August 2009 Number 421 £3.00 www.bar.co.

uk

Time’s almost up!

CMG Standard deadline looms 21

What is FEDEMAC? 24 BAR Business Seminars 27 More green shoots? 38

 Removals & Storage
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 News
No: 421 August 2009 www.bar.co.uk
FROM WATFORD
This month:
Editor’s Column 6
Industry News 6-21
CBI’s alternative to redundancy
Road deaths down Membership Criteria
Logistics and transport managers risk jail There is no subject dearer to the hearts of most
Bikers raise funds for Poppy Appeal members than the criteria for membership. We
are therefore delighted to report that following
House sellers hopeful
extensive consultation and diligent work by the
The cost of regulation Criteria Working Group, under the chairmanship
Call for more electric vehicles in London of Vice President Reg Hackworthy, the new
Specialised Movers are beating the crunch improved, clearer and more objective criteria
CMG Standard: The final stage for membership was ratified by the Board of
Directors at its July meeting and will be
BAR News 23-29
implemented with immediate effect for all
National Council meeting report new applicants.
What FEDEMAC does for BAR members Details will be published on the website next
BAR Business Seminars month and in Removals & Storage. The Board
Foreign vehicles on British roads would like to thank all those involved in the
Product of the Month process, particularly those who contributed to
the consultation process. However, the work of
Training News 30-33 the task group is not yet finished – the next
Commercial Moving Apprenticeship phase is to develop equally clear criteria for other
Training statistics categories of membership, such as affiliates
and international associates. Members will hear
External Affairs 34 more about this too in the weeks and months
News Roundup to come.
And another thing... 37
Code of Practice
Competition 37
As most members will now be aware, the new
Articles 38-45
revised Code of Practice has now been approved
More green shoots? by the Office of Fair Trading and is effective
Interdean’s 50th birthday immediately. The most important change is
On the record with O’Neil Software that the Code now covers international moves
Are you a twit? whereas the previous version dealt only with
HMRC inspections UK domestic removals. Other minor changes
have been made in light of practical experience
The Ten-Ratio Rationale
of the operation of the Code in its first two
Diary Dates 47 years, and are mainly cosmetic, dealing with
Feature Schedule 48 changes to the insurance requirements
Photo of the Month 48 following deregulation from the Financial
Memberships 49 Services Authority and tidying up other wording
and sequence of clauses for greater clarity. As
far as members’ obligations go, nothing has
changed, and full compliance remains an
absolute requirement of membership.
Model Terms and Conditions
Following a similarly extensive period of
consultation with members, insurance brokers
On the cover: Time is almost up for members of the CMG to
become accredited to BS 8522. If your company does not have the
and legal advisers, the new sets of model contract
Standard you have only until 31st August to meet the deadline.
Contact Details: Editorial Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British
Contribution on all aspects of the Removals & Storage industry
Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas.
are welcomed, together with photographs if appropriate.
Please contact The Editor, Steve Jordan: Subscriptions: Additional subscriptions are available from BAR
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 at: Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire
Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk WD18 0TG. Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481
By post: Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd E-mail: info@bar.co.uk. Current annual subscription is £36.00 in
26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LD the UK and £60.00 overseas.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not
Contact Details: Advertising necessarily those of the British Association of Removers, or of
For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Marianne Lee:
its publisher.
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099
Email: marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk All rights reserved: No part of Removals & Storage may be
Deadline: The booking deadline for all display advertisements is scanned, reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without
the 10th of the month preceding publication. the prior written permission of the publisher.
terms and conditions have been submitted to
the Office of Fair Trading – not for their approval,
OFT do not approve contract terms – but to
ensure that they do not identify any obvious
problems or potential for unfairness under the
Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations
1999. As soon as we have clearance from OFT
the new conditions will be published on the
website and made available to all members for
their use.
CMOTY and DMOTY
Following the continued success of the
Commercial Mover of the Year competition
and the interest generated by the first ever
Domestic Mover of the Year competition,
arrangements have already begun for next
year’s competitions. It’s not too early for
members to start thinking about their entries –
and we urge as many as possible to do so.
Details will appear in Removals & Storage
towards the end of the year.
Roadshows
After what most removers have been going
through in these past two years, there could
hardly be a more apposite theme for the
forthcoming Roadshow than “Preparing for
the Future”. Details of the September Business
Seminars to be held at various venues during
the week of 21 September appear elsewhere
in this edition – and at only £20 per head it
really is too good an opportunity to turn down.
Book online now to avoid disappointment.
List of Members
All members should by now have received
their copies of the 2009/10 List of Members –
anyone who has not should contact BAR, and
extra copies are also available upon request.
Finally, for the golfers among you, two more
dates for your diary:
• Thursday 10 September – BAR Golf Final
• Tuesday 29 September – CMG Golf Day
See adverts in this edition for details.
The British Association of Removers
Tel: 01923 699 480
Fax: 01923 699 481
E-mail: info@bar.co.uk
President: Matt Purdie
Director General: Stephen Vickers
General Secretary: Robert Syers
Editor: Steve Jordan
Assistant Editor: David Jordan
News Editor: Nikki Gee
Features Editor: Lynne Thomas
Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of
The British Association of Removers by:
I Like. Tel: 01908 675854, Email: talk2ilike@btopenworld.com
(To contact R&S, see details opposite.)
July 2009 Removals & Storage 5
 Industry News

New record low

THE
Editor’s in road deaths
COLUMN The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
(RoSPA) welcomed progress towards making Britain’s
roads the safest in the world as recently published
W
herever I go around the country movers tell me that business
is picking up. That’s great news after so long in the doldrums figures revealed new record lows in the number of
but, of course, how much of it is down to the natural seasonal
increase in business and how much is real progress we have yet to see. people killed and injured in crashes.
Maybe if enquiry levels hold up through the Autumn we’ll have a better
idea of whether it’s time to dust off the party streamers or not. Industry Heading in the
statistics on house prices, mortgage lending, time on market, etc. do right direction –
Fatalities among
appear though, however cautiously, to be moving in the right direction. cyclists were down
With this in mind we continue our Green Shoots theme this month with from 136 in 2007 to
some comments from members on how they have been affected by 115 in 2008

the recession.
The front cover this month is there to remind all CMG companies that
time is almost up for their accreditation to BS 8522. We have been
running a countdown for the last nine months so the deadline shouldn’t
have caught anyone by surprise. Next month we’ll try to run a piece on
the success of the programme and the final uptake.
This month we have had lots of industry news, some culled from our

T
regular sources and some sent in by members. Many thanks to all those he figures mean that Britain
who have contributed. I spoke at the Kent Area this month and asked has met its road safety targets
for suggestions of items that the members would like to see in the set for 2010, but there is a
magazine. I shall be including some of those suggestions in coming need to make sure that this trend
months. If you have any bright ideas, please let me know. continues and does not stop or
Finally, BAR will be running its Business Seminar Roadshows next month. reverse during the next two years.
I took part last year and they were very well received by everyone who In 2008, 2,538 people were
attended. The problem was that there were lots of spare places meaning killed on the roads (down from
that local members were missing out on vitally important information. 2,946 in 2007) and 26,029 people
This time I know BAR is hoping for a full turnout and I encourage you to were seriously injured (down
attend when the Roadshow comes to your area (see the advert in this from 27,774 in 2007). The total
issue). The only charge is £20 to cover the food bill; all the speakers are number of road casualties was
giving their time and expertise freely. There are only 25 places per venue 230,884 (down from 247,780 in
so be sure not to miss out this time around. 2007). However, RoSPA is very
concerned that child deaths did
Steve Jordan not follow this pattern and rose
from 121 in 2007 to 124 in 2008.
Pedestrian deaths fell below
600 for the first time (to 572), a
reduction of more than a third
over the last 10 years (in 1998,
906 pedestrians were killed). Pedal
cyclist deaths fell from 136 in 2007
to 115 in 2008, but there was an
increase in the number of cyclists
seriously injured from 2,428 in
2007 to 2,450 in 2008. There were
493 motorcycle user fatalities
(down from 588 in 2007), but
deaths still remain higher than
they were in the mid-1990s.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of
Road Safety, said: “Last year saw
the lowest number of road deaths
since records began. This new
record low shows that the fall in
road deaths is a trend, not a
statistical blip. Every reduction in
these numbers represents a person
who has not been killed or injured
and a family which has not suffered
the devastation caused by a road
accident. It is particularly pleasing
to see improvements in the safety
of vulnerable road users. However,
it is unacceptable that more
children died on the road in 2008
than in 2007.”

Better transport from Olympics, say Londoners

A better transport system is the legacy
Londoners most want to see for the capital
from hosting the 2012 Games, according to
a recent survey by London Councils.
Unprompted, more than a third of
Londoners (37%) cite ‘better transport
infrastructure’ as the main improvement
they wanted to see in the capital as a result
of the Games.
This figure rose to 92% when people were
provided with a list of possible long-term
benefits. But only 73% of residents who
rate it as important believe the
improvement will be delivered. The desire
for a better transport system is especially
important to inner London residents - 43%
compared to 31% of respondents from Better transport
outer London. in the long run –
Now London Councils are working with Residents want
improvements
the Mayor to set up a multi-agency body to to London’s transport
deliver a legacy for the whole capital and not infrastructure to
just around the Olympic Park. London remain once the
2012 Olympics
Councils’ Chairman Councilor Merrick
are over
Cockell said: “It is vital that we ensure that
the legacy left by the Games benefits
communities across the whole capital and
is not just centred around the Olympic Park.
It will come as no surprise that with our
transport system already over stretched
that improvements to our roads and rail
networks are people’s top priority for the
Olympic legacy.”

6 Removals & Storage July 2009


CBI proposes alternative
to redundancy
A
radical alternative to laying off staff
could see workers, whose firms are
suffering a fall in demand, paid to remain
at home. The plan has been put forward by
employers’ group, the CBI.
Staff would be paid a nominal weekly wage
of £130 to which both the government and the
employer would contribute.
Employees would stay off work for up to six
months until their employers were in a position
to take them back once the economic downturn
has eased.
Under the Alternative to Redundancy (ATR)
scheme, the CBI said, employees would not
work but would be paid an allowance equal
to twice the rate of the Job Seekers’ Allowance,
with half coming from the employer and half
from the government.
While on ATR an employee could seek new
work, but the scheme would allow firms to
take employees back when the period expires
or if business improves earlier.
Should, however, demand fail to pick up then
full redundancy rights are preserved and would
include the six months extra of ATR service.
The CBI said that an ATR scheme would only
be implemented following consultation.
The employers’ organisation also argued
that the government needs to look at the length
of consultation for redundancies.
At the moment, firms must give a consultation
Not your average pet move
Globalink Logistics Group has recently undertaken a pet
move that was a little different from the norm: two high-
spirited thoroughbred racing horses being sent as a gift to
the Emir of Qatar by the President of Tajikistan. Tajikistan is
well known in the equestrian world for breeding fine horses
for work, sport and pleasure and these two magnificent
steeds (which were the best of the best) had to be handled
extremely delicately as delays of any kind would have had
drastic results.
Globalink’s Dushanbe Team took care of all export
formalities, including the required veterinary certificates,
and all were done in record time. With the formalities over,
an Ilyushin 76 long range air freighter, specially chartered
for carrying the horses to their new home, was ready and
period of at least 90 days where 100 or more
employees face redundancy in a three month
period. But, the CBI said, such a timeframe
prolongs uncertainty for staff and hampers
the ability of firms to adapt to changing
circumstances.
A further recommendation would see the rise
in employer National Insurance contributions,
due to come into effect in 2011, deferred. The
increase would be an additional tax on
employment at a time when the economy could
be making a weak recovery, the CBI claimed.
John Cridland, the CBI’s Deputy Director-
General, said: “The worst of the recession
may be over, but businesses still face a long
convalescence and the dole queues will continue
to grow. The Alternative to Redundancy
scheme could save jobs by giving businesses
more leeway as the economy recovers.”
“We considered various forms of wage
subsidy and support for short-time working,
but this approach is better. Businesses will be
more able to cope with sharp drops in demand
and prepare for recovery, while workers
benefit from improved financial support and
a door that is kept open for six months.”
Mr Cridland added: “This is not about
businesses ducking their redundancy
responsibility – in fact, if a scheme runs for
six months and a redundancy is still made
then the business will end up paying more.”
Workers whose
jobs are threatened
could be spared
having to search
for alternative
employment under
the CBI’s proposed
ATR scheme
waiting. Additionally, the Dushanbe Team also made
arrangements for a groom to accompany the horses on the
long flight so that they could be cared for, fed and watered.
The horses arrived in excellent condition.
No horsing around!
The two thoroughbred
stallions needed
expert handling
to get them to Qatar
safely from Tajikistan
Industry News
New
intelligence
service helps
transport
executives
A
new online intelligence and
monitoring service, which will arm
transport decision-makers with
early and comprehensive briefings on
opportunities and threats to their businesses
emanating from the UK political and
legislative environment, has been launched
by the political intelligence service
DeHavilland.
DeHavilland Transport, a real time
service, is dedicated to reporting and
interpreting only those political and
legislative developments which have a
bearing on the transport sector. Using its
40-strong research operation, DeHavilland’s
analytical reportage extends from formal
parliamentary proceedings and select
committees to monitoring lobby activity
and political meetings and gatherings
outside Westminster.
“A relevant parliamentary questions
session can reveal government investment
intentions around certain transport
projects, or can even highlight potential
pressure on government to allocate less
funding to certain projects,” advises
DeHavilland Managing Director, Patrick
Angell. “Quick access to the details can
enable transport managers to act swiftly
in order to benefit from potential new
revenue opportunity, or make moves to
avoid revenue losses. It is also vitally
important for the transport industry to be
aware of early stage political initiatives
and lobbies, and their proponents, well
before they are discussed in formal
parliament or find their way into the
newspapers,” Patrick said.
The new service incorporates an online
information site with a powerful search
functionality and intuitive navigation
which will enable the user to find key
information quickly and easily. It includes
a comprehensive people in politics database
showing their interests, activity track
record and contact details. Users will also
be alerted to key political and lobbying
events that they need to be aware of, or
even that they should be attending, via the
service’s forward events planning feature.
DeHavilland Transport is not just an
online service. Subscribers are also
assigned a dedicated political researcher
within the DeHavilland team who will
ensure the very latest critical and relevant
insight is delivered by e-mail or phone alert
and can customise reports to meet the
specific needs of the transport executive.
July 2009 Removals & Storage 7
 The BAR Services guide to upping sticks: 10

cab
fab (Let a digital tachograph keep the tab)

I n line with 2006 EC regulations, BAR

Services now supply an inclusive range of
digital tachochart equipment and the relevant
accessories. Information regarding driver
activity such as driving time, rests
and breaks can be downloaded
to the reader which is installed
�����������������������������������������������������������������
in your company vehicle and this data can be
stored for a twelve year period.
For further details on the Siemens digital
tachochart system please contact the
BAR Services sales team on:
01342 870087 or email:
sales@ barservices.co.uk

