Professional Documents
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R&S March 2013 Magazine
R&S March 2013 Magazine
Features
www.bar.co.uk
BAR News
>> Rightmoves Robin Wilson on competitive pricing >> The highs and lows of a DED: Brian Maidman
Features
>> How the German moving industry works >> Has overseas moving changed since 1965?
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>> Apprenticeships champion to speak at BAR Conference >> EUROGROUP adds two new road-trains
March 2013 Removals & Storage
Features
Features
BAR News
Contents
06 News from Watford
BARs new Company Secretary, Paul Swindon, sets out the arrangements for the new Code of Practice.
07 Industry News
Just a snippet... Whitewash on petrol prices Removals firm licence suspended Thinking of recruiting new staff? Laws tightened on foreign driving licences Webbs move Nigel Benn Royal Move for Edwards Removals Good progress for the Coldest Journey
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20 BAR News
BAR Members speak up, plus update on the code of practice.
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Commercial Moving
38 Training News
Apprenticeships champion Catherine McKinnell MP will be keynote speaker at the BAR Conference 2013.
Brand new look for Bournes The R&S Interview: How Rightmove got to where it is today Real Time Information Moving to Mauritius Graham Puddephatt: The RBA needs you!
On the cover: Bournes launch a new identity.
40 European News
BAR News
Advertising
For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Steve Pearce on: Tel: 0117 957 5400 Email: steve@rubiconmarketing.net or sandra@rubiconmarketing.net Deadlines: The booking deadline for all display advertisements for the April 2013 issue of R&S is 10 March.
Subscriptions
Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas. Current annual subscription is 48.00 in the UK and 72.00 overseas. Additional subscriptions are available from BAR. Registered as a magazine The British Association of Removers 2013. ISSN 0034-4265
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be scanned, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in part or whole in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the British Association of Removers. Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not necessarily those of the publisher, British Association of Removers.The description of a product or service in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the publisher.The publisher does not accept any responsibility for any claims by advertisers.The articles in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to be advice to any specific person.Readers are recommended to seek professional advice before taking or refraining from taking any action on the basis of the contents of any article in this publication.
There are now only a few weeks to go to the start of a new Code to replace the OFT scheme. Just to reiterate, the OFT scheme will legally cease to exist after 31st March and a new Code must be in place by 1st April 2013. The new branding for the Code of Practice logo has now been agreed between the Code Sponsors and Trading Standards Institute (TSI), a draft of which has already been distributed to Members. Further information on how the logo can be used by Members in their marketing material, including access to the full colour version of the logo, is expected to be released by early March. BAR is confident that the logo will support the Associations efforts to raise consumer awareness and will be a powerful marketing tool for Members. The Association is making great progress in the online arena, as the BAR website continues to grow in popularity. New survey figures released from Rightmove claim that 64% of the public have heard of the British Association of Removers, up from 46% in 2011! Early indications suggest that the BAR Annual Conference in Newcastle, on 16-18 May, will be very well attended, as the number of bookings at this early stage, is extremely positive. We are pleased to report that our keynote speaker will be local MP and Shadow Treasury Minister, Catherine McKinnell, who will talk to us about the Labour Partys plans for promoting apprenticeships, among other topics.
The entry deadlines for DMotY and CMotY have now passed, and the fate of those entrants is now in the hands of the Judges. Both competitions are highly regarded within the industry, and we look forward to discovering who the winners are at the Conference Gala Dinner. Undoubtedly, the highlight of last years event was the vintage vehicle display, and this years procession, hosted at the world famous Beamish Museum, is set to be another a great occasion, with a great line up of classic vehicles already registered its a day not to be missed. On a personal note, as I embark on a new journey as BAR Company Secretary, I would like to thank those Members for their good wishes and messages of support. I am very much looking forward to a new challenge at BAR and hope to cross paths with many of you in the near future. Paul Swindon BAR Company Secretary
The British Association of Removers Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 Email: info@bar.co.uk Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 OTG
President: Ian Studd Director General: Stephen Vickers Company Secretary: Paul Swindon
Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of The British Association of Removers by: Rubicon Marketing Ltd. Tel: 0117 957 5400 Email: steve@rubiconmarketing.net Removals & Storage is written and edited for the British Association of Removers by Analytica Media Tel: 0203 235 1800 Email: andy@analyticamedia.com
Copy and advertising deadlines 2013 for future issues of R&S magazine
Article submission: 2nd of the month preceding publication Booking of display Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication Booking of classified Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication Booking of trade Adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication Artwork for Adverts: 15th of the month preceding publication
Industry News
