker Saint Gobain had been very involved in the drafting of the EU specification for manholes, forcing small British manufacturers to redesign and retool their entire range. “And who pays for a price dictating manhole monopoly? The local authorities but actually it is you through your rates and taxes,” Mike told BAR conference delegates.

Mike also criticised domestic UK transport policy, such as the Government’s proposal for privately owned or managed roads. “The Australian owned M6 Toll is in my constituency and fails to be used as the relief road, for which it was designed, because of the charge,” Mike said. “This has caused major widening works to take place on the old M6 at massive cost to the taxpayer. My view is that tolls are wrong because we already have fuel duty and the road fund licence in this country and that is sufficient. Foreign lorries should pay for road fund licences at the ports before entering British roads.”

Mike acknowledged that at times EU legislation can also be a force for the good, and discussed the work of the Transport Committee in trying to provide safe parking for trucks and commercial vehicles for rest periods and overnight parking. “We need to modernise the transport sector in Europe, increasing competitiveness while lowering emissions,” Mike said. “The problem is that once European legislation is passed it is difficult to reverse, because there are 28 member states needing to concur. Setting legislation in stone, which in the clear light of its practical application can be poor legislation, is a very bad idea.”

Mike concluded his thought-provoking speech by reminding BAR delegates that for all its faults the EU is a democracy and that MEPs are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. He told conference delegates to contact him if they have any concerns about European rules restricting working practices, vehicles or trade.

Conference delegates quizzed Mike about his thoughts on the future of Greece in Europe, how the List system for European Parliament elections works and on why politicians need to understand that removals companies need effective harmonisation across Europe so that they can operate their businesses unimpeded by varying national rules.

The British transport industry in EuropeMike Nattrass, Member of European Parliament for the West Midlands and a member of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the Parliament, gave this year’s keynote address at the annual BAR conference. As a representative of the UK Independence Party, Nattrass is a fierce critic of much of the legislation that comes out of Brussels and of the entire European integration process. With the economic and political crisis in the Eurozone intensifying, his speech could not have been more topical.

Vehicle competition winners 2012:


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Alan Ward, Chairman of the Residential Landlords Association, gave an interesting overview of the opportunities for removals and storage companies to attract business from the private rented sector (PRS). With home ownership declining across the UK and the emergence of a younger ‘generation rent,’

he said that every removals firm in the country needs to respond to this dramatic change in the market. According to Alan, 59 per cent of renters are currently in the 16-34 age bracket. The total value of rent in the UK in 2011 was £48bn, and that is expected to rise to £70bn by 2016. Crucially, these households move on average every eighteen months; this is a segment that moves much more frequently than owner-occupiers, who stay put on average for nine years. With 17 per cent of households in the country now renting, some 8.5 million tenants in 4.4 million properties, how should removals firms access the PRS? Given the young age of people renting, Alan said the best way to access this fast growing market is via social media on the Internet. In total, Alan estimates that 35 per cent of renters are families with children, 32 per cent are singles/young professionals, 24 per cent are on housing benefit, and 14 per cent are students (with some duplication between the groups). Of particular interest to movers is that 59 per

cent of rental properties are rented unfurnished, compared to only 26 per cent furnished (and 15 per cent partly furnished). Targeting Services Alan suggested that the executive renters in markets such as London, the South East and Cheshire represent an especially interesting opportunity to BAR Members. “The share of renting in this market is increasing,” he noted. For Alan, the rental market for movers could be split into this high value core market and a larger, lower value market of many repetitive moves. But he also highlighted the opportunity for tailoring services for specific segments of the market, such as storage at end of term for students or for landlords during periods when they are refurbishing their properties. Alan concluded his wide-ranging presentation with a special RLA membership offer for any landlords who are also Members of the BAR. For more information, see www.rla.org.uk

The BAR Code is, of course, the only code in the moving industry that is approved and monitored by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) under its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS).

As Andy explained, major changes are coming and BAR Members need to start preparing for those changes now.

This is the result of reforms to the structure of consumer protection in the UK; the OFT itself is to be replaced by a new Competition and Markets Authority, and the Government has invited the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) to establish a successor to the CCAS by April 2013, on a self-funding basis.

Within less than one year, it is expected that the OFT Badge and livery will become a thing of the past. It will be the TSI itself that approves the new Code, with new branding and a new cost structure.

These changes are the consequence of major administrative reforms being implemented by the Government on the instigation of Business Secretary Vince Cable, who wants to reduce complexity for consumers. Importantly, industry may have to start to contribute to the funding of these schemes as a result of limited funding from Government.

“We aim to come up with a draft new scheme by September,” Andy told Conference delegates, “including our criteria for what we want to see from the new scheme and crucially, how much it will cost. We are trying to structure our charge process to keep

it as fair as possible – we’re not looking to profit from it, so we tend to use a cost recovery approach.”

Andy confirmed that the words ‘OFT approved’ “will have to go at some point and we will have to replace these words. We want to find out what works – what consumers recognise and what emotional response they have. We want a brand that leads them to choose a product that has been approved, and we are researching the branding for the scheme.”

Calling on BAR’s support in moving to the new badge in a sensible way, Andy said he recognised this will be “a painful process and we will try to be pragmatic about it.” The TSI will also look at the monitoring process and the criteria that the OFT has in place and that BAR has to meet.

Marketing BenefitsAndy told BAR Members that he believes there is real reason for them to be optimistic about the new scheme. “We see this as an opportunity to drive consumers to your businesses,” he said. The TSI has high levels of consumer recognition and a very large number of hits on its website from consumers looking for help and for advice. “There is obviously a great opportunity to have approved codes seen by that traffic on the Internet,” Andy concluded. “Someone may be able to put in their postcode on our website and have a list of approved traders at their fingertips, which we think will generate more business for BAR members. The TSI is now in listening mode as part

of the consultation phase and is in talks with BAR all the time. “We want to hear about what works and what doesn’t so we can adjust the criteria of the Code,” he said. “There is scope to change for the better and we want to capture the lessons learnt by BAR Members from the last few years.” For more information, see www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Changing the CodeAndy Foster, Operations and Policy Director at the Trading Standards Institute, spoke to delegates about how the significant changes that the Government is making to the administration and governance of trading standards will affect the BAR Code of Practice.

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As David explained, while many of the Games venues are in London, there are a number of other venues across England, Wales and Scotland which may affect removals companies’ operations.

In London, the Olympic Route Network (ORN) will operate on 1% of London’s roads, and the majority of this network will be open to all traffic. However on the roads where there are restrictions, these may be severe and so it is worthwhile for removals companies (and their subcontractors) to be well informed about what will happen during this period.

As well as Games at official Olympic venues, there will also be road events across London, including the Olympic Marathons and Cycle Road Races as well as the Olympic Torch relay which is due to arrive in London on 21 July.

In some sections of dual carriageway, one lane will be reserved for the Games Family traffic (athletes and VIPs), generally operating from 6am to midnight. These will start operating from 25th July.

ORN traffic management measures will include changes to traffic signal timings, restricted turns, side road closures to general traffic, and suspension of parking and waiting bays, as well as the Temporary

Games Lanes. There are plans to ensure swift enforcement and compliance so that there are no disruptions to the ORN – there will be on street and camera enforcement, a rapid response service to remove vehicles and penalty charges will apply. TfL is urging removal companies to consider carefully the possible impact of restrictions on their operations, prior to accepting a new piece of business during the Games.

Online planning tools for removals during London 2012David’s key message to BAR Conference delegates was to plan well ahead. BAR Members were directed to the useful online portal for freight information www.tfl.gov.uk/2012 which has useful downloadable data. Another portal, www.getaheadofthegames.com, provides detailed road ‘hotspots for each day. He also alerted delegates to two new online tools: the Freight Journey Planner (http://freightplanner.tfl.gov.uk/user/login.php) which will allow users to input their start time, date, origin and destination of journey, with details of their vehicles. The Planner will then find the appropriate route for that size of

vehicle on the time/day selected and will show the nearest legal on-street loading areas to any specified delivery point. In addition, the Roads Visualiser (www.getaheadofthegames.com/travelinaffectedareas/city/london-driving-and-roads.html) will enable road users to see how the areas where they deliver and collect from, work and visit will be affected. An interactive map, searchable by postcode, will highlight planned changes to the road network such as suspended turns, stopping restrictions, changes to parking and loading; and Games Lanes. Road race routes will also be shown.For more information, email [email protected]

Preparing for the OlympicsDavid Silvey, London 2012 Road Freight Interface Manager, provided Conference delegates with an authoritative overview of the challenges that freight operators will face in the run up and during the Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Understanding apprenticeships James Ayling from the National Apprenticeship Service gave an in-depth presentation at Conference about the growing use of apprentices in England, This is a particularly relevant topic for BAR Members following the recent launch of the Association’s Commercial Moving Apprenticeship. “The British Association of Removers has great ambitions for developing and delivering a range of apprenticeship frameworks for the industry,” James noted. “For someone in my position, someone who has been an advocate of apprenticeships these last 20 years, that is great news.” According to James, around 0.5 million people will start an apprenticeship in England this year. Over 75 per cent of apprentices complete their apprenticeship, and 88 per cent of employers who employ apprentices conclude that apprenticeships are a good investment for their business, James explained. Today there are over 250,000 businesses employing apprentices. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), which was launched in April 2009, is increasing demand by growing the range of apprenticeship products available to employers and apprentices and by making the business benefits of apprenticeships much clearer to employers and the career benefits clearer to young people.