Jail risk for logistics and
transport managers as 1 in 3
road crashes are work related
N
ew statistics have revealed that almost
one in three road crashes involve people
who are using their vehicle for work,
and that places managers in logistics and
transport businesses at possible risk of jail
under a new law which came into force at the
start of this year.
The new stats were announced last week at
the International Conference on Road Safety
at Work and have been analysed by experts at
training company Pivotal Performance. “It is
up to managers to ensure that their employees
have been given correct guidance on driving
safely while working,” said Pivotal
Performance’s Jane Gillham. “This means
having policies in place to cover things such
as not using handheld mobile phones while
driving, and sticking to all relevant road
safety laws even if they are running late for
an appointment. Managers need to do risk
assessments on using vehicles for work; put
FTA welcomes
EU co-modality
plans
T
he Freight Transport Association (FTA)
has welcomed the EU Commission’s ‘The
Future of European Transport Policy’
document as potentially good news for all
modes of commercial transport in Europe.
Chris Yarsley, FTA’s EU Affairs Manager,
said: “Freight’s interests are best served by
a truly multi-modal approach. A holistic
approach to transport will not only serve the
logistics sector better, but will also mean that
businesses get optimal performance from
their supply chains. We are pleased that the
Commission seems to agree.”
Losing control –
employers can’t
drive employees’
vehicles for them,
but they should at
least be giving clear
guidance on how to
reduce risks as much
as possible
policies in place and ensure employees get
training where appropriate. If an employee is
hurt while driving during work there is a
chance their manager could be prosecuted.”
Company directors and managers are in
the firing line thanks to the Health and Safety
Offences Act 2008, which came into force in
January 2009. The law makes employers
personally accountable for the safety of their
employees during the course of their work.
Breaches could see managers or directors
jailed, or face Magistrates Court fines of up
to £20,000.
Jane added: “You would be correct in thinking
that you can’t control how an employee drives
during work, but you should at least be giving
them as much clear guidance as you can to
try and take as much risk out of driving as you
can. With one in three crashes now involving
an employee driving for work, the odds are
too high for any manager to ignore.”
The FTA has long-supported the inter-
operability of road, rail, sea and air as the
best means to achieve greater efficiency and
improve environmental performance. The EU
Commission’s communication document
supports the ideal that freight should be able
to choose the mode that best suits its needs.
The infrastructure planning needed to
optimise freight flows will look to minimise
external costs, such as congestion, pollution
and noise. However, the crucial question of
how future projects will be funded is still
unresolved. Yarsley concluded: “A combination
of public funding and user-charging is the
method of funding advocated by the European
Commission. Of course, there is understandable
public support for the ‘polluter pays’ principle
but there is also a strong argument from the
industry that transport already contributes
via taxes, tolls and charges.”
Industry News
Training
to improve
safety of
young
drivers
Concerns that young people are not
equipped for driving at work are being
addressed by the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which
is developing free workshops to tackle
issues uncovered in a major study of
the problem.
The safety charity is now looking for ten
organisations that employ young drivers
to pilot the Driving for Work workshops.
The sessions have been specifically designed
to help employers better equip and protect
their staff aged between 17 and 24 years old.
A study conducted as part of RoSPA’s
Young Drivers at Work project found that
more than 60 per cent of employers felt the
current system of learner training and
testing did not adequately prepare young
people to drive as part of their job.
Young people who get behind the wheel
as part of their work – whether to make
deliveries, as part of a sales team or simply
to drive passengers around a site – face
and create a higher risk than other drivers.
Figures show that young motorists are
more at risk of being killed or injured on
the roads than more experienced drivers
and it is also estimated that one in three
crashes in the UK involves a vehicle being
driven for work.
RoSPA will initially pilot ten interactive
workshops, which are designed to be
delivered in-company to groups of 10-15
young drivers, from July until October.
After the pilot workshops are completed,
RoSPA will use feedback from the sessions
to develop free training guides so that
employers can run similar events for their
own staff.
Duncan Vernon, RoSPA Road Safety
Manager said, “It is clear that further
support is needed for young drivers at
work, and employers have indicated they
prefer face-to-face workshops as a way of
giving that support. The Driving for Work
workshops have been developed to go
some way towards bridging the clear skills
and training gap highlighted in our report,
which was published earlier this year.”
RoSPA is also offering opportunities for
smaller businesses to send their young
employees to workshops, so that firms
with one or two young drivers can also
benefit from the training.
Organisations interested in taking part
in the workshops should contact
Duncan Vernon at dvernon@rospa.com
or 0121 248 2078.
August 2009 Removals & Storage 9
 Industry News

Crown expands into flagship site

C
rown Worldwide Group has systems for storing documents ample parking for several hundred continue using this prestigious
announced the significant and magnetic media. Others vehicles and yard space to site for its intended purpose.
growth of its premises in feature storage modules for accommodate road-trains, the Since the start of the year we’ve
Enfield with expansion into securely holding clients’ furniture site also has its own 70,000 litre seen ongoing growth in our
Heritage House, the 200,000ft2 and possessions ahead of global fuel tank and electrical charging records management business,
former headquarters of Pickfords. and office relocation. bays to support Crown’s diesel securing several major new
Pickfords was sold last year Crown first moved into part of and environmentally-friendly contracts including a leading
following more than 30 years Heritage House in 2006 when it electric vehicle fleet. supermarket chain and two top
in Enfield. acquired Pickfords Records As the new Crown signage was 20 UK law firms. We are
Specifically constructed in Management. The facility is set erected, Frank Hopping, Crown therefore planning to extend our
1995 for moving, relocation and on a landscaped 11.5 acre site Records Management’s MD for records management operation
records management services, with an adjacent 30,000ft2 two- the UK and Ireland commented: at the site and to provide additional
the prestigious Enfield site is storey office complex. As well as “We’re very proud to be able to capacity to future new clients.”
ideally suited to Crown’s business,
which includes global relocations, Crown Worldwide
records management, logistics Group’s newly
and fine arts services. occupied premises,
Heritage House
Heritage House has over
180,000ft2 of sprinkler-protected
warehousing space, subdivided
by automated fire protection
shutters and monitored by the
very latest fire and intruder
detection systems. Some of the
facility’s chambers are also fitted
with specialist mezzanine racking
over four levels, with in-rack
smoke detection and sprinkler

10 Removals & Storage July 2009


Tough motorcyclists
raise funds for
RBL poppy appeal
Neil Rogers (Taff) from Whittle Movers Ltd joined
other members of The Royal British Legion Riders Club
to take part in an endurance event to raise funds for
the RBL Poppy Appeal.
T
he RBLR 1000 run, as it
became known, challenged
the hardy bikers to ride a
bum-numbing 1000+ miles in 24
hours in a bid to break the world
record for the maximum number
of riders completing the run
simultaneously.
The team had been aiming to
beat the record of 156 riders set
by a group of motorcyclists in
the USA, but unfortunately news
of the RBLR’s record attempt
had crossed the Atlantic and a
new record of 409 was set on
14-15 May.
Undaunted the RBLR team
decided to run the event anyway,
even though the record, for the
time being at least, would have to
remain stateside.
Despite being well short of the
record a total of 187 bikes gathered
at Squires Café, Sherburn-in-Elmet
for a briefing before setting off at
0800 on 20 June 2009 for their
1000+ mile endurance ride.
Neil Rogers (third from the right) with other members of the RBLR team
Industry News
Britannia
Britannia Movers International
is reintroducing the Britbox.
Movers
Supplied by BAR Services, this
will be used on all future moves
whether UK, European or
International International to ensure that all
essential small items are kept
reintroduces in one place on every relocation.
This request was initially
the Britbox
made by some of the actual
removals operatives who
felt there was less risk of
small items being misplaced
and consequently saved on
their time.
Each entrant was asked to raise
a minimum of £50 sponsorship,
potentially generating a whopping
£10,000 for the Poppy Appeal.
Riders were free to choose from
four routes: A northern route up
the A1 to Berwick-upon-Tweed,
Edinburgh, Wick, Fort William
and back along the M6/M62, just
over 1000 miles, either clockwise
or anticlockwise; or a southern
route to Dover, then to
Southampton and Redruth and
then back, also just over 1000
miles, again either clockwise or
anti-clockwise.
It was a gruelling 24 hours
with some riders being forced to
retire with mechanical problems,
punctures, and in one case a
minor collision which thankfully TRADE REMOVAL SERVICES
didn’t result in anyone being
injured. In the end 164 riders,
Weekly shuttle service by Road
including Neil, completed the
1000 miles within the allotted BULGARIA HUNGARY
time raising not £10,000 but over
£25,000 for the Poppy Appeal. CROATIA ROMANIA
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GUARANTEED FAST, EFFICIENT & UNBEATABLE RATES
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August 2009 Removals & Storage 11
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 Industry News

Sellers more hopeful despite Pickfords

weak housing market appoints
PHS Teacrate
A
sking prices for homes have increased 2.9% fall in prices over the last 12 months,
over the past three months as sellers followed by the South West at 3.3% and the

P
appear to regain some confidence in South East at 3.6%. East Anglia however is ickfords Business Moving has
the housing market. According to home.co.uk still suffering with a 7.3% decrease over the appointed PHS Teacrate as its
Asking Price Index, the average asking price last 12 months. dedicated crate supply partner.
for homes on the market in England and After an initial drop in the amount of time a Teacrate will support Pickfords Business
Wales has risen by 0.3% since July. house spends on the market between May Moving by supplying a full range of crate
This recent spring bounce in house prices and June, the typical time-on-market, rental products to fulfil its customers’
will come as a welcome relief to those with (although it has increased from 129 to 131 business moving and storage requirements,
homes on the market in the five of the nine days,) seems to have stayed fairly stable. with the partnership involving the movement
regions that have observed the increase, There remains a large overhang of unsold of well over half a million crates a year.
however unless the supply of mortgage credit property keeping this average time-on-market In March 2009, Pickfords Business
improves these gains may be unjustified and figure high. Moving had the opportunity to review its
easily lost later in the year. Although, as we are all aware, asking customers’ crate requirements and wanted
Since July 2008 asking prices have fallen prices have fallen since last year, there does to source a cost-effective crate rental partner
across the UK. England and Wales have seen seem to be light at the end of the tunnel with that could offer nationwide distribution
asking prices fall by 4.8%, while in Scotland these recent encouraging signs. coupled with service flexibility and the
they have plummeted by 8.2%. Although no Asking price and time-on-market figures support systems to deliver to the
regions have managed to avoid this slump in produced by home.co.uk Asking Price Index as requirements of each individual move.
prices, the North East is fairing best with a calculated by Calnea Analytics Ltd. The partnership was launched in May.
Simon Johns, Sales Director with Teacrate
Asking price movements for England and Wales said, “It is great to have been awarded
such a prestigious contract with Pickfords.
108.00 – Our company infrastructure and dedication
107.00 – to invest in new stock and systems
106.00 –
capabilities makes us a very attractive
proposition as a supply partner to any
105.00 –
relocation company.”
104.00 – Teacrate’s online crate management and
103.00 – tracking service, Cratelink, allows Pickfords
102.00 – Business Moving’s teams to directly interface
with Teacrate’s computer systems, providing
101.00 –
them with real time information on every
100.00 – transaction. With Cratelink, Pickfords can
99.00 – amend orders, ordering only the crates
Home Asking Price Index they need, when they need them. The system
98.00 –
3 Month Moving Average also reduces the amount of time-consuming
97.00 –
paperwork and administration costs.
96.00 – “We are looking forward to working with
–
JUL 07 –

SEP 07 –
OCT 07 –

DEC 07 –
JAN 08 –
FEB 08 –
MAR 08 –
APR 08 –

JUN 08 –
JUL 08 –

SEP 08 –
OCT 08 –

DEC 08 –
JAN 09 –
FEB 09 –
MAR 09 –
APR 09 –

JUN 09 –
JUL 09 –
AUG 07 –

NOV 07 –

AUG 08 –

NOV 08 –
MAY 08 –

MAY 09 –

Teacrate,” said Pickfords Business Moving

Director Neil Baker. “We believe their online
management system, processes and ability
to invest in the product range will offer a

A scrummy move, in any language

distinct advantage to our operational
teams and our customers.”

W
hen Bishop’s Move Luton were Dan Scarborough
contacted by Rugby player Dan with Bishop’s Move
Scarborough to quote on his move driver Kevin Mooney
from Harpenden, Hertfordshire to the Parisian
suburbs of France, they knew it was a move
they wanted to convert. So they did their best
to try and win the job and were pleased to
hear that Dan had chosen them to undertake
his move. England International players crossing the
As Dan’s wife was heavily pregnant they channel after signing lucrative contracts.
opted for the full packing option and all went Dan follows in the trend of others looking to
very smoothly and passed without any issues. experience French Rugby. Philip Edwards,
Dan was so pleased that he will be forwarding Bishop’s Move Luton Manager, said: “We were
Bishop’s Move details to his fellow rugby players delighted to have been involved with Dan’s
who are moving to France. Needless to say all relocation and glad that it passed so smoothly.
at Bishop’s Move got a real kick out of hearing We are looking forward to scoring any future Neil Baker, Business Moving Director of
Pickfords (left) with Simon Johns,
about this and it showed they definitely have removals as a knock-on effect of Dan’s
Sales Director of PHS Teacrate
the right type of pack for the job. recommendation and will try our best to
The former Saracen’s flanker is one of many provide the best possible service.”

July 2009 Removals & Storage 13

 Industry News

Nightingales makes large fleet purchase

On 6 April 2009, Nightingale Removals &
Storage – based in Weston-Super-Mare –
received its first vehicle from a consignment
of six ordered from DAF UK and supplied
through their distributors, Imperial
Commercials in Bristol.
This new order consisted of three DAF LF55
model 6-container removal vehicles with
sleeping accommodation for three people, and
three further LF45 model 3-container vehicles,
again with accommodation for three people.
All the vehicles are London Emission Zone
compliant. The body-building was undertaken
by Hills Body Works of Exeter who have been
building removal vehicles since the early 1970s
and undertake conversions and maintenance
as well as new vehicle construction.
Owner Richard Nightingale said, “We were
very pleased indeed with the promptness and
Two of Nightingale’s new DAFs
professionalism shown by DAF UK from the
onset when we first placed our order and
have continued to remain so. We considered investigations regarding with whom we should of the first consignment of vehicles received
many different manufacturers but felt that place the construction of the vehicles, but so far and due to our continued expansion, we
DAF fulfilled our needs more closely, and Hills Body Works stood out as one of the most hope to place many more such orders in the
overall we’ve been immensely pleased with efficient and professional organisations who future with both DAF and Hills Body Works.”
the vehicles. We’ve worked in the past with were able to supply us with a superior product. A number of Nightingales new vehicles are
other body builders and made extensive We’ve also been very pleased by the quality to be featured at Truckfest Southwest.

