November 2010 Number 436 £4.00 www.bar.co.

uk

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On the
road again
BAR Roadshow report 22

Kent and Sussex Areas unite 26 CMG golf 30 Equality Act 50

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 News
No: 436 November 2010 www.bar.co.uk
FROM WATFORD

This month:
Editor’s Column 6
Industry News 6-21
3.6% house price fall in September
Green-Works’ 10th anniversary
Used light vans value rises
Davies Turner’s new look

T
DfT maritime statistics 2009
he BAR Board of Directors, at its recent range of different national electronic ‘portals’
Rose chooses ATS Euromaster
meeting here in Watford, agreed a are in use and some clearly work better than
UK housing market update policy document on the strategic move others. The deadline for recovery of VAT had
UTS climbs mountain for charity to a Standards-based membership. This has been set for the end of September even though
BAR News 22-29 been considered by the three functional Group the systems did not all work. Well, we’re pleased
BAR Roadshow report councils (National & European, Overseas and to say that the deadline has been ‘slipped’ to
Young Mover Profile: Melanie Kyriakides Commercial Moving). Now the document has 31 March, 2011 and with the European
BAR Services’ new uniform supplier been sent out to all Area secretaries to put Commission taking an increased interest in the
before the members at their Area meetings problem it is hoped that this will be sorted out
Kent and Sussex Areas unite
over the next few months for discussion, with – it is ,after all, the recovery of 2009 VAT that
Product of the Month
members of the Board present to answer is involved! We continue to maintain contact
CMG News 30-32 questions. The aim is to provide informed and with government departments on the matter.
CMG golf at Staverton Park considered feedback to the Board so that the At a recent meeting of the Conference
Profile: Robert Poyner actual detailed implementation of the policy can Committee at Head Office, the theme for the
Training News 36-41 be confirmed at its meeting in April 2011. This May 2011 Annual Conference in Manchester
Practical estimating feedback is very important, so members are was agreed to be ‘Moving Forward’, and an
encouraged to make every effort to attend exciting and innovative outline programme
Team leader training
these Area meetings so that as wide a range was agreed, intending to build on the success
European News 42-44 of views can be taken into account. of this year’s conference in Bristol. Don’t forget
News Roundup As will be found on page 50, the new Equality that an early bird discount is available for those
New FEDEMAC website Act 2010 is now in force. This was recently who book their places before the end of 2010,
EU co-operates more closely on VAT fraud described on the BBC’s Today Programme as a and details can be found at www.bar.co.uk/
People News 46 gift for the legal profession with a huge increase conference2011.aspx.
in litigation very possible, from employees who BAR Training Services has recently launched
And another thing ... 47
have been discriminated against or offended, a number of new initiatives, with courses
Competition 47
or think that they might have been offended, focussed on management and supervisory
Articles 48-55 by what goes on in the workplace. It is easy to positions within the removals industry. These
Being an Area Secretary scoff and be cynical about the new Act as include team leadership, supervisory skills,
Equality Act 2010 - the basic facts overly zealous but this is serious stuff as you training for foremen and BTECs aimed at
Equality Act 2010 - a guide for employers will read, so please take the chance to do so, better business management and personnel
Good vibrations and avoid pitfalls whenever you can. One management. Also on offer is the Practical
Retiring Baby Boomers success, in which we played a modest part Estimating Course which is the only BTEC of its
John Mitchell returns to Pluscrates together with other Trade Associations and kind. All the skills needed to be an estimator
New member profile: Arnold & Self Removals bodies such as FEDEMAC and the IRU, was in and ‘cube-up’ efficiently can be obtained on
lobbying government and Brussels over the the course and a nationally recognised
Diary Dates 56
problems being encountered by members with qualification gained. Full details can be found
Feature Schedule 56 the electronic recovery of VAT in Europe. A on pages 38 to 41.
Memberships 57
On the cover: BAR’s third Roadshow was out and about in September

The British Association of Removers

Contact Details: Editorial
Contribution on all aspects of the Removals & Storage industry
are welcomed, together with photographs if appropriate.
Please contact The Editor, Steve Jordan:
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099
Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
By post: Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd
26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LD
Contact Details: Advertising
For all enquiries and bookings, please contact Nikki Gee:
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099
Email: nikki@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Deadline: The booking deadline for all display advertisements is
the 10th of the month preceding publication.
Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Tel: 01923 699 480
Fax: 01923 699 481
Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas.
E-mail: info@bar.co.uk
Subscriptions: Additional subscriptions are available from BAR
at: Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire President: Reg Hackworthy
WD18 0TG. Tel: 01923 699 480 Fax: 01923 699 481 Director General: Stephen Vickers
E-mail: info@bar.co.uk. Current annual subscription is £48.00 in Company Secretary: James Falkner
the UK and £72.00 overseas. Editor: Steve Jordan
Assistant Editor: David Jordan
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not
necessarily those of the British Association of Removers, or of News Editor: Nikki Gee
Features Editor: Charlotte Freestone
its publisher.
Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of
All rights reserved: No part of Removals & Storage may be The British Association of Removers by:
scanned, reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without I Like. Tel: 01908 675854, Email: talk2ilike@btopenworld.com
the prior written permission of the publisher. (To contact R&S, see details opposite.)

Copy and advertising deadlines 2010

Article submission: 5th of the month preceding publication Booking of trade adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication
Booking of display adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication Artwork for adverts: 15th of the month preceding publication
Booking of classified adverts: 10th of the month preceding publication

November 2010 Removals & Storage 5

 Industry News

Britons come clean

THE
Editor’s about losing their cars
COLUMN Over a third of UK motorists have admitted to
forgetting where they have left their car in a
car park, according to a recent survey conducted
N
ovember so soon, there’ll be fireworks this month no doubt! It
only seems a few minutes since we were blinking expectantly by Parkopedia.com.
into 2010 in the hope of an end to our depression and the
occasional trill from the telephone. Well, how did it turn out?
Most people I speak to had a good summer. Prices might have been
somewhat subdued and significant profit might still be elusive, but there
was plenty of work around – a little too much for some perhaps.
The improvement was largely expected. The election, despite its
inconclusive result, produced a change of style the like of which we
haven’t seen for many years. Whether you had a personal political
victory or not in May it did provide an optimistic shot in the arm that
must have contributed to a more buoyant market. House prices had
already started to re-climb the cliff they had stumbled off a year earlier,
and with these rises so the market began to move again.
As we go to press this month, however, we find house prices slipping
back again, yet better than expected growth figures reported: conflicting
trends that cloud prophesies of what might be to come next year.
Conclusions, as always, are impossible. However, I did hear one politician I could have sworn I left it here ...
this month calling for a little less moaning and groaning and a little
more Dunkirk spirit as the best and fastest way of emerging into the

O
economic sunshine. Wise words I suspect. f the total number of
This month our cover story is the BAR roadshow. Inside you’ll find respondents surveyed, 24%
reports of what all the speakers said, including myself. I was interested of men confessed to
in motivational techniques used by companies to keep their staff loyal misplacing their car while 32% of
and happy. Having digested all the comments I’ll be writing a report women pleaded guilty to the same
for December. charges. When it comes to age, the
May I also draw your attention to the two items on the new Equality study found that motorists aged
Act: one providing the basic facts and another drawing conclusions. It 55-64 were most likely to forget
was the subject of every news broadcast when it was announced and where they had parked their car
the victim of much ridicule as reporters spoke of the ‘eaves-dropper’s followed by 18-24 year-olds.
charter’ and such like. Whether you like it or not it’s here to stay, at least Motorists living in Wales may
for the foreseeable future, so you might as well get used to it. have some of the best driving roads
Finally, in this issue I let my own imagination wander a little in my piece around, but have the worst luck
about Baby Boomers. This is mere conjecture, or do we call it ‘blue sky with remembering where they’ve
thinking’ nowadays, but I found it interesting to ponder the consequences left their cars once they’ve parked
of the retirement of those created by possibly the UK’s largest ever them: nearly 40% say they had
population explosion. I hope you do too. trouble finding their cars in a car
Steve Jordan park. On the opposite end of the
spectrum, motorists in London
reported the least trouble, with
only 18% having forgotten where
they left their car.
“Forgetting where you’ve parked
your car can be very frustrating
for motorists,” commented
Christina Onesirosan Martinez,
Marketing Director at Parkopedia.
com. “Although Parkopedia.com
can help you find the perfect spot,
motorists need to make sure they
remember where that spot is once
they’ve left their vehicle. Simple
tips like parking in the same place
each time you use a specific lot,
writing down the number of the
parking bay if available or parking
near a recognisable landmark are
all easy little tricks to help you
remember where you left your car.”
Editor’s note: Experience has
shown that remembering that I have
parked next to the blue BMW or the
red Vauxhall has proved unreliable.

New vehicle for

Webbs International
Removals

W
ebbs International
Removals UK has
recently taken delivery
of a 600ft3 walk-in-back van.
Although this particular vehicle’s
payload is minimal, Webbs do use
a number of 3500kgs vehicles
within the UK. Bill Webb said,
“We find them economical, there
are no tachos to worry about, and
you tend to get outside the
customers door a lot easier. This
one has all the toys - reversing
camera, air con, jacuzzi (only
joking!) - in fact it is better than a
similar vehicle the Mallorca Depot
operates, so if it gets kidnapped The Mallorca Depot has one just like it, only not as good – Webbs’ new 600ft 3 van
we know where it’s gone!”