Training now for the future“There is full cross-party parliamentary commitment to support the growth of apprenticeships,” James said. “They are seen as the

best way to improve the country’s skills base and improve our competitiveness in a global market.” In fact, the NAS was only one of two government agencies that have been exempted from a freeze on marketing activity. Over the last three years, the NAS has developed an online recruitment service that is completely free to employers. At any given time, there are at least 5,000 vacancies being advertised. During March of this year, 100,000 apprenticeship job applications were submitted on-line and 14,000 vacancies were filled. James said he frequently visits employers who tell him that they are worried that a large proportion of their workforce is over 50 or 55 years of age and that they cannot find a trained younger workforce. “We are now at the tipping point because, unless those companies act now, I will not be visiting them in 10 years’ time, as they will have no workforce.” He called on Conference delegates to consider apprenticeships. “Young people have more pressures upon them to succeed than ever before and they are doing their very best to prove to you that they want a future and that they are willing to work hard. On that note I ask that you provide that chance – you may be surprised just how much your business benefits.”


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Veronica explained the S.M.I.L.E. principles that she said are at the heart of any successful social media strategy: Solutions, Make people feel valued, Inform, educate and entertain, Listen and acknowledge, and finally Engage. Establishing emotional engagement is the key to the SMILE approach. When a company sees a post or tweet saying “I’ve just received an offer on my house,” the right way to engage when responding is not “we can take care of your removal,” but “Fantastic! Did it take long to sell?” As Veronica said, “bad engagement is always wrong.” Veronica then elaborated on a series of strategies for the most popular social networks: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Recommendations and testimonials are an essential part of both LinkedIn and Facebook, she stressed. On Facebook, these should be supplemented by case studies, news, videos, advice and even articles from non-competing sources; all content that helps engage the reader. Removals companies should think hard about how to use these and other social media to build a highly engaged network of customers, reviewers and “raving fans,” Veronica concluded. Concluding her talk, Veronica recommended if there is one thing removal companies should do straight away, it is to fill in the complete form to register with LinkedIn and start using Twitter.For more information, see www.veronicapullen.co.uk

Social media for removals companiesVeronica Pullen, a trainer and consultant in social media who runs Word of Mouth Local, gave an engaging and well received presentation on how removals companies can make use of this revolutionary new medium to enhance their marketing and improve their sales prospects.

Mediating consumer disputes Disputes with consumers are an unfortunate fact of life in the removals trade. However hard a company may try, accidents, mishaps and misunderstandings are an inevitable part of the business. It is therefore important to be prepared and know what to do when a dispute arises. Gina Shim, Schemes and Business Development Manager at the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), provided BAR Conference delegates with

an informative overview of the scope and mechanisms of the BAR arbitration scheme, which can help resolve these disputes. The CEDR was launched in 1990 with the support of the Confederation of British Industry and leading law firms, business and the public sector. It is a non-profit organisation and its mission is to encourage and develop cost effective dispute resolution in commercial and public sector disputes, and in civil litigation.

In addition to the BAR arbitration scheme, schemes also run by CEDR include the Association of British Travel Agents arbitration scheme and the tenancy deposit protection scheme of my|deposits.

How it worksGina explained that the BAR arbitration scheme is designed exclusively for disputes between Members of BAR and their clients in connection with the removal and/or storage of goods.

It does not apply to disputes where legal action has already been initiated, claims for compensation exceeding £5000, or claims about physical injury, illness, nervous shock or their consequences. Before going to arbitration, the parties involved must first attempt to settle the dispute through conciliation offered by BAR. In the arbitration procedure, a claim is made, followed by a defence from a removals company, a response by the claimant to this response, comments by the respondent, and finally an award is made. As Gina explained, it’s an ideal mechanism for resolving disputes in an amicable and conclusive manner, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming legal action. In response to a question from the floor about how helpful the BAR arbitration scheme is for Members, BAR Company Secretary James Falkner commented that: “it is by no means rare that arbitration awards are made in favour of BAR Members, and in the last three weeks, we have had two awards in favour of BAR Members and one against.”


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Legislation has become an increasingly important factor in fleet planning. “It’s important that you know what’s coming and can plan for the future,” John Comer, Volvo’s Product Manager for UK and Ireland, told delegates. “A lot of new legislation is coming in, and some of it will have a big impact on the removals business.” Just recently, the new tachograph rules have been introduced to allow the operator to have a more accurate recording of driving time, with many users on multi-drop delivery seeing a marked increase in productivity. “We have also seen the literal introduction of red, yellow and white tape in the form of mandatory conspicuity marking on the side and rear of commercial vehicles, which offers great benefits to other road users but also will help reduce side damage on removal trucks when manoeuvring at night,” John said. “The important thing is to make sure with new trucks which party is fitting the tape bodybuilder, paint shop or dealer as it also has to be applied to the cab.” John outlined the move towards a new system for approving road vehicles: EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval. In October 2012, vehicle manufacturers will have to use this system to register all new trucks as National approvals cease. “The idea of the EC approval is that any vehicle type can be registered in any member state. Today, in the UK, only eight items on the truck need approval; in the future, it will be around thirty items, if we group all the lighting directives together and will include the body,” he explained.

What’s coming next?The whole part for trucks comes in from October 2014. Bodybuilders will also have to supply type approved bodywork. Their approval will have to be added to the chassis suppliers’ system approvals to produce a completed certificate of conformity. “Typically the bodybuilder will need to cover lights, rear and side underrun and spray suppression, but in the removal industry, cab modifications and any additional seats will have to also be approved, tested and covered. No completed approval will mean no registration,” according to John. John believes that the more pressing issue for BAR Members is not trucks but any van built in a multistage process as this will require a chassis and body approval by the 29 April 2013. In November 2012, you are going to start seeing ratings on your tyres for criteria such as fuel performance and grip (similar to the kind of ratings system applied, for example, to fridges). John said: “In many respects this will not necessarily change your buying criteria it only highlights the points you should consider today. The best advice is from your tyre supplier.” 31 December 2013 sees the introduction of EURO6 which reduces oxides of

nitrogen NOx by 80% and particulates (soot) by 50%.To achieve this, it will result in significant changes in vehicle design as the exhaust system will feature both an SCR catalyst and a diesel particulate filter, which will obviously affect the capital cost. The truck manufacturers are working hard to ensure the balance of harmful emission control has minimum impact on fuel economy. “If you want to stay with Euro5 technology,” John advised, “you will need to consider having your order placed before September 2013 to avoid registering the vehicle before the Euro6 start date. If you do this in the UK you will have a registration derogation of one year.” September 2014 is a key date for truck drivers. By this date, all drivers will need the CPC driver’s card and to have completed 35 hours training required in the five-year period. If you have not started with Driver CPC, it is important to start now as places will get tight for courses closer to the deadline. Volvo offers a full range of JAUPT-approved courses along with BAR Training Services to make sure they are valuable to the business and not just fulfilling the legal demand. November 2014 sees the introduction of the first part of the general safety regulation GSR, all new trucks with ESP electronic stability program becoming standard. 2012 started with changes to Euro4 or Euro5 particulate levels for the London Low Emission Zone. A lot of people sat up and took notice of how they needed to change their vehicle fleets. This will prove a worthy investment as the London LEZ will become even more stringent in January 2015 when all vehicles will need to satisfy the Euro4 NOx levels. In November 2015, it will also be mandatory for trucks to fully comply with the GSR (General Safety Regulation). This regulation includes AEBS

(Autonomous Electric Brakes) with radar controls designed to bring the vehicle to a stop in an emergency, DRL (Daytime Running Lights), LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) tied in with ESP Electronic Stability Program. John concluded that there is a lot going on in terms of legislation so it is important to consider what is happening in terms of operation and vehicle design. He recommends contacting your local Volvo dealer for the best advice.For more information, email [email protected]

Fleet planning with VolvoAs well as its role in sponsoring and judging the very popular BAR Vehicle Competition, Volvo also provided Conference delegates with a useful overview of how new regulations are going to reshape the truck industry in the coming years.

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‘‘If you want to stay with Euro5 technology, you will need to consider having your order placed before September 2013 to avoid registering the vehicle before the Euro6 start date. If you do this in the UK you will have a registration derogation of one year.”

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Beth was the FM judge in this year’s CMOTY award. Her presentation was based on feedback from the clients she spoke to during the BAR judging process as well as feedback from LinkedIn, Twitter and directly asking FM professionals for their feedback on commercial removal companies they’ve worked with. Beth says that while she was encouraged by improvements in a number of areas by BAR Members since she spoke at the BAR Conference in 2010, in relation to what facility managers want, “there is still some work to do!” Removal teams need to be professional, presentable and polite, and above all, to be well briefed and not reliant on the customer. At the same time, Beth highlighted the clear need for more innovation and new ways of working in commercial moves. She also called for greater awareness by the removals industry in Health and Safety management, Risk Assessments and Method Statements. Beth pinpointed five key areas where facility managers look for best practice: Staffing; Protection; Cleanliness; Adding Value; and Expertise. For Staffing, she said that the use of a uniform is

essential for facilities managers, as well as the ability to differentiate supervisors and skillsets. The same team should be used throughout a move, and be fully briefed, trained and aware. Her key message for Protection was “Show you care – reduce damage to floors, walls, furniture, edges and lift. Show that you care about our buildings!”Cleanliness is also critical – cleanliness of crates, and also of carpets and walls after the move. A lick of paint after the move may not be a bad idea, she suggested. A commercial moving company, like any other service provider, needs to show facilities managers that they are adding value. The relationship should be mutually beneficial, and movers should offer to dispose of furniture, electrical items, waste, and confidential paper for their clients, at all times complying with the latest regulations. Legal compliance is a key part of a successful relationship between mover and client, she said. Facilities managers expect their commercial mover to fully understand regulations on health and safety,

the environment, energy, data protection, building design, confidentiality and a wide range of other areas. Above all, Beth said, “Be our experts, answer our questions before we ask them, and make us look good!” For more information, see www.fmhsconsulting.co.uk

Best Practice in Commercial MovingBeth Goodyear of FHMS Consulting Ltd focused on the topic of Best Practice in Commercial Moving from a facilities management (FM) perspective in her much appreciated presentation at this year’s Conference.

