R&S April 2014 Magazine

Removals & Storage
The Magazine of the British Association of Removers
April 2014 // Issue 477 // 4 On the cover

See page 31.
Just like a Swiss watch, Hamiltons Gold Star Swiss Service provides top quality, accurate and on time moves to customers.
www.bar.co.uk
Hamiltons achieve Gold with their Olympic service to Switzerland

Paul Walsh of Hamiltons sloping off to do an access check
Inside this Issue

Industry News
BAR News
>> Finalists for Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 >> Self storage: Viable for removals companies?
Features
>> Italian air for furniture >> Digital marketing and the removals industry
Breaking News
>> Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 shortlist >> Kirk Dugard new BAR Directly Elected Director
>> How the Budget affects your business >> Careline relocate Ryanair
Features
Removals & Storage April 2014
Features Contents
Contents
04 News from Watford 05 Industry News
Just a snippet The Budget 2014 OCRS reforms Late payments still a problem Advanced Removals expand capacity JT & Sons acquire major shareholding in Britannia Leeds
BAR Conference 2014 just one month away

The lowdown on the speakers, workshops and social events planned for BARs Annual Conference in Glasgow (15-17 May).
28
20 BAR Services
Anglo Pacic brings rare Triumph home from Malta

BAR International Afliate Anglo Pacic has successfully transported a classic 1965 Triumph car from the Mediterranean all the way back to Buckinghamshire.
22 BAR News
DMotY 2014-15 shortlist announcement, new Directly Elected Director Kirk Dugard on the importance of web-based technology and Chris Smallwood on self storage.
15
Moving 30 Commercial Group News

Find out who the CMotY 2014 nalists are!
Flair for furniture: Italian Association of Removers

Barbara Savelli of the Italian Association of Removers (AITI) talks about how the removals market works in Italy, where removals teams are marketed for their international reputation for rebuilding high quality furniture.
36 Overseas Group News

All Members are now compliant with the Overseas Group criteria, while the Council warns Members about a rogue moving company.
48
54 Membership
31 Features
Hamiltons Gold Star Swiss Service How to handle employee absence Digital marketing and the removals industry Crown Line Malaysia: The international mover with the personal touch
On the cover: Hamiltons European Director Paul Walsh takes to the snow.
42 Training
46
European News
61 Classieds
52 Diary Dates
62 People News
New sales role for Michael Dalaimo of PHS Teacrate.
April 2014 Removals & Storage
BAR News
Contact Details: Editorial

Contributions on all aspects of the removals and storage industry are welcome, together with photographs if appropriate. Please contact the Managing Editor, Louise Gale on: Tel: 020 3235 1806 Email: rands-editorial@analyticamedia.com
News from Watford

The interest in and take up of the Primary Authority-endorsed terms and conditions has continued to grow. The terms and conditions have been widely discussed and praised at several Area Meetings around the country, and more and more Members are signing up. BAR has pre-loaded the information of Members onto the Primary Authority database, simplifying the registration process. Once registered, Members will be provided with added legal protection as well as a unique marketing opportunity, as BAR is the only trade association with Trading Standards-endorsed terms and conditions. If you are unclear about how Primary Authority arrangements work, please contact the BAR Regulatory Department. The BAR Biennial Membership Survey is currently underway. Thank you to all those who have taken part so far, and if you are yet to receive one, expect a call! The results will be announced and discussed at the upcoming BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow in May. A number of Area and Council Meetings have taken place recently. The minutes and decisions taken at each are available in the Members Area of the BAR website. The 2014 Annual Conference in Glasgow promises to be an exciting and enlightening experience, with a rst class line up of expert industry speakers and workshops arranged for attendees. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from and converse with these experts on a range of subjects from across the removals and storage industry. The information they provide will help Members incorporate best practice into, and further develop, their businesses. Delegates will also have the opportunity to witness the launch of new exciting BAR products. There is a selection of great social events planned for the Conference. Starting with the BAR Golf Challenge on Thursday 15 May, the entire Conference programme is full of opportunities to socialise and relax with fellow delegates. Fridays fun fair party night with interactive stalls and a themed buffet promises to provide delegates with a great chance to let their hair down. On Saturday delegates will have the chance to experience some Scottish culture and history with a whisky distillery tour and a trip to the Tall Ship SV Glenlee. After this, the three-course black tie Gala Dinner will round off the Conference, and will include the presentation of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 and Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 awards, both of which promise to be tight contests. A detailed programme of the 2014 Conference is provided in this issue. All inclusive packages for the Conference are still available so visit www.bar.co.uk/conference2014.aspx to book yours now!
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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
Advertising
For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Sandra Zealand on: Tel: 0117 957 5400 Email: sandra@rubiconmarketing.net Deadlines: The booking deadline for all display advertisements for the May 2014 issue of R&S is 10 April 2014.
Subscriptions
Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas. Current annual subscription is 48.00 in the UK and 72.00 overseas. Additional subscriptions are available from BAR (see contact details above). Registered as a magazine The British Association of Removers 2014. 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 specic person. Readers are recommended to seek professional advice before taking or refraining from taking any action on the basis of the contents of any article in this publication.
The British Association of Removers Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 OTG
President: Ian Studd Director General: Stephen Vickers Company Secretary: Paul Swindon
Contacting BAR Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 General Enquiries: info@bar.co.uk Web: www.bar.co.uk Commercial Department Tel: 01923 699 483 Email: commercial@bar.co.uk Consumer Affairs Department Tel: 01923 699 486 Email: consumer.affairs@bar.co.uk Regulatory Department Tel: 01923 699 486 Email: regulatory@bar.co.uk Accounts Department Tel: 01923 699 488 Email: accounts@bar.co.uk BAR Training Services Tel: 01923 699 484 Email: training@bar.co.uk Web: www.removalstraining.com BAR Services Tel: 01342 870 087 Email: sales@barservices.co.uk Web: www.barservices.co.uk QSS Tel: 01923 699 840 Email: chris.waymouth@bar.co.uk BAR Overseas Group Web: www.baroverseas.co.uk BAR Commercial Moving Group Web: www.barcommercialmovinggroup.co.uk
Industry News
Osborne freezes fuel duty, raises allowances

In what has been widely billed as his election campaign budget, Chancellor George Osborne presented his March 2014 Budget statement conrming that the 20 pence per litre fuel duty rise planned for September will not take place.
OCRS reforms latest

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued an update on its on-going reforms to the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system, which it has used since 2006 to help target poorly performing operators. According to the DVSA (formerly VOSA), while the OCRS was originally designed as an enforcement tool, it is now VOSAs voice in the boardroom and is increasingly used by operators to monitor their own performance, often at board level. In October 2012 the agency redesigned the system to allow operators to move between bands based upon their performance, rather than having to have a set percentage of operators in each band. It also replaced predictive scoring which analysis showed did not always accurately reect an operators risk of non-compliance with a grey band for operators for whom no historic score exists. As part of the agencys efforts to improve OCRS and deal with poorly performing operators, the agency is currently working on an OCRS operator report. This allows operators to see all the annual tests, roadside inspections and prosecutions that affect their OCRS. It provides a summary of the operators current score and a breakdown of encounters with inspectors. It tracks OCRS over the previous 90 days. The report will be available online alongside the current annual test and roadside inspection reports in 2014, the DVSA says. The agency is also looking at ways of introducing the scores of ofcer visits to an operator into OCRS, and at a way of better dening operators in each risk band. This will help to differentiate between operators with low numbers of encounters and a single prohibition or offence and operators with high numbers of encounters and high numbers of prohibitions or offences. The DVSA expects to nalise the work later this year and, subject to agreement, will look to introduce the reforms in 2014-15.
In a bid to drive the UKs economic recovery, the Chancellor doubled the Annual Investment Allowance for businesses to 500,000 until the end of 2015 to encourage greater investment by companies. The 250,000 annual limit on business investment tax relief is due to fall back to 25,000 from 2015. 99.8% of businesses will get a 100% investment allowance, the Chancellor said. Almost every business across Britain will pay no upfront tax when they invest in the future. For companies in enterprise zones, the business rates discounts and enhanced capital allowances will be extended for another three years. The point at which people start paying income tax will be raised to 10,500, with the threshold for 40p income tax to rise from 41,450 to 41,865 as from this month and by a further 1% to 42,285 next year. Support for apprenticeships To tackle skills shortages and youth unemployment in the country, the Government will expand the Apprenticeship Grants for Employers scheme (AGE), making grants available for 100,000 more
apprenticeships by 2015/16, and is also developing graduate-level apprenticeships. The AGE scheme provides employers with grants of up to 1,500 for each apprentice they train. Osborne is providing an extra 85m a year for AGE in both 2014/15 and 2015/16. In terms of public sector investment and infrastructure, Osborne said that central government is making 200m available which local authorities can bid for to repair pot-holes in roads. The Government will also give new tax and borrowing powers to the Welsh Government to fund its infrastructure needs, allowing work improving the M4 in South Wales to begin. In the housing sector, the Chancellor extended the Help to Buy equity scheme for new build homes to 2020, and announced support for the building of more than 200,000 new homes. The Budget also introduced several pension reforms, including an increase in total pension savings that people can take as a lump sum to 30,000. All longhaul ights are to carry a lower rate of air duty although as R&S goes to press the scope and details of this relief have not been published.
Challenge to Employment Tribunal fees unsuccessful

Unison has been unsuccessful in its High Court challenge of the lawfulness of the Employment Tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunal Fees Order 2013. The Order was challenged on four different grounds, all of which were rejected by the High Court. As such, the Order has now been conrmed to be lawful. Although all four challenges to the Order were rejected, the Court did accept that two of them retained scope for future reassessment. One of these challenges relates to the Governments public sector equality duty. The Court decided that if, as time goes on, the full impact of these fees negatively affects the fullment of this Government duty, the Order could become unlawful. The second challenge suitable for future scrutiny was that the fee system indirectly discriminates against women. This was argued on the basis that a higher proportion of those bringing equal pay claims, which are subject to higher fees, to tribunals are women. Though the Court could not nd objective justication for higher fees for equal pay claims, it was decided to wait for the full impact
of the fee changes to become clear before reassessing at a later date. For more information visit www.backhousejones.co.uk
Industry News
UKWA warns against changes to sprinkler system rules

The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has warned against the mandatory introduction of sprinkler systems in all new facilities. Currently only warehouses of 20,000 square metres or more are required by law to install sprinkler systems. However, the Business Sprinkler Alliance, a coalition of pro-sprinkler businesses and interest groups, has recently launched a campaign to review the current legislation.
Most drivers unaware of lorry laws

The majority of drivers do not know the speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads, increasing the risk of accidents, the AA has warned.
The ndings, which show that eight out of ten (81%) drivers do not know that the limit for lorries on single carriageway roads is 40mph, have been released in the 80th anniversary year of the introduction of driving licences for lorry drivers. Knowledge of the correct speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads was highest among Scottish drivers (40%) and lowest among those in Northern Ireland (14%). Skilled manual and service workers displayed the best (26%) knowledge of lorry speed limits. Drivers in managerial or professional roles were the least (16%) able to identify 40mph as the correct speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads. According to the AA, lack of knowledge of speed limits for other vehicles can cause problems and frustration on the road. Proposals to raise the speed limit for lorries on single carriageway roads to 50mph have been considered by the Government, although no change has yet been implemented. Part of the reason for investigating this was to reduce the build-up of trafc travelling behind lorries moving at 40mph. The same research also highlighted 1% of drivers who, on approaching a two-lane roundabout at the same time as an articulated lorry, would speed up to try to beat it around the roundabout. A cautious 7% of drivers said they would avoid entering the roundabout entirely until the lorry had exited it. Jim Kirkwood of the AA said the research underlined the lack of understanding by drivers of the laws surrounding lorries. Drivers who nd themselves frustrated because they are stuck behind a lorry they perceive to be going slowly need to remember that there are different speed limits for different vehicles, he said. Professional lorry drivers have been required by law to hold a special licence for 80 years; highlighting the specialist skills needed to drive large vehicles safely and legally. The Driver CPC qualication will ensure that all drivers and eets have received sufcient training to allow them to drive LGVs vocationally. To stay within the rules, all drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years. According to BAR Training Services, the Driver CPC rules affect everyone who drives vehicles over 3.5 tonnes vocationally. Between September 2009 and September 2014 all Drivers will be required to have attended 35 hours of periodic training in order to gain their Driver CPC Qualication Card. After 10 September 2014 those without a Driver CPC Qualication Card will be unable to drive LGVs vocationally. For the dates of Driver CPC courses run by BAR Training Services see page 42 or for more information see www.removalstraining.com
Roger Williams, Chief Executive Ofcer of UKWA, commented that given the Fire Services policy to allow warehouse res to extinguish naturally if the blaze does not present a threat to human life, it seems reasonable to expect more emphasis to be placed on preventing the escalation of a re, and suppression systems look certain to be used more widely. Some opponents of extended sprinkler legislation claim that there are a number of practical problems that prevent the use of sprinklers in certain facilities. The UKWA says it welcomes any steps that seek to add protection to property and people, and wants to ensure that any proposed changes to existing regulations are sensible, practical and applied with a light hand.
New training for LGV drivers

Skills for Logistics (SfL) in partnership with Pearson have launched Certicate to Work, a scheme to standardise the training of new LGV drivers, and show that they have the knowledge, competence and skills to be safe and eco-practical drivers in the future. Comprising several components, including industry licences and certicates as well as formal accredited qualications, the certicate will set a new standard for new LGV drivers to achieve. SfL estimates that for the 2010-2020 period, 149,000 new drivers will be needed. Dr Ross Moloney, CEO of Skills for Logistics, said the Certicate to Work was a positive step for attracting new drivers into the industry irrespective of their experience because they will be able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge, competence and skills to be a safe and eco-practical driver. The certicate is intended to support young, inexperienced NEETS (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), those with experience but who are changing career (e.g. Warehouse to Wheels), as well as experienced drivers from the MOD who have not previously used their Cat C or Cat C+E licence. Candidates will go through a rigorous initial assessment that will ensure they have a clear understanding of what it takes to be an LGV Driver. They will not be able to achieve the Certicate to Work unless they have either been working for a logistics employer or have been provided with some work experience with an employer. Once a learner has achieved the Certicate to Work, employers will know they have everything they need to carry out the role of an LGV Driver.
Copy and advertising deadlines 2014 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 classied 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
BIFM launches new FM standards

The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) has launched the Facilities Management Professional Standards; created in consultation with facilities management (FM) industry stakeholders and professional standards experts. The new standards form a global competence model for the profession.
The BIFM Facilities Management Professional Standards dene the key functions performed by FMs, the main components of each functional area and the competences which are required to be a professional when carrying out each function. The competences are dened for each level in an FMs career, from a support role through to a strategic role. These standards can be used to create a benchmark for skills, knowledge and competence for those working at all levels in the FM profession. Gareth Tancred, BIFM Chief Executive Ofcer, said: ensuring that we have a procient, qualied and skilled workforce is essential to driving up the standards across the profession. Our work with stakeholders to develop these standards means that we now have a robust set of professional standards which professionals and employers alike can benchmark themselves against. To complement the framework, new tools for both individuals and organisations to use in their professional development programmes will be introduced in due course. BIFMs FM Professional Standards are closely aligned to the BIFM qualications to ensure consistency and relevancy. The BIFM Facilities Management Professional Standards handbook can be found at www.bifm.org.uk/FMstandards
Acas Early Conciliation now live