6 Removals & Storage November 2010


UK house prices fell
3.6% in September
According to Halifax, house prices fell by 3.6% in September,
compared with the previous month, due to an increase in the
number of properties for sale.
H
owever, the bank, now part of the
Lloyds Banking Group, said it was too
early to conclude that this was the start
of a sustained fall in prices. The three-month
on three-month comparison, seen as a
smoother measure of prices showed a 0.9%
drop in September.
The average UK home is now valued at
£162,096, the survey found. Prices remained
2.6% higher than a year ago, the figures show,
although this was down from a 4.6% rise
reported in August.
The 3.6% drop was the biggest fall in
month-on-month prices since the figures were
first compiled in 1983. Low transaction levels
in the housing market meant that there was
volatility in the month-on-month measure of
house prices, according to Martin Ellis,
Halifax’s housing economist. He also said that
an increased number of properties available
for sale in recent months had pushed down
Rogers Removals moves Spurs player
L
ondon-based Rogers Removals recently
completed a move for the Tottenham
Hotspur and Scotland right back, Alan
Hutton. Carried out over two days, it was a
large move from Barnet to Radlett and required
four trips in an 18 tonne, 2000ft2 lorry.
Dennis Rogers, Director of Rogers Removals
said, “As you can see from the sweat on the
crews shirts in the photo there was a lot of work
to do, including moving a large grand piano.
Our staff is mostly made up of Arsenal and
Spurs fans so I made sure that only the Spurs
Industry News
More property
It’s too early to
conclude that
falls possible
September’s house
price fall was
the start of a
sustained fall in
prices, according say IMF
to the Halifax
UK house prices may fall further
as policy measures may not be
enough to support the property
market according to a recent
statement from the International
Monetary Fund.
Home values in the UK have stayed high
partly because of a tax exemption on first-
home purchases under £250,000, the IMF
said in a footnote of its World Economic
Outlook. The tax holiday, implemented by
the previous government in March for a
two-year period, is currently under review.
“What remains worrisome, however, is
that house prices are still high based on
traditional valuation yardsticks,” the IMF
said. “Policy support may not be enough to
prevent further correction.”
Recent data indicates the UK housing
market has started to falter after partially
erasing the price losses sustained during the
recession. The prospect of the deepest
public spending cuts since World War II has
sparked concerns of higher unemployment,
threatening home values. “A lot will depend
on the path of economic recovery: If
prices. This had come at the same time as employment creation remains low, risks of
demand for homes had fallen owing to a double dip in housing naturally increase,”
“renewed uncertainty” about the economy the IMF said in the report, referring to both
and jobs. the UK and US property markets.
“Prospects for the housing market remain
uncertain. Earnings growth is expected to be
very modest over the next year, tax rises are on
the way and more people are putting their
homes on the market,” he said. “These will all
be constraints on the market, dampening house
prices. On the positive side, we expect interest
rates to remain very low for some time, which
will underpin the improved affordability
position for homeowners.”
Although this news appears depressing for
movers as it will put the brakes on the market
improvements seen in the summer, pundits say
that this is just a readjustment from the
sustained increases seen earlier this year and The recent recovery in UK house prices
has shown signs of faltering
the September figures are unlikely to herald a
significant fall in housing prices.
fans amongst us worked on this move which
made their day. I neglected to tell the client
that I’m an Arsenal season ticket holder!”
Dennis continued, “The picture was taken as
Mr Hutton was leaving to play in a match
against Aston Villa (he doesn’t always wear
the Spurs tracksuit). The client rated our
service as ‘excellent’ on our feedback form
and complemented the professionalism and
level of care shown by our staff, so this was a Left to right: Steve Beasley, Ali McGifford,
great move all round with the crew and the Alan Hutton, Tamas Orszi, Terry Leatham, Dale Clark
client equally pleased.”
November 2010 Removals & Storage 7
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Green-Works celebrates
its 10th anniversary
C
olin Crooks, CEO, said, “It has been a
tremendous 10 years in which we have
reused and recycled more than 40,000
tonnes of furniture and stopped at least 55,000
tonnes of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent)
from being emitted. More importantly perhaps,
we have demonstrated that doing it the Green-
Works way has created a more real and positive
benefit for society than just recycling can
deliver.”
Colin thanked BAR members for their help in
achieving this milestone. “With your tremendous
support we have been able to create 812 genuine
employment and training opportunities and
helped literally thousands of people both here
in the UK and in many developing countries
with furniture that they could not otherwise
afford,” he said. “I would like to thank you for
the support you have given us over that time.
Without that support none of these people would
have benefited in the way that they have.”
Colin continued, “However, we recognise
that in order to celebrate another 10 years of
social and environmental milestones we have
to continue to innovate and enhance the value
for money that we can offer to you. In 2010 we
have dramatically reduced the costs of doing
the right thing with your redundant furniture.
We have developed a new on-site management
service called Green Streaming, slashed our
New Luxembourg office for Crown
Crown Relocations has recently opened a
new office in Luxembourg City to provide
global mobility and moving services. The
branch will also further develop its records
management and fine arts businesses under
the guidance of Michiel van den Dorpel,
Crown’s manager for the Benelux region.
Green-Works
has recycled more
than 40,000 tonnes
of furniture since
it was started
ten years ago.
gate fees and opened new facilities so that we
are even closer to your offices - thereby reducing
the transport distances involved. By investing
in these innovations and in new infrastructure
we have reduced the costs of re-using in the
community by more than 50%.”
Green-Works’ latest warehouse facility is in
Bristol. It is operated by a very committed
social enterprise called SOFA (http://www.
green-works.co.uk/pages/sofa-office.html)
which has been working in the city for 30
years helping the homeless to get re-housed in
decent conditions. With Bristol now operational
Green-Works has five depots and arrangements
elsewhere mean that the company can help with
your furniture disposal and retail requirements
anywhere in the country. It has also introduced
a new and very competitive recycling service
for waste electrical and electronic equipment
(WEEE).
In September 2010 the Environment Minister
Lord Henley visited Green-Works’ Wembley
depot and saw for himself the effect of the
Green-Works approach. The Minister said,
“Green-Works confirms the government’s view
that re-using is better than recycling and they are
showing the way that we want others to follow
… their work in the community is invaluable.”
For more information call the sales team on
0845 230 2231 or visit: www.green-works.co.uk.
Crown also has office in Amsterdam,
Rotterdam and Brussels.
Van den Dorpel said of Crown’s presence in
Luxembourg, “It is a very exciting
development for us. There are plenty of
opportunities for our company, particularly
in the finance industry.”
Industry News
Transport
secretary
suspends M4
bus lane
I
n what most regular users of the M4 would
consider to be a ‘no brainer’, Transport
Secretary Philip Hammond recently
announced that what used to be the M4 bus lane
is now to be reopened for all traffic traveling
towards the capital - not just licensed black
taxis, motorcycles and buses. The Transport
Secretary ordered the suspension after the
latest analysis showed that journey times at
peak periods would be reduced for car drivers
and hauliers without significantly affecting
vehicles currently allowed to use the lane.
The suspension will begin before Christmas
and remain in place until June 2012 when the
lane becomes part of the Olympic Route
Network for the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games. After this the intention is
to remove it permanently.
Philip Hammond said, “I want to keep traffic
moving and improve journey time reliability
through making the most of our existing roads.
The M4 is a vital strategic route and therefore
it is important that we do everything possible
to reduce congestion on it. Once the Olympics
are over my intention is to scrap the bus lane
permanently as I believe excluding road users
in this way is unfair and damaging to the
economy,” he concluded.
The M4 bus lane was introduced, amid much
controversy, in 1999 by the then transport
secretary John Prescot, now Baron Prescot of
Kingston upon Hull. It was trialled for two
years yet still went ahead despite its obvious
detrimental effect on traffic flow. During his
speech to the Conservative Party conference
last month Philip Hammond explained that
removing the bus lane would result in
“shortening average journey times; reducing
congestion; and restoring a sense of fairness.”
He added that it would consign to the dustbin
of history this hated symbol of the Prescott era.
The Highways Agency will monitor the
suspension over the next 18 months and traffic
data gathered will be used to inform the
government’s final decision about the future of
the bus lane.
November 2010 Removals & Storage 9
 Industry News

Only in America - National Minimum

Wage 2010 – 2011
speeding ticket vouchers Changes to the National Minimum Wage

P
came into effect on 1 October, 2010:
repaid Traffic Tickets, LLC in San Diego, California,
• Young workers aged 16 and 17 are now covered
has launched what it calls a “Pre-Emptive Strike
by the minimum wage;
in the battle against traffic tickets”. The firm, at
• The age at which young people become entitled
www.prepaidtraffictickets.com, offers prepaid vouchers
to the main rate was reduced from 22 to 21; and
“redeemable to help defray the costs of ever more expensive
• The apprentice rate was introduced.
speeding tickets.” Founder Keith Kelly says he got the idea
from a ‘Get-Out-of-Jail-Free’ card while playing Monopoly.
The minimum wage rates are:
Vouchers come in varying denominations, from $50 to
$200, with validity periods from 60 days to as long as six 16-17 years old £3.64
months. Prices range from under $10 up to $80 for the
higher value, longer validity vouchers. One of the most 18-21 years old £4.92
popular is redeemable for $100, valid for two months and
priced at $13.33. “We see these vouchers as a means of Over 21 £5.93
communicating the all-important message of safe driving.”

Editor’s note: Could it be, however, that our American
friends have failed to think this through? Is it possible,
perhaps, that a driver who has had a $100 fine voucher
burning a hole in his glove compartment for six weeks
might make a determined attempt to use it before it
passes its expiry date? It could easily become a national
sport with young drivers nationwide making sure they get
value for money for their investments. Don’t think it will
catch on here … SJ
There is now a single apprentice minimum wage
rate of £2.50 per hour for those apprentices formerly
exempt from the national minimum wage; that is,
all those under the age of 19 and those aged 19 and
over in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to pay
less than the minimum wage and breaking the
law can result in a maximum fine of £5,000 and
a criminal record.

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10 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Industry News

Used light vans increase in value

B
ritish Car Auctions (BCA) has reported
BCA July Avg. Age Avg. Mileage Avg. Value Avg. CAP Sales v CAP
a rise in the average value of used vans
in August, by £99 to £4,211, halting a Vans - All 52.85 69,505 £4,112 £4,260 96.53%
three-month decline. It is the first sign of value
improvement for the used light commercial Nearly New 8.78 10,883 £10,875 £11,022 98.67%
vehicle sector since the spring months and the
record values achieved in April, which BCA Fleet 41.57 62,486 £4,830 £5,000 96.60%
believes underlines the return of seasonal trends
to the marketplace. Part-Ex 80.15 87,121 £2,295 £2,391 95.99%
However, Duncan Ward, BCA’s General
Manager, Commercial Vehicles, is warning
businesses that they need to think about mileage BCA August Avg. Age Avg. Mileage Avg. Value Avg. CAP Sales v CAP
and condition when selling their ex-working
vehicles. “Professional buyers were notably Vans - All 51.28 69,235 £4,211 £4,289 98.18%
more active in August, buying stock to get ahead
of the game before the anticipated hike in Nearly New 8.39 9,243 £12,383 £13,875 89.37%
demand which is always traditionally expected
in September. However, buying was still Fleet 41.62 62,227 £4,757 £4,839 98.30%
selective, with well-specified vehicles in good
condition outperforming the market by a Part-Ex 79.44 91,020 £2,354 £2,354 99.97%
considerable margin. There was little appetite
for vans requiring refurbishment or repair.
Year-on-year values remain ahead by £466 or Published by BCA. All material © BCA 2005-2010.
12.4% in August and average monthly values For further information on this report please contact Maddy Roles, Louise Fowler or
remain well ahead of the £4,000 ‘price barrier’ Wendy Harrison at HSL on: 020 8977 9132. E-mail: maddy@harrisonsadler.com, or
that was breached for the first time in BCA Public Relations Department, Blackbushe Airport, Blackwater, Camberley, Surrey GU17 9LG
December 2009. Tel: 01252 878555, Fax: 01252 743447, E-mail: tnaylor@bca-group.com

November 2010 Removals & Storage 11

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New look for
established mover
Davies Turner Worldwide Movers, the international moving
company and BAR Overseas Group member since 1985, has
been given a new name and new identity by its long-standing
Managing Director Nick Kerr.
E
stablished in 1870 by Alfred Davies,
Davies Turner originally shipped the
belongings of Victorian adventurers to the
farthest corners of the globe and was one of
the first companies to switch from horse-drawn
transport to motorised goods vehicles in 1914.
In April 2007, Nick Kerr, a veteran of 36
years with Davies Turner, began a management
buyout of the specialist international moving
company. The new name is DT Moving. DT
Moving retains its 140 year affiliation with the
Davies Turner group and will continue to serve
Industry News
FPB Chief Executive
Phil Orford
National Insurance
holiday does not
go far enough
customers with international moving services
from its headquarters in London and Paris. The Forum of Private Business (FPB)
Nick Kerr, Managing Director of DT Moving is welcoming a National Insurance
said: “We are extremely excited about this new (NI) holiday for some start-ups but
era for DT Moving. We have the same calling for further tax breaks if small
experienced team, the same unrivalled global businesses are to be the catalyst for
network and the same drive to provide the best sustained economic recovery.
moving service to our clients. The difference is The ‘Regional Employer NICs Holiday
that our brand, our website and our collateral for New Businesses’ scheme gives new
is now tailored for the modern day transferee.” firms in certain areas of the UK a ‘holiday’
The new organisation’s website is www.dt on employers’ NI contributions for each of
moving.com. their first 10 employees they hire in the first
year of business. It will last for the first 52
weeks the employee is in position.
The launch of the NI scheme follows other
recent tax incentives, including a partial
reversal of the previous administration’s
plans to increase employers’ NI by 1% and
a 1% reduction in small firms corporation
tax, which was announced in June’s
‘emergency’ budget. The government has
also launched a new Office of Tax
Simplification to provide ‘independent
advice on simplifying the UK tax system’.
Following the budget’s sweeping public
sector cuts, the government is hoping to
create a private sector led recovery – with
small business growth placed at the forefront
of this revival. However unless further cuts
follow, disproportionate taxation will remain
a major barrier to growth for small
businesses. “For years small business
taxation has steadily increased, so this
reduction in NI for some firms has to be
welcomed,” said the Forum’s Chief Executive
Phil Orford. “However, if the government
Above: DT Moving’s
is serious about creating conditions for real
new look; economic recovery based on strong small
Inset top: A Davies business growth, it needs to introduce even
Turner transportation
lift-van from 1890;
bolder tax policies.” He added: “Given the
Inset above: Nick Kerr; significant threats to cash flow and business
Left: Davies Turner growth from issues such as a lack of bank
using a police escort
to transport treasure
finance and increasing late payments,
on behalf of a Far East recruitment is likely to be slow during the
client in 1930 first 12 months for many new firms. The
scheme should be available for a longer
period than just the first year they are in
business.”
The scheme is open to new businesses set
up on or after 22 June, 2010 and will run
until 5 September, 2013. It applies to start-
ups in the North East, Yorkshire and the
Humber, the North West, the East Midlands,
the West Midlands, the South West, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland. It does not
apply to businesses in London and the
South East.
November 2010 Removals & Storage 13
 Industry News