14 Removals & Storage August 2009

 Industry News

The cost of regulation

Smaller businesses in the transport and
storage industry are among those losing more
than £2.7 billion every year due to government
red tape, new figures have shown.
Research carried out by business lobby and
support group the Forum of Private Business
(FPB) has found that Britain’s small and
medium-sized transport and storage firms
contribute towards a £2,764 million bill spent
each year complying with legislation. The
figure, drawn up using feedback from members
of the not-for-profit FPB, is based on the amount
of company time, and therefore money, spent
on government-imposed bureaucracy. It was
revealed by the FPB’s quarterly Referendum
survey of members and also includes the costs
incurred by several other types of consumer-
orientated businesses.
This latest issue of Referendum, which
focused on ‘the cost of compliance’, found that
recession-hit transport and storage firms are
forced to spend an average of 33 hours of
company time each month on form-filling
and paperwork. Those with nine or fewer
employees spend an average of 29 hours,
those with between 10 and 50 employees spend
around 41 hours and firms with up to 249
workers devote approximately 131 hours.
In terms of costs, complying with health and
safety legislation alone was found to leave those
in the trade contributing towards a £606 million
bill each year. The cost of complying with
employment legislation was put at £687 million
per year, comprised of dismissals and
redundancy (£70 million), absence control
and management (£106 million), maternity
(£66 million) and disciplinary issues at £125
million. The costs associated with legislation
on employee holidays and any other remaining
areas of employment legislation were put at
£319 million.
The legislation surrounding waste and the
environment was calculated to cost £318
million, equality and diversity £149 million,
ISO and industry standards £211 million, tax
£510 million and building and property
£284 million.
The Referendum found that, with external
costs taken into account, regulation costs the
UK’s smaller business employers almost £12
billion per year. The FPB is now urging the
government to cut down on red tape for small
businesses and believes that reducing the time
and cost of complying with legislation must not
be sidelined, particularly as many firms are
struggling to survive because of the recession.
Following a meeting with the Better
Regulation Executive (BRE), FPB Policy
Representative Matt Goodman said: “As part
of a new department with a broader remit,
the BRE must continue to put the smallest
businesses at the forefront of its plans to
change the culture of bureaucracy in the UK.
Our research shows that complying with red
tape remains one of the major cost burdens
facing smaller businesses, swallowing up
valuable time and money that could be used
more profitably elsewhere.”
A not-for-profit organisation, the FPB provides
a member helpline, a 24-hour legal advice
service and Health & Safety and Employment
Guides in order to help small businesses to
comply with legislation. In addition, the
organisation has recently launched an online
video advice portal, www.smallbusiness
channel.co.uk.
Visit www.fpb.org for more information.
www.smallbusiness channel.co.uk

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August 2009 Removals & Storage 15

 Industry News
Call for increase in the use of
electric vehicles in London
L
ondon Councils (a think-tank and
lobbying organisation that promotes the
interests of London’s 33 Councils) has
called on Boris Johnson to work with
boroughs on plans to significantly increase
the number of electric vehicles in the capital.
The Mayor of London unveiled his Electric
Vehicle Delivery Plan, which includes proposals
for 25,000 charging points across the capital
by 2015, without consulting local authorities.
London Councils has asked boroughs how
widespread the use of electric cars across the
capital is and the impact of extending existing
schemes. The key findings of the survey are:
• There must be a clear plan for funding and
maintaining charging points. A number of
new electricity sub stations may be needed to
provide power to the charging points.
• The disposal of car batteries and the carbon
dioxide emissions involved in the generation of
electricity will have an environmental impact.
• There are concerns about locating charging
points and signs on the streets. Trailing
cables could pose a health and safety issue.
• Reserving parking spaces for electric
vehicles could cause controversy, especially
in controlled parking zones.
• Encouraging electric vehicles may detract
from measures to persuade people to use
public transport or walk or cycle.
London Councils has identified a number of
areas where there is the potential for joint
working with the Mayor. These include the
setting up of a London-wide membership
scheme for people who use electric vehicles
16 Removals & Storage July 2009
Eco Van and Man –
from Cadogan Tate
shareholders –
provides an
environmental
transport option
for Londoners
and the development of road signs to be used
across the capital. Boroughs can also pool
their experience of electric vehicle schemes to
draw up guidance for London.
The London Local Authorities and Transport
for London Bill, which was deposited in
November 2007, contains clauses which
would allow boroughs to provide and operate
charging points for electric vehicles. This bill
is nearing completion in the House of Lords.
Chairman of London Councils’ Transport and
Environment Committee, Councillor Mike Fisher
said: “While we support the Mayor’s obvious
desire to move to more environmentally-friendly
modes of transport, it is a shame that there
was not more consultation with the boroughs
before publishing his plans, given that it will
be difficult for him to substantially increase
the number of electrical vehicles on London’s
roads without involving local authorities.”
Meanwhile, one London company has already
taken a lead. Eco Van and Man, a company
started by the principle shareholders of Cadogan
Tate – Rohan Masson-Taylor and Jonathan
Hood Immediate Past President of the BAR –
already has a substantial fleet of electric
vehicles on London’s streets. Eco Van and Man
competes in an environmentally responsible
manner in the small removal sector. The
company provides a valuable service to its
corporate and private customers who have
already embraced the need for positive action
to create a cleaner environment in London
and show a more responsible attitude to
environmental sustainability in general.
Consultation
on London
Councils’ Lorry
Control Scheme
L
ondon Councils is consulting on
amendments to the Lorry Control
Scheme, which regulates the use of lorries
on residential roads overnight and at the
weekends. The consultation covers updates to
the Excluded Route Network and changes to
the way that permits are issued and
displayed.
The scheme, which is run by London Councils
on behalf of the London local authorities
(except Barnet, Hillingdon and Redbridge) and
Transport for London, is an environmental
control on noise pollution in residential areas
by restricting the use of vehicles over 18 tonnes
mgw on residential roads in Greater London
during the prescribed hours, which are:
• Mondays to Fridays from midnight until
07.00 and from 21.00 until midnight;
• Saturdays from midnight until 07.00 and
from 13.00 until midnight;
• At any time on Sundays.
The Schedule to the Order sets out roads
that are excluded from the restrictions,
generally known collectively as the Excluded
Route Network (ERN). All other roads in
London are known as restricted roads, with
the exception of roads in the London Borough
of Barnet, to which the Order does not apply.
During the prescribed hours, vehicles over
18 tonnes may only use restricted roads if they
have a permit issued by London Councils to do
so. Permits are issued free of charge, providing
that the applicant can demonstrate a need for
them, which is assessed on the time that the
delivery or collection needs to be made, the
weight of the vehicle and the destination
address. The permit allows vehicles to use the
restricted roads under certain conditions, the
main one being that the vehicle must travel as
close to the delivery point as possible using
the ERN, then use the shortest practicable
route from there to the destination.
London Councils is undertaking a review of
the Scheme and is proposing to amend the
Order so as to:
• Update the Excluded Route Network;
• Remove the requirement for a vehicle to
display a permit;
• Allow hauliers who meet certain criteria to
have their vehicles deemed to be permitted
for the purposes of the Scheme.
The consultation document is available on
the London Councils website: www.london
councils.gov.uk/Transport/Transportpolicy/
LondonLorryControl.htm - under the heading
‘London Lorry Control Scheme Consultation’.
The deadline for responses is Friday 11
September 2009 and can be sent via e-mail to
lorry.control@londoncouncils.gov.uk with
‘London Lorry Control Scheme Consultation’
in the subject line, or alternatively by posted
to: London Lorry Control Scheme Consultation,
PO Box 64528, London, SE1P 5LU.
The UK’s Local
Crate Rental Company
...Visits Bristol
Welcome to Teacrate’s new Bristol Depot at Teacrate Bristol Depot
Cabot Park, Avonmouth. The 25,000 sq.ft. NAME:
facility serves Wales and the South West. ALAN THOMAS
From this larger site, Teacrate can store and
POSITION:
despatch its complete range of crates and OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
packaging consumables. TEACRATE
BRISTOL DEPOT

The location of this new state-of-the art

service centre provides access to excellent
transport links and will enable Teacrate to
fulfil its promise of next day delivery.
Alan joined Teacrate in 1996, having spent 22 years
with the Armed Forces. He was involved in establishing
the operational side of the business before becoming
General Manager in 2000. Alan became Resource
Director in 2002, and then Operations Director in
2007.

Contact us for more information on: Alan has been responsible for the smooth opening of
the Bristol depot, ensuring that it was fully functional by
0800 980 7000 its launch date of 1st May 2009.

or email: Alan comments, “It was time to move forward and

sales@teacrate.co.uk establish this great new site. The extra warehouse space
with racking means we can stock more products and
the full range of packaging supplies”.
You can also find out more information at:
www.teacrate.co.uk Outside work, Alan is a devoted family man with wife
Michelle and two young children, Matthew and Zara.
He’s a keen squash player and a qualified PADI Scuba
Diving Instructor.

WIN A £50 CREDIT VOUCHER

redeemable against crates or packaging if you can guess where the
Teacrate van is going next.
Responses by email to: sales@teacrate.co.uk Closing date: 30th September 2009 • One entry per person

www.teacrate.co.uk

Sheffield firm’s
moving on up
Business is definitely moving in the right direction
for a Sheffield company that is beating the credit crunch.
B
ased in the east end of Sheffield,
Specialised Movers, has not only
survived a severe downturn in the
housing market, but actually scooped a major
national industry award of the CMOTY and is
even looking to recruit more staff.
The central based operation recently landed
the prestigious prize of Commercial Mover of
the Year ‘category winner’ from the British
Association of Removers.
Along with the title came a £1,000 cash bonus
which the company has decided to dedicate to
one of its clients: The Sheffield Children’s
Hospital. Simon Johns, from PHS Teacrate,
attended the presentation on behalf of the main
sponsors of the CMOTY.
Specialised Movers’ Manager John Turner
said, “Like many cities, Sheffield has taken its
fair share of hits during this period of severe
economic downturn but I’m proud to say that
we represent a rare success story amid the
gloom. We continue to be successful because
despite the name of ‘Specialised Movers’, we
don’t specialise or rely entirely on any specific
product for our trade and will move pretty
much anything. So, against a backdrop of such
Left to right: Simon Johns, PHS Teacrate; John Turner, Specialised Movers’ commercial sales manager;
Cheryl Ridge, chief fund raiser for Sheffield Childrens Hospital; Nigel Shaw, Specialised Movers
financial uncertainty, to take a much-prized
national award and to be in a position to recruit
more local people is, I think, a fantastic
achievement.”
Specialised Movers employs 26 staff and
would like to hear from any experienced
relocation operatives who are looking for a
removals job with a difference.
“Our varied approach to commercial moving
often takes our services to new dimensions,
from the installation of precision machines
and IT equipment to the relocation of major
blue chip clients from the financial and public
sector. We also regularly move safes and
machinery as well as offering document
shredding and storage facilities, which
Sheffield Wednesday took advantage of not
long ago when their ground was flooded and
we stored the contents of their Trophy Room,”
explained John.
Anyone who is interested in working for
Specialised Movers should contact Rob
Townroe for more information and job details
on 0780 1134191. For more information about
the award or Specialised Movers, call John
Turner on 0114 261 1183.
Industry News
An impressive
start to 2009 for
Purias Impact
racing
All the hard work over the winter has paid
off for the two racing brothers from Purias
Impact Removals and Storage, of Spain.
Purias Impact is best know for providing
a weekly trade service from the UK to
Spain for fellow BAR members, but once
the weekend arrives Mat and Anthony
Ford–Dunn take to the race tracks of Spain.
Mat Ford–Dunn, the Managing Director
of Purias Impact, races a 125 GP bike
in the Mediterranean road racing
championship and after four races is
currently in 3rd position in the
championship and just one point behind
the championship leader. Things might
have been even better had it not been for a
disastrous race at Barcelona when the
engine broke as Mat entered a 100 mph
corner causing him to be thrown over the
handle bars and crash out of the race. “I
could have really hurt myself, but luckily I
landed on my head which absorbed most
of the impact,” said a rather dazed Mat. All
of this was forgotten at the Valencia round
of the championship when Mat finished a
superb second after briefly taking the lead
on the last corner of the last lap as he dived
up the inside of the leader on the brakes,
only to run a little wide and then slip back
to second position at the finish line.
Anthony’s season in the Spanish super
moto championship has been just as
exciting, with the 22 year-old Purias Impact
warehouse manager currently running
9th in the Spanish championship. Super
Moto requires the riders to compete on
circuits made from tarmac as well as an
off-road section with jumps. Despite being
injured from a crash in a previous race,
Anthony finished in 3rd position at the last
round and his results continue to improve
with each race. His injury was caused when
his leg became stuck under the bike when
he crashed. Luckily the damage was
limited to heavy bruising which confined
him to forklift and tea making duties in
the warehouse for a week before he was
able to walk again.
Mat Ford-Dunn racing at Valencia in Spain
July 2009 Removals & Storage 19

BS 8522
COUNTDOWN:
WILL YOU
BE READY
IN TIME?
Commercial
Moving
Standard:
the final stage!
Within the last month, the final stage has
been reached in the development of the
Commercial Moving Standard.
The timing is appropriate, as the CMG Council
originally decided that 31st August 2009 would
be the deadline date by which all members
would have to achieve certification to the
standard, or their membership of the CMG
would lapse.
Initially, for technical reasons, it was created
as PAS126 (a Publicly Available Specification)
Online truck tyre safety advice
T
yre safety organisation TyreSafe is making
truck tyre safety information more widely
available to commercial vehicle users by
adding a truck specific section to its website
and producing a truck tyre safety handout.
Defective tyres represent a growing number
of MoT failures in the HGV sector, with statistics
recorded by VOSA showing that an MoT
failure rate of 36.5% was recorded in 2007/8,
with ‘condition of tyres’ ranking as the second
most common failure defect. The new TyreSafe
web pages contain invaluable tyre safety advice
for all members of the commercial vehicle
community, including fleet managers,
workshop managers, fleet inspectors and
drivers and are designed to be informative
and easily accessible.
“With fleet operators increasingly under
pressure to ensure the provision of safe and
roadworthy vehicles and VOSA officials now
able to issue fixed penalty notices to drivers
at the roadside, commercial vehicle users must
be more vigilant than ever to ensure that
their vehicles’ tyres are legal and correctly
maintained,” explains Stuart Jackson,
Chairman, TyreSafe. “Making tyre maintenance
a key priority allows commercial fleet operators
to help ensure the safety of their drivers and
reduce the number of accidents caused by
defective tyres on our roads. TyreSafe’s new
truck tyre safety guide provides a useful point
of reference for safety information together
with a set of practical tips.”
The new web pages can be found at www.
which is a product devised by BSI very similar
to a full British Standard, much faster to develop,
but without the status and recognition of a BS.
Now, PAS126 has been superseded and the
final version of the standard has just been
published, as BS 8522.
It now carries the full status of a national
standard and will be an even more powerful
selling and marketing tool for any firm operating
in the commercial moving world.
In the course of this upgrade the development
committee made quite a few detailed changes
in the structure and in the wording, although
none of these has any significant impact so
far as existing holders of the standard are
concerned.
In addition to the greater status the new
standard has other benefits: it is published as
one continuous document whereas the PAS
was written in two parts, which many people
found confusing and difficult to follow. Even
better news is the fact that it is cheaper –
virtually half the price of the old one.
Close on 40 CMG members have already
achieved certification to PAS126, using QSS,
the BAR subsidiary that specialises in quality
standards for the removals and storage
industry. Those firms now have a choice:
(a) they can wait until their next annual audit,
at which point QSS will automatically assess
tyresafe.org and include clear and concise
information on the importance of tyre pressure,
tread depth, wheel alignment, regrooving and
tyre disposal, together with details of the
common causes of tyre damage and wear and
top tips for correct truck tyre maintenance.
A free truck tyre safety handout can be
downloaded from the site and hard copies
are also available.
Poorly maintained tyres can seriously affect
the safety of drivers and other motorists
involved in a tyre failure incident, and can also
lead to increased vehicle downtime, premature
tyre wear and higher fuel consumption. Fleet
operators have a duty of care to their drivers
and must ensure that they are provided with
a safe working environment, including the
provision of safe and roadworthy vehicles.
Since the Health and Safety Offences Act came
into force in January 2009, UK courts have
greater authority to prosecute businesses for
committing offences such as fitting illegal
tyres or faulty brakes. The maximum penalty
currently stands at £20,000. Drivers are also
under greater pressure from VOSA to ensure
that their tyres are legal, with perpetrators
risking roadside charges of up to £200 for
each offence.
For further information or to visit the new
TyreSafe truck tyre safety web pages, visit
www.tyresafe.org. To request a free truck
tyre safety handout, call 0845 301 6852 or
alternatively download a copy from the
TyreSafe website.
Industry News
them against BS 8522 or (b) they will be able
to upgrade their certification at any point in
the meantime, using a “package” that QSS has
developed. (This will consist of purchasing
the new standard, changing all references in
their quality manual, procedures and
documents to refer to BS 8522 instead of
PAS126, and self-certifying to QSS that all
this has been completed.)
Any new applicants to QSS from now onwards
will be assessed against BS 8522 as PAS126
has now been withdrawn by BSI. A new
certificate and logo have been developed, and
BAR and QSS are planning publicity campaigns
within the FM industry in order to promote
the standard and raise awareness even higher
among the professional purchasing community.
For any further information regarding
this development or any other aspect of
quality standards, including purchase of
the standard, a model quality manual, or
for assistance in setting up your quality
system, contact Chris Waymouth at QSS
as follows:
email: cwco@btinternet.com
telephone: 01494 875357
mobile: 07831 309379
The Royal Manchester
Children’s Hospital
The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
closed in June 2009 after providing 180
years of service to the community. RMCH
along with Booth Hall Children’s, The
Manchester Eye Hospital, The Manchester
Royal Infirmary, St Mary’s Hospital,
Mental Health and all laboratories have
moved into the new state-of-the-art
hospital in Manchester. The total move was
carried out in June with BCL handling the
largest part. The remaining removals will
be carried by the current in-house remover.
Saul Emberton BCL’s Senior Account
Manager for the Northern Region said,
“The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
is well known throughout the UK and,
although this is a sad and momentous
occasion, BCL is proud to be involved in
this final chapter.”
The RMCH before it closed in June this year
August 2009 Removals & Storage 21
 ‘BAR Annual Golf
Challenge 2009’
In association with