After this months launch of Acas Early Conciliation, regulations outlining how the programme works have been published. Anyone thinking of making an Employment Tribunal claim should now notify Acas rst. The new free Early Conciliation service allows both parties in a dispute to try to resolve the problem quickly without the need for legal action. The service allows an extra month to attempt to resolve the dispute before reaching the deadline for making their claim. Early conciliation can save employers and employees the stress, cost and time of facing an employment tribunal. It can also save taxpayers some of the cost of running the tribunal system. Acas has been running a similar optional service called Pre Claim Conciliation (PCC) since 2009. The service deals with around 20,000 cases a year and over three-quarters of these are resolved in a way that does not lead on to a tribunal claim. Independent research shows that PCC saves employers on average 2,700 in legal costs compared to dealing with an employment tribunal case. The average time taken to complete a PCC case is just 23 days compared to the several months that a tribunal case can take. If Early Conciliation does not resolve the dispute, then the claimant is still able to lodge a tribunal claim.
Concerns raised over public procurement

Recent research by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) on public procurement has shown that while rms welcome recent Government reforms in the sector, progress on the ground remains slow. According to the CBIs survey, members believe that improving the public sectors commercial skills is essential to transforming the procurement process. More than 60% of respondents saw no change in evidence of improving commercial skills, during the last year, and 21% saw a deterioration in skills. 67% of rms feel that the Governments performance in standardising procurement processes is poor, and 67% also said lowest cost is still driving most contracting decisions. Although the Crown Commercial Services Mystery Shopper facility is helping market performance, smaller rms appear to remain unaware of it. The new EU Procurement Directive
also aims to help simplify many procurement processes and reduce complexity for UK rms. Jim Bligh, CBIs Head of Public Services, said: we know public procurement reform takes time, but progress has been painfully slow. The Crown Commercial Service must complete its radical overhaul of the process and tackle inconsistency and poor standards. The Government has set itself the goal of reducing the procurement process
from 200 to 120 days. Just over half of the CBI members surveyed said that procurement was taking the same time to complete as it was two years ago. With 20bn of central Government spend going to just 39 suppliers, building a more diverse supplier base is another important strand of procurement reform. The Government has pledged that by 2015 a quarter of public contracts will go to small and medium-sized rms.
Industry News
2,000 cashback from the Employment Allowance

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published new guidance for businesses, setting out more details on eligibility for the Employment Allowance and how to claim it. The forthcoming allowance constitutes up to 2,000 of savings from employers National Insurance Contributions (NICs) bill for 1.25 million businesses across the UK. Available from 6 April 2014, it will see 450,000 businesses stop paying NICs altogether. According to research carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), small businesses will use the Employment Allowance to boost staff wages, employ additional staff and invest in resources. Compared with a year ago, small businesses are employing more staff and are looking to expand in the near future, said John Allan, FSB National Chairman. This points to growing condence from the UKs small rms. The new HMRC guidance provides businesses with additional information about how to claim the allowance which will be a simple process done through their payroll providers. It also includes more detail on the types of businesses that will be able to benet. The guidance is available at www.gov.uk/ employment-allowance-up-to-2000-off-yourclass-1-nics
Investment surge in road building

Roads Minister Robert Goodwill has called on Britains road building companies to get ready for a massive increase in work ahead of what he says is the biggest investment in the road network since the 1970s.
The Government is tripling funding on the road network over the next 8 years with more than 24bn to be spent on upgrading and improving the network until 2021. By 2015, 3.3bn will be spent each year on improvements and maintenance for the strategic network alone. Robert Goodwill said that to deliver the 53 road schemes currently in preparation, plus the other improvements to Britains roads over the next seven years, will mean taking on more apprentices and making sure suppliers have the capacity to deal with the increase in demand. The investment is part of the plan to provide road users with a high performing
network that can cope with the expected 46% increase in trafc over the coming decades. Along with investing 10.7bn in major improvements for strategic roads between 2015 and 2021, the Government will also invest 6.1bn in resurfacing 80% of the strategic network, with another 6bn on tackling potholes on local authority roads. The reforms will see the Highways Agency turned into a Government-owned company, helping to improve commercial efciency and cut running costs. The consultation on the changes to the Highways Agency has now closed and a response will be published in the near future.
Felixstowe to expand container quay

The Port of Felixstowe has received consent from the Marine Management Organisation for the extension of its newest container handling facility, Berths 8 and 9. The expansion will increase the ports ability to berth the next generation of mega vessels. Berths 8 and 9 were opened in November 2011. This new extension will allow the port to offer more berth windows and greater exibility to customers. Felixstowe is the only port in the UK to have handled the 18,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit, the most common unit of measuring cargo capacity) class, the biggest container vessels in service, recently introduced on the Asia-Europe trade route. This latest phase of development is designed not only for the latest generation of container vessels, but for those that will follow them in future, with a depth of up to 18 metres alongside, and cranes able to span 25 containers across a vessel. The new quay is scheduled to be operational in 2015. The quay extension will take the total berth length for container vessels at Felixstowe to over 3,250 metres, serviced by 37 ship-to-shore gantry cranes. and introduces vehicle charging The Port of Felixstowe has also written to haulage operators to inform them that it has introduced peak time charging for its Vehicle Booking System (VBS). VBS is a real-time appointment system used by hauliers wishing to deliver or collect containers at Felixstowe. The Port originally raised and then withdrew the introduction of peak time VBS charges in 2007. In its letter to haulage operators, Commercial Director Paul Wallace said: we now believe it is the right time to raise this issue again and trust that the haulage community value the signicant concessions made previously, especially since other major UK ports have continued to charge for access, through both morning and afternoon peak periods. As a voluntary gesture the Port will suspend the charge during morning peak hours (5am-7am). This limits the charge to afternoon access only, between the hours of Midday-5pm. The charge has also been reduced to a nominal amount of 1.50 per VBS booking.
Industry News
Industry News
Getting sick workers back to work
Document security rm ned for step ladder failings

The UK division of a global documents security company has been ned for safety failings after an employee fractured his arm in a fall from a dangerous step ladder.
The employee damaged the radius bone in his left elbow in the incident at the companys site in Newham, London. The step ladder collapsed as the worker tried to reach the upper level of a racking system, sending him crashing at least a metre to the oor below. He was unable to return to work for several weeks. Iron Mountain (UK) Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation identied that the ladder he was using was not t for purpose. HSE established that the ladder was in a poor condition and was critically weakened by a crack that eventually caused it to fail. Iron Mountain was ned 5,000 by Westminster Magistrates Court and ordered to pay 8,940 in costs after pleading guilty to a single breach of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. HSE said that Iron Mountain (UK) Ltd should have implemented a more robust system for inspecting step ladders and providing replacements when defects were identied. Checking ladders is an essential aspect of safely managing work at height. For more information about health and safety training specic to the removals and storage industry, see www.removalstraining.com/training/
The Government is launching a new Health and Work Service to tackle sickness absence, estimating that as many as 960,000 employees were on sick leave for a month or more each year on average between October 2010 and September 2013. More than 130 million days are lost to sickness absence every year in Great Britain and workingage ill health costs the national economy 100bn a year, the Government estimates. The Health and Work Service will help employees who have been on sickness absence for four weeks or more to return to work and support employers to better manage sickness absence among their workforce. It is expected to save employers 70m a year and cut the time people spend off work by 20-40%. Employers face a yearly bill of around 9bn for sick pay and associated costs with individuals missing out on 4bn a year in lost earnings. Around 300,000 people a year fall out of work and into the welfare system because of health-related issues, while taxpayers fund health-related sickness benets of around 13bn a year and 2bn a year in healthcare, sick pay reimbursement and other taxes. The Health and Work Service will offer a workfocused occupational health assessment and case management to employees in the early stages of sickness absence. GPs will be able to refer employees for assessment by the new service once they are absent, or expected to be absent, from work due to illness for four weeks. Employers can also refer employees directly. Work-focused occupational health assessments will identify the issues preventing an employee from returning to work and draw up a plan for them, their employer and GP, recommending how the employee can be helped back to work more quickly. The plan will include a timetable for a return to work and tness for work advice, as well as signpost to appropriate help. For more information about how to deal with employee absences from a legal perspective, see the feature on page 44 of this issue.
JT & Sons Relocations acquire major shareholding in Britannia Leeds

Last years Commercial Mover of the Year, JT & Sons Relocations has acquired a major shareholding in Britannia Leeds. The acquisition will help the Sussex-based commercial mover expand in northern England. Managing Director Timon Thorncroft says JT & Sons have used the services of BAR Member, Britannia Leeds, for a substantial amount of commercial work in northern England for over eighteen months. The work undertaken has been of a consistently high standard and Timon told R&S that it now made commercial sense to invest in the Leeds-based operator in order to further strengthen JT & Sons position in the growing UK commercial relocations market. The two rms will continue to operate as separate entities but this will now allow JT & Sons to have a sales ofce in the North. Steve Barker will remain the Managing Director and other shareholder in Britannia Leeds. We have known Steve for a long time and we expect this tie up to be good for both of us, Timon says. There are a lot of synergies between the two companies. We are both family-run, with our children working in the rms, and we share the same ethos of getting all the little details right and going
the extra mile for our customers. JT & Sons will continue to focus on commercial moves under its own name, whilst Britannia Leeds will focus on overseas shipping and domestic moving in and around the Leeds area, as well as continuing to assist on commercial moves when required. Timons wife Jenny, who is also a co-owner of JT & Sons, will look after the nances for both companies, and the new team of Timon, Jenny and Steve say they are looking forward to a prosperous future together. They also hope to catch up with other BAR Members at this years Conference in Glasgow, where Britannia Leeds will be running what promises to be one of the main attractions in the exhibition hall a golf simulator! For more information, see www.jtsrelocations.com and www.britannialeeds.com
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Industry News
Late payments still a problem

New data from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows that more than ve in ten members were paid after the agreed payment date by large companies in 2013.
The FSB is calling for the Government to strengthen the Prompt Payment Code to make it easier for rms to complain about payment terms. The organisation says that in some cases large companies have been extending their payment terms to an unacceptable 120 days. Using data from its member survey of more than 8,000 of its members, the FSB has told a Department of Business consultation that more than half (51%) of its members providing goods or services to larger private sector businesses were paid late in the last 12 months. For those rms affected, being paid late or on extended terms meant reduced protability (34%), paying their suppliers late (32%) and restricting their business growth (29%). Matthew Fell, Director for Competitive Markets at the Confederation of British Industry, said: we need to create a culture of prompt payment in all businesses. Its unacceptable that many rms are being held back from growing and creating jobs because they are owed thousands of pounds. The Prompt Payment Code The FSB is urging the Government to consider relaunching the Prompt Payment Code (PPC) website and to promote more widely the existing challenge function where small rms can complain about late payment by a rm signed up to the Code. The FSB also wants to see all signatories clearly state their maximum and average payment terms and to provide a named contact for small businesses who face difculties. Only in exceptional circumstances should payment terms be more than 60 days. Fear of losing contracts is another issue, the FSB says. Even though they are legally entitled to do so, its research suggests just 12% had charged interest to clients for overdue payments because they fear losing business. John Allan, National Chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: Small businesses simply cant be expected to lend interest free to their large customers, which is in effect what extended payment terms and late payments results in.
11
Industry News
DAF market share rises in Europe

The market for new commercial vehicles continues to grow in Europe. According to recent DAF statistics, the total market for heavy commercial vehicles in the European Union in 2013 was almost 241,000 units, an increase of about 8% compared to 2012, when almost 222,000 trucks were registered in this segment. DAF expects that the market for heavy trucks in Europe will reach 200,000 to 230,000 vehicles in 2014. DAF Trucks has strengthened its position in the European truck market, achieving a market share of 16.2% in the heavy truck segment (16 tonnes+), a record in the 85 year history of the company. In the light segment (6-16 tonnes) in which DAF is active with the LF model the European truck market increased by 3% to 57,000 units. DAFs market share in the 6 to 16 tonnes class increased from 11.4% in 2012 to 11.8% last year. An important contribution to this growth was the success in Great Britain, where DAF reached a market share of 42% in the LF segment.
UK leads global expatriate surge

The total number of expatriates worldwide amounted to around 50.5 million in 2013, according to a new research report published by Finaccord, an international market research and consulting company. By 2017, Finaccord is forecasting that the number will reach around 56.8 million as global mobility continues to increase signicantly in line with trends from the last decade.
London Gateway benets from bad weather

Recent bad weather across the UK has led to increased use of the DP World London Gateway as other ports faced closures and delays due to high winds. DP World London Gateway, which is still under construction, currently has a weekly call by the Southern Africa Europe Container service operated by MOL, Maersk, Safmarine and DAL. Starting in May, Hamburg-Sud and HapagLloyd will operate South America (East and West Coasts), Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, North America West Coast, and India, Pakistan and Middle East services from the port. The total worldwide population that was composed of expatriates increased to 0.72% in 2013 and is forecast to rise to 0.77% by 2017. Moreover, the relative size of the expatriate population within the total worldwide immigrant population, as dened by the UN, grew to 21.8% in 2013, and is predicted to increase further to 23.4% by 2017. The majority of expatriates in 2013 were classied as individual workers (73.6%) followed by students (8.8%), retired expatriates (3.7%) and corporate transferees (1%), with the balance of other expatriates (dened as non-employed spouses and children) making up the residual 12.8%. Brits continue to move abroad Britain is the largest exporter of people in the European Union, according to the report. More than 1.16 million UK nationals have moved overseas in 2013. Barry Koolen, Crown Relocations Regional Managing Director, commented: This positive gure doesnt necessarily mean all countries have an equal appeal. Some nations which previously saw Britons ock to their shores are experiencing uctuations in demand. Australias new tighter visa restrictions have seen British immigration drop by 23.4% over the past year. According to Crown Relocation, the desire to move abroad is still strong for Brits. New Zealand, Canada and the UAE are emerging as some of the more
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desirable destinations for UK expatriates and the company says Africa is another destination which many of its clients are beginning to branch into. Worldwide, Finaccord forecasts that students will constitute the most rapidly growing category of expatriates between 2013 and 2017, increasing at a compound annual rate of 3.6%, followed by individual workers (3.2%), retired expatriates (2.9%), corporate transferees (2.8%) and other expatriates (2.3%). Inbound countries receive a high number of migrants from other nations. Across 30 such countries analysed, Saudi Arabia hosted the largest number of expatriates in 2013, followed by the UAE and the US. Meanwhile, across 25 major outbound countries researched, India generated by far the largest group of expatriates resident abroad in 2013, followed by China and the UK. The number of expatriates in the Gulf Cooperation Council states mainly individual workers from Asian countries has increased at an enormous pace in recent years due to these economies being heavily dependent on the inow of foreign workers. In contrast, in other countries such as the UK and the US, international students constitute a comparatively large proportion of the total expatriate population whilst Spain still attracts many retired expatriates, although this number has itself fallen since the beginning of the nancial crisis in 2008. For more information, see www.crownrelo.com
Industry News
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 companys 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
Volkswagen bids for Scania to create truck giant