Department
UK road deaths have
traffic. Coastwise traffic fell by 6% to 108Mt
dropped by 35% in in 2009, whilst one-port traffic fell by 7% to

for Transport
the last decade 24Mt. One-port traffic has fallen by 45% since
it peaked in 2002;
• The leading ports by tonnage in 2009 were:

Maritime Grimsby and Immingham

London
54.7Mt
45.4Mt

Britain’s roads Statistics 2009 Milford Haven

Tees and Hartlepool
Southampton
39.3Mt
39.2Mt
37.2Mt
have fewest
T
he Department for Transport has published • Dover, the leading RO-RO port, handled 2.3
National Statistics on freight traffic at UK million road goods vehicles and unaccompanied
fatalities in ports for 2009, according to the arrangements trailer units (marginally down on 2008).
Felixstowe, the leading container port, handled
international approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
1.86 million containers (3.0 million TEU), a
survey Port freight traffic in 2009
• UK ports handled 501 million tonnes (Mt) of
4% decrease on 2008.

T
freight traffic in 2009, 61Mt (11%) less than in Other port statistics in 2009
he International Transport Forum (ITF) • International sea passenger journeys fell by
2008, and 65Mt (11%) less than in 1999;
has published road death figures for 33 5% to 23 million passengers;
• Compared with 2008, inward traffic fell by
countries. The latest figures on road • Accompanied passenger car traffic fell by
43Mt (12%) to 304Mt and outward traffic fell
fatalities in 33 countries show that the first ten 1% to 6.4 million vehicles;
by 19Mt (9%) to 197Mt. Over the ten years
years of the 21st century were “a record • The number of ship arrivals fell by 9% to
since 1999 inward traffic has decreased by 1%
decade for road safety”, said Jack Short, ITF 119 thousand.
and outward traffic by 24%. Imports have grown
Secretary General.
by 13% whilst exports have fallen by 25% and
The number of road fatalities fell in 30 of the Merchant fleet statistics at end 2009
domestic traffic has fallen by 26%;
33 countries analysed by the ITF’s International • The UK registered trading fleet increased by
• Liquid bulk traffic accounted for 46% of the
Traffic Safety Data and Analysis Group 26 to 701 ships during 2009. Overall deadweight
total, dry bulks 21%, container and roll-on/roll-
(IRTAD). In many countries, the average tonnage totalled 17.3Mt (15% up on 2008, and
off (RO-RO) traffic 29% and other cargo 4%;
annual drop in road deaths was dramatically 531% up on 1999);
• Liquid bulk traffic was 5% lower than in
higher than in previous decades during the • The UK registered trading fleet included 134
2008, and 20% down on 1999. Dry bulk traffic
2000-2009 period. tankers, 143 RO-RO vessels, 208 container
was 21% down on 2008, and 7% down on
Spain registered an average annual drop of vessels and 32 passenger vessels;
1999. Container and RO-RO traffic was 9%
8.5%, as compared to 4.4 % in the 1990s and • The trading fleet owned by UK companies
down on 2008, and 8% up on 1999;
an actual increase of fatalities in the 1980s. increased by 1% to 21.5 million deadweight
• Ports in each of the countries of the United
The UK saw an annual reduction of 4.6% in tonnes during 2009, 199% higher than in 1999;
Kingdom handled less traffic in 2009 than in
the past decade, compared to 1.3% in the 1980s. • Of the 719 trading vessels owned by UK
2008 with falls of 4% in Wales, 11% in Scotland
In the United States, road fatalities fell by an companies, 175 were tankers, accounting for
and 12% in both Northern Ireland and in
annual average of 2.3% between 2000 and one third of deadweight tonnage. There were
England. Since 1999 traffic has fallen through
2009. In the 1990s, they had dropped by a mere also 139 RO-RO, 108 container and 49
the ports in Northern Ireland (2%), England
0.6% p.a. and by 1.3% in the 1980s. passenger vessels;
and Wales (both 5%) and Scotland (34%);
“In comparison to preceding decades, we • World tonnage of trading vessels totalled
• Domestic traffic consists of coastwise and
have made a significant leap in the reduction 1,249 million deadweight tonnes.
one-port (offshore installations and dredging)
of deadly road incidents during the first decade
of the 21st century,” said IRTAD Chairman
UK ports have
Fred Wegman, who nevertheless pointed out handled decreasing
that “trends are much more worrying in many volumes of freight
developing countries”. traffic for the
past two years
The largest drop in traffic-related deaths
occurred in Portugal (-55%) and Spain (-53%),
where the number of road fatalities fell by more
than half. France achieved a reduction of 47%.
The US registered a drop of 19%; the UK of
over a third (35%). Three countries show an
increase over the past ten years: Argentina,
Cambodia and Malaysia. These three countries
have only recently joined IRTAD and hope to
benefit from the expertise of the group in
designing road safety measures.
In 2009, some countries reached the lowest
number of road deaths since systematic records
began – among them the United States and
Switzerland. Denmark had the lowest number of
fatalities since 1932, Canada for almost 60 years.
Weighted by road deaths per 100,000
inhabitants, the UK (3.8) did best in 2009,
followed by Sweden and the Netherlands (both
3.9) and Israel (4.2). The highest traffic death
rates according to this measure were recorded
in Malaysia (23.8), Argentina (18.4) and
Greece (13.8 - 2008 data).

14 Removals & Storage November 2010

 The BAR Services guide to upping sticks: 12

BAR Services
members
co-operative.

(Keeping a lid on prices is just one of its benefits)

A s a co-operative, BAR Services exists for one reason-that is to meet the needs
of the BAR members. BAR Services combines the member‘s extensive industry
knowledge with its own bulk purchasing power to produce a company that can
provide lower prices on good quality products. This is just one
of the benefits provided by BAR Services, for more details
please call on 01342 870087
�����������������������������������������������������������������
 Industry News