BAR’s Cost Modelling tool

BAR Director General Stephen Vickers introduced a new BAR cost modelling tool that will help Members accurately determine the margins they make from their jobs. Stephen explained to Conference delegates participating in the workshop that the generic cost model has been created by BAR to assist removers in gaining a better understanding of their costs and pricing policies. He walked Members through each line of this model so that they could understand how to measure all their input costs so that their pricing factors in the costs of running their businesses. Interestingly, the cost model includes calculations for overheads, vehicle and people

utilisation. Overhead costs are often overlooked when calculating prices for jobs. The model enables you to factor in standing costs for your vehicles – what it costs you just for having the trucks in your yard and not on a job – as well as the full running costs when the vehicles are utilised. Similarly, it assesses the real costs for employing your people beyond salaries, National Insurance and tax costs (both when they are on jobs and not on jobs), and it also brings in the costs of management and sales staff. Using this model, a moving company can have a clear overview of its fixed and variable cost base and the costs that will be incurred on each individual job. “The spreadsheet has been

designed so that you can change descriptions and formulae to suit your own particular business,” Stephen explained. Delegates participating at the workshop acknowledged that the vast majority of information required to set up this tool for the first time will already be available from their company accounts and budgets. Clearly, the tool will need to be updated for NI rates, fuel charges and VAT rates. Once the information on labour costs, vehicle standing, vehicle running and overheads is completed, the data is brought into a master UK Costing Sheet. By adding information about the job (such as staff levels, number of vehicles, and mileage), the spreadsheet is able to deliver a base cost and expected margins for the removal company. As Stephen explained, the cost model provides significant added value for any remover in these ultra-competitive times. Stephen stressed that the model helps BAR Members take informed decisions about their real costs, so that they are fully aware of the consequences of flexing their prices for a job. “The BAR Cost Modelling tool has been designed to help our Members identify their margins and plan their annual budgeting. It helps you understand your business better.”The tool is available as part of BAR Training Services’ training. For more information, see www.removalstraining.com or call 01923 699484.

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Fine art packing is both a technical challenge that most removers love to tackle, and a real business opportunity. As Peter said at the beginning of his workshop, being able to up sell services such as fine art packing is an attractive proposition for removals companies and their customers. For a removals company that is a BAR Member, and hence already has a reputation for professional, high quality service, learning the ins and outs of fine art packing can add a new revenue stream and help consolidate a company’s place in the high end market. Peter provided an overview of all the different materials used to pack fine art, from mirror packs and bubble blankets to acid free tissue and double walled sheets. He also introduced delegates to the principles of handling fine art and for the safe transit

of glazed pictures and crates of art. “Fine art is not just about paintings,” Peter stressed. “It also includes delicate items such as statues.” In fact, the packing process for statues is especially intricate, involving careful use of a knife, acid-free paper and plenty of foam! Peter rounded off an enlightening workshop by discussing the two courses he helps to deliver at BAR Training Services: the fragile packing skills training course, and the paintings, pictures and mirrors skills training course.

Both of these courses provide essential preparation to removals teams who want to operate in this fascinating and high margin segment. For more information, see www.removalstraining.co.uk

Fine Art Removals packingBAR Field Trainer Peter Walters explained to an audience of interested delegates the business rationale and technical difficulties involved in fine art packing.

Online marketing secrets Shamus Mahmood, Senior Internet Marketing Consultant at new BAR Affiliate ReachLocal, shared his top tips for online marketing with BAR Members. Shamus recommended that movers claim their Google Places page, a straightforward service for local companies which will improve visibility, and is also free! Only 16 per cent of the service has already been taken up. Shamus said that BAR Members should include all basics on Google Places, such as operating hours, correct contact details, photos/logos, map and, above all, reviews. Other simple steps that a moving company can take on the Internet include leveraging Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to raise the visibility of their site, using three to five keywords. This investment then needs to be complemented by Adwords and pay per click advertising. Information about visits and, importantly, leads must also be tracked and monitored. “Clicks are not guaranteed business,” Shamus stressed. “Getting clicks is easy, getting the right clicks is very difficult. Focus on leads and then try to find out the cost per lead.” Of course, there is no point having excellent SEO and investing a lot in clicks if your website is not good enough to convert traffic into leads. “Customers will look at your website, make a

judgment as to whether or not they want to do business with you there and then,” Shamus said. “You need to make it easy for them to find exactly what they are looking for.” Shamus stressed the importance of managing reputation online. He suggested that BAR Members offer discounts and special offers, and respond to

reviews proactively (good and bad). “Encourage online reviews. 62 per cent of people in the UK read a review before making a purchase,” he added. “Promote your good customer reviews – good online reviews are gold.” For more information, see ReachLocal’s profile on page 57.

BAR Conference 2012

Web Banner OfferAdvertise in 5 or more issues of Removals & Storage magazine and get a free static banner on the BAR website with a direct link to your own website.

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for details

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Conference delegates were kept on their toes by Derek Arden who provides consultancy to companies and organization on sales and negotiation skills. Derek probed removals companies’ representatives on the methods they use to assess their services to customers. For Derek, first impressions are critical, particularly when attracting new business for removals. Derek challenged delegates to consider their companies’ out-of-hours presence and contactability. He suggested they look at whether their websites make them stand out from the competition, and he also quizzed them on how they and their staff present themselves.

Based on his experience as President of the Professional Speaking Association of United Kingdom and Ireland, Derek stressed the importance of looking at people in the eyes, smiling and shaking hands. Together with the delegates at this workshop, Derek prepared a list of “take aways” for ensuring excellent customer service. This included listening, having a good website/advertising, being accessible, keeping and where possible exceeding your promise, ensuring consistent delivery and punctuality, smiling and having a positive attitude, liking your job and caring about your customers, dealing with problems promptly and directly and being sincere with clients.

For more information, see www.derekarden.com. Derek’s book ‘Power Negotiating’ is published by Tiptree House.

With 80,000 customers, DKV can offer BAR Members benefits such as savings in time and money in fuel, toll payments and breakdown services, and also improve their cash flows with its VAT repayment service. “We can treat all BAR Members as one customer, so that means we can provide them with the biggest discounts available,” he said. There are 35,000 fuel stations in DKV’s network in Europe. DKV has put together a discount package for BAR Members who use those stations. In addition, the company can work specifically with each BAR Member with individual needs for specific countries or regions. Neil said “it is not just fuel, either. The costs of road tolls throughout Europe can really add up. We supply a box that you can use throughout France

and Spain, with significant discounts of between 8 and 13 per cent. And on the VAT repayment side of things, DKV can also help improve the cash flows of BAR members, at a flat rate of just 12 per cent of the VAT. It should vastly improve cash flows.” As well as these three main services, DKV also has a breakdown service which BAR Members are not obliged to pay to subscribe to, 24/7 and 365 days a year, but which can also help out when paying roadside fines. And for those Members who have mainly domestic operations in the UK, DKV has a separate fixed price fuel card on 1,000 sites, with a specific discount for BAR Members with a very competitive price. For more information, see DKV’s profile on page 33.

DKV meets BAR Members Neil White, UK Sales Manager at DKV, spoke to delegates in Windsor about the main services that this new BAR Affiliate can supply to Members as well as a discount package.

The Overseas Moving Standard

Customer service

Chris Waymouth, Chief Executive of Quality Service Standards Ltd, shared his unrivalled experience of quality standards in a special workshop on the Overseas Moving Standard, BS 8564:2011. Quality Service Standards Ltd (QSS) is wholly owned by BAR and provides affordable assessment and certification services. One of Chris’ main messages to BAR Members is: “We’re on your side; we’re here to help, not to score points!” Most BAR Members are strong believers in the role of standards in differentiating from the pack and providing them with strong marketing credentials. “It means doing things the right way, consistently,” Chris explained. “It also improves a company’s operational and administrative performance, and helps you keep your finger on

the pulse – there’s nothing like an external audit to keep you on your toes!” The basic elements that companies need to have in place to attain BS 8564:2011 are:• QualityManual,Policies&Procedures• Keydocumentsandcontentsspecified• Quotation,jobsheet,pre-advice,waybill• Training&Competence,Appraisals• Vehicle&Equipmentmaintenance• Servicemonitoring;complainthandling• Health&Safety,Security.The standard itself costs £50 from QSS. The Initial Assessment is £545, and Annual Assessment is £445. A discount of up to 30 per cent is possible for multiple standards, and there are also discounts for multi-branch firms. For more information, email [email protected]

BAR Conference 2012


BAR News

A former professional buyer and salesperson, Andy’s first point was to mention that if you fail to “stand out” in your sales process, you cannot sell on quality as the services you offer will be considered the same as everyone else’s. For Andy, this means that “potential customers won’t appreciate any difference in what you provide, will see your services as a commodity, and the focus will be on buying it as cheaply as possible.” Andy told Conference delegates that new customers will judge you on your sales process, rather than on your delivery process. “Your website, any marketing material, and your staff will all talk about what the buyer will get after they’ve bought. The problem with that is that the new customer doesn’t know if they’ll actually get that!” For this reason, Andy suggested focusing on how you approach and handle the sales opportunity as this could be the critical factor in the new customer deciding whether or not to use your services. Delegates were encouraged to think about the first impressions they give to potential customers, whether it is their websites, a telephone enquiry, sales call or

follow up to a website enquiry. He asked “Are your staff trained to handle that sales opportunity and do their best to bring the business in?” Andy’s set out his 7 top tips for winning more business at a higher price:

1) Train staff to handle all sales opportunities better than your competition2) Stand out from your competitors in the sales process3) Get people to see you as their ‘favourite’ before any buying decision4) Work on giving the best ‘first impression’ possible5) Use online tools like LinkedIn to aid your sales process6) Get everyone in the company more ‘sales focused’7) Follow up and get referrals from every piece of work. For more information, contact Andy on 0161 401 0142, or send a message through his website at www.andypreston.com

Selling on quality Leading Sales Expert Andy Preston specialises in helping companies generate more sales.