Despite all the evidence to the contrary presented to the OFT by the transport industry, the OFT said that rises in pump prices for petrol and diesel over the last 10 years have been caused largely by higher crude oil prices and increases in tax and duty, and not by a lack of competition. Quentin Willson of FairFuelUK reflected the views of the public and those in the removals industry when he said, UK consumers will be bitterly disappointed. Every motorist and business in Britain instinctively knows that somethings not right. The Americans and the Germans are holding inquiries why arent we? FairFuel UK believes the OFT has failed to address the key issues of: why diesel is more expensive than unleaded petrol in the UK, when this is not the case in Europe; why falls in the price of oil take so long to be reflected at the pump and why there are such variations in price, often from the same branded forecourts, within the same area. In addition, the OFT did not address the whistleblower evidence of potential rigging of the oil commodity market. The OFT launched a call for information on the UK road fuel sector in September last year to determine whether there are competition problems that need to be addressed in the 47bn market. Speaking before the report was released, Energy Minister Baroness Verma said the Government should look at ways to ensure consumers are not ripped off at the petrol pump. Professor Stephen Glaister of the RAC Foundation said this report will give only limited comfort to the UKs 35 million drivers who continue to pay near record prices at the pumps, but the OFT does identify the true cause of drivers misery the Chancellor and crude oil prices. About 60% of the pump price is accounted for by fuel duty and VAT and we would now call on retailers to provide a breakdown on till
Industry News
Industry News
The survey revealed that people driving for business purposes are more likely than the general driving population to take all of these risks, prompting calls for employers to take action to ensure employees are safe and not putting others in danger. Nearly a third (30%) of journeys on roads are made by drivers who are at work at the time. These drivers are 26% more likely to be in a crash than people driving on their own time. In Great Britain, 10 people are killed each week and 100 injured by people driving for work. Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said we are urging all employers to ensure they have comprehensive safe driving policies in place and that staff know the importance of not speeding or driving distracted. We are also calling on anyone who drives for work to make a commitment to stay within speed limits, stay off the phone, and focus on the critical task at hand. Nearly a third (31%) of work drivers text while driving, compared to 28% of non-work drivers. Nearly one in six (17%) admit grooming while driving, compared with 14% of non-work drivers, and more than a third (37%) admit driving
while talking on a hands-free phone, compared with 24% of non-work drivers. Employers have a duty of care to take steps to minimise risks employees face and pose to others while driving on company time, whether it is a commercial vehicle, company car, or own car driven to work appointments. Brake advises that organisations who manage road risk effectively often see big reductions in insurance costs and benefits to staff morale. For HGV drivers, their cab is their place of work and the safety record for such drivers is excellent, said Geoff Dunning of the Road Haulage Association. Regrettably, there are a minority who ignore the rules and they only serve to bring the rest of the industry and its workforce into disrepute. Regrettably, there will always be exceptions to these rules and the Association firmly believes that those caught and convicted of any offence that puts other road users in danger, whether by unsafe driving or, for example, tampering with tachograph devices, should face the harshest sentence possible under current legislation. Only then will it act as a deterrent for others.
Industry News
The CLEAR (collision, lead, evaluate, act and reopen) initiative launched by the Department for Transport (DfT) in 2011 to improve incident clear-up times is helping to save the economy tens of millions of pounds annually. A key achievement has been the success of 38 DfT/ police-funded 3D laser scanners which allow police forces to capture evidence quickly following collisions, helping to reopen major roads and motorways more quickly. The latest figures show an average time saving of 44 minutes per investigation a 5 minute improvement on test estimates. Other initiatives include the launch of a new handsfree smart phone app that notifies users of incidents and congestion, as well as the planned roll out of incident screens to shield collisions and prevent rubber necking. Time savings associated with screens alone can be up to several hundred thousand pounds per incident. In addition, as part of CLEAR, VOSA and the Highways Agency have signed a memorandum of
understanding to facilitate data sharing about heavy goods vehicles. Studies have shown this type of vehicle is involved in a high proportion of the longest incidents. VOSA is working closely with operators to make sure problems are addressed. The Highways Agency has also introduced new towing equipment (load cells) to remove heavier vehicles obstructing live lanes and spill kits to clear spillages from motorway lanes. Overall, the Government says it is confident these measures will help reduce the estimated 750m cost to the economy that incidents cause on the strategic road network in England annually. Congestion on the strategic road network is estimated to cost the economy 3bn each year, 25% of which is caused by incidents. A single incident that closes a 3-lane motorway for 4 hours can cost several million pounds in lost time, and there are some 80,000 incidents that impact at least one motorway lane each year. A report which sets out the next steps of CLEAR is currently being finalised for publication later in 2013.
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Industry News
Run in conjunction with the leading German moving company, Max Jacobi, this leaves London each Monday. Delivery anywhere in Germany is guaranteed by the end of the following week. Consignments can be delivered to any of GB Liners eleven depots to link up with the weekly service to Germany or the Swiss service. Richard Allen is in charge of the new services and is looking forward to building up volumes as the
service becomes better known in the industry. The trade has found our Swiss service to be extremely efficient, economic and flexible and I am sure that those hallmarks will soon become associated with the new German service, he said. GB Liners are also planning a groupage service to Qatar and more details of this should be available shortly.
Webbs International Removals of Mallorca has recently completed the move of The Dark Destroyer himself, Nigel Benn, from his home on the Spanish island all the way to Sydney. Webbs specialise in Mallorca moves and Nigel has been a regular client for the firms weekly schedule service over the years but never for a move quite as far as this. We have got to know Nigel reasonably well and we were honoured to get the job of moving him to Sydney, Bill Webb
says. We were up against stiff opposition, with one other company offering a price below cost just for the publicity! The move took three days to wrap and pack with a lot of crates, glass furniture and restricted access to Nigels home because of a steep gated driveway. Our fleet of conventional and not so conventional removal vehicles came to the rescue - the joys of being a specialist, lots of toys for all occasions! We wish Mr and Mrs Benn all the best in their new home.