Volkswagen has offered 6.7bn (5.5bn) to buy the 37% of truck maker Scania it does not already own, paving the way for closer links between Scania and VWs other truck unit, MAN. With Scania and MAN working more closely together, VWs truck business will become larger than world number two Volvo, and more competitive with Daimler, the worlds number one truck maker and owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand. We are launching this takeover offer to remove restrictions to a deeper cooperation between Scania and MAN, VW Chief Financial Ofcer Hans Dieter Poetsch said. VW bought a stake in MAN in 2006 and gained full control in 2012. By increasing its stake in Scania, it will be able to merge more of the two companies operations, share technology and save money. VW estimates it will eventually be able to boost operating prot by deepening cooperation between MAN and Scania.The cooperation between the companies and therefore the degree of synergy realisation has remained limited because of legal restrictions, explained former Scania CEO Leif Oestling who now runs VWs truck operations. This has been impairing the speed, quality and scope of collaboration on a day-to-day basis.
Hamiltons Removals wins court case in South Africa

The report in R&S March 2014 of the successful court case involving Britannia Lanes illustrated the value of clear terms and conditions as well as having effective systems in place to document all correspondence. Hamiltons Removals has contacted R&S to share information about a recent court case in South Africa where the judge recognised the strong and procient nature of the Hamiltons documentation and the BAR Terms and Conditions.
The dispute with the client arose after a large move from France, via UK storage, to South Africa. The move, which included moving a car and a motorbike, was completed without issue. However, when the client attempted to register the car, he sent the documentation to the wrong ofce of the Department of Transport. In South Africa, each departmental ofce has different requirements, and therefore it is essential to abide by the rules and regulations of each individual ofce. The client left South Africa without realising that he had not completed the correct paperwork, and therefore was required to return to the country at a later date to comply with the requirement to be present when registering a vehicle. Hamiltons clearing agent worked with the client to ensure that this was completed within six months of the car arriving in the country, as is required by South African law. BAR T&Cs Twelve months later, Hamiltons received a County Court Summons relating to a 3,541 (later escalating to 5,000) claim by the client for travel, accommodation and assorted expenses incurred by his return to South Africa to complete the registration, arguing that it was the fault of Hamiltons that he failed to register his car properly. With Hamiltons Managing Director, Michael Sawyer, defending the case himself, the clients claim was thrown out. The judge drew all parties attention to the wording of Hamiltons quotation and acceptance, and cited the BAR Terms and Conditions,
UniGroup teams up with CapitaLand

BAR International Associate UniGroup Relocation has been selected as one of the preferred vendors for Singapore-based CapitaLand, one of Asias largest and most prominent real estate companies. This new strategy of partnering with a large real estate company has already brought benets to the UniGroup team in the form of the launch and road show of CapitaLands latest project, the Interlace Condominium. As a preferred vendor of CapitaLand, UniGroup representatives were present at the launch to promote their selection of relocation packages to future residents of the Interlace Condominium. UniGroup offered complimentary add-ons such as temporary storage facilities, adding further value to the services on offer. The team kept spirits high throughout the day by holding prize draws, the lucky winners receiving goody bags. The team reported a high level of interest from customers, and managed to secure ve bookings in the course of the day. As a result of this success, Unigroup Relocation is set to participate in two more CapitaLand projects in the near future. For more information visit www.unigrouprelocation.com
which specify: We will use our reasonable endeavours to provide you with up to date information to assist you with the import/export of your goods. Information on such matters as national or regional laws and regulations which are subject to charge and interpretation at any time is provided in good faith and is based upon existing known circumstances. It is your responsibility to seek appropriate advice to verify the accuracy of any information provided. Michael Sawyer said that he found the experience stressful and costly in both time and effort. As with the Britannia Lanes court case in the last issue of R&S, this case goes to show the benets for removals companies of having correct and comprehensive documentation, as well as the important role that the BAR Terms and Conditions play in protecting its Members against such legal challenges. For more information visit www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk
Merger creates The Building Futures Group

Three companies, Asset Skills, the Cleaning and Support Services Association and the Facilities Management Association, have merged following board agreement to form The Building Futures Group. The Group markets itself as the only representative organisation for the Housing, Property, Planning, Cleaning, Parking and Facilities Management sectors. R&S readers will remember that the merger, previously including the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), had been attempted before. Though agreed to in principle (reported in the June 2013 issue), the merger was eventually scrapped (see R&S October 2013) by BIFM. New Chief Executive of the Group, Sarah Bentley, said: The Building Futures Group will coordinate the sectors voice and provide a platform that has been so sadly missing. We are fully committed to raising the prole of the industry and transforming the sector.
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Industry News
Anglo Pacic brings rare Triumph home from Malta

BAR International Afliate Anglo Pacic has successfully handled the move of a 1965 Triumph TR4A car from Malta to the UK for customer Glyn Williams of Buckinghamshire.
After a year searching for his ideal Triumph, Mr Williams located an immaculate model in Malta. Mr Williams said he opted for Anglo Pacic to handle the move as its London headquarters were geographically convenient for him, and he felt great condence after talking with Client Manager Terry Horsnell, a man who has been in the shipping business for 30 years. Handling precious cargo such as Glyns Triumph, a car he spent a year tracking down, is one of the main reasons I really enjoy my work at Anglo Pacic, says Terry. Not only do I get to oversee the safe delivery of a special item from A to B, I also get to play a very small part in some fascinating stories. I hope Glyn gets many miles, and smiles, from his beautiful new classic car. Glyn Williams was grateful for Anglo Pacics dedication to the role: Anglo Pacic proved to be an excellent choice as Terry has been absolutely rst class in every respect. His attention to detail and excellent communication maintained condence throughout the whole the shipping procedure. I would have no hesitation in recommending Anglo Pacic in the future. The process successfully completed, Mr Williams commented: All I need now is some good weather to enjoy hood-down motoring with the family. For more information about Anglo Pacic visit www.anglopacic.co.uk
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Industry News
Careline carry out Ryanair move

BAR Irish International Associate, Careline International Moving & Storage, recently completed a move for one of Europes largest low-cost airlines, Ryanair.
Careline, one of Irelands largest removal companies, is a family-run business built up over several generations. The company was awarded the Ryanair contract following a successful tender process. Over two days, the team employed 15 crew and four vehicles of various sizes to relocate Ryanair to their new state-of-the-art low-cost headquarters just outside of Dublin Airport in Swords, County Dublin. Careline even managed to complete the move one day ahead of schedule, with Chief Executive Ofcer of Ryanair Michael OLeary commenting that Careline were a pleasure to deal with. As a testament to their level of service, Careline have already been able to conrm that they will be carrying out further work for Ryanair in the near future. For more information visit: www.careline.ie
Bishops Move Edinburgh relocates James Fisher Defence

The Edinburgh arm of one of the UKs largest family-owned removals companies completed a three-phase ofce relocation of the Glasgow-based provider of marine engineering services, James Fisher Defence, in a job which included the handling of submarine and submersible models. The 167-year old marine engineering company enlisted the services of Bishops Move Edinburgh to move out of its Glasgow headquarters to new purpose-designed ofces in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire. Four vans and 24 removers were required to relocate the materials required for James Fisher Defences 60 employees, such as computers, desks and artworks. The Bishops Move team was even required to handle the rms 18 delicate and invaluable submarine models, which ranged from 2ft to 9ft (0.6 to 2.7m) in length. David Mills, General Manager of Bishops Move Edinburgh, said the move required all the years of experience accumulated by our removal men in order to guarantee the objectives were met of our client. James Fisher Defence was thrust into the global limelight in 2005 when the company provided equipment and personnel to assist in the rescue of seven sailors from a stricken Russian submarine off the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. After a successful and smooth move, Rod Barlow, Development Manager at James Fisher Defence, commented: With no lift available, each and every item had to be very carefully handled up and down stairs, which the Bishops Move team did with some aplomb. This year marks the 160th anniversary of Bishops Move. Founded in 1854, the company is now run by the sixth generation of Bishops with over 350 employees and 13 franchises across the UK and Europe. For more information see www.bishopsmove.com
Advanced Removals & Storage increase capacity

Gloucester-based Advanced Removals & Storage has increased storage capacity at the Gloucester Business Park by 15,000 square feet. This new building has been specically designed for commercial pallets storage and secure document storage. Steven Hartwell, co-owner of Advanced Removals & Storage, hopes this facility will allow us to serve the countys businesses, allowing them to expand without the risk of long-term, expensive leases on commercial property. The company is now looking to the future. We are continuing to grow and we are going to take on new people. Weve worked hard and have developed a good reputation, which we are rightly proud of, said Steven. Advanced Removals have also recently launched their improved website to go along with their increased storage capacity. Steven runs the company with his brother Geoff. Involved in the removals and storage industry for over 40 years, the company employs over 40 members of staff and owns nearly 40 vehicles. The company is already enjoying increased exposure, and recently starred in the popular BBC2 TV series Permission Impossible, which follows the work of Britains environmental planners. Steven Hartwell said: We treated it like we approach any job, with professionalism and care but obviously you cant buy this sort of advertising so we were pleased to see our removals company featured. For more information visit the newly-launched website at www.advanced-removals.co.uk
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Industry News
BAR Members in ood relief efforts

The recent oods in the UK prompted a number of BAR Members to come to the aid of local residents.
Berkshire-based Camp Hopson Removals Ltd battled through rising water levels to remove furniture and valuable items from a property in Eastbury, Berkshire. As the river Lambourn burst its banks and ooded entire streets, water reached knee-level and started to enter homes. A resident contacted Camp Hopson requesting that they urgently remove her furniture and effects as she was concerned that the rising water would damage them. Removals Manager Damon Theobold said that he went to estimate the goods to be removed and discovered how bad the situation was with the ood water at knee-level whilst standing in the street outside of her house. Council representatives informed the team that more rain was expected and water levels were expected to continue to rise by another 7 or 8 cm (3 inches). With this in mind, Damon contacted the ofce and we rallied all of our resources together in order to move the customer that afternoon to avoid any further damage to her belongings. Despite the difcult situation, Damon and his team were able to successfully remove all the contents requested by the customer before the next downpour arrived. Damon noted that: the customer, albeit very emotional about the circumstances she was placed in, was very grateful and could not thank us enough. Volunteering and storage space donation The team at Britannia Lanes of Somerset donated their time and storage space to help the relief effort in
Somerset during the recent UK oods. Britannia Lanes of Somerset acted as a drop off and collection point for Flooding on the Levels Action Group (FLAG). The local area had been badly affected by the oods and hundreds of volunteers worked hard to save people, animals, property and vehicles. Britannia Lanes is based in Bridgwater, close to the Somerset Levels. Many donations were sent in to help
those forced out of their homes by the oods. Britannia Lanes donated its storage space for free, and stored over 350 boxes of clothes, blankets, towels, toiletries and food.
We were amazed by the amount of donations, Britannia Lanes Director Angus Russell said. The local community all pulled together to help as much as they could, bringing in clothing, bedding, food and toys to support people in need in the local area. The response was so strong that the company stopped accepting donations of clothing, toys and bedding, and instead prioritised non-perishable foods and toiletries. Britannia Lanes was also heavily involved in helping to remove and store the effects of ooding victims until remedial works were completed on their properties.
For more information about these companies, see www.camphopsonremovals.co.uk and www.britannialanes.co.uk
Continental provides tachograph software for crashes

Continental has launched a Collision Investigation package based on tachograph-related software, which will help UK investigators produce detailed analysis of speed data, acceleration and status inputs using data from digital tachographs. The data from several vehicles in the same collision can be displayed and evaluated by the software. Further features include the ability to check digital signatures, graphs of speed, acceleration, distance and optional status inputs. Continental Automotives DTCOscope software incorporates the range of tools and features that an analyst and/or collision investigator requires to provide precise detailed data about the vehicles movements.
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Industry News
House prices on the up while transactions increase

The recovery in the housing market is gathering pace nationwide, with asking and selling prices moving higher and transaction numbers continuing to pick up.
According to Rightmove, average property coming to market was priced at 251,964 in February, 6.9% (+16,223) more than a year ago and the highest annual rate of growth since November 2007. A substantial jump in the number of properties coming to market means there are also tentative signs that the market recovery and increasing prices are persuading more people to sell. The number of weekly new listings in February 2014 was 18% higher than a year previously, Rightmove said. Miles Shipside of Rightmove said that the housing market can only help to support a wider economic recovery if there is a sustained boost to property supply and not just buyer demand. There is some early evidence that this is happening, he said. However, supply and demand imbalances remain and are getting worse in many markets, as a result of years of under-provision of additional housing stock, especially in the areas where the local economy and employment are strong. According to Halifax, house prices increased by 1.1% in January, driven up partly by a lack of supply. Of particular interest to the removals industry is that activity is also showing an upward trend with housing transactions in 2013 exceeding one million for the rst time since 2007. According to Halifax, home sales rose for the ninth successive month in December to 103,040; 30% higher than in December 2012. In addition, the number of mortgage approvals for house
purchases a leading indicator of completed house sales was 9% higher in the three months to December than in the previous quarter and 30% higher than in the same three months of 2012. Supporting this positive picture, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) Housing Market Survey for January showed the number of house hunters jumped to a six and a half year high. The average number of house sales reported by NAEA members and the proportion of rst time buyers increased. The average number of house hunters registered per branch increased from 334 in December to 353 in January. The average number of sales agreed per branch also increased from six in December to eight in January, the NAEA said. Over a third of house hunters were looking to up-size from their existing property in January 2014 with only one in ten looking to down-size. Meanwhile, gures from the Land Registry for January show an annual price rise of 4.2%, taking the average property value in England and Wales to 168,356. The monthly change from December to January was an increase of 1%. In terms of transactions, the Land Registry said that in November, the most up-to-date gures available, the number of completed house sales in England and Wales increased by 23% to 78,358 compared with 63,953 in November 2012. The number of properties sold for over 1m in November 2013 increased by 45% to 985.
Nationwide said that UK house prices increased by 0.6% in February and were 9.4% higher than in February 2013. Chief Economist Robert Gardner said: price growth is being supported by the fact that the supply of housing remains constrained, with housing completions still well below their pre-crisis levels, which was already insufcient to keep up with the pace of household formation. For example, in England around 109,500 new homes were built in 2013, this is 38% below the level recorded in 2007and around half the projected number of households that are expected to form each year in the years ahead. Meanwhile, ofcial gures from the Ofce for National Statistics show that UK house prices increased by 5.5% in December 2013 compared with a year earlier, up from 5.4% in November 2013. The average UK house price reached 250,000 in December 2013. House prices grew by 5.7% in England, 4.8% in Wales, 0.5% in Scotland and 4.8% in Northern Ireland. The ONS said that house price growth is beginning to increase strongly across parts of the UK, with prices in London increasing at more than double the UK average. Annual house price increases in England were driven by rises in London (12.3%), the East (4.6%) and the West Midlands (4.3%). Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 3.1% in the 12 months to December 2013.
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Industry News
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BAR BAR Services Services BAR News
BAR Services join Luxfords of Weybridge on the road