Hapag Lloyd

FIDI’s new services

Steve Richards and Colin Sealy (pictured) from Hapag Lloyd gave an extremely informative presentation about one of the world’s leading container shipping companies. The company currently has 144 modern container vessels with a capacity of about 640,000 TEU, with some 300 sales offices in 114 countries and 6,900 employees. Hapag Lloyd runs some 84 services around the world. Despite the current global economic uncertainties, the company is forecasting that Global Container Trade will grow by 35 per cent between 2011 and 2016. The company’s participation in the Grand Alliance, which in total offers 7.9% of the world’s fleet capacity and some 320 vessels, will enable it to capture a large part of that growth in trade. According to Colin, the key to Hapag Lloyd’s success is not its history or the size of its fleet, but

its ability to enable real-time access to all data for every order, irrespective of the location, covering the entire transport chain. The company is also focused on environmental issues: its new ship Vienna Express was the first in the world to be recognized by the Energy Efficiency Design Index, and its EcoCalc software allows traders to calculate the emissions of container transport from the beginning to the end of its journey. Both Steve and Colin answered BAR Members’ questions on a broad variety of topics ranging from empty containers to new vessel sizes, guaranteed slots, security and budget systems. It was clear to all Conference delegates participating at Steve and Colin’s workshop that Hapag Lloyd is committed to providing BAR with excellent levels of service around the world.

Michael Cassiers, Secretary-General of FIDI talked to Conference delegates about the FIDI Global Alliance, its activities and new services.

For more information, see the presentations on www.bar.co.uk/conference2012.aspx or email [email protected]

BAR Conference 2012

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

[email protected]

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BAR News


Active Supply & Design (CDM) Ltd

BAR Conference 2012

BAR Conference Exhibition: the hub for delegates This year’s BAR Conference Exhibition area provided an excellent opportunity for BAR member companies to make contacts and network with the expert and trusted companies who support the removals and storage industry. Located in the central point of the main Conference area, the exhibitors and their stands were there to provide a welcoming hub to Conference delegates who spent time talking to exhibitors finding out about their products and services.

Well-known to many BAR Members, E. Abrahams & Co showed Conference delegates their new product for 2012: heavy duty Triple-wall cases, which are ideal for air freight. Barry Kempton and Marc Ben-Nathan explained how these Tri-wall corrugated boxes can help lower freight costs by significantly reducing the gross weight of packaging. The Tri-wall performance fibreboard is 100% recyclable and the cases come with a solid timber base and 4” runners. All cases can be altered to meet exact specifications. T: 0208 980 1937 www.abrahamscases.co.uk

The team at BAR Services were on hand throughout the Exhibition and Conference to take orders for the wide range of products and services that have been specifically designed for the moving industry by BAR Services. One of the most popular products was BAR Services’ new RB flute cartons. BAR Services Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR and works on behalf of and with the help of its Members to ensure lower prices on quality products. T: 01342 870087 www.barservices.co.uk

BAR Affiliate and number one supplier of self storage solutions to BAR Members, Active Supply & Design were at the BAR Conference with Richard Allen and Scott Woodcock providing guidance on how to add self storage to current removals businesses. The company’s twenty years of knowledge and experience in the industry provides the assurance that Active Supply & Design provide cost effective solutions to BAR Members’ fit out requirements. T: 01270 215200 www.askactive.com

BAR Training Services (BARTS) sets the standard in removals industry specific training and is the provider of the only nationally recognised BTEC qualifications specifically developed for the removals industry. BARTS provides Apprenticeships, Removals Management, Estimating Skills training and much more. All BARTS courses are available on site worldwide and bespoke programmes can be designed to suit companies’ needs. T: 01923 699 484 www.removalstraining.co.uk

A unique suite of insurance products which are unavailable to other brokers in the sector is what separates BAR Affiliate Basil Fry from its competitors. This, partners with in-house claims settlement, ensures that you receive a tailor-made approach to your insurances. T: 01372 385985 www.basilfry.co.uk

E. Abrahams & Co Ltd

BAR Services Ltd

BAR Training Services

Basil Fry & Co Ltd



DKV has over 75 years’ experience in the transport sector as the leading service providers on the roads of Europe. DKV’s Valerie Bamping and Neil White explained to delegates that through the DKV Card and many additional services, the company offers its customers a range of products geared to day-to-day transport operations and designed to optimise the fleet management process. T:+31 252 345665 www.dkv-euroservice.com

The Commercial Moving Group is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations. All Members must have the BS 8522 Commercial Moving Standard in place to belong to the CMG. This is the only specialist group in the UK to set this criterion as a compulsory requirement for membership. T: 01923 699 483 www.barcmg.co.uk

Quality Service Standards Ltd (QSS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BAR. QSS helps members achieve and maintain certification for the specialist industry standards BS EN 12522 (Domestic), BS EN 14873 (Storage), BS EN 15696 (Self storage), BS 8522 (Commercial) and BS 8564 (Overseas) as well as ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 14001 (Environmental) and the standards for shredding and document storage. T: 01923 699 480 email: [email protected]

Gordon Philip, Dave Ewart and Paul Bullock enjoyed the buzz at this year’s Conference where they were visited by a large number of delegates. BAR Affiliate PHS Teacrate – the largest crate rental company in the UK with the largest range of crate types and styles – also supplies a wide range of handling equipment, accessories and packaging consumables, all with next day delivery as standard. T: 0800 980 7000 www.teacrate.com

As specialist Insurance Brokers to the Removals, Storage and Transportation industries, BAR Affiliate Reason Global Insurance is committed to providing these industries with the very latest products and services on offer. Its highly experienced team offers the best rates, advice and service ensuring all your insurance requirements are met professionally at all times by the industry leaders. T: 01273 739961 www.reason-global.com

BAR Affiliate UVB is your one-stop shop for Unique self-produced GRP panels and cab top sleepers/fairings, stainless and galvanised steel frame work throughout, internal pillar to panel bonding, spray booth facility, upholstery and trim shop, decal and hand sign writing repairs/refurbishment, chassis extensions and reconstruction insurance valuations on accident damage vehicles.T: 01925 846464 www.uniquevanbodies.com

DKV

Commercial Moving Group

Quality Service Standards

PHS Teacrate

Reason Global Insurance

Unique Van Bodies


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BAR News


BAR Conference 2012

BAR and its Members, Affiliates, Associates and their partners from the UK and beyond held on tight on some of the fastest and most terrifying rollercoaster rides in the world – and no, we’re not talking about the UK housing market.

Far from the public’s gaze, the normally impeccably behaved members of the Removals and Storage industry turned the air blue on three of the

park’s most fearsome rides, Stealth, Swarm and Rumba River.

With the adrenalin still flowing, Conference delegates then mingled for much needed drinks at the Lake View venue, followed by one of the best buffet dinners at Conference in many a year. Entertainment continued with the Ultimate Game Show. Delegates divided into teams to play challenges

taken from popular favourites such as Catchphrase, A Question of Sport and Countdown.

Throughout the night, there was an excellent atmosphere and a real sense of community. Delegates agreed that it was one of the most memorable BAR party nights in a long time, and a fitting way to prepare for the next day’s Business Sessions and Workshops at the Conference.

BAR party night! BAR Conference delegates celebrated a rollercoaster year with exclusive white knuckle rides in the UK’s best known theme park, Thorpe Park, just outside Windsor.


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New Affiliate: ReachLocal

ReachLocal’s business is focused on helping companies attract more leads, based on search engine advertising and web marketing, building online brands, increasing awareness and driving conversion.The core aim is to generate more business for clients from pay per click advertising, at a lower cost. ReachLocal says it can reduce the amount of money you pay for each lead from Google, as well as generating a higher volume of phone calls, emails and online applications.

“We’re very experienced in getting removals companies up the Google ranking and improving their conversion ratio. Many of our clients are BAR Members,” Internet Marketing Consultant Shamus Mahmood says. “We have a unique technology that automatically learns which keywords on Google generate phone calls, forms and emails.

It then automatically adjusts bidding levels so that our clients get more enquiries and more business, but also pay cheaper clicks for it. So it’s lesser cost per lead – we increase the amount of enquiries and lower the cost per enquiry.”

It’s an impressive technology that has won over clients across the world. The company is one of Google’s leading strategic partners – it is a Google Premier Partner, which is Google’s highest level of accreditation.