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Industry News
Harrow Greens Manchester office was chosen to relocate teaching materials, desktop, operating and laboratory equipment to Fern Grove Veterinary Surgery, the Universitys first opinion veterinary practice, and six other locations within Liverpool and the Wirral, as well as the Veterinary library. Harrow Green, which has carried out a number of relocation projects in the past for the University including the Sidney Jones library, won the business a competitive tender after providing the most efficient relocation programme. In addition, the company has also chalked up another library move, a phased-move project for Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. The scheme means the company, which has its north-east regional centre in Leeds, has now won over 500,000 of new contracts in the libraries sector in the last 12 months. The Universitys Library Services department brought in Harrow Green for the four-phase move,
which included moving 289 metres of books plus shelving and furniture for the Childrens library; and dismantling and reassembling over 4,000 metres of shelving and packing, storing and transferring 133,000 volumes of books whilst it refurbished and extended its main library facility from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. The project was carried out over several months.
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Industry News
R&S is researching BAR Members views on the best trucks and bodies on the market.
Are there any questions you have for other BAR Members about their experiences and preferences? Is there anything you would like to say about the trucks and bodies you use? Good points? Bad points? Send your questions and thoughts to rands-editorial@analyticamedia.com and we will follow up your questions and include your comments in an upcoming issue of R&S. Dont delay have your say now!
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Industry News
The Washington Post wrote fast and furious at the Folger and the LA Times admired a freshfaced approach to Shakespeare. Londons stripped-down Hamlet production went down a treat in the States and specialist theatrical movers Anglo Pacific were delighted to offer behind-thescenes shipping assistance. Running from September to November last year, Shakespeares Globes touring production of Hamlet took in seven venues across North America from Washington to Boston, Santa Barbara to Santa Monica. As with any portable performance, the delivery of costumes and props was vital to keep the show on the road and Paul Russell, Production Manager for Shakespeares Globe, always opts for Anglo Pacifics reliable, professional service. I have worked with Anglo Pacific for many years, stretching back to the days when I organised international tours for the Young Vic in London Waterloo, he said. Unlike many other industries, our deadlines are immovable and logistics is crucial. When touring overseas in particular, the margins are very fine financially and the penalties for cancelling a performance are incredibly severe. Customs are always a big unknown, varying according to the country in question, and awkward situations such as previously having to send someone to the docks in Australia with a spray bottle of wood insecticide to treat scenery before customs clearance are those we can do without. We rely on expert guidance from Anglo Pacific to avoid glitches and hitches.
Anton Bowring of Revells Removals with Expedition Co-Leader Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
Contact For more information, see www.thecoldestjourney.org and if you want to keep in touch with Anton during the expedition, please see the facebook page of the site www.facebook.com/TheColdestJourney
Revells delivers essential equipment for The Coldest Journey.
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Industry News
months for the very hardest-to-help. The Work Programme divides the country into eighteen different areas, and there are at least two providers running the Programme in each area. The
Work Programme is delivered through 40 contracts held by 18 private, public and voluntary and community sector organisations. Providers are paid primarily for sustained job outcomes.
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Industry News
in a year, calculated over the period 1995 - 2011. Acadametrics Chairman Peter Williams said the market in 2012 is still operating below its potential, largely due to the difficulties being faced by would-be purchasers in obtaining mortgage finance. He said the general view is that transactions will pick up next year, assisted by increased lending. According to Nationwide, house prices rose by 0.5% in January and the typical UK home is now worth 162,245, the same level as in January last year. Chief Economist Robert Gardner said that the Funding for Lending Scheme has achieved some success in bringing down mortgage rates, with signs of a pick up in lending activity. Importantly, conditions are improving for first-time buyers, who are the lifeblood of the property housing transactions, according to Nationwide estimates. Nationwide expects a gradual rise in first time buyers in the quarters ahead which clearly would be excellent news for the removals industry.
Halifax said that activity was at its highest for five years. Home sales increased by 5% in 2012 to 932,000; the highest annual total since 2007 (1,619,000). Sales in the final three months of 2012 were 4% higher than in the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis. Housing Economist Martin Ellis said: Rising mortgage approval numbers point to further increases in home sales in the coming months. The Funding for Lending scheme has helped lenders to lower interest rates and improve availability in the past few months. This is likely to have been a factor contributing to the pick-up in both home sales and prices. Halifax noted that approvals for purchase a leading indicator of completed house sales increased by 3% to 55,800 in December. Overall, there was a 19% increase in approvals over the last five months of 2012.
Source: Rightmove
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Industry News
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BAR News
the Broadcast System, and which needs to be updated more frequently, Members said. Also on the communications side of BAR, Members agreed that the newsletter is a benefit to them, although a few noted that Friday might not be the best time to send it to removals companies, as it is the busiest day of the week for many in the business. The vast majority also read and like the new look R&S, saying it helps them keep up to date with legislation and with what other BAR Members are up to, and is especially good for picking up tips from interviews. Ideas for improvement included more coverage about small companies, VOSA and overseas providers, as well as more practical case studies and more input from other BAR Members. Some respondents also complained that there was too much coverage of BAR (so presumably they will not be enjoying this article!). Its got better in the last 12 months, with more articles related to the industry and what drives the industry, such as housing market trends and predictions, one reader said. In general, the Membership has noticed that BAR has been making an effort to improve its communications and keep Members informed about any changes. BAR has moved on over the last few years - with the newsletter, social media and online - much better, one respondent said. Social media has come on in leaps and bounds this year, another said. Its the right way forward.