BAR Services prides itself on an extensive and in-depth knowledge of the packaging industry and, in particular, which products are vital to the removals industry in an evolving market. The company also knows it is important to stay in touch with the removals teams working on the ground in order to ensure that its knowledge is up to date and that it can continue to source new and innovative products.
A recent decision to place Sales Executive Suzy Barrak on the road alongside Accounts Manager Tim Oliver in order to provide further face-to-face support to customers led to a kind invite from BAR Services Director John Luxford (Luxfords of Weybridge). John offered Tim and Suzy the chance to work alongside one of his crews for a day and, according to Tim, we jumped at the chance. This was a fantastic opportunity for us to really get an understanding of how our current products are best used and where we could introduce useful and benecial new products. Although it was an early start for Tim and Suzy, on arrival at a house in Weybridge, the Luxfords crew were well under way, with self-adhesive oor protector already on all carpets and even as far as the attic room. Both were impressed by the speed at which the crew worked whilst remaining effective and professional at the same time, often in the face of stressed and emotional clients (moving is a stressful time). It was impressive to watch them in action, commented Suzy. We quickly realised how multi-skilled the guys have to be packing professionally and quickly whilst being pleasant and courteous at the same time. Despite having to deal with difcult clients and the wrath of angry neighbours, they got the job done and everything was perfectly wrapped. Adapting to each job Both Tim and Suzy have in-depth knowledge of the products supplied by BAR Services. However, after a long and busy day with the team of packers they learned just how versatile and adaptable many of their products can be. In particular, Tim was struck by the versatility of the mirror pack and how it is used in a variety of ways to ensure optimum protection. Not only was it adapted to t mirrors, pictures and other at objects of all sizes, but it was then used as a heavy duty oor protector on arrival at the destination. He was further impressed by the way that all mirrors and pictures were rst wrapped in export wrap and secondly in a mirror pack. When asked why the crew wrapped each one so precisely it was explained that by doing this the mirrors could be stacked vertically in the van, utilising every piece of space, which was crucial. The utilisation of all of the space on the trucks was also key to the move, and clever packing with good products made this possible. After their energetic For prices and availability, please contact BAR Services on: 01342 870087 or email: sales@barservices.co.uk and tiring day, both Tim and Suzy took time to reect on the experience. It proved to be an extremely worthwhile exercise, giving them the ability to empathise with the crews who work on the ground and also to see that simple, reliable and easy-to-use products are vital. Furthermore, the ability to re-use products where possible and adapt others allows savings to be made, which can then be passed on to the client. In the future, where possible, BAR Services will be sending its sales staff on more regular on-the-job training days and would like to thank the Luxfords staff for allowing Tim and Suzy to shadow them. By allowing its staff to be at the coal-face, BAR Services feels it can provide its customers with a superior, more comprehensive service through a better understanding of what is required of their products on a practical and dayto-day basis.
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BAR Services News
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BAR News
Main Sponsor:
Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15

The shortlist for the Domestic Mover of the Year (DMotY) 2014-15 competition has been announced, with six companies left competing for the nal prize.
Congratulations go to the following Member companies who make up this years shortlist: Bournes Britannia Lanes of Somerset & Bristol Britannia Thomas Casserlys Kilmarnock Removals International Maidmans Removals & Storage Reddaways Removals Ltd. This years award focuses on Customer Experience and companies were assessed on the basis of their websites, online contact, quotation forms, knowledge, professionalism and helpfulness of staff as well as their commitment to quality and high standards, compliance with the BAR Code of Practice and customer feedback. These above shortlisted companies will be subjected to an independent telephone mystery shopper evaluation as part of the second stage of the competition. By adding these scores to those from the rst round, three nalists will be identied. WINNER These nalists will then be DOMESTIC asked to provide a list of ve 2014-15 recent customers, three of whom the independent judges will contact to conduct a customer satisfaction survey. Each judge will contact one customer from each remover. The scores from all three rounds will be totalled to provide an overall nal score for each company, determining a winner. The three nalists will be proled in R&S May, and the winner will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Saturday 17 May. R&S wishes the best of luck to all shortlisted companies!
MOVER OF THE YEAR
Brian Maidman celebrates winning the DMotY 2013-14 award.
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BAR News
Kirk Dugard elected as new Directly Elected Director

Kirk Dugard, Project Manager at Simpsons Removals and Storage Ltd, was recently elected to the BAR Board as a new Directly Elected Director (DED). R&S spoke to Kirk about his new role and his hopes for the future.
As the representatives of the BAR Membership on the Board, DEDs play an important role in communicating Members views in order to shape the future direction and priorities of the Association. Through his work at Simpsons Removals and Storage Ltd, Kirk knows what it is like to work with BAR as a Member. He is well versed in what it takes to achieve and maintain high quality standards for his company. I have had my main areas of contact with BAR recently in relation to compliance of T&Cs, our marketing campaigns and, of course, our certication to BS 8564 last year allowing our entry into the BAR Overseas Group, Kirk told R&S. Kirk brings substantial experience to the DED role, and knows what it takes to represent a large number of companies at a high level. He previously served as the chairman of a national organisation representing the interests of over 400 companies nationwide concerned with the harmonisation of customs controls throughout the EU. This role required my liaison and input with Government departments and politicians in the UK, Brussels and Strasbourg and I hope my experience at this level will benet the BAR and its Members, he explained. As a direct representative of ordinary Members, Kirk wants to keep the Membership as his focus during his time as DED. I hope to be able to give a voice to the smaller member companies in the future direction of the BAR and at the same time deliver real benets that will give them an edge over the competition. Innovation, not imitation As is becoming clear to the Board and Members alike, the use of web-based technology is now vital to businesses across the removals and storage
BAR Directly Elected Directors: Chris Smallwood, Timon Thorncroft and Kirk Dugard
BAR conducts Biennial Membership Survey

BAR is still in the process of contacting every Member by telephone inviting them to take part in this years Membership Survey to share their views on the Association and its activities. The BAR Biennial Survey was launched in 2012, and so far signicant changes have been implemented on the basis of feedback received from Members. This years Survey included a number of questions from the previous survay to allow BAR to compare answers and see changing opinions, if any. At the same time, new questions were added to the 2014 Survey to elicit reaction to recent BAR initiatives, such as the Trusted Mover website and the Primary Authority Terms and Conditions. The results of the 2014 Survey will be presented and discussed at the BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow next month.
Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?

Send to: rands-editorial@analyticamedia.com
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industry. For Kirk, gone are the days when we can all sit back and ignore what is happening on the internet. Customers expect to be able to use the internet to full all of their requirements and we will have to provide them with those facilities if we are to continue to be successful. Meeting this challenge will be a key part of BARs work in the near future. Kirk hopes that the Association can continue to support Members in this challenge by developing and adapting its services to meet this requirement as an innovator rather than playing catch up. I hope to play a role in this development for BAR Members.
Gone are the days when we can all sit back and ignore what is happening on the internet.
BAR News
Are we right to toe the self storage line?

A regular column from Chris Smallwood, Directly Elected Member of the BAR Board of Directors.
I read with interest a recent feature on self storage in the London Evening Standards Homes and Property section. In the piece it claims that customers complain of hefty obligatory insurance fees added to their rental payments and cheap starter offers that can suddenly rocket. There have even been complaints about security, with thefts reported from some sites. There are those that argue that the cost of self storage is extremely high, that they charge insurance when insurance is not appropriate and ultimately that it is unregulated. Compare and contrast this with containerised storage. It offers an efcient way of storing goods, involves less handling if brought in as part of a removals package, and is a system where you pay for only the space you actually need rather than the space you think you need (many people do not ll their self storage units). Containerised storage offers customers full blanket protection of contents, a detailed inventory for proof of contents and their condition, lower risk of damage, insurance that is relevant and appropriate to the requirement and the opportunity for collection and delivery (which also allows the promotion of professional moving services). Containersied storage also takes work away from the unregulated man and van or DIY brigade and, the killer blow; its costs are lower than self storage. Additionally, if your containerised storage company is a member of the BAR, then you have the added protection of a Consumer Code of Practice, both recognised and monitored by TSI. Remarkably, much of the professional removals industry has embraced self storage and, ironically, encouraged black marketeers to prosper and supporting the growth of DIY removals. Yet, through substantial investment in marketing both online and in other mediums, it has been successful, though the smaller removals companies are working within much tighter nancial resources.
Many would argue that it is not a bad thing that an industry has come along that charges good rates and as such should allow and encourage higher rates for containerised storage. It is also low maintenance, low administration and provides a good yield, providing you can nd the money to invest. It is also believed to be a good business to sell on when the opportunity comes and it is suggested that as an asset it holds considerably higher value than a removals company with containerised storage.
But, as an industry, did we embrace the idea too readily? Should we have resisted taking it on? Has it really been a good innovation for our industry? Does it send out the right message to the public? Ask yourself the question, are we right to toe the self storage line? Remember, we want to provoke and stimulate debate in the industry. Use the BAR Facebook page to promote your professional association and tell me what you think on Twitter.
If you would like me to attend your area meeting, please email me at chris.smallwood@anchorremovals.co.uk
As always feel free to contribute on: www.facebook.com/pages/ British-Association-ofRemovers/189283657865184 @BARremovers www.linkedin.com/groups/ British-AssociationRemovers-4088143
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BAR News
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BAR News
Areas meet
At the recent Area meetings in the rst quarter of this year, Members were updated on BARs Primary Authority arrangements with Hertfordshire Trading Standards as well as the two new sets of Terms and Conditions which have been approved under the Primary Authority Scheme. Consumer-related issues were topics for discussion at several meetings, with many BAR Members increasingly aware of the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) approved BAR Code of Practice. Members attending the South Western Area meeting discussed concerns about Devon Trading Standards promotion of the Buy With Condence badge, available for a 50 fee, which some Members suggested could dilute the TSI Consumer Codes Approval Scheme. Another common theme for discussion at the Area meetings so far this year has been how to attract greater attendance. The Yorkshire Area concluded that the quality of speaker was the main factor in determining attendance. The Area will contact VOSA

to arrange a speaker for a future meeting. The South Western Area is looking into hiring smaller venues and scheduling alternative meeting dates. Area people There have been a number of organisational changes and decisions affecting the running of the Areas. In East Anglia, Terry Cobbin has resigned from his post as treasurer due to work commitments, and Richard Dolan (Greens Removals) has taken over the position. In Yorkshire, Vice Chair Nick Wright stepped down citing a heavy workload as the main reason for his decision, with Steve Barker of Britannia Leeds elected as his replacement. Chair Bob Carney (Pickfords Business Solutions) and Secretary Graham Puddephatt (Reason Global Insurance) agreed to continue in their posts for another year. The Scottish Area met for their AGM in January in Livingstone. It was agreed that Chair Kevin Brown (Shore Porters Society), Vice Chair Matthew
BAR Members meet regularly in the regional areas from which they operate. The meetings provide a useful forum for local BAR Members and National Afliates to nd out about latest industry developments and to network.
At the recent Southern Area AGM, thanks were extended to the outgoing Chairman, Alan Eldridge (Kestrel) and incoming Chairman Chris Schepens (Schepens).
McNaughton (J&J Howe), Secretary Georgina Berry (Richard Healey Removals Ltd), Treasurer Susan Fleming (Flemings of Rosyth) and National Councillor David Woodhouse (Broughton Removals) will all continue in their posts through 2014.
Southern Area Meetings return strong numbers

By Peter Doman, Southern Area Secretary and Director at Basil Fry & Co When I was elected Secretary of the Southern Area four years ago I was keen to try and increase dwindling attendance at meetings.
With the recession at its deepest this was never going to be an easy task as operators needed to optimise every minute of their time. Given the vast coverage of the Southern Area, a two hour meeting in Romsey could mean a full day away from the business for many. The only way to increase numbers was to ensure that the meetings added value to Members businesses. We wanted to ensure that by attending Members would be able to understand better the current hot topics and nd out how new and existing afliates could help them develop their business. Over the last few years Southern Area Members have benetted from presentations from a range of Afliates (including Wellers, Backhouse Jones, ReachLocal, Simpson Packaging, TwentyCi, DKV, First Data and Rightmove) as well as Analytica Media and regular attendances from Basil Fry & Co., PHS Teacrate, Reason Global, BAR Services and Colin Wynn from Administer Software. In addition, presentations have also been given by BAR Director General Stephen Vickers, Ian Studd in his role as BAR President, Brian Maidman in his role as Directly Elected Director and Gary Wheadon as BAR Vice President giving a great overview of what happens at Watford. We also receive information regularly from the current National Council Chairman, Neal Lambert, and the Overseas Group Council Chairman, Ian Palmer, who both attend this Area meeting. Attendance up 20% On top of the useful updates from key industry personnel we have livened things up by injecting a more social angle to the meetings. The Area introduced a yearly golf tournament sponsored by George Lambert & Son, a rafe at every meeting, instigated by Ashley Jones of Pickfords, and we have had a BBQ and a T20 cricket match. As a result of these changes I am pleased to report that numbers have grown steadily over the four years, peaking this year with 85 attendees over the three meetings and 50% of the Area Members attending at least one meeting. This was a 20% increase on 2012/13 period. All in all, things are looking up Down South and with business in a very different place to where it was four years ago I am positive about the remainder of this year. Our next meeting is
Marc Dack (White & Co.), winner of Southern Area annual golf tournament 2014 (sponsored by George Lambert & Son), and Neal Lambert (George Lambert & Son), runner Up (sponsored by Basil Fry & Co.).
scheduled for 5 June at the Holiday Inn Express in Southampton followed by a walk over to the Ageas Bowl for a T20 (Bash) cricket game and a few beers. For those of you who havent attended a meeting for a number of years, why dont you treat yourself and put the date in your diaries? It will be a great opportunity to add value to your business. For more information, see the Area Meetings information on page 52.
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BAR News
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BAR News
An opportunity for professional networking