In May 2011, ReachLocal won the prestigious UK Trade and Investment Business Innovation Award for its innovation and helping businesses to acquire more customers. The Government award recognises

ReachLocal for its excellence in bringing online advertising solutions to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.

“Currently, a removals company can put a thousand pounds into Google each month and just hope for the best – they may get more or less the same results every month,” Shamus says. “With ReachLocal, if you put that money in, the phone calls will go up every month but the budget stays the same, as we know which keywords make the telephone ring. It’s unique – it’s why we are a strategic partner for Google and why we are so well positioned to work with BAR.”

The company says it manages the entire process; as many removals companies have found, Google Adwords is a notoriously time-intensive marketing effort that can distract them from their core business.

Importantly, ReachLocal also provides a full suite of tracking that monitors the result of a company’s investment in web marketing.

This means that a removals company director can see how hard the money is working and exactly what it is delivering.

“We track the whole process: we record phone calls and tell our clients which clicks become phone calls and which phone calls become conversions.

We know which key words lead to the phone calls and the conversions, so that the client can then decide to invest more money in those key words.”

Selection as a BAR affiliate was thorough and rigorous. Shamus believes that as well as the service

ReachLocal offers its clients, its transparency was also significant for BAR’s decision.

“Our clients can see exactly what tangible results they are getting for their investment. We go much further than others in monitoring the key information.”

ReachLocal are also all-round consultants and don’t limit themselves to advertising.

For example, they are increasingly working in the area of Social Media and Reputation Management. “More and more companies are finding that one bad review can damage business,” Shamus explains, “a bad review can be disastrous for a business.”

“It’s important that removals companies continue to invest in online marketing, even though people aren’t moving so much and removers may want to be more careful with their budgets,” Shamus concludes. “But Google is still an absolute gold mine for businesses.

With Yellow Pages you pay for your advert regardless of who might respond to it. With Google you don’t have to pay if you don’t get the click.

Google only shows the advert if someone searches for the service you provide. And with ReachLocal, we can get you more leads for your existing advertising budget.”

Please contact Shamus on 020 3178 6983

Online marketing company ReachLocal has joined BAR as an affiliate member. The company specialises in helping businesses of any size enhance their use of the Internet to generate more sales leads and customers online. Senior Internet Marketing Consultant Shamus Mahmood spoke to R&S about what ReachLocal can do for the removals and storage sector.

‘‘Currently, a removals company can put a thousand pounds into Google each month and just hope for the best – they may get more or less the same results every month. “With ReachLocal, if you put that money in, the phone calls will go up every month but the budget stays the same, as we know which keywords make the telephone ring.”

‘‘


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Training News

BAR Training Services (BARTS) have been shortlisted from an exceptional number of very high standard entries for the coveted Outstanding BTEC Centre of the year Award.

National recognition for BARTSIt’s testimony to the hard work that BARTS Training Manager Loren Webster and her team have put into running the ever popular Practical Estimating and Removals Management courses and developing the BAR Apprenticeship.

“BARTS are really proud to be shortlisted for this prestigious award and would like to thank the BAR Membership for their participation and support of the BTEC in Practical Estimating and the BTEC in Removals Management,” Loren told R&S.

BARTS have received the highest pass mark possible, an ‘A’ grade rating on their Edexcel audit for the past two years for the provision of the Removals industry’s only nationally recognised qualifications.

Based on delegate evaluation forms, member company feedback and by monitoring trends in the market place and legislation over the past five years, and a programme of continuous improvement, BARTS have regularly updated, modified and improved both the course material and exams to ensure that they are up to date and relevant and provide outstanding training.

For BAR Director General Stephen Vickers, “Professional education and training has become a central part of BAR’s mission. People may not appreciate the amount of work that goes into creating a course or apprenticeship, and then making sure that it is relevant and up to date. We’re all delighted by this nomination – and by the continued interest of our Members in making the most of BAR Training Services.”

The winning nominees will attend the National BTEC Awards 2012 Ceremony and Parliamentary Reception in London on 5 July.

BARTS’ collateralBARTS have recently developed the first ever Removals Apprenticeship to run alongside the industry-specific BTECs to further enhance industry specific training, creating a suite of training to provide employees within the industry with a structured career path and development plan for the first time. As well as the Apprenticeship, BARTS has delivered the BTEC Advanced Award in Removals Management and the BTEC Intermediate Award in Practical Estimating since 2008. Both qualifications have been specifically designed and tailored to provide nationally recognised qualifications for the niche Removals sector.

The BTECAdvancedAwardinRemovalsManagement is designed for personnel progressing into management roles. All trainees are supplied with extensive training, materials, a revision manual to use in preparation for their examination and full support throughout.

The BTECIntermediateAwardinPracticalEstimating is designed to provide the specialist knowledge and skills required for Removals estimating and surveying. The course includes two practical site visits to local properties where the trainees carry out mock surveys together with a classroom theory element teaching all relevant systems and techniques to become fully proficient in estimating.

The BTEC Intermediate Award in Practical Estimating is the most popular industry-specific training provided by BARTS. Using the latest Removals technology, materials and equipment together with knowledge of the most up to date training techniques provides trainees with the skills to become confident and excel in their career. Recently a trainee gained an outstanding pass mark of 94 % in the BTEC Removals Management exam.

Practical Estimating Course Loren Webster, BARTS Training Manager

BTEC in Removals Management


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Loren Webster, BARTS Training Manager

BTEC in Removals Management


Just £99 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

Selling Skills/Promoting the BAR OFT Code of PracticeThis 1 day course is designed to enhance sales skills and to demonstrate the most effective way of promoting the BAR OFT Code of Practice to win business, covering topics such as:

• The Role of the Salesperson • Marketing• Prospecting & Negotiating • Promoting the OFT Code • Communication & Presentation• Identifying Customer Needs • Closing the Sale

Course Dates 201211 July 19 September

Introduction to EstimatingIdeal for staff who are new to the role. This 1 day course focuses on teaching students the unit system, methods of estimating, risk assessment, the role of the Estimator and selling services to the customer

• Quantity Assessment • The Role of the Estimator• Health & Safety • Contract Conditions • Communication Techniques • Removals Insurance

Course Dates 201216 July 10 September 5 November


BRANDNEW

for 2012!

BTEC in Removals ManagementThe course can now be completed in 5 days meaning less time away from your place of work!

Upon completion of the later exam, successful students will be presented with a nationally recognised BTEC qualification.

Course Dates 201224 & 28 September

£1,675 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

NEWLY IMPROVED for 2012!

BTEC Award in Practical EstimatingThis 2 day course is practically based and is designed to teach students the art of estimating as well as face to face sales techniques, covering topics such as:

• Quantity Assessment • The Role of the Estimator• Health & Safety • Contract Conditions • Communication Techniques• Removals Insurance

Course Dates 2012

17 & 18 July 11 & 12 September 6 & 7 November

£545 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

NEWLY IMPROVED for 2012!

1 Day (7hours) Driver CPC

£129 + VAT per driver (BAR Member) prices start from as little as £49.25 + vat per driver, delivered on site at your premises

Course Dates 201204 July & 29 August

JAUPT APPROVED CENTRE AC00191

*BAR Training Services train you at BAR in Watford, In the BAR areas or at your premises.


BARTS 2012 Training Dates All courses taking place at BAR Watford*



European News

Reminder: French breathalysers... From July 1st, France is requiring every vehicle driver, including visitors to the country, to carry a single-use breathalyser kit. However, the Euro 11 fine for non-compliance will not apply until November, and police are to be instructed to start issuing fines only from November. The legal limit in France is 0.5 grams of alcohol per litre of blood.

...and speed stickersThe requirement for variable speed stickers has always been in place in France, although rarely enforced. FEDEMAC is receiving increasing reports indicating that it now appears that Spain and Italy are following suit, with reports of vehicles being fined anywhere between Euro 90 to Euro 290 for not displaying them.

One other concern is that if you are stopped for not having the stickers, the police or traffic control officer is likely to check your documentation and vehicle for other infringements, which could result in further fines or penalties.

The requirement is to display 4 speed stickers, 60, 70, 80 and 90, (Speeds denote kilometres per hour).

With terminals in Stockholm and Malmö, Aspire Mobility will be providing a full range of international moving services throughout Sweden to service the local business community as well as international agents.

The Swedish organization is overseen by Roger Ledin, an industry veteran bringing more than 25 years of experience in the international moving and forwarding business.

Following a period at L.M. Ericsson’s Shipping & Forwarding department, Roger joined Kungsholms Express in 1988, graduating the following year from one of the very first FIDI Academy classes and in 2008 Roger obtained his MIM, Master of International Moving certificate from the FIDI Academy.

In its day-to-day operations, the Aspire Mobility

organisation will be supported by the management group of Mobeltransport Danmark, and at the board level by Thomas Hanbo, the former CEO of ICM Kungsholms.

Gunnar Moeskjaer, Director of Group International Services at Mobeltransport Danmark, says that although the Swedish company is a green field start up, the service standards of Aspire Mobility will closely mirror the well-known quality standards of its Danish parent company.

Niels Bach, the CEO of Mobeltransport Danmark, says that in the course of time the plan is to re-brand the entire international activities of the group as Aspire Mobility to reflect the range of comprehensive mobility services offered on a global basis.

Aspire Mobility opens in SwedenAspire Mobility AB, a new Swedish moving company fully owned by Mobeltransport Danmark, is now open for business.