16 Removals & Storage November 2010


Rose Removals has switched from a local tyre service provider to ATS Euromaster
Rose chooses
ATS Euromaster
I
nternational removals firm Rose Removals
has switched from a local tyre service
provider to national tyre expert ATS
Euromaster. The 35-year-old, Devon-based
company had previously sourced its domestic
tyre requirements from a local company but had
experience of using the extensive Euromaster
network in mainland Europe.
Managing Director George Rose said: “We’ve
always been very impressed with Euromaster’s
service standards abroad, and ATS Euromaster
seemed better placed to offer consistently high
standards to our fleet in the UK thanks to its
nationwide network. Its tyre management
expertise and commitment to professional tyre
husbandry is also top of the league.”
New Local Sustainable Transport Fund announced
P
lans for a new Local Sustainable Transport Fund
have been announced by Local Transport
Minister Norman Baker. It will challenge local
transport authorities outside London to develop packages
of measures that support economic growth and reduce
carbon in their communities as well as delivering cleaner
environments, improved safety and increased levels of
physical activity.
Measures could include encouraging walking and
cycling, initiatives to improve integration between travel
modes and end-to-end journey experiences, better public
transport and improved traffic management schemes.
The government also announced that, in line with its
localism agenda, it intends to pool the centrally funded
local transport grants to create fewer but larger funding
streams which are largely formula-based.
Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “It is at a
local level that most can be done to change patterns of
Rose’s fleet of 12 vans and 12 trucks will be
fitted with a mixture of Avon and Michelin
tyres respectively. The fleet is primarily
Volkswagen LT, Volkswagen Transporter and
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, with a mixture
of trucks from 7.5 to 44 tonnes. They will
receive fortnightly tyre safety inspections by
ATS Euromaster technicians, with written
reports detailing overall tyre condition and
remaining tread depth provided to the transport
team. ATS Euromaster also has a fleet of
nearly 1,000 tyre-fitting vehicles - the largest
of its kind in the UK.
“We’re delighted with the service so far,” said
George, adding that the new contract enabled
him to save money too.
behaviour and encourage more sustainable travel,
especially for short journeys. And in an environment of
tighter budgets and greater local flexibility, the
government is determined to reduce bureaucracy and
make local transport funding more efficient.” He continued:
“That is why we intend to pool the myriad of centrally
funded local transport grants, to create fewer but larger
funding streams, largely formula-based, and a new Local
Sustainable Transport Fund.”
It will be for local partnerships – local transport
authorities working with their communities – to identify
the right solutions for their areas which are financially
robust and sustainable in the long-term. Funding for the
Local Sustainable Transport Fund will be set aside from
within the Department’s overall funding allocation following
conclusion of the Spending Review. Details about the
new Fund, including the resources available and how it
will operate, will be announced later in the year.
Industry News
Drivers to
receive
a £5,000
electric car
subsidy
U
K drivers could receive up to £5,000
from the government when purchasing
an electric car. This will, however,
come at the expense of grants that used to be
offered by the government. The subsidy was
delayed from 2009 by the Coalition
government until the 2010 autumn spending
review.
The subsidy will come into effect in January
2011 and will reward any person buying a new
generation electric or ultra-low carbon hybrid
with a 25% discount to the maximum value of
£5,000. The only catch, however, is that the
number of grants offered, which used to be a
minimum of 46,000, has been drastically
reduced to only 8,600.
Until now, the grants fund has partially been
protected against cuts by car manufacturers
and the British green energy industry. The
allocation of new grants in the UK will
coincide with the launch of the brand new
Nissan Leaf. The Leaf is being widely touted
as the first real rival to Toyota’s Prius.
The retail price of the Leaf is estimated to be
approximately £28,350, and with the new
subsidy, car buyers will pay only £23,350 for
Nissan’s eco-friendly offering. The Leaf is a
fully electric vehicle, as opposed to the Prius,
which is a hybrid car. The Leaf will therefore
not need any fuel, and according to Nissan,
once charged, it will cost around 3p per mile to
drive. A single charge will, however, only
allow the driver to travel roughly 70 miles and
the car takes up to 20 hours to recharge to full
capacity.
Many car insurance providers already offer
discounts for environmentally friendly
vehicles, encouraging buyers to ‘go green’.
The Japanese manufacturer’s Sunderland
factory will assemble the Leaf. As a result,
Britain will be Nissan’s third largest electric
car base in the world by 2013.
The Nissan Leaf looks pretty but can only
travel 70 miles on one charge
November 2010 Removals & Storage 17
 Industry News
UK HOUSING
MARKET UPDATE
To keep BAR members informed of the changing conditions months against the same period a year earlier. This
in the housing market the R&S will be compiling a monthly continues the recent downward trend from a high of
update of the most important facts and figures taken
from the Halifax House Price Index.
September 2010
Average House Price for September:
£162,096 - down 3.6% on the previous month
- up 2.6% on last year.
Prices in the third quarter of 2010
were 0.9% lower than in the second
quarter of 2010
The underlying pace of house price growth has turned
moderately negative in recent months. Prices fell by a
modest 0.3% between the first and second quarters of
the year. By comparison, the quarterly rate of decline
was consistently in excess of -5% throughout the
second half of 2008.
Housing market activity is softening
Bank of England industry-wide figures show that the
number of mortgages approved to finance house
purchase fell for the fourth consecutive month in
August, on a seasonally adjusted basis. The number
of approvals was at it its lowest level in the past six
months, at 47,372.
House prices still remain higher
than a year ago
Prices in September were 2.6% higher on an annual
basis as measured by the average for the latest three
Cadogan Tate Worldwide
Moving returns to London
C
adogan Tate Worldwide Moving, for the
last ten years based in Wokingham, has
returned to its London headquarters in
Park Royal to be closer to its key marketplace.
Jonathan Hood, Group Managing Director,
said that rather than being a way of cutting
costs to counter the recession the move was
intended to:
• Improve sales and operational efficiency by
being closer to the company’s marketplace;
• Ensure prompt arrival on site with less risk
of traffic delays;
• Reduce costs enabling the company to offer
keener prices;
• Improved synergies and management of
operations between the Cadogan Tate companies
as they will all be in one place;
• Make better use of pooled resources; and
• Provide the company’s clients with access to,
what Jonathan believes to be “probably the best
depot facilities in the UK at our Park Royal HQ”.
18 Removals & Storage November 2010
6.9% in May and was below the 4.6% increase in August.
Reduced demand and higher supply
puts downward pressure on prices
A shortage of properties for sale in 2009 contributed to
an imbalance between supply and demand and was a
key factor driving up house prices last year. An increase
in the number of properties available for sale in recent
months, together with a decline in demand, has reduced
the imbalance, putting some downward pressure on
prices in recent months. New sales instructions with
estate agents increased for the seventh successive month
in August whilst demand – measured by new buyer
enquiries – fell for the third month in a row, according to
the latest RICS monthly survey.
The low interest rate environment
has reduced the burden of servicing
mortgage debt
Typical mortgage payments for a new borrower have
fallen from a peak of 48% of average disposable earnings
in mid 2007 to 30% in mid 2010. This key measure of
affordability is at a better level than the long-term average
over the past 25 years (37%) and is an important factor
supporting housing demand.
(Statistics taken from the Halifax House Price Index September 2010)
“Our worldwide moving business is growing
rapidly despite the downturn but we have seen
a radical and seemingly permanent shift in [the
company’s] market area,” he explained. “Now
more than 80% of all its activity starts or finishes
in London - yet the operation is still based in the
country more than 40 miles from town. As a
result we have decided to relocate our worldwide
and European moving operations back into
London and base them at our Park Royal HQ
which will help us provide an even better service
to both our private and corporate worldwide
moving customers.”
Cadogan Tate Worldwide Moving has been
expanding ever since it started in 1977 with one
second-hand Transit Luton driven by founder
Rohan Masson-Taylor, today’s Group Chairman.
Today it encompasses full service operations in
five UK locations as well as major depots in
New York, Los Angeles, Paris and the Côte
D’Azur.
TomTom
launches
traffic
‘manifesto’
T
omTom has published its Traffic Manifesto
in a bid to reduce traffic congestion by
making better use of the existing road
network. The aim is to build a community of
drivers who, by driving as a ‘collective’, will
cut journey times by up to 5% across the UK
for all vehicles.
New data analysed by the TomTom HD Traffic
Centre reveals the top 25 most congested roads
in Britain. Topping the list is Bedford Road in
Clapham, London SW4 - bottlenecked for an
average of 92 hours every week.
Second worst is Kingsway Tunnel Approach
in the Wirral - followed by the B5159 in
Warburton, the Eastern Bypass Road in Oxford
and the A30 in Basingstoke. In addition, the
morning rush ‘hour’ is starting ever earlier, now
lasting between 2.5 and 3 hours with traffic
significant from 5.30am onwards on major roads.
The central theme of the Traffic Manifesto is
that a minority of drivers using an accurate
traffic navigation system to detour around jams
can benefit the majority of drivers not using
such data by not contributing to the congestion
because they take a detour.
Individual drivers using TomTom’s HD Traffic
service, for example, can typically reduce their
average journey time by up to 15%. The
collective effect of 10% of drivers using such a
service would reduce average journey times
for everyone else by up to 5%, according to
the company’s estimates. This in turn would
help reduce the £8bn lost by the UK national
economy each year through traffic congestion.
Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s CEO said, “We
know that traffic congestion is not going to
disappear completely, but we can do something
significant to reduce it. We’re embarking on
this mission because we love driving and hate
traffic. We know that millions of drivers around
the world feel the same way. We believe that
TomTom has a role to play in helping to reduce
traffic congestion.”
Taking detours reduces congestion claims TomTom
 ����������������������
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UTS conquers Mont
Ventoux for charity
On September 10, 2010 teams from UTS Bournes (UK), UTS Packimpex
(Switzerland), UTS Seegmuller (France), UTS Voerman (Netherlands)
and UTS International took part in the Ven2-4Cancer charity cycle
event to raise funds for the global fight against cancer.
T
he main beneficiaries of the event are the
Vlaamse Liga tegen Kanker and
Inspire2Live charities who exist to support
“those who refuse to surrender to illness” in the
battle against cancer.
The climb is one of the toughest in professional
cycling and is described as one of the most
gruelling climbs in the Tour de France. The ride
is over 13 miles in length and with a 12% climb of
1550 metres from the start point to the summit.
The very name Ventoux means ‘windy’ in French
and gives a clue to the likely conditions. The
idea of the annual challenge is that the struggle
to conquer Mont Ventoux symbolises the
impossible task that cancer patients face every
day to live life to the fullest in spite of a disease
– hence the charities’ motto: “Never Ever Quit”.
The teams set off from camp just after 6am to
begin the climb. Most took on the climb once,
completing the ascent in between 2-3 hours.
Some participants pushed themselves even
further and managed to take on the challenge
twice, the second climb attempting to conquer
the mountain from the other side.
Some team members said that until they arrived
at the mountain they had really underestimated
the magnitude of the challenge, the size of the
Industry News
mountain and the different climates they would
need to adapt to during their ascent. Whilst most
had trained hard this was perhaps for only a
short timescale and often over distance on mostly
flat terrain, which was very different from the
TfL has ignored concerns and gone ahead with a
physical and emotional challenge that faced policy of completely unreasonable price hikes,
them on the day. Despite this all of the UniGroup according to the FTA
UTS participants completed the climb
TfL hides price
successfully. The 30 UTS cyclists collectively
climbed Mont Ventoux a total of 45 times!
hike news
Martin Keen of UTS Bournes in the UK said,
“The mountain was much harder and longer
than I had expected but I was conscious that
T
my own struggle to make it to the summit was he Freight Transport Association (FTA)
insignificant compared to what people with has accused Transport for London
cancer have to tackle on a daily basis. It was a (TfL) of deliberately announcing an
great personal achievement but the biggest above-inflation rise in London’s daily
success was the sponsorship received which congestion charge on the same day as the
will go towards having a positive impact on comprehensive spending review to hide
the lives of many in the future.” the news.
All teams together managed to raise almost The FTA had urged TfL to immediately
euro 250,000 for the cause and would like to cap the current rate for commercial fleet
thank all those individuals and companies that operators at £7 and consider different
supported them in achieving this. Visit the charging levels for essential business journeys
press centre on www.uts-international.com for and discretionary private car journeys.
more about the event, the charity and the Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy
individual participants. for London said, “TfL has deliberately tried
to wrong foot the industry to get these
Left, Back Row: charges in without anyone noticing and it
Tom Bourne, has done nothing to justify why they are
Martin Keen,
Paul Bernardt,
even being imposed. It could be that TfL
Nienke Dolsma, needs to look more closely at controlling its
Timo Visser, operating costs, but quite why commercial
Jeroen de Ruiter,
vehicle operators should be picking up the
Marcel Prodon;
Middle row: tab is unclear.”
Gerald de Blok, The changes announced that will come
Marjon Oostveen, into effect from 4 January, 2011 go against
Rozella Oostveen,
Rene Postma and these suggestions, with charges increasing
Corine Kaptein to £10 if paid in advance or on the day of
Front Row: travel and £9 if registered for the new
Anton van Winden,
Willem van Vliet,
congestion charging auto pay system
Alexander van Hout; (charged in arrears) or the fleet scheme
Inset: Jonathon Mulvey, (where payment is upfront).
Charles Mc Hugo,
Matthieu Odijk,
Natalie continued, “TfL has not only
Wiebe Van Bockel, ignored our concerns and gone ahead with a
Gerben Groothuis, policy of completely unreasonable price
Roger Apello
With bikes, far left:
hikes, but has done so on the same day as
Leon Bourne; the biggest public spending cuts in decades
Above left: were announced. Given the dire business
Martin Keen;
implications that the £2 rises will represent
Below left:
Tom Bourne to businesses, we suspect that this in not
purely a coincidence.”
“Some businesses will be able to qualify
for a discount under the fleet scheme, but
given the additional constraints that paying
up front has on cash flow, a freeze on the
current fee would have been more
appropriate.”
November 2010 Removals & Storage 21
 BAR News
On the road again:
A report from BAR’s
third roadshow
From 20 to 23 September BAR and its
supporting companies went on the road
to present members with a mixture of
valuable advice and information. The 2010
roadshow was the most successful yet
with encouraging turnout in all regions.
T
he venues were in Normanton, Yorkshire;
Bathgate near Edinburgh; Cheltenham; and
London. Pickfords provided the facilities
in Castleford and London; GB Liners did the
same in Cheltenham. BAR Board members
chaired the meetings: Rod Seeland in Castleford;
Reg Hackworthy in Scotland and Cheltenham;
and Ian Studd in London. Speakers were Loren
Webster from BARTS talking about appraisals;
Nicholas Marshall from Reason Global and Bob
Tree from Basil Fry & Co. discussing insurance;
Steven Meyerhoff and Lames Lomax from
Backhouse Jones explaining the importance of
staff handbooks; Dawn Fisher from Wellers
demonstrating a newly-developed cost
modelling system; Paul Swindon from BAR
showing the latest developments in the BAR
website; and Steve Jordan from The Words
Workshop who asked the attendees to share
ideas on staff motivation.
To start each seminar the chairmen presented
a summary entitled ‘Are you making the most
of your BAR?’. This focussed on the benefits of
BAR membership some of which was discussed
in much more detail in the later sessions.
Benefits included: the use of the BAR brand,
model Terms and Conditions, the OFT approved
Code of Practice, the BAR website and events
such as the annual conference, Young Movers
networking, Area meetings and the Self Storage
Special Interest Group. The chairmen took the
opportunity also of reminding members about
the free legal and financial advice lines, easy
payment terms for subscriptions, subsidised
training through BARTS and a full range of
marketing materials. Additional member benefits
were the free R&S magazine, the free conciliation
service and low-cost arbitration, rebates from
BAR Services and the CMOTY and DMOTY
annual awards which were important marketing
tools for those who took part.
Appraisals
Loren Webster from BARTS presented a new
appraisal system that was offered to members
to provide a structured personnel management
tool. Loren explained the purpose of appraisals
to assess employees’ performance and to
establish their ambitions and personal
22 Removals & Storage November 2010
development needs. She discussed best practice
for appraisals and presented a set of BAR
branded documentation that guides both the
appraisee and the appraiser through the process
and provides a permanent record. BARTS is
considering developing a course in the future
to include appraisal techniques, based on the
BAR documentation and cost modelling (see
Dawn Fisher below).
Insurance
Bob Tree took to the stage in Normanton and
Edinburgh with Nicholas Marshall taking over
the reigns in Cheltenham and London to talk
about how to utilise the various insurance
options available to maximise revenue. Bob
and Nicholas explained the options and the
historical background to their development.
They then helped the members to differentiate
between the options – regulated, de-regulated,
liability and insured remover – and assess which
would be best for their company depending on
their customer expectations and the level of
involvement in the claims process that each
company was prepared to accept.
Staff handbooks
Steven Meyerhoff represented Backhouse
Jones solicitors for the first two seminars with
James Lomax taking over in Cheltenham and
London. Their subject was staff handbooks
and the important part they play in providing
protection for companies when managing their
staff relations. James and Steven explained
what should be in the handbook and what should
be appear in an individual’s contract of
employment. Staff handbooks, they said, should
contain details of the company’s disciplinary
and grievance procedure, termination and
notice provisions, and sickness and absence
policies. These may also be included in contracts
of employment. Additional information generally
included in staff handbooks includes: equal
opportunity policies, the company’s policy
towards new media, health and safety,
performance management and leave entitlements.
Items such as salary, holiday and working hours
should not be included in the staff handbook but
should be part of the contract of employment
with the individual. In summary, Steven and
James said that staff handbooks are an important
management tool that create certainty for the
employee and the employer. They are viewed as
supplementary to the contract of employment
and are usually expected at tribunals. Members
should, however, be careful not to create a
contractual obligation in the handbook that
was not intended.
Cost modelling
Dawn Fisher from Wellers presented a new
cost modelling spreadsheet that she had been
working on with the help of BAR members.
The model takes the user though the entire
process of job costing including establishing
the true cost of running and owning vehicles,
labour costs, materials, etc. There was also a
provision for overheads costs allocation. Once
populated with the source data – vehicle types,
costs, annual mileage, wages, material prices,
etc. – the model will quickly generate an
accurate cost for any job simply by entering
the variable information such as mileage,
working days, vehicles employed, etc. The user
is then free to enter a selling margin percentage
in line with company requirements in the sound
knowledge that the figures used to construct
his cost of sale are accurate.
Dawn explained that the model could also
be used to justify capital expenditure on a
modernised vehicle fleet, perhaps showing that
new vehicles are more economic in the long-
term, when applying for finance.
BAR website
Paul Swindon, BAR’s Commercial Manager,
explained the most recent developments of the
new BAR website. He presented the most
recent visitor statistics for the site and then
went on to describe systematically the resources
that are available behind the ‘MyBAR’ tab.
These resources included the online sales lead
system currently being used by around 60
members; Broadcast, a mass mailing tool
allowing BAR members to communicate
quickly and easily with fellow members; and
Noticeboard, an online advertising medium
through which members can buy and sell
 BAR News