Thursday 10th September 2009

Portal Golf & Country Club Championship Course
Tarporley, Cheshire

All members are invited to join the finalists from the

regional events at the BAR Annual Golf Challenge 2009.
Sponsored by Basil Fry & Co Ltd, this golf competition will · This competition is run in
be held at the prestigious Portal Golf & Country Club. accordance with Stableford Scoring
Also representing BAR in the ‘Association Challenge’, you using full handicaps with a maximum
will be competing against the United Kingdom Warehousing of 24 for Gentlemen and 28 for
Association (UKWA) team to help win back the trophy Ladies.
from last year! Don’t miss the chance
to support your Association on what · Tee-off will be from 12pm but
will be a truly memorable golfing players are invited to rendezvous in
event. the Clubhouse from 11.30am for a
Places are strictly limited
briefing and a light lunch.
so please book early to · Buggies are available to hire on
avoid disappointment. the day.
· The Presentation dinner is a three
Individual Competitions Prices
course meal at 7:00pm in the
- Nearest the Pin Golf Day Function Room of the Clubhouse.
- Longest Drive (incl lunch)
£65.00 (+ vat) per person · To book discounted accommodation
- Charity Putt*
Golf & at the MacDonald Portal Hotel
*£5 entry fee, payable on Presentation please call 0844 879 9082
the day. Proceeds to charity. Dinner (quoting UKWA Golf).
Open to all. £95.00 (+ vat) per person

To book online and for full Terms & Conditions please visit:
www.bar.co.uk/golf2009.aspx
 BAR News

Meeting Report:
National Council

T
he BAR National Council meeting in
June was well attended and discussed
a number of subjects including the new
BAR website, the role and structure of the
National Council, and the work of FEDEMAC.
Chairman Chris Smallwood led the
discussion with his report. He passed comment
on the BAR conference in Brussels confirming
that it was a great success and possibly one
of the best yet. He said that everyone who
attended couldn’t have failed to come away
enthused, refreshed and educated.
Chris also commented on the reduction in
membership this year due to the recession.
He said that although national and CMG
membership was only marginally down the
number of international associated had
dropped significantly.
Website
The look and feel of the website was launched
at the conference in Brussels and the site is
on schedule to go live this Autumn. The site
includes a lead generator and will allow
customers to choose between receiving a quick
estimate or an advanced estimate online.
The estimated figures will be compiled from
information loaded on the site by all
participating members. Local companies
and, if requested by the customers, companies
located at their destination, will receive the
lead and will then approach the customer
directly. As well as receiving the enquiry the
system will also allow members to assess how
their pricing structure compares with the
average in their locality. BAR will make a
charge for each lead supplied which will
be not more than other lead generation
organisations.
BAR confirmed that money generated by
the lead generation process will be ring-
fenced to promote the site to ensure its high
visibility with leading search engines.
The site will also include a notice board
that will allow members to post requests for
assistance or to offer services to other
members.
Role of the National Council
The Council spent some time discussing its
role within BAR including ways of being
more dynamic and addressing matters of
concern to members more efficiently. The
councillors expressed many positive ideas
and a sub-committee was set up to progress
the matter before the next meeting.
FEDEMAC
David Trenchard, BAR’s representative to
FEDEMAC, was the guest speaker for the
meeting. He explained the origins of FEDEMAC
and how it operates (see article on page 24).
David said that over the years much of what
the organisation had achieved had gone
unseen by BAR members as its achievement
was that of stopping inappropriate legislation
from being enacted. There had been a great
success recently, for example, regarding
Periods of Availability which would not
have been achieved without FEDEMAC’s
intervention. Other triumphs were the 10-year
truck rule which, if passed, would have
prevented any operator from running
vehicles over 10 years old; manual handling
regulations that would have required eight
men to move a piano; and the reduced mobile
phone roaming charges that was a
FEDEMAC initiative.
Vice Chairman
Any Wade has stepped down as National
Council Vice Chairman owing to business
commitments. A new vice chairman will be
sought at the next meeting.

Golf The second qualifier was held at the Belfry

where everyone was blessed with one of the
and also for helping raise nearly £400 for the
RBA over the three days, and look forward to

Qualifiers hottest days of the year with the golf equally

scorching. Once again over half the field scored
30 points or over. Final scores were helped by
seeing all the qualifiers again in September.

T
he divots have been replaced, pitch
marks repaired and clubs returned to
golf bags following three very successful
qualifying rounds in this year’s Basil Fry &
Company sponsored golf competition.
49 golfers in total showed their golfing
prowess at Surrey National, The Belfry and
Deer Park Golf Clubs, and 22 have now qualified
to attend the final at the Portal Golf Club in
Tarporley, Cheshire on 10th September 2009.
The first qualifier saw some outstanding
golf played with 60% of the field achieving a
score of 30 Stableford points or above, helped
by a course in excellent condition and
favourable weather. Iain Adams collected first
prize with a score of 36 with Steve Gooding
narrowly missing all the spoils as runner up
with a score of 35. Steve also won the charity
putt competition and nearest the pin prize.
Third place went to Mark Loades and the
longest drive to Peter Doman. The remaining
qualifiers were Peter Rattue and Mike
Lamplough (33), Paul Sturgess (33) and Ted
Mooney (32).
a very dry course giving 50 yards benefit on
some of the drives. First prize went to Peter
Doman with a score of 44 points, followed by
Dave Phillips who scored 43 points and third
prize to Julian Briggs with a score of 37.
Special mention must go to Dave Phillips who
was one under par for the front nine (playing
from a handicap of 11). Other qualifiers were
Steve Mcleod and Adam Baker (35 points),
David Pearce (34 points) and John Elliott and
Mick Jennings. Nearest the pin was Wayne
Baggerley and longest drive Mick Jennings.
The final qualifier was held at Deer Park,
West Lothian where ten players battled for
five final qualifying places. First prize by a
full six shots however was Graeme Hardie
with an excellent score of 41, followed in
second place by Paul Tracey (34 points), John
Robinson (32 Points), and David Christie and
Roger Moore (31 points). Roger also collected
the nearest the pin prize and David the
longest drive. Surrey National winner Iain Adams with
Basil Fry & Company would like to thank Greg Wildman from sponsors Basil Fry & Co
everyone for making the days so enjoyable,

August 2009 Removals & Storage 23

 BAR News
What does
FEDEMAC
mean to BAR
members?
Most people in the
removals and storage
industry will have come
across FEDEMAC at some
point or another, but are
they aware of what it does
and how it came about?
D
avid Trenchard, the BAR FEDEMAC
representative, prepared a report for
the BAR National Council on what
FEDEMAC is and why it is so important to BAR
members. Here is a summary:
FEDEMAC was formed 50 years ago to
create a meeting place for the European trade
associations involved in removals in Europe.
Members were those countries from the
European Free Trade Area – the forerunner
of the Common Market. It was hoped the body
would enable them to exchange information
on transport laws and developments in each
other’s countries whilst lobbying on behalf of
the industry directly to the EU law makers.
BAR became a member when the UK joined
the EU in 1973.
At this time lots of barriers existed between
individual countries: proof of residence
ownership was needed and a lease to effect
duty free entry of removals for most countries.
Transport licences had to be obtained for
journeys and the TIR system was used by
several countries requiring bank guarantees
from organisations like the RHA (Road
Haulage Association).
Shortly after BAR joined, the Board requested
a special report from Gilbert Over, the first
BAR representative, on the work of the
organisation as the costs were mounting up
and effectiveness seemed poor. A decision
was made to withdraw from FEDEMAC as it
was costly and the language barriers made
meetings difficult to understand.
Under the presidency of Derek Payne, BAR
were approached again and asked to participate
and support the Association both financially
and with their power as an active trade
association. It was negotiated that all meetings
would be held in English, and BAR re-joined.
BAR allocated a budget to enable the
representative to attend meetings of other
associations in Europe, reporting to the BAR
Board regularly. Tony Richman, who had an
established involvement in the National Council
and was a very authoritative European
removals operator, agreed to take up this
24 Removals & Storage August 2009
position as BAR representative.
Tony developed a secondary ‘European’
way of speaking which is still used today,
using simple words and phrases so that it is
understood by those for whom English is not
their first language. When he became a part-
time consultant FEDEMAC decided to hire
him to do lobbying on problems directly. At
this time BAR appointed David as Tony’s
deputy representative. This meant that the
organisation retained a direct representation
at Council meetings and could put forward
the BAR view in open meetings.
One very recent success
was the interest taken
in BAR’s views on the
cost of mobile phone
use overseas and the
implication this has on
international business
In his report David explained that FEDEMAC
is a forum that brings members together and
monitors any proposals that might affect the
work of members. It responds with its views
on any such matters whether asked to or not
and sits on the relevant EU consultation panels
and bodies where it is appropriate.
The organisation holds an Annual Meeting
of all Association representatives - The Annual
Council - which appoints a small Board of
Directors, each to serve for three years, under
the president of FEDEMAC. The Annual
Assembly of FEDEMAC gives the opportunity
for each of the national removers trade
associations to meet the Direct Affiliates and
Commercial Affiliates and see the annual
reports on the activities of the organisation.
The voting and the financial contributions
from the constituent associations have been
calculated in various ways through the years,
but traditionally the three largest associations
have been the Netherlands, Germany and
Britain. These provide the largest financial
contribution and have a larger vote. There
are also some affiliate members who, as
suppliers to the trade, provide some financial
support.
As BAR’s current representative, David has
spent much of his time assisting the Board of
FEDEMAC with various projects and tasks, as
well as assisting Tony with research into
lobby matters.
The work is long and involved and it often
takes years before any result can be seen.
However, some campaigns are less complicated
and see great success. One very recent success
was the interest taken in BAR’s views on the
cost of mobile phone use overseas and the
implication this has on international business.
These views, along with the work of the EU,
have contributed to roaming charges being
drastically reduced this summer.
As Europe gets more and more influential
in Britain’s law making on drivers hours,
vehicle design weights and laws on entry to
the profession it is vital that, if BAR is to
protect the interests of its members, it continues
to influence the work of FEDEMAC and,
alongside this, the decision makers in the EU.
David concluded his report by emphasizing
that FEDEMAC is there to keep every national
association aware of the changes in transport
laws, the holiday arrangements, transit
arrangements, parking and access problems
across the EU. It will continue to lobby on
behalf of the industry and its workers and
present a professional association to give
confidence to the consumers moving within
the EU. It will also continue to bring people
together providing conferences for fellow
professionals to meet and share ideas.
To subscribe to receive FEDEMAC
newsflashes which are sent out directly by
Tony Richman go to www.fedemac.eu.
The Professional Advisors Panel is a brand
new initiative specifically designed to offer
members extended support across every
aspect of their business. This is a development
of our highly successful Insurance Broker Panel
scheme whereby BAR members receive
unlimited support, guidance and advice from
For any independent insurance, financial or legal advice, please contact a BAR
Professional Advisor partner.
Insurance
Basil Fry & Co Ltd
Tel: 01372 385 985
Email: broking@basilfry.co.uk
Website: www.basilfry.co.uk
Financial
Baker Tilly
Tel: 01923 657788
Email: BAR@bakertilly.co.uk
Website: www.bakertilly.co.uk
in association with
qualified specialist companies within the UK.
We are constantly looking at ways to support
our members businesses; therefore, if this
initiative proves to be a success, we will
develop the Professional Advisors Panel even
further into other relevant areas such as Health
& Safety and Environmental services.
Reason Global Insurance
Tel: 0845 602 1775
Email: info@reason-global.com
Website: www.reason-global.com
Legal
Backhouse Jones Solicitors
Tel: 01254 828300
Email: enquiries@backhouses.co.uk
Website: www.backhousejones.co.uk
 Addressing the Needs of our Members...

Preparing
MEMBERSHIP
for the
Future!
INITIATIVE

BAR Business Seminars

The Business Seminars are back! The theme for these seminars will be based around putting
measures in place to prepare your business for the future. Expert advice and invaluable guidance
focusing on enhancing your business will be given.
2009 Business Seminar Programme:
• How the Association will develop for the benefit of • Ensuring you have the right financial processes in place
members and the launch of major new initiatives - Budgetary control - Cash is King!
• Commercial benefits of the ‘Code of Practice’ - Refinancing - advice on debt restructuring
presented by a guest speaker from the OFT
- Asset finance - options in the current market
• Commercial benefits of Kitemarks presented by a • Launch of the new interactive BAR website
guest speaker from BSi
- Demonstrations of estimating system
• Insurance - review of policies best suited for your
- Sales lead referral
business, risk management and cost effective
premiums - Members trading area
• Launch of two new association special interest groups
• Formal launch of the Removals Apprenticeship
Scheme

Attendance is FREE (£20 contribution on the day to cover costs of refreshments and lunch)
There are a maximum of 25 places at each venue - Book online now at www.bar.co.uk/seminars.aspx to avoid disappointment.

Dates and Locations Seminar Agenda

Monday NORMANTON 10:30 • Arrival, registration
21st Sept 2009 Pickfords, Foxbridge Way, Normanton Industrial Estate, Normanton,
Yorkshire, WF6 1TN. Parking available on site. & refreshments

Tuesday WEST LOTHIAN 11:00-

22nd Sept 2009 Hilcroft Hotel, East Main Street, Whitburn, Livingston, West Lothian, EH47 0JU. • Business Seminar sessions
13.30
Parking available on site.
13:30 • Lunch
Wednesday BIRMINGHAM
23rd Sept 2009 Pickfords, Unit 2, Hurricane Park, Heartlands Parkway, Birmingham, B7 5PP. 14:00 • Panel Session Q&A
Parking available on site, however please note some parking is in the main
yard where high visibility jackets are required - please therefore ensure you 15:00 • Business Seminar concludes
bring your own jacket †.
There will also be the opportunity for one to
Thursday BRISTOL
24th Sept 2009 Robinsons International Removals Ltd, Aldermoor Way, Longwell Green, one sessions if needed.
Bristol, BS30 7DA. Parking available on site.
BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
Friday HAYES AS PLACES ARE STRICTLY LIMITED.
25th Sept 2009 Pickfords, Beaconsfield Road, Off Springfield Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 0SL.
Parking available on site. www.bar.co.uk/seminars.aspx

BAR
Membership
Initiative in
Association
MEMBERSHIP
INITIATIVE with:

BAR Business Seminars
The second round of BAR business seminars will be taking place during the third week
of September. If you took part last year, no doubt you’ve already booked your place –
if not, don’t miss out.
L
ast year the theme was business
turnaround and survival in a difficult
market. This year it will be much more
positive, focussing on being ready for the
turnaround now that the UK housing market
seems to have turned the corner.
The seminars will start with an in-depth
look at BAR’s strategy for the next five years,
how this will affect members, and how they
will benefit from exciting new initiatives. The
OFT will focus on tangible, down-to-earth
benefits of the Code of Practice to help BAR
members sell the Code to their customers;
and BSI will look at Kitemarks and their
importance as promotional tools. Insurance
will feature strongly in the seminar with
representatives from Basil Fry and Reason
Global looking at the policies that best suit
members’ businesses. BAR itself will take the
opportunity of launching two new special
interest groups that will provide significant
financial benefits to the membership; and
will announce the eagerly-awaited Removals
Apprenticeship Scheme that will provide a clear
career path for new recruits and existing
staff within the industry.
BAR’s new auditors, Wellers, will offer
BAR Business Seminar Dates 2009
Date
Monday 21st September 09
Tuesday 22nd September 09
Wednesday 23rd September 09
Thursday 24th September 09
Friday 25th September 09
BAR News
important financial information to members
including expert advice on budgetary control,
debt management and asset finance.
One subject not to be missed will be the launch
and demonstration of the new interactive BAR
website: a truly commercial site that will use
the Internet to provide customers with online
estimates and BAR members with high-quality
enquiries. By popular request, the site will
also have a members’ trading area that will
allow goods and services to be sold and
exchanged.
The seminars will be going around the whole “Why arent there more people here?”–
country to make access as easy as possible delegates at last year’s Edinburgh seminar.
You can be sure you don’t miss out this year
for everyone. What’s more there is no charge by booking your place now on the BAR
for the event, just a £20.00 contribution to website at: www.bar.co.uk/seminars.aspx
cover the cost of lunch. All the speakers are
providing their time and expertise free;
Pickfords and Robinsons have provided the
venues for four out of five dates (see below).
During the 2008 seminars, the overriding
comment was, “This is valuable information.
Why aren’t there more people here?” Make
sure you book your place now. There are only
25 places available on each seminar and it
will be first come first served. So don’t delay.
To book, go to www.bar.co.uk/seminars.aspx.
Venue
Normanton (Pickfords)
Livingstone (Hillcroft Hotel)
Birmingham (Pickfords)
Bristol (Robinsons)
Hayes (Pickfords)
August 2009 Removals & Storage 27
 BAR News
Action required on foreign
vehicles using British roads
T
he problem of foreign vehicles using
British roads without contributing to
their maintenance has vexed operators
for many years. David Trenchard of Britannia
Leatherbarrows has sent the letter below to
his MP who has spoken to his colleague on
the opposition front bench about the problem.
The argument would have a much louder voice
if all BAR companies sent a similar letter,
appropriately personalised, to their own MPs.
BAR recommends and supports this action.
Charging for road use in the UK for
foreign registered large goods vehicles
In the UK the government recoups the costs
of maintaining the roads and extending the
network by charging Commercial Road
Transport operators for the use of their
vehicles through a combination of part of the
tax collected on road fuels and part through
road fund tax charges.
In Europe the countries recover their costs
of operating their Road Networks as per these
examples:
1. BENELUX Vignette which covers
Luxembourg, Belgium, Denmark and The
Netherlands – this has to be purchased and
the costs depends on the number of days
spent in the region.
2. In Germany they collect electronically via
the use of the MAUT which records distance
travelled and type of Roads used.
3. In Switzerland they use the LSVA – this is a
28 Removals & Storage August 2009
combination of a daily charge based on vehicle
weight and a kilometre travelled charge and
this is achieved though the border agency
checking and recording the odometer reading
as the driver enters Switzerland and then
again on departure from the country and you
are charged a daily rate and a kilometre rate.
4. In France there is a rate charged to use all
the toll motorways.
5. Spain is similar to France where you pay a
toll on the Motorways based upon distance
travelled.
6. Austria makes charges which seem quite
expensive.
We assume these countries also fund their
roads from tax on road fuel as the difference
between what is paid in the UK and what is
paid across Europe in most countries is not
huge at all.
My own company, Leatherbarrows Removals
and Storage Limited, has for years paid huge
sums of money in tax and road use to
European countries whilst paying in full the
Road Fund Tax in the UK. During this time
we have seethed at observing countless
European trucks on the UK roads making no
contribution whatsoever, many of these trucks
have large fuel capacity and do not even have
to buy any fuel whilst in our country.
Road Transport Trade Associations and
others have pressed the UK government to
‘level the playing field’ and institute some
charges, promises have been made but no
proposals have been produced and no plans
are in place so far as we are aware.
As well as the frustration this creates within
the UK haulage business there is also the
question of the loss to the government of the
monies that could very easily be collected.
Our suggestion is as follows:
We would suggest that a simple structure of
charging is developed for example:
1. £5 per day or part of day when on UK soil –
any time between 0001am and 2400.
2. 10p per kilometre travelled on UK roads.
3. Plus a single £5 administration charge for
each journey into the UK.
We would suggest that this could be swiftly
implemented by delegating the collection of
this road usage tax to the ferry operators/
channel tunnel freight operator.
It may be possible to negotiate a nil
administration fee by allowing them to collect
the charges and submit three monthly in
arrears, payment to be by the last day of the
4th month – the use of tax funds would
compensate for administration charges and
also allow for any credit extended by them to
regular users for the ferry charges.
We would suggest that the odometer reading
is recorded by the ferry/train operator as any
foreign registered vehicle is booked into the
port for transport into the UK and again on
arrival at the UK Port for departure, the fees
are calculated and collected at that point or
added to the freight invoice.
HM Government Tax compliance/auditors
could easily carry out spot checks on specific
journeys to ensure that fees are properly
collected.
The above recommendation and this
document is supported by the British
Association of Removers.
 BAR News

Product of the Month

Digital Tachographs
On 1st May 2006, EC regulation No 561 made data has been archived correctly. This allows the
the fitment of digital tachographs mandatory in information that is stored on the smart card to
all new vehicles that require a tachograph. The be reviewed on screen and printed out as required
main difference with the digital system is that now by law. A handy instruction manual and
the data is held on a credit card-sized smart card training CD can also be purchased to help
that is then downloaded to the reader which is provide a better understanding of the software.
installed in your company vehicle. Information
For further details on any of the Siemens
regarding driver activity such as driving time,
digital tachograph products please contact
rests and breaks can be stored over as long as a
the BAR Services sales team on 01342 870087
twelve year period.
or email sales@ barservices.co.uk
BAR Services has always been a major supplier of
the original waxed paper tachograph system but
now a complete range of digital tachograph
products are also available on request. As well as
supplying the necessary Smart card reader, data
download key and digi-paper rolls, BAR Services
also hold stocks of the Solo+ analysis software
that is essential to ensuring that your drivers’

BAR Services Ltd, Moor Hall, Sandhawes Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 3HQ Tel: 01342 870087 Fax: 01342 870072 Email: sales@barservices.co.uk

Training Exclusive
to BAR

Payment Initiative Members

BAR Training Services offer members a payment initiative on all of our training
MAKING
courses. Training may be carried out at head office, on-site or using our mobile
TRAINING training unit.
AFFORDABLE Payment for training with a value of over £1,200 can be spread over four monthly
payments for your convenience.
To take advantage of this offer, a non refundable deposit of 30% must be paid with
your booking confirmation. Please see the example below:

Cost of course - £1,200

Date: Deposit Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 TOTAL
Payment: £360 £280 £280 £280 £1,200
(all figures quoted are subject to VAT)

For a full list of BARTS courses please visit the training section of the website at:
www.bar.co.uk

August 2009 Removals & Storage 29

 Training News

BARTS’ Commercial Moving Apprenticeship

F
rom 8th July, the BARTS Commercial
Training sub
Moving Apprenticeship qualification committee
structure was given a final ‘sign-off’ left to right:
Maureen O’Mara,
and Loren Webster, BARTS’ Training
Skills for Logistics;
Manager is in the process of applying for Kevin Mack,
government funding for the qualification. Company Moves;
The qualification will now be made up of Andy Carr,
Executive Move
3 levels: Solutions;
Rod Seeland,
Removals Apprenticeship BCL Moving;
Neil Rogers,
The Whittle Group;
Level 3 • Loren Webster,
Level 2 • BARTS Training
Manager;
Level 1 • Martyn Minker,
BARTS Training
Award Certificate Diploma Co-ordinator

BARTS has written the Award, Certificate and

Diploma in such a way that we comply with
all necessary requirements to be able to place
our qualification on to the ‘National Qualification
Framework’ and assign ‘credit levels’ to it. This
means that we can apply for the qualification
to be funded with government money.

BARTS partners with Moveman

BARTS are extremely proud to announce a fantastic new training
partnership with Moveman creators Enhanced Operating Systems Limited.

B
ARTS’ Practical Estimating course will items, just by tapping on the screen, no accurate information.
now include a short demonstration of typing is required. New items can be easily As well as collecting survey information
the latest cutting edge surveying added to the survey if they are not already on Moveman for TabletPC allows the surveyor to
technology. EOS has provided two TabletPCs the comprehensive database. The list of items show photos, give presentations or even show
to help train estimators using the system. can easily be modified to reflect assessments moving images, perhaps of jobs done in the past.
EOS provides systems and support for a of volumes and materials required for Chris Elson, Systems Consultant with
number of moving companies around the world. different standards of packing. Moveman, presented the TabletPCs to Loren
The company has used its experience to develop Once the survey is finished the customer Webster. Chris can be contacted on 0845
IT systems for the industry with regard to the signs directly onto the screen to confirm that 3376 799 or sales@eosuk.com. To book your
specific problems that need to be addressed. they are happy with the survey and the place on the BARTS Practical Estimating
One such product is MoveMan for TabletPC signature is stored permanently on the survey. course call BARTS on 01923 699484 or email
which the company describes as being ‘the The system allows survey reports to be training@bar.co.uk.
ultimate sales and survey solution’. Moveman produced by room, by condition, by mode or “MoveMan for TabletPC is the ultimate
for TabletPC provides accurate surveys with by service. Translated versions of the survey surveying tool designed to improve accuracy,
image capture (even movies) and the latest can also be printed. Operators can even print professionalism and efficiency. It will put you
handwriting recognition technology for speedy off a list of the materials that are required for a class above the rest, when used in partnership
data entry that allows companies to turn their the crew to take with them on the day. The with the Practical Estimating course from
sales forces into efficient, remote, paperless system can capture digital images of unusual BAR Training services,” said Chris Elson,
sales teams. The system can even create quotes items or property access to help give the crew Systems Consultant.
on the spot.
MoveMan for TabletPC turns the surveying Chris Elson
(left) and
of removals into a scientific process releasing
Loren Webster
sales staff to concentrate on selling. The
company says that it’s the only system of its
kind that offers a fully electronic survey to a
uniform standard with image capture and
electronic signatures from the client and
surveyor for a completely paperless survey.
Appointments synchronised from the
MoveMan Pro diary are available on TabletPC
and a new blank survey is raised. The large
format is easy to see and allows the operator
to select a room and enter items, from a
personally-defined list of commonly found

30 Removals & Storage August 2009

 BARTS BTEC Management
Qualification Programme 2009/2010

Courses Dates Prices

BTEC Award in Practical Estimating BAR Non
Member Member
The BTEC Intermediate Award in Practical
Estimating is a 2 day course that includes a
practical visit to 4 local properties. The course 10 & 11 Sept 2009
focuses on methods of estimating, selling
skills and communication techniques. Upon
completion of the course students will be 12 & 13 Nov 2009
£545 £654
required to pass an examination. Successful
students will be presented with a nationally +VAT +VAT
recognised BTEC qualification. 28 & 29 Jan 2010
*Please note examination fees are included in
course fee*

BAR Non
BTEC Award in Removals Management Unit1 Unit 2 (pt 1) Unit 2 (pt 2) Member Member
The BTEC Advanced Award in Removals
Management is a 2 unit course split into
3 blocks. The course content includes driver 21-23 19-23 18-20
hours, contract conditions, warehouse Sept 09 Oct 09 Nov 09
management, operational planning, insurance £1675 £1995
regulations and many more industry related
subjects. Upon completion of the course +VAT +VAT
students will be required to pass an 20-22 08-12 10-12
examination which will be held in March 2010. Jan 10 Feb 10 Mar 10
Successful students will be presented with a
nationally recognised BTEC qualification.

*Please note examination fees are included in

course fee*

Exclusive to BAR Members

Payments for training with a value of over £1,200 can now be spread over four equal monthly payments

All courses held at:

BAR Training Services
Tangent House
62 Exchange Road
Watford, WD18 0TG
T: +44 (0)1923 699 497
F: +44 (0)1923 699 481
E: training@bar.co.uk
 Training News

BARTS’ training statistics Preparing to

All training courses delivered by BARTS are evaluated; this information enables us to assess the different teach in the
Lifelong Learning
this is done to measure feedback from delegates. types of training courses, sessions and modules
All delegates who have attended a BARTS course we provide. Our aim is to consistently improve and

Sector (PTLLS)
said that the aims and objectives of the course develop our training offering to our members and
were fully explained and that they would recommend our whole training prospectus available. These are
the course to others. We invite all types of feedback, the results for training that has taken place this year:

A
s the planning and development of our
Will the training assist you with your job? What was your overall
satisfaction with the training?
Commercial Moving Apprenticeship
2% 1%
comes to it’s final stages and we move
7% 80% -
71% ever closer to our launch date, the BARTS
70% - Training sub-committee take up ‘PTLLS’
60% -
training (Preparing to teach in the Lifelong
26% 50% -
40% -
Learning Sector), this will enable us to provide
65%
30% - 25% the training needed to gain this exciting new
20% - qualification.
10% -
0% 1% 3% PTLLS (pronounced PETTLES) is a
0- qualification needed by anyone looking to
-

-
Low OK Acceptable High Very high Low OK Acceptable High Very high
teach an Apprentice (where the qualification
Did the Trainer satisfy your own training needs? How good was the Trainer’s
knowledge of the subject?
is publicly funded). This can be done over a
2% 1%
4% 90% - 82% very short time and provides the delegate with
80% - a Level 3 qualification.
70% - BARTS Training sub committee will be
60% -
training to become trainers and assessors for
28% 50% -
40% -
the Apprenticeship. BARTS Training Manager,
66% Loren Webster will conduct this training to
30% -
17% enable the BARTS’ Training sub-committee
20% -
10% - 1% 0% 0%
to gain this qualification as it is a necessary
0- part of the BARTS’ Training sub committee
-

Low OK Acceptable High Very high Low OK Acceptable High Very high
qualification project.

32 Removals & Storage August 2009

 INDUSTRY
SPECIFIC
TRAINING

Don’t sign up to Driver CPC until you pick up

the phone and speak to me!
TRAINING AVAILABLE
ON YOUR PREMISES.
CALL US: 01923 699484
BAR Training Services will be
bringing Driver CPC training to
your area on the following dates:

BAR Headquarters Watford 14-Sep-09 16-Nov-09 & 15-Feb-10

South West/Western Week Commencing: 21-Sep-09 & 23-Nov-09
South Wales/West Mids Week Commencing: 28-Sep-09 & 30-Nov-09
Southern/Sussex Week Commencing: 05-Oct-09 & 07-Dec-09
Yorks/North West Week Commencing: 12-Oct-09 & 11-Jan-10
Scotland/North Week Commencing: 19-Oct-09 & 18-Jan-10
East Mids/East Anglia Week Commencing: 26-Oct-09 & 25-Jan-10
East Met/Kent Week Commencing: 02-Nov-09 & 01-Feb-10
Northern Ireland Week Commencing: 09-Nov-09 & 08-Feb-10