Roger Ledin, Aspire Mobility AB owner

Roadworks in Cologne Members are advised that major roadworks on the A1 Cologne ring road in Germany are expected to continue until the end of 2012. A new traffic management scheme has been put in place for the duration of the works.



European News

IRU makes European road transport plea The IRU General Assembly has adopted a resolution on Driving: the Europe 2020 Growth Strategy, calling on the European Union and its member states to lift barriers imposed on the road transport sector and to recognise the vital role of road transport in driving economic growth.

The resolution specifically calls for the modification of the EU Customs Code to allow the use of the TIR system in the EU for goods transported under customs control and thereby releasing 600,000 road transport companies from the constraints of the current T system.

IRU President Janusz Lacny (pictured below) said “to ensure that the road transport sector can play its role in driving EU growth, it is imperative that road transport is facilitated and further promoted, and restrictive barriers on road transport repealed.”

The IRU resolution also includes a call for an end to new taxes, charges and duties on road transport, a level regulatory playing field between transport modes in taxation, excise duty, and VAT, and for the EU to promote the use of the European Modular System (EMS), or mega lorries.

These countries must now take measures to ensure compliance with the EU rules. Failure to inform the Commission by the end of June could result in the Commission referring the cases to the European Court of Justice.

European legislation sets minimum health and safety protection standards for mobile workers in road transport. By ensuring the same minimum conditions

apply to all businesses active in road transport within the EU, the rules aim to create fair competition and a level playing field for transport operators. Until 2009, there was an exemption for self-employed drivers because of the practical difficulties of enforcing rules in this area. However, at the insistence of the European Parliament, it was decided that this exemption should not continue.

EC warns countries over working timeThe European Commission has requested seven European Union member states – Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Poland, Portugal and Spain – to take appropriate measures to apply the Working Time Directive to self-employed drivers.

Our company’s sole purpose since its inception in 1977 is to serve the membership – to supply good quality, innovative packaging products at low prices. This is achieved by buying jointly on your behalf and passing on the discount achieved from this bulk purchasing power!

As a member, we should be your preferred supplier but are we? For many of you the answer will be yes but for those of you that say no then we would like to know why?

Your feedback is important so please ring us on 01342 870087 or you can simply email [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you.

Are we your preferred supplier - if not, why not?



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David Bunting: Looking Forward

David’s impressive career in the removals industry and his dedicated involvement with BAR led to his appointment in May 2008 as BAR’s Honorary Treasurer.

He took over the role from John Court, who was retiring from the position. His main responsibilities included budgetary control, interpreting figures for the benefit of the Executive and Board, being a member of the Remuneration Committee, and attending audit clearance meetings.

It was a time of great change in the structure of BAR. “Undoubtedly the main development in my time as Treasurer was the implementation of the Governance Review,” David recalls. This included the recruitment and employment of a Director General, and the addition to the Board of three Directly Elected Directors. “Stephen Vickers joined us in June 2008 – just after my appointment – and I have worked very closely with him, especially in those early days, particularly on financial matters,” he says.

As a result of these changes to governance, David considers BAR to now be in a much better position in order to lobby policy makers and speak up for professional removals firms, an activity that has become a priority for the Association in recent years.

Like many in the industry, David has strong concerns about the ever increasing requirements of

European and national legislation which he maintains pose the greatest challenge to removals companies. “These rules are often implemented by faceless, and unelected bureaucrats, who have no experience of working within the real world,” he says.

“The more they inflict unrealistic burdens on professional and responsible removers, the more they encourage the black market, do-it-yourself merchants, and ‘man and van’ operators.”

Ideas for the future David has long been closely engaged with the inner workings of the Association, including a successful and enjoyable stint as BAR President. Over the years, he’s become increasingly aware of the need for BAR to reconnect with the membership at large.

“There are many Members who are quite happy to have the Badge, and not get involved with the Association at any level, but equally, there are those who want to have a say; be heard; and feel ‘wanted’. I therefore encourage those in governance to apply themselves in this direction. Paradoxically, the governance of the Association has never been more democratic in its framework, so it’s hard to understand why this should be, but once the problem is acknowledged and accepted, strategies can be put in place for better communication, and the

elimination of a feeling with some of disenfranchisement.”

In particular, he would like to see the National Council developing and improving its role, and being a much more effective conduit between the Board and the Areas/ Area Membership. The Directly Elected Directors are also critical, to David’s mind, as one of their tasks, in his view, is to find out what the Membership is thinking, and be pro-active, rather than just be reactive, in this important area. David also identifies the QSS auditors as being in a unique position to feed information back to BAR headquarters. “And if annual inspections are brought in, that feedback will be invaluable, in that it will be pretty well up to date.”

David is unreservedly pleased with the Association’s current consultations with its Membership to “beef up” the criteria for joining and continued membership of BAR. “I look forward to the day when new criteria are implemented. To support such a move, I would like to see an annual inspection of every Member, and ad hoc inspections without notice, where it is considered necessary,” David says. “Yes, there’ll be a cost, and yes, subscriptions will have to rise to pay for it, but the outcome will be a Badge which means something better, not only to the Members, but also the general public.”

Industry stalwart, David Bunting, stood down from the BAR Board at the recent Annual General Meeting in Windsor. David talks to R&S about how recent changes at BAR can position the Association to successfully grow and retain its Membership of quality removers.


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Finally, David believes that promotion of the Association to the general public is a priority. “The Association is over 100 years old, but Mrs Smith and Mrs Jones still do not know what the British Association of Removers is, or what it stands for.”

On this point, he welcomes BAR’s appointment of a Director of Marketing as one of the first steps in a long journey towards making the Association better known in the residential market.

He anticipates two major consequences from further active promotion of the Association: “firstly, this greater awareness will lead to more enquiries and opportunities to tender, and secondly, those companies not in the Association will want to join to be part of a successful organisation and get the benefits from the public being familiar with the brand of BAR.”

Judging standards As the removals industry rises to the challenge of operating in an ever more competitive and demanding market, David has witnessed and analysed the industry-wide developments in his role as judge for this year’s Commercial Mover of the Year (as well as the three successive past years).

Encouragingly, he says that over the last four years he has seen overall ever higher standards from CMotY entrants year after year, with a raising of the bar in both the quality of service, and the range of services offered.

“I’ve really enjoyed the judging and being able to see how standards are improving,” David says.

1960-1980 Pickfords Heavy Haulage (rose from Traffic Clerk to Manager)1980-1983: Chris Miller Transport, Preston.1983: Bullens, Manager, North West Branch.1985-1995: Bullens, Area Manager.1996: Whittle Movers Ltd., Manager, Office and Commercial Division.1998-2008: Whittle Movers Ltd., Main Board Director and Director of the Office and Commercial Division.

1983-present: Active and attending member, North West Area 1991-2004: North West Area Representative on the National Council1991-2003: Elected Council Member, Commercial Moving Group 1995-1997: Deputy Chairman, CMG1997-1999: Chairman, CMG1999-2001: North West Area Chairman1999-2001: National Council Deputy Chairman2001-2003: National Council Chairman2003-present: Co-opted Council Member, CMG 2003-2004: 2nd Vice President2004-2005: 1st Vice President2005-2006: President of BAR2006-2007: Immediate Past President2008: Elected Honorary Life Member of the Association2008-2012: BAR Hon Treasurer.2008-2012: BAR Board & Executive Committee member

Snapshot of David’s career

David Bunting: an active BAR Member

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BAR News


For Graham Puddephatt, Marketing Manager, Global Reason Insurance, it was a meeting of minds. About a year ago, the idea of having a vintage vehicle exhibition sprung to Graham’s mind when he walked into the forecourt of J&H Friend in East Sussex and saw the 1905 horse drawn pantechnicon. “Many BAR Members have wonderful trucks and old vehicles which they have maintained and I thought it would be a great celebration of this industry to show off what these companies have done to restore and care for their vehicles.”

Graham was delighted to find out that BAR was in fact already planning a vehicle exhibition and that it had selected a venue for this year’s Conference which could accommodate this. “BAR Director of Marketing, Caroline Suard, was very supportive of the idea, and suggested we mix the old and the new at this year’s Conference,” Graham told R&S.

This approach gained strong momentum amongst BAR Members, leading to Volvo Trucks kindly offering to sponsor the event, and providing a free Driver CPC course as a prize in the contest. John Comer of Volvo was one of the judges of the competition.

The other judge in this year’s competition was Honorary Life BAR Member Frank Rose who said the Vehicle Exhibition “was a superb display and added to what was I feel without doubt one of our best conferences of recent years.” In relation to the judging of the competition, Frank said this was “not easy, but it was worth the effort to see and hear the comments of everyone. The joy it gave me makes me say it would be a real pleasure to be involved again next year.”

In spite of the logistical nightmares of organising the event at the same time as the Diamond Jubilee celebrations were taking place in Windsor, and of bringing in road trains through narrow roads, Graham told R&S that he was thrilled that the Vehicle Exhibition went so well. “There were a fantastic range of vehicles dating back to mid-Victorian times through to the very modern. What is interesting is that the winner of both the Best Horse/Steam Drawn vehicle and Best Mechanical/Modern vehicle both have demountable bodies and are similar size vehicles – where have we gone in 100 years?!”

J&H Friend: following Dad’s dreamThere are many reasons why Graham Friend of J&H Friend is extremely pleased with his company’s award for Best Horse/Steam Drawn vehicle from the BAR Vehicle Competition 2012.