Left: BAR President Reg Hackworthy;

Above: Ian Studd; Above right: Loren Webster;
Right and far right: Bob Tree and Nicholas Marshal

virtually anything. Other new items on the

website include: a BAR calendar with details
of Area meetings, training courses, and council
meetings; details of who’s who at BAR; the
R&S in an easily-readable form; and examples
of badges and logos. With each section Paul
took the audience through a live demonstration
showing what’s on each page and how to use it.

Staff motivation
Steve Jordan from The Words Workshop took
time out from editing the R&S to quiz the
attendees about staff motivation. He said that
most people understand that their ‘people are
their greatest asset’, something of a cliché
nowadays but true nonetheless. Unfortunately
his experience didn’t seem to support that
perception: whenever anyone sent him a photo
for the R&S it was always of a van or a
warehouse not a person. Steve made some
suggestions as to how staff could be motivated
without resorting to large financial payouts and
asked for others’ opinions. By far the strongest
long-term motivational tool was to plan out a
career path for key staff, that achieves their
ambitions and satisfies the strategic aims of the
company, and make sure they can see how
they are progressing towards their goals. This
linked well with Loren’s earlier presentation
on appraisals. Steve intends to write an in-depth Clockwise from above: Steven Meyerhoff;
James Lomax; Dawn Fisher; Steve Jordan
report on his findings from the roadshow and and Paul Swindon
other sources to feature in a subsequent issue
of R&S.
All questions were handled at the end of
each seminar. By far the most questions were
directed towards Paul regarding the website in
general and the sales lead system in particular.
Paul said that the system had produced 3200
leads for members so far and the general
opinion was that these were of very high quality.
He said that the more companies sign up to
receive the leads the fewer out-of-area leads
will be created. He also said that BAR will
refund fees immediately for any leads that
companies found to be unserviceable.
All delegates were given a BAR memory
stick with the various presentations, models and
a copy of the current BAR Services brochure
pre-loaded.

November 2010 Removals & Storage 23

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Young Mover Profile:
Melanie Kyriakides
Melanie Kyriakides, Wentworth
International’s Corporate Move
Co-ordinator and a member of
the BAR Young Movers, has been
working within the removals
industry for a relatively short time.
H
owever, just six years into her career
Melanie has already managed to
experience the industry in two different
countries: both in the UK and in Cyprus. Here
she talks to Charlotte Freestone about her time
in the removals industry to date, her hopes for
the future and the BAR Young Movers group.
Having grown up in the suburbs of Barnet,
Melanie couldn’t wait to escape school and
enter the ‘real’ world of work. She left school
at 15 and spent some time working as a PA for
various employers, however sunnier climes
beckoned and Melanie moved to Cyprus in 1998.
“I moved to Cyprus with all good intentions
of finding a job as a PA, but instead I ended up
working in tourism,” Melanie said. “The hours
were incredibly long and I was paid a pittance
to babysit the British tourists.” Images of the
cast of Benidorm pop into the imagination.
After working in the tourism industry for
seven years Melanie was ready to move on and
in 2005 she was offered the job as PA at
Columbia Worldwide Movers. A position she
was introduced to through a friend of a friend.
“Cyprus is a society where it is very much
about ‘who you know’,” Melanie explained.
“Luckily, after seven long years, the ‘who you
know’ analogy paid off.” No previous experience
was necessary for the position, just an
understanding of how the expat worked which
Melanie had already spent years mastering.
And so, Melanie took her first step into the
removals industry describing it as being ‘thrown
in at the deep end’. “I became what I now know
to be Sales & Move Co-ordinator, although my
business cards showed: Customer Services,
Marketing & Sales. I loved it.”
Surprisingly, four years later, Melanie decided
that she had outgrown Cyprus and moved back
to the UK where, last December, she began
working for the Bagguley Brothers, otherwise
known as Wentworth International, picking up
the same role as Move Co-ordinator.
“I can honestly say that I have progressed far
more in the year I have been at Wentworth than
I did in the four years I was working in the
industry in Cyprus,” Melanie admits. “This is
purely because the market is so much bigger in
the UK. Working in the Corporate department
has enabled me to put into practice the skills that
I knew I had, but wasn’t able to use in Cyprus.”
Melanie describes Wentworth International
as a relatively young company with its staff
displaying a real enthusiasm and passion for
their work each day. “Apart from Monday
mornings maybe!” For Melanie, it is this
enthusiasm and support which leads to real
progression, both for the company itself and
the industry as a whole.
“There tends to be the impression that the
industry could be old fashioned with resistance
on adopting new ideas and solutions,” Melanie
said. “However, with such new and young
blood entering into removals, we can see more
and more companies adapting to a new way of
thinking. You only need to look around at the
conferences and meetings to see that more and
more companies are embracing the changes.”
Melanie is keen to point out that this new
progressive way of thinking should not be at
the expense of some of the more traditional
approaches however. “For some work, mainly
BAR News
in the public sector, the traditional approach is
still best. However, often the traditional and
the modern ways work well side by side which
just goes to show that the removals industry is
moving forward.”
Unlike many young movers who have
family ties to the industry, Melanie found
herself working in removals and storage
almost by accident. Despite this, she said that
she has never felt like an outsider. “On the
contrary, everyone is incredibly welcoming
and eager to help. The removals industry has
seen quite a change with younger employees
joining the fold.”
Melanie believes that the Young Movers group
has played a big part in welcoming a younger
generation to the industry. “Everyone knows
that a social meet will always bond people and
forge not only new friendships, but it is also a
fantastic way to network.”
Melanie continued, “I would suggest that the
only negative aspect is that the maximum age
is 40. I personally think that this should be
raised to 45. It would allow younger members
to get advice from the older members and the
older members to learn new ideas from the
younger members. And, of course, 45 is still
young.” Hear, hear!
Having been in the industry for just under
five years, Melanie is aware that she is still a
relative newcomer with much more to learn.
“That is the great thing about removals,” she
said. “In most jobs, you end up getting to a
certain point where you cannot learn any more
and it becomes monotonous. Everyone within
the industry knows that each move and each
client is different with different needs and
requirements.”
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the
removals industry,” Melanie concluded. “But
be warned - it is unlikely ever to let you leave.”
November 2010 Removals & Storage 25
 BAR News
Kent and Sussex join forces
BAR’s Kent and Sussex Areas joined forces on 14 September for
their scheduled meeting bringing together approaching 40
members and three guest speakers to the evening event.
BAR Standards
To get the ball rolling Gary Wheadon of Sullys,
BAR Board member, asked the members
present for their opinions about compulsory
Standards for BAR membership; Gary was
attending a Board meeting the following day and
wanted to make sure he accurately represented
the views of the Areas. Members were happy
to share their ideas, some in favour and some
against, but all offered constructively. Gary
pointed out that his main concern was that the
EC could impose a Standard on the moving
industry and, if no British Standard is already in
place, it could be inappropriate. It was generally
felt that anything that raises the standard of entry
to BAR is a good thing. There were concerns,
however, that BAR could lose members.
Steel Storage
Adrian Starling from Steel Storage was the first
guest speaker. He presented his company’s
new Steel Stak product launched at the BAR
conference earlier this year. He explained that
Steel Stak offers the missing link between the
traditional removal container and self storage.
It is made of aluminium with steel reinforcing.
The weight is similar to a wooden container of
the same size but Steel Stak has the advantages
of being longer lasting, insurable and listed as
a company asset, and can be easily dismantled
even when the container is inside a van. This
makes it possible for a crew to deliver goods
in a Steel Stak container then dismantle it to
provide the maximum space in the van for the
remainder of the day. He said that some
companies were also using the containers as
temporary self storage units while they were
testing the market.
Green-Works
Colin Crooks from Green-Works has been a
regular contributor to BAR meetings having
first presented at the Edinburgh conference in
2008. Green-Works provides a comprehensive
processing service for all redundant furniture
26 Removals & Storage November 2010
Far left, Kent and
Sussex Areas joining
forces over dinner;
Centre: Colin Crooks;
Left: Adrian Starling;
Top: Daniel Shepherd
LEGAL
HELPLINE
STATISTICS
and equipment. Colin explained that recycling
items in this way helps companies comply with
April - September 2010
corporate social responsibility requirements For the period April to September 2010
and minimises the impact on the environment. (inclusive) Backhouse Jones received 20
He also said that it is a cheaper option than calls to the free legal advice line that’s
sending waste to landfill. available to BAR members. Matters
Green-Works resells around 50% of the discussed included:
redundant furniture it receives, and either
remanufactures or recovers the valuable Vehicle related matters 10%
materials and components from much of the Personnel/employment 35%
remainder. A large proportion, however, is Payment/debt issues 10%
donated to developing countries to provide T&Cs/Lien/Others 20%
schools and hospitals in some of the world’s Weather issues 25%
poorest countries with essential equipment. Slightly different subjects included:
The company has receiving depots in East • A removal for someone who had died;
London, Wembley, Bristol, Wolverhampton • An altercation with a director;
and Glasgow. Deliveries may be booked in at • TUPE regulations;
under 24 hours notice and goods delivered for • Using a Sat Nav whilst driving.
a fixed gate fee. A sustainability certificate and
waste transfer note is provided.
Total Card
Daniel Shepard from Total Card explained the
benefits to drivers and companies of carrying
fuel cards. He said that users did not need to
carry cash, would receive a consolidated
invoice, could improve cash flow and obtain
rebates on fuel, and could use the reporting
mechanism as a way of managing driver activity
and spotting abnormal usage. Total Card was
also the first card of its type to be accepted for
payment on the M6 Toll. The scope of the card The legal helpline is provided
may also be extended to include all fuels, by Backhouse Jones and is free
adblue, lubricants and other forecourt services of charge to BAR members.
such as car wash.
Total Card is accepted by over 3,000 Total,
Call: 01254 828300
BP and Shell service stations around England, If you need to talk something over
Wales and the Isle of Man. with an experienced professional,
The experiment of joining the two Areas call a member of the BAR Professional
together for their meetings was viewed to be a Advisers Panel:
success with active participation from all Backhouse Jones Solicitors: 01254 828300
attendees. Nicholas Marshall, Secretary of the Basil Fry & Co Ltd: 01372 385985
Sussex Area said that although the joint meeting Reason Global Insurance: 0845 602 1775
was an experiment its success has ensured that Wellers Accountants: 0207 630 6665
it will be repeated.
 ��������������

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 BAR News

BAR Services announces Safpro

as its new uniform supplier
O
ver the last 30 years, BAR Services had As with previous suppliers, BAR Services
always negotiated to get the best deals has negotiated discounted prices for all BAR
possible from its chosen uniform members. You should by now have received a
suppliers. At various points in BAR Services’ price list and will be due to receive a leaflet
history, Alexandra Plc has been its main shortly. In the meantime, if you would like any
uniform supplier but you may already be information regarding the Safpro uniform range
aware that during July 2010 the company or would simply like to place an order, please
called in PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as contact Grant Harris on 01452 509886 or e-mail
administrators. Alexandra Plc has now been grant.harris@safpro.co.uk.
sold to Dimensions (a large European-based BAR Services looks forward to a successful
company) but with the uncertainty and alliance with Safpro and is confident it will be
interruption in supply, BAR Services has able to once again supply a simple, cost effective
experienced some major services issues. For this yet quality range of clothing to the membership.
reason it has spent the last few months sourcing
a new uniform supplier for the members.
BAR Services is pleased to announce that it
is now to work in partnership with Safpro – one
of the leading suppliers in corporate workwear
and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) since
1975. A family-run business and with 35 years
of experience, Safpro is able to provide a simple,
on-time and quality service. It offers a large
selection of leading brands but also has its own
range of high quality functional workwear. It
has the provision of in-house embroidery and
transfer-printing facilities and can offer a rapid
turnaround of logo’d garments as well as being
able to offer a nationwide next-day service to
the UK mainland. Safpro can also offer members
a number of services including usage and
expenditure reporting for overall company and
individual depot spend, through its designated Above: fleece; top right: sweatshirt; bottom right: polo shirt
online ordering system.

Product of the Month

Warrior bomber jacket
With the clocks going back and the days
getting colder it’s time to start thinking
about winter uniforms. In conjunction with
its new supplier, Safpro, BAR Services is
pleased to announce a new, full range of
good quality winter and outdoor clothing.
Two of its current new best sellers are the
Warrior bomber jacket and the deluxe
heavyweight body warmer. The bomber
jacket provides the comfort of a soft fleece
lining whilst its weather resistant shell
provides optimum protection in all weather
conditions. The heavyweight body warmer
contains both a fleece-lined upper and
quilt-lined lower to provide maximum
warmth in the winter months. These are
just a couple of outdoor products from the
BAR Services uniform range – for details on
other winter garments, the hi-vis clothing
range or any other uniform query, simply
contact Grant Harris on 01452 509886 or
e-mail grantharris@safpro.co.uk.
Don’t forget, although a uniform provides
protection and warmth for your staff in the
winter months, it also provides a clear and
visual statement about who you are and
what you do. It can be an effective but low
cost method of advertising your company
and make sure you are remembered by
potential and existing customers.

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

November 2010 Removals & Storage 29

 CMG News

BS 8522

A watching brief A sponsor

Lindsey Daykin

Greg Wildman

On the first tee

CMG Golf C
onsecutive tee times made sure that the
first starters had a somewhat intimidating

Tournament:
audience as the 27 men and one lady
(Lindsey Daykin from Pickfords) gathered

Staverton
around to analyse each other’s swings. But the
rain held off and a good day was had by all.
Greg Wildman, no stranger to golf, drove off

Park
The rain threatened as the
intrepid golfers gathered on
the first tee of Staverton Park
Golf Club in Daventry for the
start of the 2010 CMG Golf
Tournament sponsored by
Basil Fry with additional
sponsorship from PHS Teacrate,
BAR Services and Steel Storage.
with the rest but he has recently suffered a
serious illness and, although he is now well on
the way to recovery, was unable to complete
the whole 18 holes. Everyone, however,
appreciated him taking part representing the
main sponsor and all drank a toast to his health
during the prize giving in the evening.
As always there were prizes for the CMG
members and for the guests as well as the longest
drive and nearest the pin competitions. Peter
Doman from Basil Fry, henceforth known as
‘el Bandito’ came in first for the guests with an
impressive 37 Stapleford points, a remarkable
achievement considering the swirling winds
and unpredictable greens on the day. Graham
Puddephatt from Reason Global took the guest
trophy for ‘furthest from the front’.
The CMG competition was won by Don
Rowlandson from Xpress Relocations with 38
points, with Bill Tiernan from Edes in 2nd
place and Bob Bradley of Harrow Green in
3rd. Nigel Shaw, a relative newcomer to golf
(but with a very impressive bag of clubs) came
last. As part of his continuous quest to get his
photo in R&S David Bunting, BAR Honorary
Treasurer and his three accomplices (Bill
Stanley of Steel Storage, Bill Tiernan and Tim
Dykey of Harrow Green) took the team prize.
During the prize giving CMG Chairman Rod
Seeland thanked the organisers – Neil Rogers
of Reloc8 and Kevin Mack of Company Moves
– for staging an excellent event. He also
thanked the sponsors for their support.

30 Removals & Storage November 2010

 CMG News

BS 8522

Ian Studd Rod Seeland

Nigel Shaw and friends

Peter Doman

Driving

Results
Don Rowlandson

Main CMG Competition

1st Don Rowlandson, Xpress Relocations
2nd Bill Tiernan, Edes
3rd Bob Bradley, Harrow Green

Peter Doman
Guest Competition
Sponsored by Basil Fry
1st Peter ‘el Bandito’ Doman, Basil Fry
2nd Matt Thompson (Bill Tiernan’s son-in-law)

Team Competition
Matt Thompson
Sponsored by BAR Services
David Bunting, retired & BAR Hon Treasurer
Bill Stanley, Steel Storage
Bill Tiernan, Edes
Tim Dykes, Harrow Green
Ted Mooney

Longest Drive
Sponsored by PHS Teacrate
Matt Thompson

Nearest the Pin

Sponsored by Steel Storage
Ted Mooney, Company Moves
Nigel Shaw

November 2010 Removals & Storage 31

 CMG News
BS 8522
CMG Profile: Robert Poyner
This month Charlotte Freestone catches up with Robert Poyner,
Client Services Manager of Reloc8 and CMG councillor, to talk
about his move from football to removals and his work within
the training sub-committee.
R
obert’s career in the removals industry
began almost ten years ago, despite
having flirted with a potential career in
football. “Football has always been a huge part
of my life,” Robert explained. “I played for
Sheffield United, however when I was 18 I was
released by the club and, after a few games for
the mighty Newport County reserves and an
injury, I decided I needed to find a ‘proper’ job.”
It was at this time that Robert began working
within his father’s removals company, A&R
Removals in Newport. “I already had experience
of the removals industry from working in the
warehouse of my father’s company during
school holidays, so it seemed logical that this
be my first port of call for a career.”
After four years working for his father, Robert
decided he needed a new challenge and moved
to Reloc8, a specialist in commercial relocations
and corporate interiors, as its client services
manager and specialist leader of commercial
relocations in 2005.
Surprisingly, at this time, Reloc8 was not a
member of BAR, but this soon changed. “When
I joined I stressed the importance of membership
to Justin Palmer, the MD,” Robert explained.
“Since then we have entered CMOTY twice,
been short listed as a finalist once and also
been awarded a certificate of merit.” Since
this Robert says that he has seen Reloc8 grow
year-on-year as a business.
For Robert, being a member of the CMG was
just as important as being a member of BAR as
a whole. “The CMG is extremely beneficial to
customers because it demonstrates the company’s
capabilities and quality. The introduction of
BS 8522 reinforces this message.” Since the
CMG became a quality-based membership
Robert believes customers are more reassured
than ever because they know that member
companies are audited to ensure they are
consistently working to the highest possible
standards.
His position as a CMG councillor is clearly
something that Robert is very passionate
about, describing the Group as a family. “The
members of the Group are always willing to
lend a hand or offer advice. I know we at
Reloc8 have certainly seen the benefit of the
Group,” Robert said.
He continued, “I find the work extremely
rewarding. I am a member of the training
sub-committee and am really pleased that we
can offer existing and new staff a recognised
qualification. After all the most important
people within the company are your crew as
they deal with your clients everyday.”
32 Removals & Storage November 2010
The training sub-committee has been
working for some time to develop a recognised
apprenticeship scheme to attract people to the
removals industry. “We want to attract people
to the industry. I think that commercial
relocations offers some great career paths
covering a huge skill set from porters through
to senior managers.”
With all parts of the apprenticeship now
complete it is an exciting time for the training
sub-committee. However, Robert is aware of
the changing times and is sure that the scheme
will continually have to develop to keep up
with the times. “The removals industry doesn’t
stand still, so as the skills required to do the
job change and as technology progresses the
scheme will have to alter alongside it so that it
remains relevant and up to date.”
Not only will the content of the course itself
have to change, the way people learn will also
“ The CMG is extremely beneficial to
customers because it demonstrates the
company’s capabilities and quality.”
Robert Poyner
progress, especially as the Internet becomes a
more integral part of everyday business. Robert
said, “We already offer certain aspects of the
training online so that participants do not have
to be on-site to learn. This means that they can
learn in their own time and the scheme is as
flexible as possible. I’m sure this will develop
further in the future.”
So, with long 10 to 12 hour days at Reloc8
and his CMG commitments, how does Robert
unwind on his days off? “I am still very
passionate about football and I manage and
coach Malpas United, an adult side in the
Gwent County League.”
Robert said that only being able to watch
rather than play football can be frustrating, “I
love coaching but sometimes it is hard not to
rush onto the pitch and join in. The social side
of it is fantastic though and that’s the most
important thing.”
And what about when he isn’t playing football?
He is watching it of course! “I watch all Man
United European games and even a couple of
the away ones. I also love to play a round of
golf and enjoy walking my boxer, Chad.”
The Professional Advisers Panel is a brand new ������������������������������������������������������
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 Training News

Team Leader
John Radoja with
BARTS’ Mobile
Training Unit

Training
The role of team leader is a vitally important one
in every industry but particularly in removals
where direction and communication at a
Practical Estimating customer’s property is essential.
By John Radoja, BARTS Field Trainer

A
fter a busy and rather hectic first giving them the best possible opportunity
month with BAR Training to learn the fundamentals of estimating.
Services I’ve already had the This was followed some weeks later, after

opportunity of undertaking two marvellous
courses at BAR HQ in Watford. The first
was a two-day BTEC course in Practical
Estimating that was attended by eight
students; each commented individually
on how much they had enjoyed
participating in the course, especially the
actual practical estimating aspect during
which they visited two local properties,
one on each day of the course.
Both of the homes were very much lived
in, so the students were able to assess the
job requirements, and estimate their cubic
capacity, in a totally realistic environment
giving them plenty of time to revise, by an
exam to test the knowledge they had
gained during the course. All participants
completed a questionnaire at the end of
the session in which they expressed their
appreciation with some extremely pleasant
and encouraging comments. I’d like to
thank them very much and to wish them
every success in their careers ahead.
We have many courses scheduled for
the near future, all of which are totally
relevant to all BAR members. I am,
therefore, looking forward to meeting as
many of you as possible in the future.
A
good team leader is someone
who can co-ordinate the
removal operation at ground
level calling on their knowledge
and skills to assist the other
members of the team.
Based on feedback from BAR
members, BAR Training Services
(BARTS) has developed a one-
day, removal-specific Team Leader
course which teaches delegates
the key skills required to be an
effective team leader. The course
is available on members’ premises
or at BAR Head Office Watford
and covers subjects such as the
role of the team leader, leadership
styles, leadership skills, gaining
respect and problem solving.
For further information about
the BARTS’ Team Leader course
or to discuss your training
requirements further, please
contact BARTS on 01923 699484
or e-mail training@bar.co.uk.