The BAR 2014 Annual Conference in Glasgow, Scotland is now just one month away. The three-day event will allow BAR Members to engage in discussions about practical business issues and strategies with high-quality speakers and industry experts from around the world, and to socialise with industry colleagues in both formal and informal settings.
The 2014 Annual Conference will be held from 15-17 May at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel
A Glaswegian welcome The Conference weekend will tee-off with the traditional BAR Golf Challenge, sponsored by Basil Fry & Co. It will take place on Thursday 15 May at the Mar Hall golf course. Set in the grounds of the ve-star Mar Hall Hotel and with views of the River Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills, the championship course will provide a treat for even the most experienced players. On Thursday evening, all Conference participants are invited to welcome drinks and a Scottish-themed meal, sponsored by the Overseas Group and the Ofce of the Lord Provost. Members will be formally welcomed by the Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, the Overseas Group Chairman Ian Palmer and Ian Studd, BAR President, before being treated to a performance from the 25-piece Tophichen & Bathgate pipe band. Business Friday On Friday morning the formal business of the Conference begins. Friday and Saturday will provide participants with excellent opportunities to network with industry peers, meet specialist service providers and suppliers, address the BAR Board of Directors and learn new tips on running a removals and storage business. After the Annual General Meetings of BAR and the RBA on Friday morning, the BAR President will formally open the Conference and the Business Sessions will take place as from 10am. Members will receive feedback on the BAR Membership Survey, and will be able to participate in a Q&A with the BAR Board of Directors. Following this, the Conferences Keynote Speaker, Rt Hon Baroness Crawley of Edgbaston, President of the Trading Standards Institute and Chair of the Consumer Code Approval Board will speak to the Conference. The afternoon business sessions will see the focus switch to the wider removals and storage industry with presentations from a range of international speakers
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such as Terry Head, President of the International Association of Movers, and Ed Katz of the International Ofce Moving Institute. Other expert speakers include digital marketing guru, Paul Tansey, and the British Institute of Facilities Management will present its ndings in relation to its unique research carried out together with the BAR Commercial Moving Group on the evolving workplace. To be sure you fully understand the full ramications and benets of BARs Primary Authority arrangements, make sure you attend the talk by the Governments Better Regulatory Delivery Ofce! Friday funfair Later, the Marriott will play host to a funfair night, which will include interactive stalls and a themed buffet. All proceeds will be donated to the RBA.
Conference Workshops Conference Saturday will see a series of interactive group sessions, each hosted by an expert, that discuss industry-related topics in an open forum. There will be three dedicated areas which will run simultaneous workshops. Members are encouraged to take part in these thought-provoking discussions and to share their views with fellow delegates. Many of the speakers from the Friday Business Sessions will be running workshops. FIDI President Errol Gardiner has kindly agreed to run a workshop on international moving, and Steven Meyerhoff of transport law specialists Backhouse Jones solicitors will be providing advice on how to deal with employee grievances.
BAR News
Conference Tour On Saturday afternoon, before the Gala Dinner, delegates will have the chance to unwind with a tour of the Auchentoshan whisky distillery, a visit to the Museum of Transport and Travel and to board the Tall Ship SV Glenlee on the River Clyde. DMotY and CMotY awards and Gala Dinner The three-day Conference will end with the black tie cocktail reception and Gala Dinner, sponsored by Rightmove and TwentyCi. The Dinner will feature a Scottish three-course meal with traditional addressing of the haggis and Selkirk grace. The event will include honours, awards and presentations, capped by the announcement of the Domestic Mover of the Year 2014-15 and Commercial Mover of the Year 2014 winners. The night will nish with a Scottish Ceilidh band and disco. It promises to be an enjoyable night that will round off what is sure to be an enlightening and inspirational conference for all BAR Members and their partners. BAR Exhibition Hall The BAR Conference Exhibition will be open to delegates on Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (9am12:30pm). The Exhibition will be held in the Queen Mary Room, adjacent to the main Conference Hall
The scene at last years Gala Awards, Newcastle 2013
For more information and to reserve your place at the BAR Annual Conference, see www.bar.co.uk/conference2014.aspx
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(Queen Elizabeth II Room) and will incorporate its own networking area, a popular element at past events. Trade providers and partners will be able to showcase industry-related products and services to delegates, and make new contacts with Members of the BAR. Thanks to Britannia Leeds, this years Exhibition Hall is likely to attract a constant stream of Conference delegates who will enjoy the use of a golf simulator throughout the Conference period. There are already a number of conrmed exhibitors; if your company would like to reserve space in the Exhibition Hall, please contact conference@bar.co.uk
This years BAR Conference will provide participants with excellent opportunities to network with industry peers, meet specialist service providers, address the BAR Board of Directors and learn new tips on running a removals and storage business.
CMG BAR News
The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations.
R&S interview: Future directions for CMG

Sarah Cole, Legal and Quality Director at Universal Commercial Relocation, has been appointed as the new Commercial Moving Group Council Deputy Chairman.
R&S: What are the main roles and responsibilities of the CMG Deputy Chairman? Sarah Cole: The main roles are to support the Chairman in overseeing the various initiatives devised and developed by the CMG Council, and to raise the prole of the CMG both within the BAR membership, and to the wider commercial world. R&S: What are the CMGs current key areas of focus and how do these address any challenges affecting commercial movers? SC: The Council meets on a regular basis in Watford to identify key areas of focus. The various sub-committees such as those for training, marketing and BAR Conference then develop the initiatives and report to the Council. All of the sub-committees have current areas of focus. For example, the training sub-committee is working with Miranda Martin of BAR Training Services to promote the commercial moving apprenticeship, while the marketing sub-committee is working with BAR to optimise the CMG website and increase trafc on our Find a Member search function, among other projects. R&S: What are your hopes for the future direction of the CMG? SC: The overarching aim of CMGs work is to attract more commercial moving work to its membership, and raise standards in our industry. In an increasingly competitive market with diverse service providers, it is critical that we demonstrate how our Members should be rst choice on commercial moves due to the quality, innovation and expertise that they offer. R&S: Are there any longer term goals and tools for achieving this direction? SC: The development of the commercial moving quality standard, BS 8522, by the CMG in collaboration with the British Standards Institute and other bodies set the standard for commercial moving in the UK. The CMG would like to build on this ground-breaking work by driving further innovation in the industry. For example, in conjunction with BIFM, we have launched a nationwide survey entitled Moves and Changes in the Evolving Workplace, the results of which will be announced and debated at the BAR Annual Conference in May. The aim of this is rstly to raise the prole and brand awareness of CMG and its membership with many thousands of facilities and ofce managers, and secondly to identify trends in the workplace affecting our industry which will drive future CMG initiatives.
AMC Removals joins CMG

AMC Removals Ltd recently joined the BAR Commercial Moving Group (CMG). The Fife-based company was founded in 2010. For the past four years AMC Removals has focused on providing services for those wishing to carry out ofce moves throughout central Scotland. In the coming years, AMC Removals intend to build on their existing success with the aim of increasing commercial turnover by 40% and achieving more than 50 employee moves each year. AMC took the decision to become involved with the CMG to gain recognition of the professionalism of its crews and to further aid the growth of the commercial moving sector. The company anticipates that membership of the CMG will complement the high level of service it offers. Indeed, AMC Removals is one of only four removal companies in all of Scotland to have been awarded the three quality standards in domestic moving, commercial moving, and storage. Alexander Cruickshank, Director of AMC Removals, told R&S that he hopes the CMG will continue to focus on promoting CMG Members in the marketplace so that relocation without using a CMG Member would be unthinkable in the eyes of potential customers.
For further information please visit: www.amcremovalsltd.co.uk
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Features
Hamiltons achieve Gold with their Olympic service to Switzerland

Snow is no obstacle for Hamiltons Removals who seem to have thought of everything for their one-stopshop service for moves to and from Switzerland.
Hamiltons Gold Star Swiss Removal Service starts with a site or home visit by one of the team of highly experienced surveyors, who cover the entire country from Lands End to John OGroats. The comprehensive services that Hamiltons offers are designed to meet all needs. It is perfectly possible for trade clients to simply deliver the consignment to the Hamiltons depot after having obtained a detailed quote for the removal required. Alternatively, Hamiltons team of export packers will go to the clients residence, to complete a full pack and wrap service. Dedicated larger moves are loaded directly on to one of Hamiltons road trains. Where possible, the crew that will complete the move to Switzerland will load the vehicle in the UK, to give as much continuity as possible. European Director Paul Walsh heads the Hamiltons European department and issues weekly schedules with anticipated delivery days and times. All of Hamiltons vehicles are tted with an advanced tracker system, together with telephones to keep clients informed of progress, or deal with any unforeseen issue that may arise en route. Paul says he sees this part of the moving process of vital importance. We insist on accurate and timely information being readily available for all clients. Dedicated Swiss partners Hamiltons has dedicated agents at all of the main Swiss border crossings, to assist and ensure a smooth Customs clearance process in a country that remains outside the EU. Over the years Paul has established an extensive portfolio of partners and agents in Switzerland. They are able to offer a continuous stream of both groupage and dedicated moves back to the UK. Hamiltons is well equipped to complete moves in the high quality corporate section of the market due to their highly trained staff and versatile eet of vehicles. The Swiss partners and agents also assist Hamiltons with their impressive array of services. Modern, secure and heated warehousing is readily available on arrival, together with secure parking
Hamiltons For further information on how Hamiltons may assist your company, please contact Paul Walsh at Hamiltons head ofce on 01379 855203

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facilities for overnight stops. Qualied electricians and plumbers are on hand to assist, together with the indispensable handy man and maid service, which is invariably required with corporate Swiss moves. Hamiltons Swiss partners complete the important tasks of pre-move surveys and access checks, enabling Hamiltons to arrive fully equipped and prepared to professionally undertake even the most demanding and complex moves. Shuttle vehicles and external elevators are readily available and often required. 2013 saw Hamiltons move in excess of 40,000 cubic feet a week to and from Europe. With vastly increased warehouse facilities and the recent additions to their eet, Hamiltons feel well equipped and ready to move forward with the European service during 2014. Paul Walsh and his dedicated European team look forward to establishing new relationships and working with their established trade colleagues and corporate clients in this major market.
Qualied electricians and plumbers are on hand to assist, together with the indispensable handy man and maid service, which is invariably required with corporate Swiss moves.
BAR News
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BAR News
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CMG BAR News
Commercial Mover of the Year 2014
The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies Edes that specialise in all aspects Harrow within the British Association of Removers Green of commercial relocations.
Congratulations to the following BAR Member companies who have successfully qualied as Finalists in this years Commercial Mover of the Year (CMotY): Edes Harrow Green JT & Sons Relocations Maidmans Removals & Storage Universal Commercial Relocation Certicate of Merit Well done also to the following companies who have been awarded Certicates of Merit in this years CMotY: Specialised Movers Ltd Pickfords Move Management Ltd t/a Pickfords Business Solutions Johnsons Moving Services Ltd t/a Johnsons Business Moves Fox Business Moving P Fahey & Sons LLP Delivery Services Clockwork Removals Ltd John Bradshaw & Son t/a BCL Who will become the next Commercial Mover of the Year? Find out at the BAR Conference on Saturday 17 May 2014 where the winner will be announced.
Edes commercial moving business has gone from strength to strength since it was founded by greengrocer William Ede back in the 19th century. In those days, people who moved had the choice to use either the coalman or the greengrocer who would keep your goods clean. To this day, Edes concentrates on the high end of the marketplace and on delivering a quality service. It is still a family-owned business and maintains a family culture, with a company-wide desire to help its clients succeed. Edes is focused on developing long-term partnerships and on repeat business from key accounts, especially major blue-chip clients. In addition to large nancial sector clients, Edes also undertakes moves for companies of all shapes and sizes who are looking for a high quality relocation service provider. In a competitive marketplace, the companys keen commitment to environmental issues is a strong differentiator. Edes recently acquired eight new vehicles for its eet, which are compliant with the latest Euro V environmental standards. All vehicles are low emission and also have built in crew capsules, so the entire crew can travel in one vehicle, cutting down on emissions. The companys new ofces and warehouse in Morden were built with a sustainable approach and have achieved an EPC A rating. The environment is one of the drivers for the business, so Edes practises what they preach and remains environmentally aware.
Founded: 1869 Location: Morden, South West London Principals: Tony Smith, Bob Pigott and Bill Tiernan Number of Employees: 70 Number of Vehicles: 16 Size of Warehouse: 120,000 ft2
Main Sponsor:
Founded in 1983, Harrow Greens focus has always been on the commercial moving sector and in developing long-term relationships and repeat business with its customers. Its client base includes many high prole blue chip businesses across the country and spans both the public and private sectors. Harrow Green has an enviable track record for successfully delivering large and complex commercial relocation projects. In the early 1990s Harrow Green saw an opportunity to combine IT services with commercial moving and created Relocom, a company specialising in the relocation of IT systems. Providing bespoke and innovative services has always been key to Harrow Greens long-term strategic aims, and in 1999 the company began a planned expansion programme adding more services and a regional branch network to its established London base. These new services included furniture procurement and installation, records management, project and move management. In todays market place, recycling and reuse of no longer needed assets has become an essential part of commercial moving, and the companys ofce in Silvertown, East London, offers a fully accredited recycling and re-use facility, with a zero to landll policy. The company holds the BS 8522 standard for commercial moving, as well as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, and team is currently working towards gaining the OHSAS 18001 for health and safety management systems with the rst audit planned for early April 2014. Harrow Green places a marked importance on the training of its staff and has already guided a number of apprentices through the BAR/CMG apprenticeship scheme and is currently recruiting the next intake.In February 2012 the company was acquired by Restore plc which has further strengthened the Harrow Green business and provides continued investment in both people and systems.
Founded: 1983 Location: London and nationwide Principals: Nigel Dews (Managing Director), John Davis (Financial Director), Ian Studd (Executive Director Business Relocation), Bob Bradley (Sales Director), Terry Gibbs (Regional Director), Steve Wilkins (Director of International Business) Number of Employees: 250 permanent, 200 part-time Number of Vehicles: 66 Size of Warehouse: 297,000 ft2
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CMG BAR News
JT & Sons Relocations
Maidmans Removals & Storage

Maidmans Removals has been providing removals and storage services for local businesses throughout Dorset and the surrounding areas for 35 years. The companys whole ethos is built around keeping any business disruption to a minimum, while helping customers move in a transparent, open and approachable way. Maidmans work with a wide selection of clients, ranging from national companies to local organisations, with the size of moves varying from 10 people to several hundred. Clients include nancial organisations and facilities management companies, and also local family businesses. Maidmans also works closely with local government and schools, the MoD, universities and manufacturing organisations where machinery relocations are required. The company is widely recognised for its continuous investment in staff training. It also invests in vehicles and equipment with a rolling programme of updating and renewing all items to ensure that staff and customers get the best support possible. Maidmans was the rst UK company to gain all three BS standards: BS 8522 for commercial moving, BS EN 12522 for household moving and BS EN 14873 for storage of personal effects. The company has now added a fourth BS EN 15713 for condential shredding and also holds an Investors in People award. Each commercial customer has a key contact at Maidmans to help with any question, no matter how trivial. We like to think that this is a journey we make together with our customers, knowing that this can be a stressful time, Brian Maidman says. Were here to provide reassurance that were well versed in all types of commercial move across a wide range of industry sectors. If a customer can see that were doing things right in terms of planning, providing protective materials and a removal team who are helpful on move day and the whole project is completed with minimal disruption, then weve done our job.
Founded: 1979 Location: Castlepoint, Bournemouth Name of Principal: Brian Maidman Number of Employees: 19 Number of Vehicles: 7 Size of Warehouse: 22,000 ft2
Universal Commercial Relocation

As a family run business, Universal is passionate about delivering a highly professional service, where clients return to the business for future moves due to the trust and relationship that Universal develops with them. Excellence is the driving force in all areas of our business, from staff development and performance to quality and environmental management systems, Director Sarah Cole says. Universals customer base is largely drawn from London and the south-east, including both private and public clients. The company specialises in projects for local government as well for the nancial services, legal and education sectors. Universal has a very low rate of staff turnover in all areas of the business, which reects the focus the company places on continuity and staff development. Universals team are fully committed to each other, the organisation and their clients. In continuing to build the team, Universal will be investing in apprenticeships in 2014 as part of its in-house staff development programme. Maintaining and developing Universals accreditations are fundamental to the business and underpins its operations. Universal currently hold ISO 14001, ISO 9001, BS 8522 and Safe Contractor certications. These all support Universals work in continually developing and offering innovative solutions to clients. This year, the company has carried out moves for longstanding clients of many years standing and brand new clients such as Brent Council in the shape of its Civic Centre move of 2,300 personnel. Universal has a total client focus, and it strives to deliver a personal and tailored service every time, regardless of the scale or nature of the project.
Founded: 1978 Location: Greenford, Middlesex Principals: Billy Murray (Managing Director), Mairead Murray (Company Secretary) and Sarah Cole (Legal & Quality Director) Number of Employees: 45 Number of Vehicles: 11 Size of Warehouse: 60,000 ft2
The current holder of the CMotY crown, JT & Sons Relocations, has enjoyed a year of major growth and expansion in the wake of the companys victory in Newcastle in May 2013. We havent been resting on our laurels since winning CMotY 2013, co-owner Jenny Thorncroft says. We have continued to work very hard on customer service. We recognize that we are only as good as our last move, and we have worked on building momentum from last years win. We saw a big increase in enquiries and business after Newcastle, and a lot of interesting work has come in. For example, we recently carried out a major move for 4,750 personnel, which led to other projects with the client. Sussex-based JT & Sons has built a solid client base in both private and public sector organisations. The company has emerged as a strong player in the South East and is now expanding in northern England where it has taken a major shareholding in Britannia Leeds. Lee Austin has now been promoted to Director in recognition of his achievements and in line with the companys ethos, Lee has also been given a shareholding in JT & Sons. Despite its growth, the companys business model remains the same. JT & Sons chooses not to have its own eet, instead investing the money saved in staff training to achieve excellent customer service. As a young company, standards certication has been an important way of proving JT & Sons credentials. The company is certied for BS 8522, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 and are planning to complete OHSAS 18001 for health and safety this year.
Founded: 2008 Location: Sussex Principals: Timon Thorncroft, Jenny Thorncroft and Lee Austin (Directors) Number of Employees: 23 Size of Warehouse(s): 20,000 ft2 in London, and 10,000 ft2 in Leeds
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Overseas Group News Overseas Group News BAR Training News BAR News
The Overseas Group (OG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of overseas relocations.
Overseas Group fully compliant