The vehicle had been built by Creaseys of Norwood Junction, London and was used by J&H Friend in their removal business. It was purchased by the War Office in World War II and used for storage by the army. After the war, the pantechnicon was used as a potting shed by the owners of the land where it had

been left. In 1980, these owners tracked down Patrick Friend and gave it to him. Patrick was keen to restore the vehicle but sadly passed away in the early 1990’s.

About five years ago, his son Graham organised the restoration of the vehicle in memory of his father. “We hadn’t known what to do with it but as people have always been so impressed by it when they saw it in our depot, we decided to get it restored to its original glory,” Graham told R&S.

A local carriage business owner who saw the restored carriage on site in the forecourt of J&H Friend suggested that his beautiful Shire horses could

pull the vehicle to bring it back to life.“My father was actively involved in the Sussex Area

for BAR and he would have been very proud to know that this vehicle has won the 2012 competition. The pantechnicon shows the long history of our business. Our customers love it and always comment on it. As I was not able to be at the Gala Dinner where our vehicle won the Best Horse/Steam Drawn vehicle, Graham Puddephatt of Reason Global kindly visited us the next working day to deliver the award. Customers who have come in since have been extremely impressed!”

Going full circleThe return of the BAR Vehicle Exhibition and Competition at this year’s Conference was welcomed by many in the industry.

BAR Conference 2012


BAR News



Santa Fe makes Asian appointments Santa Fe has appointed Nigel Crockett as Director of Sales & Marketing, Asia. Nigel has been with Santa Fe since 2005 and has held a number of key positions in Relocation Services, Customer Service, Account Management and, most recently, as Regional Sales Director in China.

In this new role, Nigel replaces Robert Cormier, who has recently taken on the role of Managing Director, Santa Fe Malaysia.

Nigel brings excellent knowledge and experience to this key role for Santa Fe. He also has a solid track record in sales and understands the importance of developing close relationships with clients. Furthermore, his knowledge of the Chinese language (Mandarin) is of added value given the importance of this dynamic and developing market. Nigel took up his new role in May.

Meanwhile, Santa Fe has appointed Golden Zhang as Office Move China Manager based in Shanghai and Connie Zhou as Record Management China Manager.

Safari send-off for Steph SnowAfter more than 25 years in the company, Steph Snow (pictured) is leaving Britannia Bradshaw to spend more time with her family in Sussex.

Steph joined the company in 1985, shortly after it was acquired from the Blatchpack Group. Since then she has moved from a secretarial role to an accounting position and has enjoyed much success over the last 27 years.

The team at Britannia Bradshaw say it was a sad day when Steph finally left the company. They gave her a terrific sending off party, and as a leaving present, gave her an African safari, as thanks for all her hard work and dedication over the years.

Steph says that she is looking forward to her African adventure very much and to spending more time with her grandchildren after a very busy and rewarding career in the removals industry.

Noel AbelNoel Abel, founder of Abels and a well-known figure in the removals world, has died at the age of 82.

Noel, a successful auctioneer, started the removals business in Norfolk in 1961, as a result of receiving countless requests to use his saleyard Luton van.

Abels then developed into a substantial international removal and new furniture distribution company operating over 100 heavy goods vehicles and, employing nearly 400 people. Abels helped the newly-married Prince Charles and Princess Diana move into their new home at Highgrove, and in 1989 the company received the Royal Warrant.

Noel had many interests away from removals. In particular, he was a keen supporter of heavy horses, even giving a talk about shire horses to the Queen at Sandringham. He was also actively involved in fundraising for various charities including the British Red Cross and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

He celebrated his diamond wedding anniversary with his wife, Rita, last year. Noel also leaves his son Tony, daughter, Susan, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Henry ChapmanR&S is sad to announce that Henry Chapman has passed away. Henry ran Henry Chapman & Sons (Removals) Ltd for many years and retired in 2000 the business was sold to Fox Group. Henry was very well known in the trade and will be missed by many at BAR and across the removals industry.

Interdean Russia has appointed Alexander Sikorsky (pictured, bottom left) as regional sales director for Moscow. Alex began his career in London in 2000 as Operations Manager for Crown Relocations, before joining Interdean in 2002. In 2006, Alex together with his wife Kate, relocated to Kiev, Ukraine, to take on a new role as Branch Manager of Interdean Ukraine. Meanwhile, Interdean France has welcomed Alexandra Demeure (pictured, bottom centre) as Global Relocation Assistant, based in the Paris office. Alexandra’s expertise lies in in the specialist subject of immigration.

And, closer to home, Interdean London has

appointed Andrew Hopgood (pictured, bottom right) as UK Relocation Director. Andrew has over 20 years of experience within the relocation and property sectors having started his career in a real estate agency in 1991.

At Interdean, Andrew will be responsible for the continued growth of the UK Destination Services Team and the continuous enhancement of services.

Interdean makes UK, France and Russian appointments

People News



People News

George Burr Theremovalsindustryhaslostanotherveryinfluentialandhard-workingindividualfromthepast.GeorgeBurr recently passed away at the age of 97.

During his long career, George was actively involved in promoting the industry, and made a great deal of friends and acquaintances. In 1977 he was elected an Honorary Life Member of the British Association of Removers.

Michael Gerson told R&S: “George Burr was, in the long established tradition of the southern area, full of encouragement to youngsters entering the business and I am sure that there are still many who are grateful for his encouragement.”

George left school at the age of 14 and went to work at H.G. Dunn and Sons, a family department store in Bromley. The owner employed 3 boys each year from the local school and George was allocated to work in the Removal and Undertakers Department. Horse drawn vehicles were just discontinued and George was taught to drive, there was no driving test then and George continued to drive until he was 92.

During his time at Dunn’s he attended night school, taking the Estimator’s exam in 1935. After the war ended in 1945, George returned to Dunn’s in Bromley as Assistant Manager, Removals and Undertaking. He then moved to Bournemouth to take up the position with Harvey Nicholls. In 1951, he took the final exams of the Institute of Furniture Warehousemen and Removers Industry (IFWRI).

George clearly recognised the importance of education in business and became involved in IFWRI as a tutor, lecturing in various aspects of the Industry and helping with the examination process. He became National Chairman of the Institute in 1969 and was elected Honorary Fellow of the Institute in 1977 as a mark of gratitude for his long service and contribution to education within the Industry. He retired in 1978.

After 49 years working full time in the Industry and contributing much to the improvement of

management and operative skills through training and education George continued to be interested in the Industry’s many changes and challenges and enjoyed having Removals & Storage magazine which was read to him until his death.

George lived on his own since his late wife, Gill, passed away some years ago. His daughter Susan moved nearby to help out and it was only in the last two years that he became registered blind and since Christmas went into a care home as a chest infection weakened him.

David Trenchard represented BAR at the funeral, where there was a high turnout from other BAR members who knew and worked with George over the years.

Here is David’s tribute to George:“Growing up in the Removals environment in Bournemouth I was privileged to know George Burr from the very first local Institute Meetings that I attended with my father, this would be in 1959. He treated young people very well and encouraged me to learn more about this Industry. I enjoyed discussing business matters with him and learnt a great deal. Business ethics and respect towards staff and customers were all very high on George’s personal agenda and he was a great example to us all. With his encouragement I joined his Rotary Club in 1978.

He was very proud of his son and daughter, especially when Susan was awarded the OBE for her work in Nursing. In retirement he lived opposite my parents and they used to give each other mutual support, both wives predeceased them and George and Jack continued to keep an eye on each other until Jack moved to sheltered accommodation.

Eleven years ago Susan moved nearby and was able to support George, this became more important as his

sight deteriorated but it is a tribute to both of them that George was still in his own home on his own until Christmas last.

I am personally very grateful and appreciative of the work done by George in education and training; he worked hard and encouraged others to do the same. When he retired he gave me some part time support with customer care and post move issues within my own business for some years and I found his gentlemanly approach of great assistance and learnt more.

I for one am grateful for his past encouragement and support, and for his time and his respect.

Peter Harwood, who has been a director of IMMI since its inception (some 30 years ago), has been elected as Chief Minister in Guernsey.

It is understood that he will continue in his role as director of IMMI. This will be welcomed by the industry as by all accounts he has brought wise counsel to IMMI over the years. We wish Peter well in his new post!

IMMI director becomes Chief Minister of Guernsey




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BAR News


BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2012

Board of DirectorsJune 27 - 10.00am-14.00pm

National CouncilJune 12 2012

Overseas Group CouncilJune 13 2012

CMG CouncilJune 14 2012

BAR EVENTS 2012

BAR Young MoversJune 15 - The Leisure Box, Birmingham

BAR GolfJune 20 - Forest of Arden

BAR AREA MEETINGS 2012

East Anglia AreaContact: Gary Beattie01767 [email protected]

East Met AreaContact: Paul Freeman0800 [email protected]

East Midlands AreaContact: Andy Wade01476 [email protected]

Kent AreaContact: Tom Bourne01797 [email protected]

New Met AreaContact: Julie Thompson01932 [email protected] 21 - ICM Gerson LtdMarch 12 2013 - AGMNovotel Hotel, Heathrow

Do you have any Diary Dates?E-mail them to: [email protected]

Diary Dates

To view diary dates/events, please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the Calendar/Events and BAR Calendar tabs where you can view full details including time, date, location and agendas (when available).

To view area minutes, please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the BAR Areas tab and then one of the 16 areas listed. Minutes from past 2012 area meetings can be viewed and downloaded (where available).