Slowly but surely the BAR name is improving recognition, another Member added. However, Members would like to see more participation from their peers in area meetings. As one Member put it, the more involved you get, the more you get back. Members should have to attend area meetings and display the badge everywhere. Services A majority of Members also use services from BARs professional services advisors, and only 11 respondents used no products from BAR affiliates at all. Packaging companies in particular have a high level of penetration of the Membership base. Members have a whole range of good ideas on where BAR should look to find new affiliates, including vehicle maintenance and body companies, tyre companies, suppliers of materials and uniforms, shipping companies, breakdown service companies, estate agents, web designers and IT consultants. The survey also showed a high level of awareness of the partnerships that BAR has agreed, with RightMove and Move Me in particular enjoying widespread recognition. The recent agreements are good additions and help public relations, one respondent noted. Its imperative for BAR and the way forward, another Member said. The more partnerships the more brand awareness, which is exactly what BAR needs.
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BAR News
Ideas from Members for partnership agreements with other businesses included house builders, mortgage providers, solicitors, and other property websites. Packaging services from BAR also remain popular, although some Members do prefer to use more local suppliers. However, most Members are not using BAR Training Services, with many relying on in-house training. Given the recession in the market, Members said that the Association may need to rethink its pricing strategy; the cost of courses is a problem for family-run companies, a respondent said. As one Member summed up, everything is about price - anything they can do to trim costs for the Members is only a good thing. Disappointingly, a majority of respondents did not use quality standards, with familiar complaints about the paper trail needed for QSS and lack of public awareness. One Member suggested combining the standards inspection with the BAR inspection, to reduce costs to Members. Several respondents also used the survey to repeat the call for standards-based Membership. Sales and Networking In terms of generating new business, it is surprising that less than half of respondents had opted in to receive BAR sales leads. Apart from the lucky few who have enough business as it is, reasons given ranged from too much time to opt in to I rely on word of mouth. Many Members however said they would sign up to the
sales lead system if leads would continue to be free of charge. Since the survey (in December) the Board of Directors have decided that all sales leads generated will remain free. A large majority of Members believe that networking events organised by BAR are a membership benefit, although much fewer are able to participate in Conference, Young Movers or the Business Seminars/ Workshops. With so many Members out there fighting for business, sadly it isnt always easy for them to make the time (and the money) to get away. However, those Members who are able to invest a small amount of their resources in DMoTY and CMoTY say the competition is of high benefit externally and internally, with several respondents looking to enter the race either this year or in the future. Reflecting widespread recognition of the benefits of these contests, a number of Members suggested starting an Overseas Mover of the Year competition as well.
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The vast majority also read and like the new look R&S, saying it helps them keep up to date with legislation and with what other BAR Members are up to, and is especially good for picking up tips from interviews.
BAR News
visits a month, and BAR believes that its partnership with the company is responsible for much of the spike in traffic over the last year. Meanwhile, the Money Advice Service has been helping around 30,000 people per week since it was launched in April 2011. BAR management expects the rise in online traffic to continue during 2013 as new visitors come to the website from the Associations existing partners, and as BAR continues to pursue partnerships and alliances with other organisations. Raising public awareness of the Association and driving traffic to the Association website, and consequently to Members, will continue to be one of the main aims of BAR in 2013.
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QSS is a UKAS accredited certification body that offers professional certification and auditing services to a broad range of Quality Standards relevant to companies operating in the removals and storage industry.
BRAND NEW
for 2013!
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BAR News
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10% DISCOUNT IF YOU SPEND 500 AND OVER OR 5% DISCOUNT ON ALL SELF STORAGE RETAIL PRODUCTS
(Oer ends 31/03/13)
* Oer subject to stock. The price is ex VAT and inclusive of delivery to the UK mainland (extra charges may apply to deliveries in Scotland & Northern Ireland - Please ask for a quote)
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BAR News
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The Overseas Group (OG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of overseas relocations.
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BAR membership is also a core part of AngloPacifics marketing strategy in these testing conditions. The BAR has come a long way in the last five years and we are now seeing the benefits of belonging to a strong trade association, Stephen says. However, we still need to increase awareness of the BAR amongst consumers so that customers are aware of the benefits of transacting with a BAR Member. As Anglo-Pacific specialises in international moving, it was an obvious step for the company to join the BAR Overseas Group. Stephen has been involved in the OG Council as a co-opted member since June 2011. Stephen prescribes the same medicine of investment in training and standards for the overseas industry as a whole as well as for AngloPacific in particular. The main focus of the OG currently is the overseas standard, he says. A lot of work has been put into developing the standard. Without such a standard there isnt anything formal to distinguish professional movers from the rest of the crowd.
We have concentrated our efforts on our people and continue to invest heavily in training to ensure the team are best equipped to win that sale. We continually review e-commerce and you will see some exciting new developments on this shortly.
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The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations.
Supported by:
www.pluscrates.com
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BAR News
donate 10% to 20% of the amount that a removal company raises at one of its charitable events, with the balance going to their chosen charity. It would have a major impact on what the RBA can do. It would make a big difference, but without affecting the charity of choice. These are difficult times for all removal companies and employees, and perhaps not all companies can contribute. But everyone involved in the RBA is passionate about their responsibilities, and we would love to be able to give more to those truly needy people who once depended on removals for their livelihood.
For more details please contact The BAR company secretary: Tel: 01923 699480 or email: info@bar.co.uk
The RBA wants to become more inclusive and receive claims from all Members. We would love to be able to do more, but for that we really need to raise more money and generate other income. We want Members to engage more with us, both in making claims and in providing support.