The Overseas Group Council met in February at BARs Watford HQ.
QSS Chief Executive Chris Waymouth informed the Council that all 55 Members of the Overseas Group were now fully compliant with the Overseas Group criteria. The criteria demands that all Members must possess either the BS 8564 Standard, FIDI Accredited International Mover Standard (FAIM), or a higher approved externally-audited standard, together with an approved advance payment guarantee scheme to protect all pre-payments made by the consumer. The new FEDEMAC European Affairs Advisor and Lobbyist, Gabriela Dimitrova, provided an overview of her current role and on-going projects. The next Overseas Group Council meeting will be held on 5 June.
Overseas Group Deputy Chairman warns Members about rogue company

At the February Overseas Group Council meeting, Deputy Chairman Tony Tickner warned Members against conducting business with Relogulf, an international moving company alleged to owe thousands of pounds to shipping companies and former customers around the world. According to a report in Abu Dhabi newspaper The National, Dubai-based Relogulf faces complaints from several logistics companies. Companies claim that Relogulf cheques bounced or that fees owed by the company were simply not paid, while customers claim that they had to pay thousands of pounds in additional charges to shipping companies to have their goods returned. One logistics rm is reported to be owed more than 20,000 and said that Relogulf had not paid for 19 of its containers to be shipped to destination ports. An ofcial from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce said that Relogulfs trade licence had expired in September 2013.
One logistics rm is reported to be owed more than 20,000 and said that Relogulf had not paid for 19 of its containers to be shipped to destination ports.
Freight rates increase

As of 1 March freight rates have increased on major routes. Every year shipping lines independently review their prices, and this increase comes after several years of very little change. The increase applies to all commodities and is not limited to household furniture. A notication has been placed on both the BAR and Overseas Group websites to alert customers to this change.
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Tony Tickner, Deputy Chairman, Overseas Group Council

Send to: rands-editorial@ analyticamedia.com
QSS BAR Update News
QSS is a UKAS accredited certication body that offers professional certication and auditing services to a broad range of Quality Standards relevant to companies operating in the removals and storage industry.
Flying the standard at Armishaws

Armishaws Removals has become the rst removals company in England, and the second in the UK (following in the footsteps of Matt Purdie and Sons), to add a seventh quality standard to its portfolio, ensuring it continues to provide a high quality service as it expands into new business areas.
Were a family business, but were also very forwardlooking and forward-moving. Weve come a long way since the company started in 1975, Group Manager Pat Carter told R&S. Adding these standards over the years shows just how far we have progressed. Over the past 40 years or so, Armishaws has taken a steady and determined route to seek formal recognition of its high quality standards. The company obtained international standards for its quality management systems (ISO 9001) and its environmental management system (ISO 14001) within xx years of starting its removals and storage operations. We were one of the rst companies to be certied for the European removals and storage industry standards developed by the BAR, BS EN 12522 for furniture removal services and BS EN 14873 for furniture storage services. We consider these standards to be complementary to the two ISO standards. We added the overseas moving quality standard, BS 8564, after a quality standards inspector suggested during one of our audits that we should consider applying for this since what we were doing in relation to international moves was already in line with the Standards criteria. The company has continued to add standards organically over the years. When Armishaws acquired an operator with a large shredding business, it made good business sense to apply for the shredding standard, BS EN 15713 for the secure disposal of condential material. A core part of Armishaws business is storage, in particular archive storage and Pat explains that the next logical step was for us to go for our seventh standard, ISO 15489 for document storage services. Every standard has been a milestone for us in terms of how our business has grown over the years. Standards to take the business forward Whereas some in the industry query the cost and effort involved in the standards and in the inspection process, Pat says he is satised with the return on investment. We have found it a valuable way of looking at where we can improve and how to take the business forward. Armishaws has acquired a number of companies during the recent recession, across southern England
Armishaws W: www.armishaws.com E: enquiries@armishaws.com T: 0800 917 1015
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and beyond, maintaining their trading names and brands. Companies which are now part of the Armishaws group include Overs International of Camberley (including Northovers), A Wilkins & Sons of Guildford, Bell & Sons of Leicester, Dowse of Richmond, and R & Y Tyers of Southend-on-Sea. These group members all apply the same rigorous focus on quality of service as the parent company, Pat explains. We operate all of these companies out of our main ofce in Wincanton, supplying our group companies with materials, labour and customer sales enquiries so everyone is working to the same standards, Pat says. Pat says the companys investments are already paying off in the commercial market, where clients often require conrmation of standards. The companys commitment to quality goes well beyond
adding stickers to its assets. Armishaws employs only full-time, fully trained crews. Having a full-time staff of over 50 people helps ensures a high quality of service to domestic customers, as well as to the armed forces, as one of Agilitys chosen suppliers to the Ministry of Defence.
Every standard has been a milestone for us in terms of how our business has grown over the years.
BAR News
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QSS BAR Update News
QSS is a UKAS accredited certication body that offers professional certication and auditing services to a broad range of Quality Standards relevant to companies operating in the removals and storage industry.
New QSS story (use pic on page)

QSS, BARs subsidiary responsible for quality standards auditing and certication, enjoyed a record year in 2013 with a resurgence in interest in a number of quality standards.
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BAR News
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BAR News
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Training BAR News
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
Driver CPC Dates for your diary
Date 14.04.14 15.04.14 23.04.14 24.04.14 22.05.14 23.05.14
Location Watford* Watford* Watford* Watford* Watford* Watford*
Module 1 Packing Manual Handling
Module 2 Vehicle Loading - Watford Preventing Physical Risk
Driver Essentials this is a full day course (7 hours towards periodic training) Risk Assessments Safe & Efcient Driving Preventing Physical Risk Manual Handling Company Image & Customer Care Manual Handling
03.06.14 Watford* 04.06.14 Watford*
Driver Essentials this is a full day course (7 hours towards periodic training) Emergency Situations Safe & Fuel Efcient Driving
For further information and to book call: 01923 699 497 or email: training@bar.co.uk
The British Association of Removers Training Services is an approved centre for CPC driver training.
Prices
Day rates: BAR Members 107 Non members 135 * Watford rates BAR members 87, Non members 105 Please note all prices are + VAT
JAUPT APPROVED CENTRE AC00191
Professional LGV & PCV drivers must complete 35hrs of periodic training every 5 years following their acquired rights or initial CPC qualication and time is running out. We know time is running out to get requalied so have put on special open courses just for you to get those last few guys completed.
NEW
The Driver Essentials course hasnt been run in a few years, this has just been approved to run again

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BAR Training Services

BAR News Training News
Training from the Removals Experts
BARTS 2014 Training Course dates. All courses taking place at BAR Watford
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.
BTEC Award in Practical Estimating

This 2 day course is practically based and is designed to teach students the art of estimating as well as face to face sales techniques, covering topics such as: Quantity assessment made easy Instructor with 27 years experience in estimating Best practice - survey to report to quote Condence in sales & estimating Understanding the importance of communication
Commercial Estimating
A specially designed course for the commercial estimator, expanding the knowledge of Estimating in general. The course focuses on calculating volume, methods for Estimating in the Commercial environment, what to look out for and questions to ask the customer. This course will make estimating large ofce moves less daunting for the less experienced estimator and includes a practical exercise, where delegates will experience estimating in a real time situation. Why is volume important How do we calculate volume Things to be aware of when estimating furniture Estimating the amount of packing crates, questions to be asked, method of a site viewing What should be included in a commercial quotation, practical exercise.
2014 Course Dates:

12/13th May
545 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

Overseas Training 2014 Course Dates:
TBA
Overseas Group (OG) members can send one delegate for free; Non-OG members and second places 545 + VAT
2014 Course Dates:

Next Available Course 16th April 23rd Sept 26th Nov
2014 Other Courses: Additional CPC dates added Watford

Course dates to be announced
Members 87 + VAT, Non Members 107 + VAT
199
+ VAT p/p (BAR Member)
General information
Finance for Non-Financial Managers in partnership with The Association of Accounting Technicians (aat). For more information contact BARTS.
To book Call: 01923 699484 or email: training@bar.co.uk
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Features
How to handle employee absence

Regular employee absence can be a real problem for employers, affecting staff morale, workplace productivity and prot. Steven Meyerhoff, Director at specialist transport law solicitors Backhouse Jones, sets out how employers should deal with absences, stressing the importance for employers to monitor individual absence and ensure consistent and fair action in order to avoid potential legal action.
employer to maintain a consistent approach across the workforce rather than suddenly reacting to the absence of a particular employee, which could lead to issues of unfair treatment. Once a persistent absentee has been identied, the employer can move towards management of the problem, which could include dismissal. There are ve fair reasons for terminating employment: conduct, capability, redundancy, contravention of a legal requirement or some other substantial reason. Shortterm absence generally falls into the conduct category. The usual procedure from this point onwards is the issuing of a verbal warning followed by a written warning, nal written warning and ultimately dismissal if no improvement is conduct is made. Employees must be given the opportunity to improve their conduct during the process. Employers should take care to follow their own disciplinary process or at the very least the Acas Code of Practice when managing employees, as the failure to do so could result in a claim for unfair dismissal. Long-term absence As with persistent short-term absence, the key to dealing with long-term sickness absence is to maintain effective records and procedures. The rst element of this is keeping in regular contact with the employee in question. Failure to do this could lead to a feeling of alienation for the employee and could prolong the absence unnecessarily. Employers must try to maintain regular contact with the employee to make an employee feel at ease and valued, though care should be taken not to bombard an employee with calls and letters. The second element of an effective process is ensuring that an absence does not continue any longer than is necessary. To minimise the difculty of this process, it may be useful to implement a long-term absence management policy. Such a policy should address time periods during which the employer will contact the employee, introduce a trigger point after which time the employer will consider the employees on-going employment and will also introduce the right of the employer to request a medical report regarding the employees absence. The possession of a medical report on the employees condition is vital to moving the process forward. Following receipt of the medical report employers should discuss matters with the employee to set forward a plan for the employees return to work and/or consider the termination of employment. When considering the termination of employment, employers will need to consider how long the employee is likely to be absent for, whether or not they could make reasonable adjustments which would assist in
the employees return to work and in the event this is not possible whether or not the employer has any reasonable alternative employment for the employee. In order to assist, an employer must obtain a medical report and advice from either a GP or Occupational Health Provider, which will provide a professional opinion on the health and abilities of the employee. Disability-related absences Disability is an important factor for employers to consider throughout the entire employment process. Disability will have an impact on both long-term sickness absence and persistent short-term absence. Employers should be aware of employees who suffer with disability and make sure to act reasonably towards them at all times. Absences caused by the employer An employee who has suffered an injury at work may make a claim for personal injury. It is automatically unfair to terminate the employment of any employee who makes a claim for personal injury and therefore employers should act reasonably when dealing with such a situation. It is likely that any absence where a personal injury claim is presented will be long-term and employers should ignore the claim of the employee and focus on the management of the employee in accordance with the above guidance.
Steven Meyerhoff, Backhouse Jones
Persistent short-term absence Persistent short-term absence will usually occur on a Friday, Monday, or the day after a bank holiday and will last one or two days and therefore avoiding the need for a t note stating the reason for the absence. It is important to maintain full and accurate records of employee absence to enable you to identify such a trend in an individual. This will also enable an
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Backhouse Jones Solicitors
Web: www.backhousejones.co.uk E: steven.meyerhoff@backhouses.co.uk Tel: 0845 0575 111
It should be remembered that even if an employee has been off sick for an extended period of time, the employment relationship still exists. This means that, in so far as is possible, an employer should treat the employee fairly when giving consideration to the length of absence, reason for the absence or whether any action should be taken in respect of on-going employment. It is extremely important that employers have an effective procedure in place to deal with sickness and incapacity and apply those procedures consistently with all employees. The punishment for failing to act unreasonably when dealing with a sick employee can be very costly for an employer as discrimination claims have no limits and if there are any concerns legal advice should always be sought.
The punishment for failing to act unreasonably when dealing with a sick employee can be very costly for an employer as discrimination claims have no limits and if there are any concerns legal advice should always be sought.
BAR News
Digital marketing and the removals industry

R&S spoke to self-described marketing nerd Paul Tansey, Managing Director of the digital marketing company Intergage, about what BAR Members can do to increase their online marketing presence.
At next months BAR Annual Conference in Glasgow, Paul (pictured) will be providing expert insight and advice to BAR Members about how to increase the reach and reputation of their companies through digital marketing. Managing Director of both Intergage, a digital marketing company, and Tasty Marketing, a more traditional print-based marketing business, Paul has a great deal of knowledge and experience to pass on to BAR Members. As internet usage continues to grow rapidly worldwide, digital marketing is becoming as inuential as traditional marketing, if not more so. To take advantage of this, companies must rst maximise their exposure using digital marketing strategies. Its about visibility, Paul explains. We live in a world where, for the majority of people, Google has replaced the Yellow Pages and you are going to get discovered in one of two ways; either through a Google search or through a recommendation from a happy customer to a friend much of which happens on social networks. The window of opportunity Removals companies need to work hard at promoting their brand to potential customers so that they are sufciently visible when a client comes to book a move. The window of opportunity for you to sell to me is open for a very limited period of time because I move house once a decade on average. Unless I know your brand, you really need to be working digital marketing hard, Paul told R&S. Obvious examples are search engines, blogging and paid advertising. When I type removal company in Bournemouth into the search engines you have to show up there if Im going to short list you for my house move, so a basic understanding of Google AdWords (and similar platforms) and how search engines work is essential. It is this kind of expertise that Paul will be sharing with Members at the Conference, enabling them to effectively identify and take advantage of opportunities. I can teach Members how to listen out for conversations about moving house in social media (and what to do when they nd them), how to use online advertising effectively and how to create content such as web pages, infographics and blog posts so that their customers will nd them when the window of opportunity to sell to them opens up. Though an online presence is becoming necessary for companies, it is important to have a clear marketing strategy and to be aware that no brand can appeal to everyone. According to Paul, you have to know who your customer is, create a brand and a service that appeals to them, offer different levels of service to different customers putting them in control of what they buy and what their expectations are and deliver a service that genuinely delights them. Once you have delivered a top quality service, you can start to work on spreading the word. You need to routinely ask for case studies, testimonials and endorsements you can use on your website, in your literature and in the social media spaces where their peers and friends hang out, Paul says. Paul is looking forward to interacting with BAR Members at the upcoming Conference about the state and future of the online world. Ill be speaking about the future of Google, its philosophy and where it is going hoping to help small business owners understand and exploit the opportunities that will present themselves and to navigate the mineeld that is search engine optimisation moving forward. Im not going to get technical, Im going to keep it high level and, I hope, fun too. Paul will also be running several workshops with the aim of educating Members on social media marketing strategies. The workshops will cover specic social media tactics that removals rms can adopt and Ill be encouraging Members to share experiences so I hope well get some peer to peer learning going on too, says Paul.
Paul Tansey at the BAR Annual Conference Friday 16 May, Business Sessions: Paul Tansey on The Future of the Internet Saturday 17 May, BAR Workshops, Area 3: Paul Tansey Social and Business Media.
To book your place at the Conference visit www.bar.co.uk/conference2014.aspx
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Unless I know your brand, you really need to be working digital marketing hard.
European Industry News
Europol warns against Trojan Horse criminals