Northern AreaContact: Alan Hoggin0191 [email protected] 20 - Hallgarth Manor Country Hotel, Durham

North West AreaContact: Annette Harris0161 [email protected] 14 - Reebok Stadium, Bolton

Northern Ireland Area Contact: Dominic Murray02890 [email protected]

Scotland Area Contact: Georgina Berry0151 [email protected]

Southern AreaContact: Peter Doman01372 [email protected]

South Wales AreaContact: Andrew Robbins01792 [email protected]

South Western AreaContact: Sue Christophers01637 [email protected]

Sussex AreaContact: Miranda Hyder01342 [email protected]

Western AreaContact: Ria Russell01278 [email protected]

West Midlands AreaContact: Sarah Pargeter01384 [email protected]

Yorkshire AreaContact: Graham Puddephatt0845 [email protected]

June 21 - York Golf Club, Strensall

Diary Dates


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Trade Services


Trade Services

Registered:The following Members have registered:

National & European Group

Giovaruscio C. Transport LtdMemb No: G072Unit 6Drury Way Industrial EstateLaxcon CloseLondonNW10 0TGTel: 0208 459 6600Web: www.giovaruscio.com

Merit Office Installations Ltd Memb No: M101Unit B, Goldstar CentreNeptune CloseMedway City CentreRochesterKentME2 4LTTel: 01634 726601Web: www.meritofficeinstallations.com

Commercial Moving Group

Jamie Briggs Removals & Storage Memb No: B116

Self Storage Special Interest Group

Ryans Removals & Storage LtdMemb No: R015

International Associate

Willmove Worldwide RemovalsMemb No: W310Ctra. de los Santos de la HumosaParque Empresarial Menior HenaresEdificio 11, Nave 13Meco, MadridSpainTel: 0034 918 864345Web: www.willmove.net

Applications:BAR has received the following application for:


Kerrs Removals145 Slateford RoadEdinburghEH14 1NWWeb: www.kerrsremovals.com

Aston SpinksUnit 10, The Argent CentreSilverdale RoadHayesMiddlesexUB3 3BLWeb: www.aston-spinks.co.uk

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


Anglo CarriersMemb No: A089

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

Refused Inspection:


Pyrkes RemovalsMemb No: P038

BAR Memberships June 2012

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



Introduction to EstimatingIdeal for staff who are new to the role. This 1 day course focuses on teaching students the unit system, methods of estimating, risk assessment, the role of the Estimator and selling services to the customer

• Quantity Assessment • The Role of the Estimator• Health & Safety • Contract Conditions • Communication Techniques • Removals Insurance


BRANDNEW

for 2012!

Course Dates 201216 July 10 September 5 November



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Trade Services


Trade Services

Channel Islands Ireland

Scotland/Europe

Isle of Man

France

Scotland and Islands

SHETLAND ISLESIAN F REID

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

Regular nationwide serviceTel: 01595 696268 • Fax: 01595 693515

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EASYMOVES

YOUR MOVE IN SAFE HANDS

Weekly Service between Ireland and UK & UK and Ireland Part Load Specilaists with Competitive rates and fastest times available

Tel:00353 9066 23457 or Freephone UK on 0800 3284984 or Ireland on 1850 35 75 75 Email:[email protected] No:E309


Trade Services


Trade Services

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]

Germany and Austria

Switzerland

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• 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]

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We offer Trade storage at competitive rates. Undercover Loading & Unloading Flexible hours

£6.00 p/w no handling charge

www.trekremovals.com [email protected]: 0800 1389242 or 01708 552981


Trade Services


Trade Services

Europe

Spain

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

Weekly Scheduled Service, Containerised Storage DepotsHolder of Spanish Transport Licence

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

Purely The Balearics, No Bull! WEEKLY

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TEL: 01202 576514FAX: 01202 574011

[email protected] www.whitesmovingandstorage.com

France - Spain - Portugal - ItalyWeekly Service for the Trade. Call now for best rates

Depots in Preston, Chester, Alicante, Malaga

PRESTON 01772 651570Email: [email protected] Web: www.moversint.co.uk

This space is available from just

£33 per month

Cyprus and Malta

GREECEby Road

&ITALYENROUTE

• 7day transit time

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00441733311561 | [email protected]

www.nomad-international.com

Greece

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call Sandra Zealand on:


Trade Services


Trade Services

China

Singapore

South Africa

United Arab Emirates

Caribbean

Scandinavia

Israel

India

Space to Hire


£33 per month

Space to Hire


£33 per month

Space to Hire


£33 per month




Trade Services


Trade Services

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

NO NEED TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE FOR YOUR TRAININGOPERATIVE TRAINING THAT COMES TO YOUR FRONT DOORPACKING • MANUAL HANDLING • EXPORT WRAPPINGVEHICLE LOADING • CONTAINER LOADING

REMOVAL SPECIFIC HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING ON SITEHEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES • HEALTH & SAFETY ASSESSMENT • ACCIDENT CONTROL • FIRST AIDRISK ASSESSMENT • HSE COMPLIANCE

Call BARTS on 01923 699484 or email [email protected]

Trade StoragePiano SpecialistsTraining

Trailer Hire Warehouse Containers Space to Hire


£33 per month

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call Sandra Zealand on:




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Classifieds


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

Professional Services

For Sale

Peter JouningRemovals Estimator, Commercial, Domestic. 30 years experience.Available daily. email: [email protected] Tel: 01582 767418

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic individual to join our small award winning team, to service current enquiries and develop new areas of business.

The successful candidate should have experience in sales and customer care, a proven track record of following initial enquiries through to completed removals, be self motivated and smart in appearance in addition to good geographical knowledge.

In the first instance, please send your C.V. with a covering letter stating why you feel you are suitable for the position and what you could bring to our company to:

Mike Christophers M. J. Christophers & Son, Quarry Park Road, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2NP.

Removals, Storage & Shipping Business for Sale (West London based) Fantastic opportunity to acquire a well established business.Specializes in Domestic, Overseas & car shipping world wideExcellent staff, 6 vehicles, good storage revenue, turnover in excess of £850k/pa Sale due to moving abroad. Contact: 079 0934 8328

For Sale

Situations Vacant

Branch Manager based at our Central Scotland facility in

Dunfermline, Fife.

An opportunity exists to join one of the largest privately owned Moving and Storage groups in the UK.

We need a candidate with an Operators License and fully experienced in all aspects of International Moving & Storage. Good commercial skills and capable of operating 10 vehicles, 22 staff and a 600 container capacity warehouse profitably.

The branch is a well established operation being one of 17 group

locations within the UK. The role is ably supported by a Sales team. The position attracts a competitive salary package

and a company car.

All applications in confidence to Ian Palmer, Chief Executive at [email protected]

with a CV attached.

Situations Vacant

VANS FOR SALE

Daf 04 reg lf 45 vancraft 3 x container.200k kms. Access in cab to luton which converts to sleeper 7.5 ton £15,750 + vat

Merc actros 400 hp 5 Container body. Double sleeper, walnut dash, electric windows, 30ft x 9ft barn doors. 2001 reg lovely truck, new body only 5 years old. £15,750 + vat

08/58 REG Euro 5 DAF LF 45 180 HP Sleeper. 28ft Box rear flush fit, barn doors, tie rails as new condition 160k kms £19,995 + vat

Scania 2001 P94 260 14 ton. Rigid with train weight 28 ton wagon and drag trailer, tie rails, full air suspension, sleeper pod, marsden body 26ft rigid + 25ft trailer £9,750 + vat

4 removal trucks for sale All MOT and taxed, ready to go

Other trucks available, please ask. Door fitting service available on request.

ASK FOR MIKE FAHEY 07730 309 699

Sales Representative

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


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MGA

Make the mostof your BAR membership

For more information visit: www.bar.co.ukor contact: [email protected]

Instant recognition• Use of the BAR brand • OFT approved Code of Practice• FREE use of the BAR model Terms & Conditions

Award Winning Website www.bar.co.uk• Unique sales lead generator • Member’s search directory • Real-time online estimating & enquiry system • Member’s area with free broadcasts and noticeboard facilities

Networking Events• Annual flagship conference and exhibition

• Business seminars

• Area meetings

• Young Movers

FREE Professional Support& Advice• FREE legal advice line

• FREE financial advice line

• FREE informal conciliation service and low-cost arbitration scheme

FREE Products and Services• FREE Marketing & promotional materials downloadable from bar.co.uk members area

• FREE monthly issue of Removals & Storage (R&S) magazine

• FREE Award winning membership pack

Subsidised Products and Services• Comprehensive range of products, services and marketing materials from BAR Services at exclusive member rates

• Subsidised industry specific training

• Discounted advertising in R&S magazine

• Exclusive rates for industry specific Quality Standards

Exclusive Promotional Opportunities• Industry recognised annual awards: - Domestic Mover of the Year (DMotY) - Commercial Mover of the Year (CMotY)

Full member representation• BAR Board of Directors, including three directly elected members

• BAR Executive Committee

• Local representation through 16 BAR areas

• BAR Functional Group Councils and Special Interest Groups

PLUS• Access to full range of business partners: - Affiliates - International Associates - Professional Advisers Panel - Corporate Alliances - Furniture recycling - Confederation of British Industry (CBI) - Trade Association Forum (TAF)

• Easy Payment Terms: - Membership Subscriptions - Training Courses

• FEDEMAC membership including free European information on www.fedemac.eu

• Range of lobbying activities

• The Removers Benevolent Association (RBA) charity for the removals industry

• New Members Induction Incentive Scheme


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R&S June 2012

Documents

Transcript of R&S June 2012