BAR Training Services

Training Available on your premises
The following courses can be delivered on site by our Field Trainer using
our mobile training vehicle:
• Health & Safety awareness • Removals Documentation
MAKING • Manual Handling • Fire Warden Training
TRAINING • Fire Safety Training • Risk Assessment
AFFORDABLE • Induction Training • Fragile Packing - Beginner/Refresher
• Basic/Advanced Packing Skills • Specialist Packing/Piano’s
• Vehicle & Container - Loading • Writing a Winning Tender - NEW!
• Warehousing • Selling Skills
������� • Export Wrapping • Removals Apprenticeship
������ • Commercial & Overseas Training • BTEC in Practical Estimating
��
��������
• Team Leader Training • BTEC in Removals Management
���������
•� Driver CPC •� Train the Trainer
�������� Please visit the BAR Training Services section at www.bar.co.uk
to download a booking form or call us on 01923 699 484
*All courses are subject to change.

BAR Training Services, Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts, WD18 0TG.
T: 01923 699484 F: 01923 699481 E: training@bar.co.uk W: www.bar.co.uk

�������������������������������������� ������������������
38 Removals & Storage November 2010
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 European News
News Roundup
Brittany Ferries
announce a new
route to Bilbao
Brittany Ferries Freight has recently
announced its new 2011 schedules, which
become effective from Spring, with the
major change being the introduction of a
twice weekly service from Portsmouth to
Bilbao to be operated by the 33,000 tonne
vessel Cap Finistère. This new route will be
in addition to a twice weekly Portsmouth-
Santander, weekly Plymouth-Santander and
the ever popular weekly Poole-Santander
services. In total, starting from Spring, there
will be six return crossings a week between
the UK and Spain; four from Portsmouth,
one from Plymouth and one from Poole.
The decision to expand services on the
direct axis between the UK and Spain has
been based on the results of progressively
building freight traffic on the route from the
initial introduction of the freight only vessel,
Cotentin, from Poole in 2007 through the
acquisition of the Cap Finistère earlier this
year. Again, the new route will have transit
times that are purpose designed with the
optimum use of the weekly 24-hour drivers’
rest in mind; and with a minimum of 65 freight
spaces on any sailing the service will have the
desired effect of moving still more vehicles
off the heavily congested roads in France.
The schedules are available at www.brittany
ferriesfreight.co.uk.
HUD to help drivers
stay on the right side
of the line
Lanesafe uses a simple head-up-display
(HUD) to help drivers keep to the correct
side of foreign roads. The device fits to the
inside of the windscreen and projects a
green arrow and a red cross onto the inside
of the glass, “reminding the driver which
side of the road he should be on.” The
device works 24/7, in daylight or at night
and has a built-in light sensor for low light
conditions. Its display is reversible to suit all
countries. A built-in solar panel charges the
unit’s battery and there is also a 12 volt in-car
charger. The unit costs £24.95 online at
www.wallacecameron.com.
42 Removals & Storage November 2010
R&S is grateful to FEDEMAC for
its contribution to this section
The EU wants more
duty on Chinese
aluminium wheels
The European Commission plans to hike
import duties on aluminium wheels from
China to 22.3% from the present 20.6%. It
thinks that Chinese wheel prices may be
38% lower than their European competitors
and introduced the provisional 20.6% duty
in May. EU national governments had until
11 November to decide if they will impose a
definitive five-year levy. Industry is opposed
to these duties and believes that the imposition
of anti-dumping duties is not in the interest
of the EU as a whole since it would saddle
European automobile manufacturers with
higher costs and put them at a competitive
disadvantage.
Greek transport
workers strike is off
The on-off transport workers strike in Greece
- which saw Greek drivers ‘expressing their
emotions’ by damaging Bulgarian vehicles,
including arson, physical attacks, tyre-
slashing/shredding, breaking windows and
mirrors – is now over. The main aim now is
to try and clear the backlog of work and get
back to normal trading as soon as possible.
Customs inspections
block 9000 containers
at Odessa
Ongoing customs inspections have led to a
backlog of 9000 uncleared containers at the
port of Odessa, Ukraine and the delay in
releasing these containers has resulted in
delivery and demurrage charges. A similar
situation is also being reported at llyichevsk
Sea Commercial Port in Ukraine. Inspections
conducted by Southern Regional Customs
have brought the examination and registration
of containers to a standstill at the port of
Odessa. No export permits are being approved
by customs, even though the documentation
for shipments is being thoroughly checked.
Customs are yet to provide reasons why the
containers at the port are not being released.
Winter tyre rules guide
Continental Tyres has put a guide to
European winter tyre law on its website at
www.conti-online.co.uk/truck. “You can
download the guide and it will show you the
different regulations across Europe,” says
the firm. It believes some UK and Irish truck
and coach operators risk running the wrong
tyres unless they know the rules. “With the
approach of winter this is obviously more
important.” The guide also explains the safety
benefits from using winter tyres. “The effect
on stopping distances alone is important;
winter tyres can cut this by an artic length.”
Greek truckers’ protest
fails to prevent more
operating licences
Angry hauliers’ latest bid to prevent
‘opening-up of sector’ caused chaos – Greek
truckers blocked two major roads around
Athens - but the new law was passed: to
allow new public-duty operator licences to
be issued for the first time in 40 years.
The licences will be provided at a fraction
of company start-up costs, significantly
reducing haulage prices. The new law is
seen as an attempt by the Greek government
to prevent the country falling into further
recession, but hauliers complain that it is
unfair to existing operators, who paid up to
euro 300,000 for their licences. Drivers
sealed off highways minutes after Parliament
voted in favour of the legislation on the 10th
day of protest. The roads re-opened several
hours later.
Truckers’ unions are demanding a five-year
postponement of the new legislation, although
this is not likely to be granted after Greece
signed an agreement with the EU and the
International Monetary Fund earlier this
year to undertake major economic reforms
in return for massive loans, saving the country
from imminent debt default. Greece is the
only country out of the 27 in the EU that
still had these restricted truck licence rules
so reform had to happen.
 European News
Do you have any news?
If you have please send it to: The Editor, Steve Jordan, Removals & Storage, The Words Workshop Ltd, 26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 9LD
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 Email: rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

Proposed four metre

European Whole
Vehicle Type Approval
parameter
As expected, the news that the EU may seek
a four metre height limit in its European
Whole Vehicle Type Approval parameters
proves very unwelcome for some. “We’ve
had calls and e-mails from worried operators
and talked with the FTA, RHA and others,”
said Robin Dickeson, Manager Commercial
Vehicle affairs at The Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). There
is clearly widespread concern that the move
may hike running costs for operators and
damage business prospects for UK trailer
makers. Most other states in the EU have
four metre height limits and few are likely to
worry about what they may see as a small
change to tie up a loose end.
However, German hauliers apparently
want the country’s four metre height limit
relaxed by 10cm. The reason is that most of
their Mega trailers tend to work at 4.08m.
This eight centimetre discrepancy leaves
them open to “difficulties” with the local New FEDEMAC website
police, so operators want a 4.10m height password protected area of the site that allows
limit. That would give them a small but vital FEDEMAC has updated its them access to the FEDEMAC Information
tolerance, enough to keep the authorities off
their backs. However, the German authorities
website recently to provide a Centre, FEDEMAC Newsflash and FEDEMAC
e-News. Registration and information is free
worry about large numbers of vulnerable range of services to members of of charge. The FEDEMAC Information Centre
bridges that are spot on 4.10m. That gives a
tight but acceptable safety margin with 4.0m
the European moving industry. has information on driving restrictions,
authorisations for goods transport, public

trailers but allowing trucks to run at the
same height will prove difficult to justify.
OFT probes truck prices
The UK’s Office of Fair Trading last week
announced an investigation into truck pricing.
It has asked most truck makers for information
and visited one where an individual was
arrested and bailed. It has also said that it
does not yet know if anything untoward has
gone on. Every truck maker involved has
pledged full co-operation with the relevant
authorities and declined to say anything
more while an investigation is in progress.
F
EDEMAC is the European lobbying
organisation for the moving industry. The
new website includes general information
about FEDEMAC and its political work and
provides publications that can be downloaded,
including the FEDEMAC newsletter and
FEDEMAC position papers.
The site also provides general information
to consumers and gives them the opportunity
of searching for a mover either through the
FEDEMAC site itself or using a country search
which, for the UK, uses the BAR website.
Associations affiliated to FEDEMAC, and
their respective members, have access to a
holidays, tolls, weights & dimensions and
speed limits. FEDEMAC Newsflash provides
important country-specific information for the
daily business of the mover. FEDEMAC
e-News offers up to date information relating
to international transport and initiatives within
the moving sector. There is also a Diary of the
Moving Industry giving a day-by-day account
of useful and interesting events.
All BAR member companies may register
for the password protected area of the new
FEDEMAC website free of charge by visiting
www.fedemac.com and clicking the ‘Register
Now’ tab.

Russia relaxes
customs regulations

S
ince 1 July, 2010 it has not been
possible to import many household
goods into Russia, Belarus and
Kazakhstan without paying high import
duties. However, after representation by
FEDEMAC, several national associations,
and companies with the Russian Ministry
of Economic Development and Trade and
the Russian Customs Authorities a
Memorandum of Understanding has been
agreed that will re-allow the customs-free
import of personal effects.
The next high-level talk between Russia,
Belarus and Kazakhstan will take place on
19 November, 2010. The presidents of these
countries are expected to sign the
necessary documents for the customs-
free import of private relocation goods on
this date.
Source: German Association of Removers (AMÖ)

November 2010 Removals & Storage 43

 European News
EU VAT refund mechanism -
postponement of the
deadline for VAT recuperation
A T
ccording to the European
Commission services, the
UK has now formally
withdrawn any reservations to
extend the VAT submission deadline
(a unanimous agreement was
needed throughout all 27 Member
States as this is a taxation issue
which does not qualify for majority
voting) which will now be adopted
without further discussion during
the next ECOFIN Council
(Composed of the Economics and
Finance Ministers of EU member
states).
The strong FEDEMAC lobbying
efforts and invitation to allied
associations to support them in
joint action has brought about some
very important and worthwhile
legal amendments which will
hopefully make things easier for
removers (and their agents if they
44 Removals & Storage November 2010
R&S is grateful to FEDEMAC for its contribution to this section
choose to still use agents) to ensure
that all relevant VAT refunds
throughout the EU for 2009 are,
and still can be, obtained beyond
the original extended deadline of
30 September, 2010. This was
causing difficulties for a number
of reasons during the switch over
from the old system to the new
system which began at the
beginning of this year, and might
otherwise have resulted in losses
covering many thousands of euros
and other currencies throughout
the industry, both for EU operators
and other countries carrying out
work within the EU.
This is only a draft at this stage
and agreement still needs to be
made on the Resolution at the IRU
(International Road Transport
Union) General Assembly on
5 November, 2010 in Geneva.
EU strengthens co-operation
on VAT fraud
he Council of the European
Union has recently adopted
a regulation aimed at enabling
member states to step up their
efforts in combating VAT fraud.
The main innovation involves the
creation of Eurofisc, a network of
national officials to detect and
combat new cases of cross-border
VAT fraud.
The new regulation seeks to
make co-operation between tax
administrations more effective and
to give member states the means
to combat VAT fraud more
effectively. More specifically, it
specifies the cases in which member
states must exchange information
spontaneously, the procedures for
providing feedback on such
information, and situations in
which member states must conduct
multilateral controls.
The Eurofisc network, in which
all member states will participate,
will enable targeted and swift
action to be taken to combat new
and specific types of fraud. It will
involve a multilateral early
warning mechanism, and the co-
ordination of both data exchange
and the work of liaison officials
in acting upon warnings received.
Combating VAT fraud represents
a major challenge for the EU as
every year it costs member states
billions of euros in lost revenues.
VAT fraud is often organised on a
cross-border basis, in particular
so-called carrousel schemes where
goods are traded amongst several
operators in different member
states without paying VAT to the
tax authorities.
INTERNATIONAL & EUROPEAN
TRADE SPECIALISTS
Instant online Trade quotes
Visit the Trade Services page
Choose either International or European rates
then just enter the User ID & Password
User ID: simpsons Password: trade