The European Unions law enforcement agency Europol has warned against a new method of cargo theft reported in Spain. The Trojan Horse method involves criminals who conceal themselves in large wooden boxes marked fragile. The boxes are picked up by parcel delivery services and loaded onto lorries for transport. After gaining access to a lorry, the criminals will break out of the box to steal valuable items inside the lorry, such as jewellery and electronics. Accomplices following from a distance then simulate an accident to stop the target vehicle, at which point the thieves escape via holes cut out of the vehicle roof. This Trojan Horse technique is believed to be new and Europol has now issued an early warning notication against it. It was initially reported by Spanish law enforcement agencies, and all European police forces have been notied.
European Parliament backs eCall

The European Parliament has approved a draft law requiring all new European cars and light vans to be tted with eCall telematics devices, which automatically alert emergency responders in the event of an accident. It is still unclear when trucks will have to use the system.
Irish road trafc laws tightened

Penalty points for a range of trafc offences in Ireland are set to rise following the introduction of the latest Road Trafc Act. The Act aims to improve safety levels on Irish roads by introducing roadside impairment tests for drug driving; higher penalty points for speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing seatbelts; and allows unconscious drivers to be tested. Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, said the legislation focuses predominantly on the human factors in road safety by strengthening and extending the law in key areas. This includes a new category of novice driving licences, higher penalty points in key areas, and the testing of unconscious drivers for intoxication. In addition, Garda will now be able to conduct roadside impairment tests for drug driving on motorists. There will be a new Road Trafc offence relating to tampering with an odometer (clocking) with a penalty of 2,500 (2,069) and/or three months in prison. The level of penalty points for several offences will also be changed, including speeding, mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts. Also introduced is the designation of Novice drivers during the rst two years of a rst licence. Novices will be required to display an N plate. The disqualifying level for novice and learner drivers is seven penalty points, just over half the level for other drivers. FTA Ireland said it would like to see proposed new trafc laws matched with an increase in resources for roadside enforcement by the Garda.
The EU is working towards an October 2015 deadline for implementing eCall, although Members of European Parliament (MEPs) said that this deadline may have to be extended as manufacturers may need more time to prepare. Extensive public infrastructure also needs to be built to handle the system. The eCall technology has great potential to save lives in dramatically shortening the time of intervention of emergency services and this across the EU, said European Commission Vice-President, Siim Kallas, who is responsible for EU transport policy. Road accidents across the EU caused 28,000 deaths and left 1.5 million injured in 2012. The technology will be free of charge to all car users, MEPs said. The Parliament also voted to strengthen a data protection clause in the draft law to ensure that
eCall-equipped vehicles are not subject to constant tracking. When an accident triggers an eCall, the data automatically sent to emergency centres should be restricted to the type of activation, the class of vehicle, the type of fuel used, the time of the accident, the exact location of the vehicle, the direction of travel and the number of seatbelts fastened, MEPs added. The use of eCall could save around 2,500 lives every year in Europe and the severity of injuries could be considerably reduced in tens of thousands of cases. The eCall will be free of charge. MEPs said it is now up to the European Commission to decide whether to extend eCall to other vehicles, such as buses, coaches or trucks. Member States also have to respond to the Parliaments amendments before they become law.
Swiss plan increase in fuel tax

The Swiss Government is planning to raise fuel tax in the country by 12-15 Swiss franc cents (8-10p), in order to raise money for a new Government fund to invest in the countrys road network. Transport Minister, Doris Leuthard, said that without revenue from a higher fuel tax, the Government would not be able to fund improvements to the existing network. She said that since 1990 there has been a doubling of trafc on Swiss roads and an increase in road maintenance costs, while the fuel tax has not kept pace with ination. Although the creation of a fund to pay for road maintenance is supported by Swiss road transport association ASTAG, it said a rise in the fuel tax was not the way to nance this. According to ASTAG, revenues from Swiss roads are being used to subsidise other forms of transport, such as trains and trams. In November last year, Swiss voters rejected a proposed rise in the cost of the annual motorway vignette in a referendum. ASTA said this showed that the public did not consider it acceptable to bleed road trafc.
46
European News Industry News
IRU faces down President Putin

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has warned Russian President, Vladimir Putin, that the International Road Transport-harmonised system of customs control (TIR) guaranteed coverage could be withdrawn from Russian Federation territory unless the Federal Customs Service (FCS) ends its illegal actions.
The EU and Russia are both signatories to the 1975 TIR agreement which provides an international guarantee chain covering customs taxes owing on imported goods, based on mutual recognition of customs controls at departure and destination only. Last year, the FCS decided to force road transport operators to provide additional nancial guarantees for goods carried under cover of a TIR Carnet when entering the country, to howls of protest from politicians and road transport companies in Europe and beyond. Russia says its decision to require the extra guarantees is aimed at reducing large-scale transit tax fraud. Road transport associations from bordering countries report that TIR Carnets are currently only being accepted on the borders with Finland and Norway. They have also reported that their costs have surged and they are being discriminated against to the benet of Russian operators. In a letter addressed to Vladimir Putin in February, IRU President Janusz Lacny wrote that, in the absence of clear conrmation from the Russian Federation FCS reinstating the full functioning of the TIR System in the Russian Federation the IRU Presidential Executive would have no choice other than to recommend that the IRU General Assembly conrm that TIR guarantee coverage in the Russian Federation, as well as for Russian TIR Carnet Holders, would be withdrawn. According to the IRU, in the last seven months, the illegal measures taken by Russia have multiplied the costs of transport operations from and through Russia up to 83 fold, despite a ruling by the Supreme Arbitration Court of Russia judging the FCS RFs decision to impose such TIR restrictions as illegal. Such developments are sending worrying signs of legal uncertainty in Russia for national and foreign companies. IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said this was an absurd situation that has been going on for too long, harming our industry and moreover the cost of trade with Russia, which is by far
the biggest beneciary of the TIR System. We cannot continue to operate in a situation where one Governmental agency can act in total impunity of all Russian and international laws. During a two-day visit to Moscow in February, an IRU delegation met with the Deputy Minister of Transport of Russia, Nikolay Asaul, who reconrmed the Russian Ministry of Transports willingness to assist in the immediate full reinstatement and longterm continuation of the TIR System in Russia.
Irish warn on UK HGV levy

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is calling for a solution to be agreed upon by the Irish and British Governments which would ultimately see Irish registered vehicles exempt from a commercial vehicle charge when entering Northern Ireland. The Lorry Road User Levy (LRUL) took effect in Northern Ireland on 1 April, requiring any commercial vehicle of twelve tonnes or more to pay a daily charge of 10 in order to enter Northern Ireland or the UK. The implications of the charge in Northern Ireland are a particular concern to the Association given the volume of cross border trafc. The IRHA is calling on the Government to seek an exemption from the charge for Irish vehicles entering the North onwards in order to allow indigenous operators to remain competitive. The IRHA says the matter is particularly urgent for licensed haulage operators who are based in the northwest of the country who will now be required to either pay 10 per day for a transit journey or utilise an alternative route to the south of the country which
is far more costly and time consuming. According to the IRHA, Irish haulage operators are already at a competitive disadvantage due to the higher road tax which is charged on Irish registered vehicles in comparison to HGVs in Northern Ireland. The
additional charge of the LRUL will further compound difculties and consequently will render many southern based haulage companies unviable, said President of the Association Eoin Gavin (pictured).

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Features
Italian air for furniture

As part of our ongoing series of interviews with national removals and storage associations in Europe equivalent to BAR, R&S talks to Barbara Savelli, FEDEMAC Representative of the Associazione Imprese Translocatori Italiani, AITI, about the removals market in Italy.
R&S: Can you provide a brief overview of the history of removals in Italy? Barbara Savelli: The birth of moving companies in Italy can be dated back to the early 1900s. This is of course linked to our slow transformation from a country based mainly on agricultural activities to an industrial one. There was a tremendous change in society, with people were moving from the southern agricultural areas to nd jobs in the north, where industries were getting bigger, and new suburbs were created around the new working areas. R&S: What sort of work takes up the bulk of your countrys removals trade? BS: In Italy the removals trade occupies a small proportion of business compared to the overall trucking industry, which includes logistics and general transport; road activities are of great importance to Italy, where inter-modal transport by rail is not yet very developed. R&S: Is there anything about removals in your country that is different? BS: In Italy there is still a very strong tradition for the production of high quality furniture, both in terms of style and functionality. Our crews skills in rebuilding furniture (even if brand new) are recognized around the world. Italian moving companies export pack furniture for domestic, intra-Europe and international moves, with an expertise and knowledge of how to handle the high quality of the furniture involved in the majority of these removals.
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R&S: Are there regulatory problems specic to Italy? BS: The AITI strongly promotes national professional recognition of the specic category of moving. We ensure identication and qualication of operators in this sector as removal companies are subject to legislation within the category of Transporter Companies. This entails identifying the main regulatory instruments (e.g., standard contracts), the selection of the most appropriate policies from an insurance perspective, and the correct and precise identication of moving operators within the Chambers of Commerce. In full compliance with European and international legislation, in the spirit of free enterprise and fair competition in the market, AITI wants to give users access to moving companies that can be identied and selected based on their knowledge of the sector and who are organized and qualied in accordance with national and international legislation applied to the specic eld of removals. R&S: Are rogue operators a problem in Italy? BS: Yes, as they are in many European countries. There are several companies who dont work with the full respect of the rules, who dont possess the necessary licences and insurance guarantees. Our Association, AITI, is trying to protect consumers and also the legitimate removal companies through stronger communications and information about the risks connected to using unauthorised outts. We maintain strong relations with the Public Administration ofces, who monitor, coordinate and punish those who violate the laws. AITI collaborates with institutional gures including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence to ensure a common approach to the rationalization and regulation of the market and the qualication of operators.
R&S: What are your Members doing to diversify / innovate? BS: The economic crisis was a stimulus for many entrepreneurs who knew that innovation and diversication were the way to stay alive in the market. One consequence of this has been a clear attempt by entrepreneurs to open up to European collaborations: - Many previous domestic companies hired new employees with language skills - Many local companies entered European and Worldwide associations with the intention of expanding their network of partners - More consideration has been given to innovative software for digital surveys and logistic data synchronisation. R&S: Has your Association launched any initiatives to support its Members in this current economic climate? BS: AITI has already collaborated in the publication of national and international contracts available to consumers and the third one will soon be published: the B2B contract. We will also publish the Code of Conduct for Removal Companies shortly. We are working on a more interactive website which is going to be not just a tool of information and communication but also a platform where consumers can better understand how important it is to choose a professional removal company. AITI is working on promoting the training of removal companies in all aspects, from employees to managers, through innovative marketing strategies. R&S: How important is self-storage in Italy? BS: Self storage is not yet greatly developed in Italy. This might be linked to lack of large spaces to dedicate to this particular offering, especially in the main historical cities; or it could be due to the mindset of company owners who prefer not to give free access to
Features
their depot areas to customers and who are more attuned to offering storage services, even long-term, where they dont have to deal with a constant stream of requests from customers wanting regular access to their stored items. R&S: What effect do value added tax levels in your country have on the removals business? BS: We are charged 22% VAT on removal services. This percentage is really high for a private consumer to absorb, especially considering the fact that removals can be considered a social service. The high rate of taxation incentivises tax evasion in our country and that is why AITI very often proposes to Government to lower the taxation for removal services, even if we feel this will not be an easy task. We are aware of other differences in other European countries which create a disadvantage for us: for example, businesses in Italy cannot deduct the cost of a removal on their tax return form. R&S: Can you describe customer expectations in your country and how your Members aim to meet them? BS: We have to distinguish the private market from Corporate Accounts. Especially from 2008/2009
onwards, the private movers have been more oriented towards the best price available on the market, with no deeper consideration of the legal aspects and guarantees that their choice would bring to them. Corporate Accounts have continued to select on more elements than just pricing, although this remains an important component, looking also at the quality and added value of the Organization offering them a service. Our aim, as AITI, is to continue to focus on quality and ethics and to promote recognition of our category within the industry, especially among Public Organizations, as we feel that this will bring a more widespread appreciation of our standards and vision. 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? BS: Insurance plays a strategic role in the coverage of the risks associated with the move and also the variables that revolve around it. Compared to the rest of Europe, it seems that we face higher costs for insurance coverage and this may be connected to the higher moral hazards that insurance companies have to face in Italy.
Associazione Imprese Translocatori Italiani (A.I.T.I.) Via Panama, 62 I - 00198 Roma Phone +39 06 540 4900 Fax +39 06 841 55 76 Email: info@associazionetraslocatori.it
The Removers Benevolent Association is our charity, with the purpose to assist those staff, and their dependants, of current BAR Members who, due to adverse circumstances, are in need of nancial help and support. The BAR trustees welcome all eligible applications for assistance, which will receive prompt and sympathetic attention.
For further details please contact the BAR Secretary: Telephone 01923 699 480 or Email: info@bar.co.uk
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AITI has already collaborated in the publication of national and international contracts available to consumers and the third one will soon be published: the B2B contract. We will also publish the Code of Conduct for Removal Companies shortly.
Features
Crown Line Malaysia: The international mover with the personal touch
Theres a new Malaysian International Associate Member at BAR: Crown Line Malaysia, a well-known mover in the Asian market since opening in Singapore in 1980.
In addition to its ofces in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the company has subsidiaries in other major countries in Asia and the Middle East, including Indonesia, China, Japan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and most recently Vietnam. In Kuala Lumpur itself, situated on the edge of the bustling city centre, Crown Lines ofce is directly above the companys warehouse, where air-conditioned and room temperature storage spaces are available on both a short and a long term basis. Crown Line Malaysia is a moving specialist offering the same quality of service to companies and individuals alike, whether relocating locally or internationally. Short-term and long-term storage is also offered. The organisation is ISO 9001 certied, ensuring that proper procedures are followed and standards are maintained. As a member of IAM, FIDI and IPATA, the company belongs to a select group of international relocation specialists who aim to provide service with quality and absolute integrity. The company specialises in international, domestic household goods and ofce moving, offering storage, insurance protection and assistance with pets and vehicle forwarding. Crown Lines services meet demand from all corners of Malaysias healthy removals market. Movers with a personal touch By becoming an International Associate, Crown Line is looking forward to working with BAR Members in the UK and beyond and strengthening its trade ties with the UK. Moves to and from the UK represent a signicant part of the companys international moving business, especially in the corporate segment.
Contact: Crown Line Malaysia: The international mover with the personal touch Web: www.crownline.com.my E: infos@crownline.com.my
Some of the Crown Line Team at their head ofce in Kuala Lumpur.
In the ever competitive international market, Crown Line bills itself as The International Mover with the Personal Touch. Our success lies in the pride we take in doing our job, explains Regina Reimer, Division Manager Sales. We strive to make the relocation process as simple and trouble-free as possible. We do this by taking a deep and personal interest in the needs of each and every one of our clients.