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BAR Training Services carry out a range of training courses for removals companies. For more information on all courses, please go to www.removalstraining.co.uk
ambitious proposals for reforming Britains broken housing market and supporting first-time buyers. Before being elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne North in May 2010, Ms McKinnell worked as an employment solicitor with a large Newcastle law firm. She was appointed to the position of Shadow Solicitor General by Ed Miliband as part of his first frontbench team in October 2010, before being appointed Shadow Minister for Children and Young Families in October 2011. She became Shadow Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury and a member of the Shadow Treasury team in May 2012.
In her time as an MP, Ms McKinnell has won plaudits as a good speaker in the House of Commons and BAR Members look set to enjoy an interesting and thought-provoking keynote speech in Newcastle this year.
BAR Conference 2013 Catherine McKinnell MP will deliver a keynote speech at the BAR Annual Conference 16-18 May 2013. For more information see www.bar.co.uk/conference2013.aspx
Did you know that BARTS can deliver all training onsite at your premises?
Please visit www.removalstraining.com and see all of the different training sessions, workshops and courses we provide, as well as the Removals Apprenticeship Scheme and Online E-learning. We can also tailor training programmes to t your individual business needs. Call BARTS on 01923 699484.
Removals Essentials
Brand new course, this course will be delivered on site as practical skills training. Delegates will take part in all practical exercises and will have no classroom element. Manual handling Health and safety Vehicle loading Packing (fragile and non fragile) Wrapping Tail lifts Risk assessment
BRAND NEW
for 2013!
985
985
5-6 March 14-15 May
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Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC countries), on the other hand, experienced a 5% increase in GDP and a 6% increase in transported tonnes in 2012 and will continue outperforming the EU in 2013. EU road transport performance, measured in transported tonnes, stagnated in 2012 and will only
BRAND NEW
for 2013!
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results, will radically improve your standings. In my workshop session, Ill cover some of those elements and give some pointers on how to combine understanding of traffic patterns with applying the juice concept to lift your results. R&S: Finally, what are your personal experiences of moving? RW: So far, I havent needed to use a professional remover as Ive been lucky enough to move very short distances so could literally wheel my stuff a few hundred meters around the corner. Back in the day, on a summer job, I did however spend time with a removal crew working the Oxford area which was a lesson in lifes rich pattern. I have vivid memories of the wide range in preparation movers seemed to have made, ranging from none whatsoever for one pair of artists (which resulted in about 6 hours of unexpected careful packing of a house full of fragile, un-stackable objects) to the physics professor who had packed and sequenced the entire contents of his house in numbered boxes. Favourite moment? Collapsing in the shade of the truck on a summer evening after humping an enormous sofa up a spiral staircase and being presented with a crate of cold beer by the client.
BAR Conference 2013 Robin Wilson will be a speaker at the BAR Annual Conference 16-18 May 2013. For more information see www.bar.co.uk/conference2013.aspx
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Moving to Mauritius
For anyone lucky enough to have to organise a move to the island paradise of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, new BAR International Associate SDI is the place to start.
Service De Dmnagement International, or SDI, is based in the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, right at the crossroads between Europe, Africa and Asia. The company was founded by Sam Sooprayen in the year 2000, providing warehousing and logistics facilities to locals and expatriates. Since then the company has grown its market share significantly in a highly competitive environment, and has benefited as Mauritius opens up its economy to foreign investment and capital. After starting business in a simple garage, SDI now works out of offices situated at Riche Terre, near the Port area, and owns its own warehouse of 11,000 square feet, where it has been offering multi-use warehouse services since 2011. The company provides the complete infrastructure for warehousing, transport and other operations related to the import and export of personal and household effects and personal vehicles. The workforce has grown rapidly in the same period, from two employees originally to 24 permanent members of staff now. SDI invests significant resources in training its workers, who are fully qualified to carry out any packing services in accordance with international norms. At the same time, it has increased its fleet of vehicles to a total of five trucks, increasing SDIs options and flexibility and enabling it to provide an excellent quality of service at all times. Reflecting these prolonged investments, financial turnover has increased substantially over the years. SDI has worked hard to acquire a reputation as perhaps the islands most international mover as Mauritius consolidates its role in the Southern African and global economy. One of SDIs main sources of business over the years has been foreign embassies (including the British, French, South African and American embassies), international banking institutions and local companies with expatriate staff. In this international line of business, we believe that being a recognised international associate of BAR will support our efforts to become the leading removal company in Mauritius, says Sam Sooprayen, Managing Director at SDI. Being part of the BAR family will help our position in both the local and the international market, as the market leader in Mauritius for moving personal and household effects. We also want to learn from other countries in terms of knowhow, organisation and administration. Mauritius is a small country with a population of around 1.3 million. The removals trade is focused mainly on the removal of personal and household effects of expatriates and foreigners, especially since the government moved to make it easier for noncitizens to acquire resort and residential property. However, the commercial sector is also experiencing rapid growth. Based on recent trends, we have noticed a spike in demand for the removal of offices to be carried out by specialized removal companies like ourselves, Sam says. Apart from the occasional risk of cyclones, perhaps the main problem that SDI faces in its day-to-day international operations is customs clearance; Sam stresses the need for agents abroad to provide SDI with updated information and requirements, and says the company always aims to provide regular updates to agents to facilitate the customs clearance on the Mauritius side. SDI has achieved excellence by listening to its customers and understanding their needs, Sam says. Our team is committed to providing quality service, professionalism and a wide-range of services adapted to clients requirements and specifications, wherever they are from.