Book your place NOW or for further

information contact BARTS on
01923 699484 or visit www.bar.co.uk
 External Affairs
News Roundup
If you have any news please send it to:
The Editor, Steve Jordan, Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd, 26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 9LD
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Glasgow
considering LEZ
Glasgow is currently considering the
introduction of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ)
to target lorries. The Scottish city recently
closed a consultation phase and responses
are now being collated for Councillors to
consider later this year.
Mont Blanc Tunnel –
rate increase
postponed
GEIE-TMB has announced that due to the
economic crisis affecting the road transport
industry, rate increases that were planned
to come into force on 1 July 2009 will be
postponed until 1 January 2010.
Emergency brakes
from 2013
HGVs will have to be fitted with advanced
emergency braking systems and lane-
departure warning systems under new EU
legislation coming into effect in 2013. As part
of the proposals, which were approved by
the European Parliament in Strasbourg in
March, mandatory electronic stability-
control systems will be phased in between
2011 and 2016. Member States have indicated
their support for the rules, making their
final approval by national governments a
formality. According to the regulation, from
November 2011 all new passenger car and
commercial vehicle models registered in
the European Union will have to be equipped
with the electronic stability control (ESC)
active safety system. From November 2014
this will then apply to all new vehicles. The
mandatory installation of ESC is part of a
comprehensive package of measures that
the European Union intends to implement
in order to increase road safety and reduce
fuel consumption. In addition to ESC,
predictive emergency braking and lane
departure warning systems will be
mandatory for commercial vehicles with a
gross weight of more than 3.5 tons and for
minivans and buses with more than eight
seats from November 2013 (new models)
and November 2015 (new registrations).
34 Removals & Storage August 2009
Your insurance
policy could be void
if you’re driving
with faulty tyres
With the Corporate Manslaughter Law and
Health & Safety Act now a major concern to
UK companies, the UK Law requires that
your vehicles are fitted with the correct type
and size of tyre required as recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer. If you drive
with damaged or worn tyres you could not
only be fined and in breach of your motor
insurance policy, but you could also be
endangering lives. The maximum penalty
for running illegal tyres has increased from
£5,000 to £20,000. It is essential for a
business to show it has regularly monitored
tyre condition and taken appropriate action,
plus keeping tyres at the correct pressures
will help cut fuel costs as well as prolonging
tyre life.
Regulations govern many aspects of tyre
condition, the following are the principal
points:
• Tyres must be suitable (ie, of the correct
type and size) for the use to which the
vehicle is being put and must be inflated
to the vehicle or tyre manufacturers’
recommended pressures;
• Tyres of different types must not be fitted
to opposite wheels of the vehicle (for example,
radial-ply tyres must not be fitted to a wheel
on the same axle as wheels already fitted
with cross-ply tyres and vice versa, and a
two-axle vehicle with single rear wheels
must not have radial-ply tyres on the front
axle if cross-ply tyres are fitted to the
rear axle);
• No tyre must have a break in its fabric or
a cut deep enough to reach the body cords.
No cut must be more than 25mm or 10% of
the tyre’s section width in length, whichever
is the greater;
• There must be no lump, bulge or tear
caused by separation or partial fracture of
its structure, neither must any portion of
the ply or cord structure be exposed.
Road toll increase
on motorways
in Slovenia
As of 1 July 2009, road tolls have increased
by 40% on all Slovenian motorways for
vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.
112: Commission says
EU single emergency
number must get
multilingual
Since December 2008, EU citizens can
contact emergency services from anywhere
in the European Union by dialling 112, the
EU-wide emergency number, free of charge
from both fixed and mobile phones. However,
only one in four Europeans knows that this
life-saving number exists in other Member
States and almost three in ten 112 callers
in other countries have encountered language
problems. The Commission, along with the
European Parliament and the Council, are
trying to spread the word about 112 and
push national authorities to make the EU’s
single emergency number more multilingual.
Romania’s road
network is a shambles
Romania has not built a single kilometre
of new road since its January 2007 EU
accession. The total length of the country’s
motorway network, which has a reputation
for poor surfaces, is only 53 km. In contrast,
Belgium has 1,763 km of motorways. Romania
is ranked second last in the EU for the length
of its motorways. At one extreme, Germany
has 12,531 kilometres, Spain 12,073 km,
France 10,842 km, Italy 6,554 km, the UK
3,670 km, Portugal 2,545 km, the Netherlands
2,604 km and Austria 1,678 km. The other
extreme features mostly Central and Eastern
European countries: Latvia has none,
Estonia has 99 km, Lithuania 309 km,
Bulgaria 394 km, Poland 583 km, the Czech
Republic 633 km and Hungary 785 km.
 External Affairs

August 2009 Removals & Storage 35

INTERNATIONAL & EUROPEAN
TRADE SPECIALISTS
Instant online Trade quotes
Visit the Trade Services page
Choose either International or European rates
then just enter the User ID & Password
User ID: simpsons Password: trade

www.simpsons-uk.com

01322 386969
HEAD OFFICE: Blue Hawk House, A1 Manor Way
Business Park, Manor Way, Dartford, Kent DA10 0PP

Memb No: S092

 And another thing ...

What a picture!
By WALLY WHINGER

Can you think of any subjects for our
grumpy old man to get his teeth into?
You can email him at:
david@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
G
eorge Orwell was right; it may have
taken a few years beyond 1984 to
arrive but the ‘Big Brother’ society is
now well and truly with us. Almost every
moment of our lives is being watched by
unseen eyes peering into screens, their
automaton owners reporting every detail back
to the modern equivalent of the ‘Thought
Police’ for any infringement of their petty
rules and regulations.
Okay I’ll admit it, I’ve just had something
through the post called a PCN (Penalty
Charge Notice) demanding £120 for allegedly
driving in a bus lane in north London, and
I’m not a happy chicken. Don’t get me wrong,
I know driving in a bus lane is a wicked thing
to do and I would never have knowingly
committed such a heinous crime, but we all
make mistakes occasionally, nobody died
and no bus was harmed as a result of my
incompetence.
These days, especially in London, we’re
all on a hiding-to-nothing when it comes to
traffic regulations; of course it’s all in the
name of safety and relieving congestion and
has nothing whatsoever to do with raising
cash – yeah right!
It’s being policed by cameras that I find so
infuriating. I also think it’s counter productive
when it comes to road safety and I’ll tell
you why.
Many years ago I was driving through an
Oxfordshire village in my Ford Capri XL 1.6
when I was pulled over by a police officer
and told that I’d been clocked at 42 MPH in
a 30 limit. In those days I was a bit of a
Jack-the-lad and didn’t care two hoots on
my air horns about speed limits, or for that
matter anything else about road safety.
The policeman pointed out very firmly that
driving a car was a privilege, not a right and
that as a qualified driver I had a responsibility
to drive responsibly and not to put peoples’
lives in danger. Having ticked me off he told
me that on this occasion he wouldn’t give
me a ticket, but to think very carefully about
what he’d said. I drove away very relieved, a
bit ashamed and with a very different
attitude to driving my then fairly flashy car.
I respected that policeman and the firm but
fair way he woke me up to the responsibilities
of driving. I bore him no resentment and
that man-to-man no nonsense talking-to he
gave me remains with me to this day … and
I’m a better driver for it.
I wonder if anyone getting a PCN through
the post today feels the same way about the
police and road safety?

Solution to July’s puzzle

We suspected that last month’s picture would be tricky but it proved to be almost impossible. Almost but not quite. Well
done to Stewart Gauntlet from Kelly’s International who spotted Rupert Morley straight away. You are this month’s
winner, Stewart.
This time it’s much easier: a regular face around conferences and Area meetings. There should be a flood of correct
answers this time. I’m told that if you squint at the picture it suddenly comes into focus. Helps too if you raise one eyebrow
and make a strange squealing noise at the same time. Not really, but it should give you hours of fun in the office trying.
Answers to Steve@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

August 2009 Removals & Storage 37

 More green shoots?

More green shoots?

Last month we highlighted some developments that gave us good
reason to believe that we might have seen the worst of the recession.

38 Removals & Storage August 2009

 More green shoots?
This month R&S continues the investigation by talking to some moving companies
about how they have been affected and what they are doing to get through.
Lynne Thomas spoke to McGimpsey Bros of Northern Ireland and M&G Transport of Solihull.
Matt Faizey
M&G Transport Ltd
Solihull
M
att was quite emphatic. “Well, why
should we be surprised? Optimism
had to happen eventually.”
To kick off his response he asked that readers
visualise the natural Great British instinct to
be depressed, see the worst, and expect bad
things to happen. “Visualise it, and put it in
an imaginary box, and lock it. Done that?
Good. Now, suspend your prejudgements and
read on.”
“We are already getting conditioned to the
‘fact’ that the recession kicked off with the
banking crisis in mid 2008. Now, as many in
our trade know this is utter tosh. For us, and
indeed I know for many others our ‘order
book’ was dwindling back in January 2007.
Indeed the quarter January to March 2007
was our worst ever start to the year. The
absolute highs of 2006 came crashing back
down with an almighty smack.”
He said that it’s a pretty much proven fact
that recessionary periods last for around four
years. Each recession has a period ‘in’ and a
period ‘out’. It’s a curve. “As someone who
avidly watches removal vehicle sales and prices
on eBay (I’m a wow at dinner parties), it’s
been very, very interesting watching what’s
been going on at such a basic indicatory level.”
He said that there had been some warnings.
As an example he quoted a move his company
had done in late 2006. “We moved a customer
who had taken a small loss on their property.
They had only been in six months, had
renovated and sold up. In all fairness a £20k
loss on a property worth over £1.1m isn’t
much but the simple fact they had been in
Of course if you don’t agree and you want to let us know what you think we welcome your views.
Please email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
a position where this had happened was
enough to signal a warning.”
He continued, “Over the course of 2007 we
started selling off vehicles we didn’t really
need. We started hammering suppliers. And
of course we had to reduce staff numbers.
Many people looked at me with that ‘are you
stark raving mad?’ expression. I have to
admit I did wonder myself. So, that’s how it
began. 2007 was not wonderful, 2008 was
dire, and the beginning of 2009 was even
worse. As we sit here now, we are half the
size we once were: a fact of which I am both
proud and ashamed.”
Matt said that his diary is now the busiest
it’s been since December 2006. “We are now
recruiting, and have bought some new vehicles.
The banks are getting stronger, and slowly
but surely the amounts of deposits required
for mortgages are getting lower. Just six
months ago 60% was about average, and now
we are reliably nudging 80%. The banks are
increasing profit margins by widening the
gap between base and lending rates which is
surely repairing their balance sheets. Therefore
they are lending more readily.”
He said that the ‘missing the boat’ mentality
is setting in, with people keen to accept offers
on their property, and others keen to buy at
the perceived bottom of the market. Plus, the
bonus of those selling into a much more active
market whilst believing prices will continue
to fall and so they move into storage. “At
present, I don’t have much to complain about.
Indeed I firmly believe that this might be the
start of a steady recovery. There may be fewer
people moving overall, but then there are
fewer companies out there to service the work.
Indeed this is graphically illustrated by what
seems to be a willingness by a majority of the
public to pay well for a quality service.”
“ At present,
I don’t have
much to complain
about. Indeed I
firmly believe
that this might
be the start of a
steady recovery.”
Matt Faizey
According to Matt, attitudes have changed.
“I think many are now realising that the
whole ‘money for nothing’ culture was a
sham. As such we are now looking to spend
money wisely. If that means paying sensible
money for something of proven quality then
that’s what will happen. However, paying
money out, without properly researching
where it’s going will I think become a thing of
the past for the next few years. And this can
only be good for quality companies with a
proven track record. Something we are
witnessing first hand.”
Campbell McGimpsey
McGimpsey Brothers (Removals) Ltd
Bangor, Co. Down Northern Ireland
C
ampbell said that, like the vast majority
of moving companies his company had
experienced its toughest trading period
in its 25 years in business. “We restructured
many aspects of our company to ‘ride the storm’
and we ‘anticipated’ (probably more of a guess)
that hopefully things would start to improve
by April 2009 ... but this didn’t happen!
However, in early May we definitely did start
to see some ‘green shoots’ of recovery and
since then this has been improving. However,
I do think it is going to be a slow prolonged
recovery, rather than an immediate turnaround,
and in respect of this I feel we all have to be
patient, keep our companies strong and keep
doing the basics and, hopefully, just hopefully,
2010 will be a great year for us all.”
He offered his congratulation to the whole
industry. “It is tough out there and I think
every moving company who is still here and
is still trading deserves a pat on the back for
getting through,” he said. “Roll on 2010!”
August 2009 Removals & Storage 39
 Interdean is 50

SEE
PAGE
48

Happy 50th birthday Interdean

B Then and now
eing the same age as Barbie Doll may and value. Quite simply, I want Interdean to
not at first glance seem to have much to be the first choice of relocation company for
Above: The day Viktor Bondarenko
recommend it but Interdean definitely multinational organisations and their
(fifth from the left) opened the Dean Van
has staying power. And just like the royal relocating employees.”
Lines office in Munich, Germany in 1959;
family, Interdean’s roots are in Germany. Dale Collins, the company’s CEO, is the man
Centre: When Ruud Gullit moved from
Dean Van Lines was owned by Viktor entrusted in realising that vision. “Our focus,”
PSV Eindhoven to AC Milan in the late
Bondarenko a Ukrainian-born entrepreneur, he says, “is to provide a service that our client
1980s he was the biggest player in Europe.
experienced in freight-forwarding with base needs and to do this consistently and
It was a prestigious move for Interdean.
international trade-links. He developed DVL better than anyone else.”
But Ruud wasn’t above lending a hand.
and secured the Interdean brand. He led the
According to the guys who worked on
company for 40 years before selling the
the move, he was one of the best clients
company in 1999 to Paul Evans.
they’d had: very friendly and got on well
During the 1960s offices were opened in
with the crew. He jokingly asked if there
Europe including those in Hamburg, Zurich,
was a place for him at Interdean – he seems
Hungary, Vienna and Brussels.
to be doing OK here;
Interdean was the first international moving
Bottom: Interdean today – (L to R) Dale
company to provide an international moving
Collins, Chief Executive; Alan Cartwright,
service in Russia when its offices opened in
Group Operations Director; and Rob
the US Embassy in Moscow at the beginning
Lucas, Managing Director UK
of the 70s. Interdean provided a regular service
in and out of the Soviet Union.
Throughout the 1980s Interdean developed
its IT capabilities, by replacing mainframes
with PCs. Interdean continued to keep pace
with advancements in technology, and then
something happened that would revolutionise
international business and relocation forever.
In 1989 Interdean embraced the World Wide Web
having seen the potential for this technology.
In the 1990s the global atmosphere changed
with Glasnost and Perestroika which marked
the end of communism in Europe. Then with
the fall of the Berlin Wall Interdean reacted
quickly by opening offices in 11 new locations
across Central and Eastern Europe.
What is Paul Evans’ vision for the future?
“Interdean is a respected brand in the relocation
industry and I want to make sure as the
owner that it is a brand that stands for quality