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Crown Line Malaysia is a moving specialist offering the same quality of service to companies and individuals alike, whether relocating locally or internationally.
European News Industry News
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People News Diary BARDates News
Diary Dates
BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2014
Do you have any Diary Dates?

Email them to: rands-editorial@analyticamedia.com To view diary dates/events, please log into MyBAR and click on the Calendar/Events and BAR Calendar tabs where you can view full details including time, date, location and agendas (when available). To view area minutes, please log into MyBAR and click on the BAR Areas tab and then one of the 15 areas listed. Minutes from past area meetings can be viewed and downloaded (where available).
Overseas Group Council 05 June 2014 National Group Council 10 June 2014 Commercial Moving Group Council 12 June 2014
North West Area Contact: Annette Harris 0161 6534455 annette.harris@anglopacic.co.uk Northern Ireland Area Contact: Dominic Murray 02890 748588 Dominicmurray@coastways -storage.com Scotland Area Contact: Georgina Berry 01505 502220 georgina@rhrltd.co.uk Southern Area Contact: Peter Doman 01372 385985 peterd@basilfry.co.uk South Western Area Contact: Sue Christophers 01637 872529 sue@mjchristophers.co.uk 29 April 2014 Lifton Farm Shop
West Midlands Area Contact: Judith Bennett 01684 892236 judith@britanniabennetts.com Yorkshire Area Contact: Graham Puddephatt 0845 6021775 GrahamPuddephatt@reasoninsurance.com 22 May 2014
BAR AREA MEETINGS 2014
East Anglia Area Contact: Simon Long 01842 766477 simon@simonlongremovals.co.uk 8 April 2014 Flying Fortress, Great Barton, Bury St Edmunds East Met Area Contact: Paul Freeman 0800 413335 nealesremovals@btconnect.com East Midlands Area Contact: Andy Wade 01476 579210 andy@fnworldwide.com Kent Area Contact: Sarah Young 01273 200474 sarahyoung@reason-global.com Met Area Contact: Julie Thompson 01932 410100 Julie@luxfords.co.uk 20 June 2014 River Thames cruise evening disco & buffet Northern Area Contact: Alan Hoggin 0191 5491194 alan@harkersremovers.co.uk
Sussex Area Contact: Jenny Thorncroft 01580 831235 jenny.thorncroft@jtsrelocations. com Western Area Contact: Ria Russell 01278 447099 Ria@britannialanes.co.uk 3 June 2014 - Brent House, Bridgwater Road, East Brent Highbridge
MET
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BAR News
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Memberships BAR News
BAR Memberships April 2014

Registered: The following Members have registered: National & European Group Thornberry Removals and Storage Memb No: T930 1 Cranley Gardens Bangor Co. Down N Ireland BT19 7EZ Tel: 02891 271734 Web: www.thornberryremovals.com Additional Trading Name www.removals.co.uk an ATN of Movecorp Ltd Memb No: M097 International Associate CDD Relocation Memb No: C966 Splaiul Unirill, No.162, 4th District Bucharest Romania 040042 Tel: +4021 317 96 54 Web: www.cddrelocation.ro Self Storage Special Interest Group A.G. Cannon Removals & Storage Memb No: C014 Intransit Removals & Storage Memb No: I020 Applications: BAR has received the following applications for: National & European Group Relocate Removal Co. Ltd Suite G2, 351-355 Rainham Road South Dagenham Essex RM10 8QR Tel: 0208 986 9666 Web: www.relocateremoval.co.uk 1st Move International Ltd International House Worthy Road Chittening Industrial Estate Avonmouth BS11 0YB Tel: 0117 9828123 Web: www.shipit.co.uk International Associates Rivlan Moving and Relocations Str. L.C Babes, Nr. 11, Bl.14, SC A, Apt10 Brasov Romania Web: www.rilvan.eu Kings Global Forwarding Ltd. Unit G, 7803 -35th Street S.E. Calgary Alberta Canada T2C 1V3 Web: www.kingstransfer.ca Additional Trading Name Lund Conlon Removers 4 Storers an ATN of White & Co Plc Memb No: W001 Stokes Movers & Storers an ATN of Able Removals and Storage Memb No: A108 Stokes Removals & Storage an ATN of Able Removals and Storage Memb No: A108 Brittains Removals an ATN of Britannia Harrison and Rowley Memb No: H016
Any Member wishing to make any comment regarding an application should do so in writing to BAR Head Ofce within 21 days of receipt of this notication.
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Trade Services
Ireland Channel Islands
Scotland/Europe
Isle of Man
Destination
This space is available from just 33 a month
Destination
France

When booked as a 2 unit space for a series of 12 issues.
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Trade Services
Switzerland

When booked as a mono unit for a series of 12 issues.
Scandinavia
A quality weekly service to Scandinavia

T: 01895 201595 E: expectmove@agsmovers.com
Italy
Spain, Portugal & France
Regular service to most European countries Storage facilities on The Algarve, Malaga & Alicante. Can supply labour.
Spain, Portugal and France
Weekly service to
Contact european@roy-trevor.com Tel 01925 630441
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Trade Services
Spain and Portugal Cyprus and Malta
WEEKLY
MALLORCA MENORCA MAINLAND SPAIN FRANCE

REGULAR
IBIZA PORTUGAL CYPRUS NORWAY
TEL: 01202 576514 FAX: 01202 574011
Memb No: W001
spain@whiteandcompany.co.uk www.whitesmovingandstorage.com
Austria and Germany
Greece
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
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Trade Services
Europe
Weekly Service for the Trade. Call now for best rates Depots in Preston, Chester, Alicante, Malaga Email: info@moversint.co.uk Web: www.moversint.co.uk
France - Spain - Portugal - Italy PRESTON 01772 651570
The History of BAR book A very big thank you to all those who have contributed
Please Note: Any material that is not used in the book will be used in future articles for R&S.
Korea

58
Trade Services
Gibraltar Israel United Arab Emirates
Russia
Destination
Africa

When booked as a mono 2 unit space for a series of 12 issues.
Destination
Caribbean

When booked as a mono unit for a series of 12 issues.
Worldwide
59
Trade Services
Worldwide 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
www.sp-in.co.uk info@sp-in.co.uk
Tel: 020 8561 4321

Destination Warehouse Containers

When booked as a 2 unit space for a series of 12 issues.
Abrahams (since 1865)

250 cu ft warehouse (archive) containers 192 cu ft liftvans Bespoke cases & crates - plywood/triwall Art cases: commercial and museum
1 Crown Close, Bow, London E3 2JH Tel: 020 8980 1937 Fax: 020 8980 3762 Email: info@abrahamscases.co.uk
Advertising Deadlines
www.abrahamscases.co.uk
Training Piano Specialists
When it comes to piano transport, use the pianists choice

Grand piano export packs Crane and specialist stair crews UK and Europe Weekly
www.pianologistics.com info@pianologistics.com
Tel: 020 8561 4321

Piano Logistics part of the AstonSpinks group
Specialist Services
Deadlines See the deadlines for future issues: Issue May Jun Jul Booking Deadline 10th Apr 9th May 10th June Artwork Deadline 22nd Apr 2nd Jun 24th June
Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for more information 60

Classieds BAR News

Wanted and Situations Vacant Opportunities Vehicle for Sale
250 cu ft storage containers and Aluminium Removal Ramps Contact James on 07943 837077 Experienced HGV Drivers needed for BAR registered Removals Company in Hemel Hempstead area. Clean licence required. Call: 01442 256229 Email: info@in-excessremovals.co.uk
Wanted
Interested in Selling?
We are interested in Removal and Storage Companies in Central & Greater London. Cash available for instant decision. Please call in full confidence
07933 123 123

Business for Sale
Trade Storage
Depots in London NW10 and Hemel Hempstead. Clean, Secure, Alarmed. Rates negotiable.
Business for Sale

Due to retirement we have a long established, protable family business specialising in removals & storage for sale. Based in Fort William in the Highlands. Vehicles & storage containers for sale and a storage warehouse for rent. Please contact: cameronremovals@hotmail.co.uk
Mercedes Sprinter 311Cdi 3.5T 16ft Dropwell Luton Removal Van 950cu.ft. Brand new JC Payne Body. 88,525 Miles, 2009 09 reg. Full Height Tie Rails. Walk in Tailboard with Barn Doors above. Price: 16,995.00 + vat Finance Arranged. Iveco 3512 3.5T 16ft Dropwell Lutons also available Tel: 01922 267377 anytime E: info@admiralstorage.co.uk
Please call Paul on:
07971 577 997

Situations Vacant
Wanted
Are you an excellent Operations Manager?

Fed up? Ready for a change? If so ...why not join our valued team, and help build the Best Removal Company in Surrey? Since Surrey Hills Removals inception just 4 years ago, and subsequent acquisition of the long established and well respected, Manns Removals, we are now looking for a highly skilled and motivated operator to manage our fast growing team on Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh. A proven track record in the removals industry, as well as exceptional man management skills would be essential. Your primary responsibilities will be focused on the successful management of the operational diary, and the tasks surrounding this, e.g. staff recruitment, training, vehicle maintenance, health & safety, etc. A salary and benets package will be negotiable, depending upon your experience. If you believe this is you, please email your CV to Nick Caporn nick@surreyhillsremovals.co.uk
WANTED
250 Cu Ft Warehouse Containers Good Condition Any Location Call Edward Howard: 01223 833777 eh@WarehouseContainers.com
Vehicle for Sale

Advertise your vehicle for sale in this space, with or without a picture, for just 150! Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400
61
People News Industry
New Commercial Santa Fe Group welcomes Alexis Manager for Crown Saporta Records Management
Paul Foster (pictured left) has been appointed as Commercial Manager for the London Region at Crown Records Management, a division of the Crown Worldwide Group. He has 28 years of experience in the records management industry and will lead the regional business plan, responsible for the strategy, budgeting, selling and delivery of Records Information Management. Based at the Crowns Eneld ofce, Mr Foster will have line management responsibility of 80 staff members and will report to UK General Manager David Fathers. He said: I like the idea of being part of a large organisation that has potential for growth both in terms of my own career and in terms of the business. Its great to belong to an organisation that is making changes and looking at fresh ideas not to cut costs, but to grow the business. Thats a big opportunity. For more information visit www.crownworldwide.com
Santa Fe Group, which handled 110,000 relocations globally in 2013, has conrmed that Alexis Saporta has joined them as Regional Sales Director Middle East. He will be based out of the Dubai ofce. Mr Saporta (pictured) previously worked for another relocation services provider where he served in Moscow, Nairobi and Riyadh as branch manager. Santa Fe Managing Director, Dubai, Kim Creutzburg said: We are in a very fast moving and emerging part of the world when it comes to global mobility and Alexis Saportas vast experience and leadership will ensure that we deliver outstanding and build strong relationships across the region. For more information see www.thesantafegroup.com
New sales role for Dalaimo to strengthen PHS Teacrates team

PHS Teacrates Michael Dalaimo (pictured) has been appointed National Field Sales Manager with effect from 1 April 2014. For the past year Michael has worked in operational and production-related roles in PHS Teacrate where he has focused on developing systems and processes for delivering better customer service. Sales Director, Patrick Sheehy, commented: Michaels move into this new position represents our further commitment to support the removals industry. His knowledge of customers needs and his focus on customer service will be invaluable, and to the real benet of Teacrates customers. Michael has spent the last decade or so working in various PHS Group divisions, including a successful period with PHS Teacrate from 2005 to 2009. He has a wealth of experience in the removals industry and has served as a BAR New Met Area management committee member. In this newly created role, with his sales team management responsibility, Michaels contribution will drive and grow PHS Teacrates rental business in removals and end user markets. Michael has already re-acquainted himself with many customers and colleagues and is looking forward to meeting many more at forthcoming BAR events. Michael is married with two children and enjoys relaxing at home with his family and dog, Nelson. He likes to take his Honda XRV 750 out for a spin on sunny afternoons and enjoys watching football and motorsports. For more information, see www.teacrate.com
Intermovers Malaysia celebrates 18 years

BAR International Associate, Intermovers Malaysia, has celebrated its 18-year anniversary with a company dinner and the recognition of two of their longest serving members. Employees celebrated in style with a company dinner held at the prestigious Sheraton Imperial hotel, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Long service awards were presented to Operations Manager Mr Saipol and Senior Export Supervisor Mr Durai, recognising their 10-year service at Intermovers. For more information visit www.intermovers.com
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BAR News
Memb No: G013
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BAR News
64

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Removals & Storage

The Magazine of the British Association of Removers

April 2014 // Issue 477 // 4 On the cover

Hamiltons achieve Gold with their Olympic service to Switzerland

Inside this Issue

Removals & Storage April 2014

BAR Conference 2014 just one month away

Anglo Pacic brings rare Triumph home from Malta

Moving 30 Commercial Group News

Flair for furniture: Italian Association of Removers

36 Overseas Group News

Contact Details: Editorial

News from Watford

Removals & Storage April 2014

Osborne freezes fuel duty, raises allowances

OCRS reforms latest

Challenge to Employment Tribunal fees unsuccessful

April 2014 Removals & Storage

UKWA warns against changes to sprinkler system rules

Most drivers unaware of lorry laws

New training for LGV drivers

Removals & Storage April 2014

BIFM launches new FM standards

Acas Early Conciliation now live

Concerns raised over public procurement

April 2014 Removals & Storage

2,000 cashback from the Employment Allowance

Investment surge in road building

Felixstowe to expand container quay

Removals & Storage April 2014

April 2014 Removals & Storage

Getting sick workers back to work

Document security rm ned for step ladder failings

JT & Sons Relocations acquire major shareholding in Britannia Leeds

Removals & Storage April 2014

Late payments still a problem

April 2014 Removals & Storage

DAF market share rises in Europe

UK leads global expatriate surge

London Gateway benets from bad weather

We would like to hear from you

We look forward to hearing from you.

Volkswagen bids for Scania to create truck giant

Hamiltons Removals wins court case in South Africa

UniGroup teams up with CapitaLand

Merger creates The Building Futures Group

Removals & Storage April 2014

Anglo Pacic brings rare Triumph home from Malta

April 2014 Removals & Storage

Careline carry out Ryanair move

Bishops Move Edinburgh relocates James Fisher Defence

Advanced Removals & Storage increase capacity

Removals & Storage April 2014

BAR Members in ood relief efforts

Continental provides tachograph software for crashes

April 2014 Removals & Storage

House prices on the up while transactions increase

Removals & Storage April 2014

April 2014 Removals & Storage

BAR BAR Services Services BAR News

BAR Services join Luxfords of Weybridge on the road

Removals & Storage April 2014

BAR Services News

April 2014 Removals & Storage

R&S April 2014 Magazine

R&S April 2014 Magazine