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Contact Service De Demenagement International Limite M3, Motorway(Behind Caltex), Industrial Zone, Riche Terre, Mauritius Tel: (+230) 247 2400 Fax: (+230) 247 2401 Email: info@demenagement.mu or visit: www.demenagement.mu
Being part of the BAR family will help our position in both the local and the international market, as the market leader in Mauritius for moving personal and household effects. We also want to learn from other countries in terms of know-how, organisation and administration.
Sam Sooprayen, Managing Director, SDI
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Separate identities The new brand presents tailored identities for the companys four focused divisions built around the unique requirements of their customers, professionals, individuals and businesses. The four new identities are: Bournes Home Moves, for local Removals and Storage services for customers moving home within the UK Bournes International Moves, for International Shipping services for customers relocating overseas to and from countries across the globe Bournes Business Moves, for logistics and commercial moving and storage services for business customers. Bournes Relocation Solutions, which supports the activities of corporate organisations as a single source provider for the relocation of their employees or their customers both globally and locally within the UK.
Contact Bournes Rye Harbour Rd, Rye, E Sussex TN31 7TE Tel: 0845 0702007 Email: bournes@uts-bournes.co.uk visit: www.bournesmoves.com
As part of the UniGroup Worldwide UTS global network Bournes provides physical resources and customer services at more than 1,300 locations on 6 continents. Following the public launch of the new identity, Bournes will also be refreshing its marketing communications, including launching a new website, as well as new content and tools to assist the customer before, during and after relocation. Bournes will also grow its social media activity in order to support its customers. In the coming months our customers, suppliers and partners will become familiar with the refreshed Bournes brand, Wesley says. As well as the cosmetic changes youll also see a new more user friendly website and a range of new tools to help you throughout your relocation.
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havent been easy but the right commercial decisions have been made in a difficult financial climate, and the delivery rate is excellent. The right team is in place at the right time. During his time as DED, BAR has made a concerted effort to improve communications with Members, and this has strengthened the associations links to the ground. Brian calls on all members to make the most of these links, which range from newsletters to area meetings, LinkedIn and member surveys as well as in R&S and the BAR website..Members need to take advantage of all the channels they have for communicating with BAR and with each other, Brian says. There is a vocal minority of Members who know how to use these communications channels and love to raise issues with the DEDs, but there is also a large number of members who prefer to keep quiet. I would call on all members to get in touch with their DED. I will miss my ringside seat and would consider doing it again at another time, but it is time now for other members to stand up and be counted!
The last four years havent been easy but the right commercial decisions have been made in a difcult nancial climate, and the delivery rate is excellent. The right team is in place at the right time.
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Which submissions will no longer be used? The following submissions will be scrapped with RTI: end of year returns (P14, P35 and P38A) new employee information (P45 Part 3, P46, P46 (Pen) or P46 (Expat)) leaver information (P45 Part 1).
Contact For more information, see www.wellersaccountants.co.uk or for a free trial of Portico call 020 7630 6665 For further details on Employer Alignment go to: www.hmrc.gov.uk/softwaredevelopers/rti/ payroll-alignment.pdf
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European Perspectives: Ellen Troska, AM In the first of a series of interviews with those heading BARs equivalent national association in Europe, R&S talks to Dr. Ellen Troska of the German Association of Removers (AM), who also works on the
coordination team at FEDEMAC, about the removals market in Germany.
R&S: Can you provide a brief overview of the history of removals in your country? Ellen Troska, AM: In the very beginning removal activities were taken over by general or heavy freight forwarders with horse-drawn vehicles. But the specialisation in transport of sensitive goods started early. The transport of household goods, and everything else needed, to the summer resorts of wealthy families was, in addition to removing residencies, an interesting part of activities in the 19th century. Cooperation and collegiality was always important in the removal sector, especially for long distance removals. As a logical consequence the German Association of Furniture Transport (DMTG) was founded in 1881. The DMTG was the first supraregional unification, specialised in Furniture Transports. The most important aim was the implementation of transport standards to enable supra-regional, national and international removals in a controlled network. Long distance removals were carried out by railway transports only, whereas the horse-drawn vehicles took over the transport to and from the railway station. A standard furniture vehicle capable of doing transport by railway and road was introduced. A furniture lift van for long distances was also used. Information had to be exchanged about the availability and location of the furniture vehicles and lift vans as well as back loads. A weekly paper started to publish this information for the removers in August 1900. In 1913 the DMTG became the Tariff and Interest Association of the German Furniture Transport (TUIG). Tariff regulations for local and distance transports were decided. Trade practices and an arbitration court were established. In the beginning of the 20th Century motorised transport vehicles started to replace the horse-drawn vehicles. The standard furniture vehicles were replaced by lorries with furniture bodies. More and more goods, including household goods and new furniture were transported on the road instead of the railways. In the course of the two world wars, the structure of the furniture transport organisation changed a few times. In 1947 the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Mbeltransport (AM), presently Bundesverband Mbelspedition und Logistik (AM) e.V., was established. Also after World War II removals pricing was fixed based on volume and distance. From time to time, price amendments were agreed by the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Removers Association. A freight inspection authority for furniture transport was established. The number of transport licences for transports of more than 50 km (including removals) was limited. The transport and removal market was highly restricted and competition was limited.