40 Removals & Storage August 2009


ON THE
RECORD
With O’Neil Software
I
t seems that everyone has been affected
in some way or another by the current
economic climate. However, amongst all
the doom and gloom, you may be surprised
to hear that there is at least one industry
that continues to grow and prosper. What’s
more, the removals and storage trade can
benefit. Charlotte Freestone from the R&S
caught up with O’Neil Software’s European
Sales Manager, Vanessa Taylor and European
Manager, Grant Jewsbury to see how
records management can become a real
source of revenue for removers.
Records management may appear to be a
million miles away from the removals
industry, but look a little deeper and you may
see that, in fact, the two can fit perfectly
hand-in-hand.
Vanessa explained, “A lot of our customers
are in the removal and storage industry and
have gone into records management. They’ve
moved into it because they have looked at
ways of diversifying when economic times
were hard and their business was quiet. And,
when you think about it, why not? Removal
and storage companies already have the
three main components of a records
management business: a warehouse, vehicles
and staff. All that is missing is the right
software, which is where O’Neil Software
comes in.”
O’Neil has been providing software and
hardware to the records management
industry for more than 25 years, to more
than 850 records centers, in over 70 countries.
The company’s products range from web
technology and wireless handhelds, to
portable printers and barcode tracking. All
have one thing in common: they are purposely
built for the records management sector.
With more than 30 years experience
between them in the industry, Grant and
Vanessa have seen it grow substantially.
Grant indicated, “We’ve seen the highs and
the lows. It’s amazing the amount of records
management companies that have come
along in the last couple of years. At the
moment, I doubt that we are anywhere near
getting halfway through what is available
for the industry. There are so many boxes
and files that people still have – the industry
is just going to continue growing, probably
for the next ten years.”
Changes in legal procedures, such as having
to keep certain documents longer, as well as
the high cost of office space have resulted in
a lot of companies storing their documents
off-site. In addition to this, many of the world’s
recent and greatest disasters have given
companies cause for concern. Consequently,
they’ve made the decision to avoid taking
any risks and now prefer to store their
records at another location. Whether it’s
terrorism or a natural disaster, if you keep
all of your business-critical information in
one building and it’s destroyed, that’s your
business gone.
Vanessa added, “The records management
industry seems to benefit from everything
bad that happens in the world. At the moment
we are in a recession so that has helped people
to lower their costs. Also a lot of companies
are going into liquidation but still have to
store their documents for seven years.”
Records management sounds like a good
industry to get into. But, in times of hardship,
can removal and storage companies really
afford to be looking to expand their business
into records management? This is where
O’Neil’s unique building block system makes
it easy.
For initial start-ups, O’Neil supplies a
barcode track and trace system for records
management. The software monitors all
records within a facility, to make sure
nothing is lost, and ensures correct billing
and charges for every service performed for
a customer. Grant noted, “We sell our software
in building blocks. They are designed to
handle the needs of everyone, from start-ups
to multi-facility record centres. Every
company has the same technology tools so
they can compete on a level playing field. We
are really selling the software at a fraction
of the price, because we make it up over
time. As companies grow, they buy the next
block up. We invest in them because we want
them to prosper and then we make our
money over a five to seven year period.”
This is a concept that has clearly worked
for O’Neil as, despite the so-called recession,
last year was their most successful year-to-
date, with this year being only marginally
behind. Grant estimates that as a software
provider to the records management industry,
they hold a market share of around 50%.
He believes that part of this success,
particularly over the last couple of years,
O’Neil Software interview
O’Neil Software’s
European Manager
Grant Jewsbury
(left) and European
Sales Manager
Vanessa Taylor
has been because removal and storage
companies predicted the downturn and
diversified into this virtually recession-
proof industry, to boost their income.
“The commercial removal and storage
companies were the ones to embrace it
initially,” indicated Vanessa. “They saw
rooms full of boxes and documents while
packing up clients’ offices and were
occasionally asked if they know of anyone
who can manage them. That’s often how
they got into records management. We do
have some domestic movers who expanded
into this business as well. They saw it as
another revenue stream.”
With this increasing interest in records
management by the removal and storage
industry, O’Neil’s BAR affiliate membership
has resulted in significant access to a whole
raft of potential customers. This year’s BAR
conference gave them the perfect opportunity
to meet and advise this sector on how to
make records management a workable and
lucrative part of their business. Grant
explained, “Because there were fewer booths
at the conference this year, we had the
chance to really talk to people about what
they want to achieve in their business.”
But it isn’t all work and no play at the BAR
conferences. Vanessa says, “The social side
of BAR is really good for catching up with
people. It’s nice to sit with a glass of wine in
a relaxed environment and talk about things
the way they are. It’s not a huge sales pitch
from our point of view.”
So, if there were ever any doubts as to
whether the records management industry
is a good business to get into, the current
economic climate and market potential
should lay these to rest. Records management
appears to be a feasible sector from which
the removal and storage industry can prosper.
Grant concluded, “There is no easy or quick
end in sight to the current recession. Based
on previous cycles, it is going to be four or
more years before the economy bounces
back and gets going again. Removal and
storage companies have got to do something
in the interim, if they want to survive and
thrive. Records management is a great option.
It is easy to diversify for people in the removal
and storage industry and I expect to see quite
a number of these businesses expanding in
the days ahead.”
August 2009 Removals & Storage 41
 Twitter.com
I
’ve just discovered the delights of Twitter,
my latest excursion into the
uncharacteristically modern world of social
networking. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m no
technophile. In fact, beyond the essential 21st
century requirements of operating a PC I know
nothing about computers nor do I have any
particular desire to find out. I have a chap,
called Rod, who comes round every time
something doesn’t work properly and … mends
it (if that’s what one does with a computer).
So no, I’m definitely not a whiz with the
technical stuff but, for some reason, Twitter
has got a hold on me. Maybe, if you dally long
enough in the region of http://twitter.com/ it
might grab a hold of you too.
I’ve tried other things. Linkedin seemed like
a good idea but somehow it just didn’t catch
my imagination. Facebook is OK for sharing
photos with friends but I haven’t quite worked
out yet how you convert that into a business
tool. I like YouTube but have restricted my
use to watching rather than contributing
even though I know I really should make
more effort, in my role as a PR man, as it can
be a really good way of improving your
Internet rating. In fact I am reliably informed
that there are hundreds of social networking
sites, most of which I have never heard of and
trust they will disappear without a trace
without them ever coming to my attention.
But Twitter …
Twitter is fundamentally daft. It allows
participants the opportunity of sending a
message to a continually growing list of people,
most of whom they have never met, will never
meet and have no interest in meeting. Now
here’s the sting: you’ve only got 140 characters.
That is about as many characters as I have
managed to include into this very sentence
specifically to demonstrate how few one
hundred and forty characters really is. Not
many is it! What could you possibly say? Why
would you want to bother?
Sign up to Twitter and you’ll not be much
wiser. I wasn’t. People like to explain what
they are doing with tweets (that’s the proper
term apparently) such as. ‘Just off to the pub
where I’m hoping to meet Fred and his dog
Albert. Nice dog that Albert.’ And such drivel.
Who cares? Apart from Fred and possibly
Albert of course. Answer – not a soul.
42 Removals & Storage August 2009
Are you a twit?
By Steve Jordan
But there’s a bit more to it than that. Be a
bit more cunning and it all begins to make
more sense. Switch the Fred and Albert tweet
to: ‘I’m just off to the pub where I’m hoping to
meet Fred and his dog Albert. They are moving
to Australia and I said I’d ship their stuff for
them.’ Suddenly you’ve converted a mindless
‘who cares’ into a rather clever sales message
that just might be read by someone who does
care … someone who is also moving to
Australia and needs some help too. Chances
are, of course, that it won’t … but, for some
reason, it’s great fun trying.
I suspect it’s a bit like doing the lottery (not
that I’ve ever bought a ticket you understand).
You know there’s no chance of winning but
it’s quite exciting knowing that there is just
the outside chance that, one day, you will.
On Twitter you build up your own little
band of followers. People who hang on your
every word just waiting for you to give them a
Twitter is fundamentally
daft. It allows participants
the opportunity of sending
a message to a continually
growing list of people,
most of whom they have
never met ...
clue about what you do for a living so they can
send you cheques. Well, not quite. It’s a bit
like listening to a hubbub of conversation in a
crowded room. Just occasionally you might
hear someone say something interesting and
you can jump in with a pithy comment or a
helpful suggestion. Most of the time, of course,
it’s just a mindless racket.
But you can do a few things to improve your
chances. You can build your merry band of
followers by following other people. I’ll follow
you so you can now follow me. Aren’t we great
friends now! To build your network of followers
more quickly you can employ a short cut. It’s
called Twellow. It’s like a Yellow Pages for
Twitter … hence Twellow. Good name! Go onto
Twellow and look up all the people who are
in, for example, the facilities management
business … then follow them. Before you know
it, they’ll be following you. Then when you
tweet: “Moved an office of 300 people over the
weekend. Everyone happy.’ They might sit up
and take notice. If you add a link to your
website onto your tweet you just might find
them clicking through and – presto! You’re
in business.
Now I know it’s crazy. The chances of anyone
responding to your call seem pitifully small.
But those who are really sold on Twitter (I’m
just considering a flutter you understand)
maintain that it’s brought them loads of
business. I have a friend, with over 1000
followers (big head) compared to my miserly
38, runs his whole business on enquiries from
Twitter. Stephen Fry famously tweets wherever
he goes. I even got a few from Prince Charles
the other day.
So is it possible that all these people are
wrong? Well, in a word, yes. They, and I, might
well be barking. But, 25 years ago I remember
telling a fax machine salesman to go away
because it would never catch on. I wrote an
article, not many years ago, entitled ‘Do we
really need email?’. I have a book, written in
1982, in which experts from all areas of
business and science make their predictions
for the future: not one of them predicted the
invention of the mobile phone or the Internet.
Daft though Twitter undoubtedly is, do
you really want to be left behind if it turns
out to be the next big thing in marketing
communications? Probably not. And just look
what happened in Iran a few weeks ago, when
people were rioting because of the election
results the only way information got out of
the country was through Twitter. It’s already
revolutionised journalism. You might as well
give it a try.
As I said at the top of this article, I am no
expert. I am sure that there are all kinds of
other clever little wrinkles that can be used
in Twitter to make it more commercial. One
day, when I have a week or two to spare, I
might find some of them. Meanwhile, I’ll carry
on tweeting here and tweeting there in the
forlorn hope that one day another little tweet
(or is it twit?) will hear my call and respond
with bags of gold coin. Wouldn’t it be nice.

An inspector calls
W
ith HM Revenue & Customs’
extended powers now in place,
which include the right to enter
business owner’s homes, new research
reveals that one in five of the UK’s small
businesses are living in of fear being
investigated. Entrepreneurs say the threat
of an investigation is more stressful than
moving house (14%) or even starting up the
business (17%) and for more than one in ten
(13%), the worry causes sleepless nights.
With entrepreneurs already struggling
with the recession, the poll highlights that
the new inspection powers will add to the
pressure business owners are under. Of the
32% of small businesses that have experienced
an investigation, nearly half (48%) said it
was very disruptive to their business, 35%
said it wasted a lot of time and one in five
(17%) found it difficult to concentrate on
managing their company during the process.
According to the research, businesses in
the North East are the most concerned
about being investigated, with nearly half
(45%) fearful of a visit from HM Revenue &
HMRC inspections
Customs, double the national average. In Instead, if investigated, nearly a third
addition, the common perception that women (31%) would have to pay for advice out of
are more organised than men is reflected by personal savings, a quarter (23%) would
the fact that female entrepreneurs don’t find have to use business savings and 23% would
a tax inspection as troublesome as their rely on profits.
male counterparts; 28% of women say it is HM Revenue & Customs is putting an
disruptive compared to 53% of men, and increasing amount of resource into
25% said time was wasted compared to 37% compliance in the SME sector. Dealing with
of men. a HMRC investigation can be disruptive, a
As part of the new powers, which came distraction from running a business as well
into force on 1 April 2009, HM Revenue & as costly. The average cost of investigation
Customs has the right to enter the homes of for a small business can be as much as £5,000.
the thousands of business people and sole
traders who claim expenses for ‘use of home
as an office’ to inspect their business records.
This power includes visits to any business
premises, including any part of a residential
home used as an office.
Despite the research showing that small
firms fear an inspection and find it a cause
of constant concern, many business owners
overlook the cover available that will provide
peace of mind in the event of an investigation.
Only 18% of SMEs have commercial or legal
protection insurance, which would cover the
legal expenses in the event of a dispute.
August 2009 Removals & Storage 43
• Our new web based service
www.evl-rates.co.uk for easy
and immediate online quotes
• We guarantee a fast, efficient and
competitive quality service

We can offer quotes on the

following services:
• FCL (full container load
single shipper)
• Groupage
• Airfreight

Australia, USA, Canada

New Zealand, South Africa
Cyprus, Malta, Dubai
Turkey, Bulgaria
Canary Islands

Memb. No: E007

European Van Lines International Ltd

Unit 6, Lakeside Industrial Estate, Colnbrook, Berks, SL3 0ED, UK
T: 01753 561490 F: 01753 680018 E: trade@evl.co.uk

The Ten-Ratio Rationale
By Graham Cawley, retired financial consultant
Without a doubt, successful businesses are
made by good management, which in turn,
reflect skill factors relating to marketing and
selling, purchasing and ‘production’, customer
relations and also, financial control.
Many such skills are acquired from
experience, while business perception is
a proven quality of a successful manager.
But good management is also reliant on
information. Owners and managers must be
kept informed, and this is where ratios can
be of great assistance - particularly in the
area of financial control.
Be warned, however, ratios are not a
substitute for sound management. Remember
the caveat, “figures can be used to prove
anything”. Caution needs to be exercised
while appreciating that ratios can certainly
help and inform. They can also provide
valuable trends, possibly the most important
aspect of management information.
With these notes of caution in mind, use
these ten specific ratios to help provide a
key for the pursuit of profitable business,
whether operated by a limited company,
partnership or sole trader.
Gross Profit Margin
Gross Profit x 100
=%
Sales
This is the key ratio of most businesses,
measuring performance and efficiency at the
prime level of operations. It is arrived at by
deducting the cost of sales (stock and labour)
from the sales, and then expressing the result
as a percentage of sales.
Improvement can be achieved either by
increasing sales or by reducing costs or, of
course, by doing both. Comparing the gross
profit margin over a number of years can prove
to be extremely revealing.
Turnover does not mean everything. Any
benefit from higher sales can soon be eliminated
if the best prices are not negotiated for stock,
or if poor care is taken over waste. Similarly,
high wage rates or little control of overtime can
so easily offset the efforts of the person selling.
Operating (or trading) Profit Margin
Operating Profit x 100
=%
Sales
This is clearly another significant ratio which
must also be carefully monitored. It reflects
the expenses incurred in running a business,
but before interest charges, drawings and
exceptional items are taken into account.
Many survived the recession because they
pruned expenses to the core. Certain
expenditure is fixed, such as rent and rates,
but wasteful use of power, telephone and
promotional material should be eliminated to
improve operating profit.
Pre-tax Profit Margin
Profit before Tax x 100
=%
Sales
This represents the profits bottom line before
tax. It is the measure of profit earned on sales,
after deducting such things as finance charges
and bonuses.
Finance charges can be critical. If a
business is undercapitalised, a significant
borrowing might be required. Once taken,
such indebtedness with its interest charges,
can influence profits enormously. Many viable
enterprises which were set up ten years ago,
subsequently encountered great difficulty
following swingeing increases in bank
base rates.
The Current Ratio
Current Assets
= :1
Current Liabilities
This ratio provides an indication of a
business’s ability to pay its way. This means
using current assets to meet day-to-day
expenditure, without having the need to sell
fixed assets or raise long term finance.
This particular ratio must be viewed with
care. Although current liabilities should
almost invariably be treated as short-term
commitments, such “short-termism” may not
always apply to current assets. For instance,
creditors expect to be paid on time, while
bank overdrafts are technically repayable on
demand. Current assets may include items
which could have little actual value, while
stock may not be able to be turned easily into
cash. This is why the Current Ratio should
be viewed alongside that of the following
Acid Test.
The Acid Test Ratio
Cash + Debtors
+ Readily Realiseable Investments
= :1
Current Liabilities
This ratio is all about a business’s liquidity.
Most liabilities are settled by cash in hand and
from debtors. So a business which has a high
proportion of its current assets tied up in stock,
could be vulnerable to pressing creditors.
In assessing this ratio, the underlying quality
of debtors will certainly be significant as will
be their ability to pay on time.
Business ratios
Stock Turn
Stock x 365
Sales
= Days Stockholding
This ratio indicates the speed with which a
business turns over its stock. The faster, the
better, is the general rule, provided that
stocks are not kept too low to the detriment
of customers.
Accuracy in assessing the end of year stock
level is important and it should be representative
of the average position for the year as a whole.
Credit Given
Debtors x 365
= Days given
Sales
This reflects debtor control, something which
must be given priority. Until debtors are turned
into cash, creditors may have to go wanting.
Again, the trend of this ratio may prove
quite revealing.
Credit Taken
Creditors x 365
= Days taken
Purchases
Generally speaking, the more credit that can
be taken, the better, provided it is within the
terms of trade. Deliberately withholding
payments to suppliers may well rebound should
future supplies become scarce. A good
reputation for prompt payment should certainly
help at such times and such a policy ought to
be a prime objective of any businessman.
Debt: Equity Ratio
Total Borrowings
= :1
Net Worth
This ratio reveals a business’s “gearing”. That
is, the amount which has been borrowed in
relation to a proprietor’s funds. Proprietor’s
funds are effectively the “net worth” of a
business, being the difference between total
assets and total liabilities. A highly-geared
business is one where the proportion of
borrowed money is high and normally, it is
preferable to be as low geared as possible.
Bankers, for instance, would not wish to see
this ratio at any more than 1:1.
Return on Capital Employed
Profit before Tax x 100
=%
Net Assets
This ratio measures a business’s profit against
the resources under its control. If the outcome
is to be meaningful, accuracy is essential, such
as with the valuations of fixed assets and stock.
Any owner, or investor, wants to know what
return has been achieved on his investment.
This ratio certainly provides an overall view
of the strength of a business.
August 2009 Removals & Storage 45
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E-mail: sales@trafalgarcases.com Web: www.trafalgarcases.com
 Diary Dates

Diary Dates
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BAR AREA MEETINGS 2009 West Midlands Area
CONFERENCES 2009 Contact Sarah Pargeter, Area Secretary,
East Anglia Area for details - 01384 377786
FEDEMAC Annual General Assembly Unless otherwise stated, September 9 –
Brussels, Belgium meetings will be held at:
Attendance limited to FEDEMAC Board The Flying Fortress, Mount Rd, Gt Barton, Western Area
Members and General Secretaries/ FEDEMAC Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 2QU Contact Ria Russel, Area Secretary,
Representatives from each of the 25 National Tel: 01284 787655 for details - 01278 447099
Association/Member Countries September 8 7.30pm September 15 –
November 20-22 2009 October 13 7.30pm
Norfolk meeting, venue TBA Northern Area
BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE November 10 7.30pm Contact David Pearson, Area Secretary,
MEETINGS 2009 December 7.30pm for details - 01609 748419
Christmas Dinner, date and venue TBA
Executive Committee North West Area
September 16 East Midlands Area Contact Annette Harris, Area Secretary,
November 25 Meetings will be held at: for details - 0161 653 4455
Lady Anne’s Hotel, Stamford September 17 –
National Council September 16 7.00pm November 12 –
October 13 November 18 7.00pm December 10 –

Overseas Group East Metropolitan Area Yorkshire Area

October 27 Meetings will be held at: Further information from Area secretary
The Archers, Main Road grahamP@reason-global.com
Commercial Moving Group Gidea Park, Romford, Essex September 16 7.00pm
October 15 September 14 8.00pm Venue TBA
November 9 8.00pm Speaker TBA
LEISURE AND SOCIAL EVENTS 2009 November 18 7.00pm
Kent Area Venue TBA
CMG GOLF DAY Meetings will be held at: Reg Hackworthy, Senior Vice President, BAR
Marriott Forest of Arden The George Inn, The Street, Molash
Golf Complex near Birmingham near Canterbury, Kent, CT4 8HE
Golf and dinner costs £110 (01227 740323) BAR SCOTTISH AREA
To book contact Kevin Mack, September 15 7.30 - 8.00pm MEETINGS 2009
Company Moves Ltd October 20 7.30 - 8.00pm
39 Invincible Road November 17 7.30 - 8.00pm Meetings will be held at:
Farnborough, Hants GU14 7QU December TBC 7.30 - 8.00pm Hilcroft Hotel
September 29 Whitburn
New Met Area September 8 –
September 8 – November 10 –
Meeting being held at Luxfords of Weybridge

Do you have any diary dates?