The on-going process of the formation of the European Market influenced the German transport industry especially in the 1980s and 1990s. The limitation on the number of licences for national removals was reduced and finally abolished. From 1 January 1993 the whole system of limitation of licences for different kinds of road transport was abandoned. Price regulation for all general freight transports as well as removals was abolished on 1 January 1994. A price recommendation was published by the Removers Association to enable a smooth transition to the new market conditions. In the light of unlimited access to the market, new removal companies were established while others closed. All in all, the removals and storage market as well as the market for new furniture transport is still going through a process of consolidation. R&S: What sort of work takes up the bulk of your countrys removals trade? Ellen Troska, AM: The bulk is still the removal of private households and most of the removals (by number) are local or regional removals. Storage is another core business.
R&S: Is there anything about removals in your country that is different? Ellen Troska, AM: I assume that Germans are the only ones to remove and get their built in kitchens assembled in their new housing. R&S: How is the recession affecting the removals market in your country and the economy in general? Ellen Troska, AM: Recession hasnt hit the German economy as hard as other economies have been hit. Nevertheless, the recession noticeably affected the removal and new furniture transport market. The number of private moves decreased during the recession since the main reason for changing houses is taking on a new job. Office moves were withdrawn or delayed. The sales of new furniture decreased by more than 10% in 2009, which affected the transport volume heavily. Luckily the recession was not as long or as harsh as in other European countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy. Today Germanys economy is back to its pre-recession levels.
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R&S: What are your Members doing to diversify / innovate? Ellen Troska, AM: Companies are mainly diversifying into archive storage and self-storage. Relocation is an area of diversification for the international removers. Logistics for hospitals and other specialist niche markets are also growing. R&S: How important is self-storage in your country? Ellen Troska, AM: Self-storage is still a developing market in Germany. In recent times its importance has increased as more and more houses are built without cellar or garret space for storage of personal effects. In general, Germans like do-it-yourself solutions and the flexibility offered by self-storage. R&S: What effect do value added tax levels in your country have on the removals business? Ellen Troska, AM: The full VAT rate was always applicable for removals and storage in Germany. The only exceptions are removal to or from locations outside the EU. There is no differentiation for the reason for the removal or the type of storage. Even for self-storage, VAT has always been applicable in Germany. So it is hard to judge the effect of VAT. However, the increase in the costs of professional removals, regardless of whether they have been caused by increasing VAT or labour costs, result in more DIY removals and black labour. We are proud that the German association was successful in achieving a change in the income taxation for private removals. Since 1 January 2009, 20% of costs for private removals done by professionals can be subtracted from the individual income tax payment, whatever the reason for the removal. Only the costs for materials are not deductible. This can compensate for the German VAT rate of 19%.
R&S: Can you describe customer expectations in your country and how your Members aim to meet them? Ellen Troska, AM: Increasingly the price is becoming THE criterion for choosing the removal company; especially in times of increasing use of the internet for research, where everything seems to be transparent and comparable. The association is continuously clarifying that quality, reliability and last but not least a balanced ratio of value for the household and costs for the removal and related services demanded, should be the basis for a decision about the appropriate service provider. But it cannot be ignored that the internet is getting more and more important for the customer to make their first contact with a service provider. In order to offer private and commercial customers a removal internet portal of good reputation, the association is setting up a platform which will provide all necessary information on removals. Potential customers will be able to easily make contact with the remover of their choice and the expertise of AM will support the removal portal and its use. Costs for bringing together client and service provider will not increase, either for the potential customer or for the remover. R&S: In what percentage of moves is insurance taken out by customers and how important is this part of the service to your Members? Ellen Troska, AM: In general, the liability of the German remover is limited to 620 Euro/cu m. The remover has to inform the client of this limitation and possibilities of additional insurance. This is a legal obligation. We estimate that about 60% of private removals are additionally insured via our member companies. Our member companies are not involved in low budget removals. For these
removals additional insurance is not important at all. Insurance is an important additional service offered by the removers. Arranging the additional insurance for the client, the German remover is not classified as an insurance broker. The remover doesnt have to comply with the EU Directive on insurance mediation which entered into force in 2005 in European countries. The German Removers Association successfully intervened on the national level; so no additional costs have been caused by the Insurance Regulation. R&S: Are there any other points you would like to add about the removals market in your country? Ellen Troska, AM: Life is becoming more complex and the requirements for professional work are increasing constantly, including in the removal business. We are delighted to report that the removal industry, in cooperation with the furniture manufactures and furniture retailers, set up a professional three years training in the existing German framework (training on the job as well as in school) for young people. Six years ago the training of the first Specialists for furniture, kitchen and removal services started. Qualified people are able to handle all activities associated with removals and setting up new furniture, including necessary electric and water installations.
Reminder! All Members should sign up to the FEDEMAC website to receive bulletins, have access to a significant amount of information from around Europe and to use the FEDEMAC Broadcast function. Members get an exclusive free listing, as BAR Members, in the FEDEMAC directory which is public facing.
As the No.1 provider of packaging to the moving professionals, we would like to be your preferred supplier - If we are not, please tell us why.
We would like to hear from you
Our companies sole purpose since its inception in 1977 is to serve the membership to supply good quality, innovative packaging products at low prices. This is achieved by buying jointly on your behalf and passing on the discount achieved from this bulk purchasing power! As a member, we should be your preferred supplier but are we? For many of you the answer will be yes but for those of you that say no then we would like to know why and what we can do to change that? Your feedback is important so please ring us on 01342 870087 or you can simply email sales@barservices.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.
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Industry News
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Santa Fe appointments
Santa Fe has appointed Kim Becker as Managing Director, India. Kim is an expatriate from South Africa and brings a wealth of knowledge to Santa Fe, India. He has extensive business experience, within the relocation industry and supported by other industries. Most recently, Kim has been with Elliott International (Pty) Ltd. as Managing Director since 2006. Kim is well known and highly respected in the international relocation industry. Kim is located in Bangalore and started his new role on 1 February 2013. Yalda Zand has also joined the Santa Fe Group. As Chief Information Officer, Yalda will be responsible for the strategic planning, oversight, and global operation of all information systems and technology functions within the Santa Fe Group. According to Santa Fe, Yalda will be focusing her efforts on ensuring that the groups global relocation management system is the most secure in the industry.
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Diary Dates
BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2013 Board of Directors April 10 & 11 2013 Advisory Committee March 13 2013 BAR AREA MEETINGS 2013 East Anglia Area Contact: Andrew Pearson 01362 853777 andrew@apakmove.co.uk East Met Area Contact: Paul Freeman 0800 413335 nealesremovals@btconnect.com East Midlands Area Contact: Andy Wade 01476 579210 andy@fnworldwide.com March 20 2013 Kent Area Contact: Tom Bourne 01797 228000 tomb@uts-bournes.co.uk New Met Area Contact: Julie Thompson 01932 410100 Julie@luxfords.co.uk March 12 2013 - AGM Novotel Hotel, Heathrow Northern Area Contact: Alan Hoggin 0191 5491194 alan@harkersremovers.co.uk April 17 2013 Hallgarth
North West Area Contact: Annette Harris 0161 6534455 annette.harris@anglopacific.co.uk March 8 2013 Spring Ball and Golf Day The Worsley Park, Marriott Hotel Northern Ireland Area Contact: Dominic Murray 02890 748588 Dominicmurray@coastways -storage.com Scotland Area Contact: Georgina Berry 01505 502220 georginaberry@btinternet.com March 12 2013 Hilcroft Hotel, Witburn Southern Area Contact: Peter Doman 01372 385985 peterd@basilfry.co.uk March 6 2013 Romsey Golf Club, Southampton South Western Area Contact: Sue Christophers 01637 872529 sue@mjchristophers.co.uk March 19 2013 The Ley Arms, Kenn, nr Exeter Sussex Area Contact: Miranda Hyder 01342 870087 Miranda@barservices.co.uk
Western Area Contact: Ria Russell 01278 447099 ria@britannialanesofsomerset.co.uk March 12 2013 Brent Knoll, East Brent West Midlands Area Contact: Sarah Pargeter 01384 377786 spargeter@fox-moving.com Yorkshire Area Contact: Graham Puddephatt 0845 6021775 GrahamPuddephatt@reasoninsurance.com April 18 2013 York Golf Club, Strensall
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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
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Trade Services
Ireland Channel Islands
France
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Trade Services
Switzerland
Germany
Italy
For Sale
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Trade Services
Cyprus and Malta Spain Europe
WEEKLY
Weekly Service for the Trade. Call now for best rates Depots in Preston, Chester, Alicante, Malaga
spain@whiteandcompany.co.uk www.whitesmovingandstorage.com
Greece
Weekly Scheduled Service, Containerised Storage Depots Holder of Spanish Transport Licence for our Tranship vehicles Unrivaled Infrastructure in Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza Excellent Rates, Payment in Euros or GBP accepted UK Office: 01843 585055, sales@webbsremovals.com Mallorca Office: 0034 971 693566, webbs@spain.cc Trade website: www.william-worldwide-webb.com
GREECE by Road
&ITALY EN ROUTE
7 day transit time Twice-monthly departures British Crews & Professional Service Highly recommended in Greece
00 44 1733 311 561 | enquiries@nomad.eu.com
www.nomad-international.com
March 2013 Removals & Storage
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Trade Services
Europe United Arab Emirates
Scandinavia
China
Singapore
Worldwide
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Trade Services
Worldwide Caribbean
For Sale
When it comes to piano transport, use the pianists choice Grand piano export packs Crane & specialist stair crews UK - Germany Weekly London - Scotland Weekly Piano tuning & casework repairs
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
Training
Specialist Services
Specialist Installations
Lifting solutions, from the unusual to the down right awkward, we have the equipment and expertise to deliver. Heavy duty long reach HIAB cranes London furniture hoist & gantry hire Mini spider cranes & Stair climbers We regularly transport and install: Heavy stone work, Sculptures, Safes, Complex artwork, large furniture etc
We offer Trade storage at competitive rates. Undercover Loading & Unloading Flexible hours 6.00 p/w no handling charge
www.trekremovals.com sales@trekremovals.com
Warehouse Containers
HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES HEALTH & SAFETY ASSESSMENT ACCIDENT CONTROL FIRST AID RISK ASSESSMENT HSE COMPLIANCE
www.abrahamscases.co.uk
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Classifieds
For Sale For Sale
New cartons, blankets, handling equipment, wooden storage containers and archive conversion kits. All good condition. Low prices. Telephone: 01268 763344
For Sale
Wanted
7.5T Removal vehicle aged between 2002-2006 max. Must have side opening doors. Call Orwell Removals on 01473 411531
Classified Rates
Situations Vacant Sales and Wants Boxed Advert Box number Loose inserts Half page mono Half page colour Quarter page mono Quarter page colour Vehicle sales box 2.15 per word (min 15 words) 2.15 per word (min 10 words) 30 (per single column centimetre) 30 280 (per 1,000 inserts supplied) 510 615 425 500 Price related to content and size
(Picture 20 extra)
www.gbliners.com
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