Email them to rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

August 2009 Removals & Storage 47

 Feature Schedule

Feature
Schedule
2009
Every month Removals & Storage
includes a number of feature items.
These are planned well in advance to
allow members of and suppliers to
the industry to join in.
Here’s what’s coming up later
this year.

September 2009
Environmental issues are always being aired
but what is happening currently in the world
of removals? What have you heard about
that pleases you? What have you heard that
annoys you? Do you think that all the rules
and regulations that affect your company
and removals in general are costing your
company too much in both monetary and
time terms?

Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk or
phone Lynne Thomas on 01494 562266

Title: Interdean’s first office Sent by: Interdean

It’s all there, in embarassing reminders of the haircuts we

black and white
Nothing can visually evoke the past quite
like old photographs. They tell us about
where we are now by showing us where
we came from. Whether that just means
had as teenagers, or something more
significant, like this picture of Interdean’s
very first, and at the time only, office.
Compare this image of Victor Bondarenko
and his nine members of staff with the size
and breadth of Interdean’s operation
today and you have an instant perspective
on 50 years of one organisation’s growth
and development.
Photos of the Month are chosen for what
they contribute to a story and this is a
great example. Time to dust off those old
albums, I think.

48 Removals & Storage July 2009

 BAR Memberships

BAR Memberships August 2009

Registered Clockwork Removals Ltd
The following members have registered: Memb No: C102
724 Tudor Estate
Branch
Abbey Road
The Removal Company (Scotland) Ltd London
Unit 3 Riverpark Industrial Estate NW10 7UN
Bridge Street Tel: 020 8838 5566
Linwood Web: www.clockworkremovals.co.uk
PA3 3DW
Additional Trading Names
Tel: 01505 382 838
Web: www.movinghouse.org.uk Ace Removals and The Careful Company
ATNs of The Removal Company (Scotland) Ltd
International Associate
Unit 3 Riverpark Industrial Estate
Voerman International, Moscow Bridge Street
Proektiruemy Proezd 5167 Linwood
House 9 bld.1 PA3 3DW
119619 Moscow Tel: 01505 382 838
Russia Web: www.movinghouse.org.uk
Tel: + 7 495 937 6909
Resignations
Web: www.voerman.com
BAR is sorry to lose the membership of the
Applications following company whilst thanking them for
BAR has received the following their past support:
applications for:
National Group
National Group
Fords Removals, Lancing
Alness Removals & Storage Memb No: F043
12 River Drive
Corrections and Clarifications
Alness Industrial Estate
IV17 0PG 2009 List of Members
Tel: 01349 882388 Please note the following corrections to
Web: www.alnessremovals.co.uk entries in the 2009 List of Members:
Commercial Moving Group Kilmarnock Removals International,
Kilmarnock (East Ayrshire)
Harkers Removers & Stores Ltd
incorrectly listed as
Memb No: H085
Kilmarnock Removals International,
De Vere Building
Glasgow (Strathclyde)
Riverside Road
Southwick Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd, Kilmarnock
Sunderland (East Ayrshire) incorrectly listed as
Tyne and Wear Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd,
SR5 3JG Glasgow (Strathclyde)
Tel: 0191 549 1194 Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd, Edinburgh
Web: www.harkersremovers.co.uk (East Lothian) incorrectly listed as
Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd, Tranent (Scotland)
McGimpsey Bros (Removals) Ltd, Belfast
(Northern Ireland) incorrectly listed as
McGimpsey Bros (Removals) Ltd,
Bangor (Northern Ireland)

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

Your story or event could be

FRONT PAGE NEWS!
Did you know that the R&S front page is available to book for just
£945 + VAT? If you have some interesting news to share or maybe a
special event planned, then why not tell everyone about it in style
via the front page of the R&S? You’ll also get a write-up in the
magazine to accompany it. If you’re interested in making a
booking then please e-mail: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

August 2009 Removals & Storage 49

 TRADE SERVICES

Channel Islands Ireland Isle of Man

Scotland/Europe

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Sweden and Scandinavia

Scotland and Islands

Established 1990

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Austria

North West

50 Removals & Storage August 2009

 TRADE SERVICES

France

France
• Weekly services and competitive rates
• Single Items, part loads, full loads
• 120 cubic metre modern Road Trains
• Tranship & Hoist services available H081

• Collection from your To downl

depot or clients www.ham oad our tariffs visi
iltonsr t:
residence available Usernam emovals.co.uk
Password: e: Trade
Ham662

H A M I LTO N S
N AT I O N A L & I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E M O VA L S
Contact our European department on 01379 851074
trade@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

France (continued) Germany and Austria Cyprus

WH HUMPHREY & SON LTD Regular Trade

Services to
SOUTHERN
CYPRUS
Weekly Groupage Service & all other major
destinations
OVERSEAS
REMOVER

Full origin and destination Advance

Payment
Guaranteed

services available. Full & part loads Memb No: GO13

German speaking staff Call Stuart, Sami or Jeremy on

Contact Darrel or Justin
Tel: 01923 210669 • Fax: 01923 250355
01432 377477
fax: 01432 279894
Email: Darrelb@humphreys-moving.com email: shipping@gbliners.com

United Arab Emirates Cyprus and Malta

Regular Trade
Services to
UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES
Dubai, Sharjah � Weekly Services to
North and Southern Cyprus, Malta,
and Abu Dhabi
OVERSEAS

Egypt, Israel, Dubai, Morocco,

REMOVER

Advance
Payment
Guaranteed

Full & part loads Memb No: GO13 Canary Islands, Lebanon and Tunisia.

Call Stuart, Sami or Jeremy on

Contact Darrel or Justin
01432 377477 Tel: 01923 210669 • Fax: 01923 250608
fax: 01432 279894 Email: Darrelb@humphreys-moving.com
email: shipping@gbliners.com

August 2009 Removals & Storage 51

 TRADE SERVICES

Spain

France - Spain - Portugal - Italy

Weekly Service for the Trade
Call now for best rates
PRESTON 01772 651570
WEEKLY
Eastern Europe

��������
• WEBBS INTERNATIONAL REMOVALS S.L.
• WEEKLY SCHEDULED SERVICE
�������
• RATES FROM £1.95pGBP PER CUBIC FOOT
• NO VAT ! • PRICE GUARANTEE
��������
• INFORMATIVE WEBSITE �����
www.william-worldwide-webb.com
UK Office: Tel: 01843 585055
������
Email: sales@webbsremovals.com
Mallorca Office Tel: 0034 971 693566
Email: webbs@spain.cc REGULAR

�����
��������
REMOVALS & STORAGE
������ Worldwide

TRADE SERVICES IN SPAIN ������

UK TO SPAIN – WEEKLY SERVICE
(rates from £1.55 per Cu ft)
CONTAINERISED STORAGE IN SPAIN
PORTER/TRANSHIP VEHICLES
DESTINATION & ORIGIN SERVICES
FULLY TRAINED
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
For more information contact
MAT FORD-DUNN
0034 968 654 757
matfd@telefonica.net
Instant online trade rates
www.puriasimpact.com
Trade Rates
to Europe
Regular Services to all Major
Destinations Worldwide
����������������� Receiving in Windsor & Stourbridge
����������������� ������������� Contact Mike, Chris or Steve on
01633 488 100
���������������������������� trade@fox-moving.com
������������������������������

52 Removals & Storage August 2009

 TRADE SERVICES

Switzerland

Switzerland
• Weekly services and competitive rates
• Single Items, part loads, full loads
• 120 cubic metre modern Road Trains
• Tranship & Hoist services available H081

• Collection from your

To downl
depot or clients www.ham oad our tariffs visi
residence available iltonsrem t:
Use rnam ovals.co .uk
Password: e: Trade
Ham662

H A M I LTO N S
N AT I O N A L & I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E M O VA L S
Contact our European department on 01379 851074
trade@hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

Italy

ITALY
• Regular runs to all areas • Full or part loads
TRADE • Receiving depot 10mins from M25 J5 ...or we collect
ROUTES • All deliveries and collections carried out by our own crews
TO
Phone Paul for advice and genuine delivery/collection times
paul@bearsbyremovals.co.uk
-AND OF
COURSE FRANCE EN
ROUTE 01732 358900 ‘WHEN SERVICE MATTERS’
Caribbean Health and Safety Training

Australia and New Zealand Computers and Internet

To Australia &
New Zealand
����������������������������������
Atlantis Overseas Removals
Receiving Birmingham
and Leeds Warehouse Containers

������ john@atlantisltd.co.uk
������ 01132 789191
������������0121 451 1588

August 2009 Removals & Storage 53

 TRADE SERVICES

Trade Storage

Premier Storage
in London @ £5.75 per week
• A modern brand new storage facility with easy
access to the M25, M1 & Central London
• 250 cu ft storage containers
• Palletised and archive storage
• Opening and retrieval 0700-1700
• Weekends on request
• 24hr security, CCTV, Red Care
monitoring System

Contact Gary Mills 0208 976 2116

Email: storage@premiermoves.co.uk

www.tradestorage.co.uk
We are not a removal company or
your competitor, you are our clients
on which our business depends.
They say that imitation is a form of
flattery - but there is only one
Trade Storage Limited.
sales@tradestorage.co.uk
London or Swindon
0208 795 4838 or 01793 731696

Trade Groupage

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

THE PIANO
SPECIALISTS
A family run business, Est. in 1968.

LOCAL MOVING • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

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

Mem. No G005

100 BOLLO LANE, CHISWICK, LONDON W4 5LX

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8994 9733 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8995 0855
Email: info@gandrremovals.co.uk www.gandrremovals.co.uk

External Elevators

54 Removals & Storage August 2009

 TRADE SERVICES

Trailer Hire

TRAILER HIRE
From car trailers to 3200 cubic feet
stepframes, 8 container
curtainsiders unsignwritten haulage
available too. (UK and Europe).
www.tradestorage.co.uk/trailers Your news or
event could be
020 8795 4838 or 01793 731696
FRONT
PAGE
NEWS!
Did you know that
the R&S front page
is available to book
for just £945 + VAT?
If you have some
interesting news
to share or maybe
a special event
planned, then
why not tell
everyone about
it in style via the
front page of the
R&S? You’ll also
get a write-up in
the magazine to
accompany it. If
you’re interested
in making a
booking then
please e-mail:
rands@thewords
workshop.co.uk

August 2009 Removals & Storage 55

 CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale
Removals/storage and self store
70, 250 ft3 wooden (available together/separately)
storage containers, 20,000ft2, Hampshire established
as new £85 each + VAT 35 years, BAR, ongoing commercial/
Telephone 0121 702 2770 residential work. Excellent reputation.
or 07939128820 01962 774233

MONEY TIGHT?
RESTRUCTURING?
RETIRING?
Cadogan Tate has cash available for the acquisition of
moving businesses, with storage only, within 50 miles of London.

We are also interested in just purchasing your containerised

or archive storage contracts leaving you free to run your
moving business successfully with some cash in hand,
or we can provide you with a HIGHLY competitive
trade storage deal to reduce your operating costs…
We can proceed quickly and are flexible, fair and professional,
and will respect your confidence.

Call or email Jonathan Hood 0778 526 2000

or jhood@cadogantate.com
or Paul Haynes 0797 157 7997
p.haynes@cadogantate.com

FOR SALE
FOR SALE Volvo FH12-380
Prime Mover
Volvo FL6, 1997,
20 Tonne, LEZ Exempt with Tri-axle Drawbar Trailer,
1 Year’s MOT, 40 Tonne, LEZ Exempt
2400 cu ft 1 Year’s MOT,
Removal Van with 4200 cu ft
side pallet doors. Removal Van.
Choice of 2. Choice of 5.
Tel: 01474 834884 Tel: 01474 834884

SELL IT OR

FIND IT WITH A
LINEAGE AD
FOR JUST

£2.10
+VAT

PER WORD

56 Removals & Storage August 2009

 CLASSIFIEDS

BOOK YOUR FIND THE

CLASSIFIED RIGHT PERSON
QUARTER PAGE FOR THE JOB
ADVERTISEMENT

MONO:
£414
FOR +VAT

COLOUR:
£491
FOR +VAT

Advertise your job vacancies in

Contact Marianne Lee
Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099
Email:marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Removals & Storage magazine
Call Marianne Lee on:
01908 695500
or email: marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

August 2009 Removals & Storage 57

 CLASSIFIEDS

BOOK YOUR
CLASSIFIED
QUARTER PAGE
VEHICLE
SALES
ADVERTISEMENT
OFFER!
MONO: THIS FOR SALE

£414
Make and Model
FOR +VAT
SPACE
Marsden Vanplan
X container,
new MOT to June
XX XX,

PLUS
full service histo
ry XX XX Xkm.
Feature, feature,
feature,

PICTURE
feature, feature,
feature,

COLOUR:
feature, feature,
feature,

FOR
LEZ compliant.
Asking price

£491 £185
ONLY
Contact XX XX
XX XX
Phone and em
FOR +VAT ail address

+VAT
Contact Marianne Lee
Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099 Contact Marianne Lee
Email:marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099
Email:marianne@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

58 Removals & Storage August 2009

 Trade Secrets
Find out what you can achieve on-line with
our trade groupage shipping services,
and make sure you’re in the know.
We’ve been in the business for
30 years and offer frequent
sailings on all routes to major
destinations worldwide.

We’ll arrange shipment on the vessel

promised and nominate reliable FIDI
agents at destination. With depots in
London, Manchester and Glasgow we
offer a competitive groupage solution
wherever you are located.

At Anglo Pacific we understand

your business and will ensure
that your goods are handled
professionally from start to
finish.

Visit our website or simply call

our friendly experts and
get the facts.

Memb No: A026

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

FREEPHONE 0800 707 6093

Or visit us at www.anglopacific.co.uk. London, Manchester, Glasgow