www.simpsons-uk.com

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

Memb No: S092

 People News
Obituary:
Andrew
Bourne
A
ndrew Bourne, Domestic
Move Manager for Bournes
and Turks Removals, died
recently in a tragic car accident.
Andrew was just 42 years old and
leaves two young children as well
as his parents and a sister.
Andrew joined Bournes early
in 2009 to manage the domestic
moving department for both
Bournes and Turks, which had
been purchased by the Bournes
group. Whilst Andrew was part
of the same Bourne family the
two companies had previously
been completely separate and
competitors. Turks had been
Andrew’s company, one which
he was immensely proud of and
wholeheartedly believed in.
Andrew joined Turks straight from
school when it was owned by his
grandmother and father, becoming
a partner when his grandmother
passed away. Upon his father’s
retirement Andrew took the helm
There is an easier way to get
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46 Removals & Storage November 2010
and continued to build it from a
small family-run business into a
sizeable operation with an enviable
reputation for personal service and
huge loyalty amongst its customers.
When Andrew joined Bournes he
brought with him his passion for
personal service and quickly
became a big part of the team. He
was well liked and respected both
amongst his colleagues and within
the industry worldwide.
Of course his work was only a
small part of him, and outside of
work Andrew was above all else
a family man, dedicated to his two
young children. He was also a big
cricket enthusiast, keeping himself
fit, training and playing regularly
for Folkestone Cricket Club and
ran a team for the MCC cricket
league, even once playing a match
on the hallowed turf at Lords.
Andrews’s sudden death was of
course a huge shock to his family
and to his friends. The staff and
management of the company wish
to thank all their friends and
colleagues in the industry worldwide
and in the local community for
their messages of condolence and
their overwhelming support.
01925 846464
www.uniquevanbodies.com
James Hooper
joins Oceanair
O
ceanair International is very
pleased to announce the new
arrival of James Hooper as
a Director dealing mainly in Sales
& Marketing. James has been in
the international and corporate
sector of moving and relocation
for 15 years including spending
time as an expat himself in both
Hong Kong and Shanghai. James
and his wife Gemma have recently
celebrated their 1st wedding
anniversary and the birth of their
first child Benjamin Freddie Hooper,
a future young mover perhaps?
Modifications, including
Sleeper Pods
Paintwork and Livery
Kidds Services
engages
Frank Rose
K
idds Training Services has
engaged the vastly experienced
Frank Rose to lecture its Practical
Estimating Skills and Techniques courses.
Frank has been involved with the
removals industry for more than fifty years.
He is an Honorary Life Member of BAR,
Past National Chairman of IFWRI and has
been a BAR Area Chairman on several
occasions, as well as being an Area BAR
Inspector. For many years he lectured the
former TMI CPE courses and also helped
to run and judge the highly popular Packer
of the Year competition.
Phil Kidd, Managing Director of Kidds
Training Services said, “The industry is very
fortunate to have people of Frank’s calibre
whose knowledge and experience is without
question, and we all at Kidds realise how
fortunate we are that Frank has agreed to
run the Practical Estimating Skills and
Technique courses for us.”
 And another thing ...

Government tenders –
why are they so complicated?
By WALLY WHINGER

Can you think of any subjects for our
grumpy old man to get his teeth into?
You can email him at:
david@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
T
hey say it’s an ill wind that blows nobody
any good, so with all the job cuts in the
public sector and the Coalition keen to
see the gap being filled by private enterprise,
we should all be looking forward to some juicy
government contracts. That is if you happen
to know someone with a PhD in advanced
bureaucracy to fill all the forms in for you!
For the uninitiated bidding for any
government work is a daunting task and many
give up before they even get started. First
there’s the Pre Qualification Questionnaire,
the PQQ, this a delightful little document that
you need to fill in to get in the race – the last
one I saw ran to 32 pages and it’s not just a
matter of ticking boxes. These are a few of the
easier questions you’ll be expected to answer:
• Does your organisation have a written equal
opportunities policy and how do you monitor
its fairness in the workplace?
• Does your organisation have a written
environmental policy statement committing it
to a programme of environmental improvement?
If yes please explain briefly its objectives.
(1000 words)
• Does your organisation have documented
quality management processes and procedures
and how do you monitor their effectiveness?
If not why not?
The list goes on and on and on. And then
they want to know details about your finances,
your bank account, whether you’ve been in
prison or been busted by the tax man or the
HSE - it’s enough to drive most people crazy,
and this is just to win a chance to tender.
Now all this may be meat and drink for large
companies with resident pen pushers to
handle the mountains of paperwork local
authorities and the like churn out, but for most
smaller outfits it’s a nightmare and makes
tendering for government work a non-starter.
Why does it have to be like this? If the
government really wants the private sector to
fill the gap they’ve created by sacking half a
million people they should make it easier for
smaller companies to get involved, not stifle
their enthusiasm with endless questions and
bureaucracy. I wonder if David Cameron
knows what’s going on – I doubt it – maybe
I should tell him?
Whatever happens nothing is going to
change any time soon, so if you want to
get your share of the action you’ll just have
to put up with things the way they are.
Thankfully there is help at hand. If you can
afford it there are plenty of people out there
who will, for a fee, do all the bidding for you
– but they don’t come cheap. Alternatively
you could go on a training course and find
out how to do it yourself. I think BARTS is
running one in January - could be a good
investment for 2011.

Solution to October’s puzzle

Never before in the history of the R&S competition has the same person won twice in a row. However, this time
David Bunting has done it again and correctly identified Peter Doman from Basil Fry. Well done David. Midst
turmoil of battle this summer it’s probably that only the retired (semi) element of the moving profession has the
time to linger long enough. But this time it will be different. As the Autumn slips into winter and the phone goes
on holiday again, you’ll all have time to have a go. But who could it be? The prize this time is a quarter page
advert for your company in R&S .
Answers to Steve@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

November 2010 Removals & Storage 47

 Area secretaries

Who’d be
an Area
secretary?
It is fair to say that few would jump at the
chance to become an Area secretary.
It seems the position drums up thoughts
of endless meetings, taking minutes and
trying to find interesting guest speakers.

Tom Bourne Graham Puddephatt

Kent Area Secretary Yorkshire Area Secretary

Peter Doman Georgina Berry

Southern Area Secretary Scottish Area Secretary

48 Removals & Storage November 2010


T
he overall consensus is that, in general,
being an Area secretary’s a bit of a rough
deal. So who is taking on the Area secretary
positions across the country and why do they
bother? What are the compensations? R&S
contacted some of the people who have taken up
the challenge to find out what the job involves.
Tom Bourne of T Bourne & Son is Area
secretary for Kent and took on the role in June
last year. “When the previous secretary moved
to Australia none of the other members put their
name forward for the job, so I decided it was
time the next generation did their bit and stepped
in,” said Tom. “I enjoy chatting to the other
members, it helps me build relationships with
the other local removals companies and look
for ways we can help each other. The most
difficult part of the job is finding decent speakers
for our monthly meetings and trying to get
members who rarely attend to come more often.
We meet every third Tuesday of the month.
Usually between ten and fifteen people attend,
but occasionally we get up to twenty.”
“The members help me a lot and most of them
have done the secretary’s job themselves in the
past, but it would be nice to get a little more
guidance from BAR as to exactly what an Area
secretary is supposed to do,” said Tom.
Graham Puddephatt works for Reason Global
and has been Yorkshire Area secretary for four
years. “I offered to become secretary because
the Area chairman at the time, Steve Barker,
was also acting as Area secretary, National
councillor and general bottle washer – he
definitely needed some help,” said Graham.
“The most enjoyment I have gained has been
taking the Area from being on its knees to one
of the best attended within BAR, we now have
regular attendees who would never have
attended in the past. It has also been great seeing
the likes of Pickfords and Whites becoming
active members.”
“We hold meetings every six weeks between
September and May and less frequently during
the summer when members are usually too busy.
We average thirty delegates but have had as
many as forty-five. Before I took over we only
averaged six.”
“The most difficult task is getting members to
remain engaged and finding speakers that will
interest both domestic and commercial movers
is a constant problem. Too often Areas have the
likes of VOSA, talking about nasty legislation,
or packaging companies and insurance brokers
looking to sell stuff - it’s really not worth
turning out at night for. We often develop a
subject over many meetings and invite speakers
from different organisations to take part.”
“Meetings are now very constructive, but
unfortunately I notice as I attend seven other
Area meetings the common problem is BAR’s
Standards-based membership; this is dividing the
membership and attendance is going to suffer.
Members feel they are not being listened to.”
“I think the reason so many Area secretaries
are affiliates is the workload. I dedicate at least
five hours a month to the job; my MD allows
this because of the commercial ‘quid pro quo’.
There is little in return for a remover, however
I get to communicate with forty or so customers
or potential customers every month and we
have definitely gained commercially from this.
We are affiliates because we wish to talk to
removers - why wouldn’t we? However, I do
enjoy it and I’d do it anyway.”
Southern Area Secretary Peter Doman,
Account Executive for insurers Basil Fry took
over the role in February after assisting
outgoing secretary Greg Wildman during the
previous year.
“I’d been attending the Southern Area
meetings since joining Basil Fry in October
2007 and I always found them very useful for
meeting BAR members and affiliates,” said
Peter. “I was made to feel very welcome from
the beginning and I wanted to support the Area
where I could. The meetings were always held
in Romsey and as I live in Southampton, only
seven miles away, it made sense to put myself
forward.”
“ The members help
me a lot and most
of them have done
the secretary’s job
themselves in the
past, but it would
be nice to get a little
more guidance
from BAR as to
exactly what an
Area secretary is
supposed to do ...”
Graham Puddephatt
“Apart from being an administrator, note taker
and letter writer, I see my role as organiser and
motivator. I think the secretary’s role is to
encourage local members to attend the meetings,
arrange interesting speakers and activities and
promote debates on the current issues facing
the industry.”
“Members don’t always want to be active
members and prefer to take a back seat. People
have different reasons for being members of
BAR, and often it’s to use the badge as a
marketing tool and not for the privilege of
attending Area meetings. Part of my role is to
‘sell’ the meetings and to make sure the agenda
is interesting enough to entice people to attend
- this is the most difficult part of the job.”
“Our Area is relatively small in the number
of companies within the boundary limits but we
are fortunate enough to have a lot of experienced
members. I would say we have quality rather
than quantity. These experienced members,
which include current and previous BAR Board
members, are always very supportive and help
promote the meetings as well as offering a lot
Area secretaries
of advice to the other members which is very
much appreciated.”
“We hold three or four meetings a year and the
attendance ranges from fifteen to thirty people.
The meetings are very constructive, and however
short the agenda, the discussions are not! I’m
keen to see more members attend and I’ll be
looking to increase the numbers over the next
couple of years. Area meetings are an ideal
opportunity for members to invest some time
in their Association and in turn get more out of
their membership.”
“I think some people are put off becoming
an Area secretary because it is very time
consuming and is often seen as a thankless task.
But speaking as an insurance broker specialising
in the removals and storage sector I find it an
invaluable way of keeping up with what’s going
on in the industry and what our customers
expect from us.”
“There is also the incentive of a free place
for the secretary of each Area at the annual
conference and I think people should be made
more aware of it. This more than compensates
for the hard work during the year.”
Georgina Berry from Richard Healey
Removals is Area secretary for Scotland having
taken over from Phil Stewart earlier this year.
“Phil approached me and asked if I’d be
interested in taking over the position,” said
Georgina. “I felt it would be a new opportunity
and a new challenge in a field of work I am
very passionate about.”
“I enjoy meeting new people and keeping up
to date with those I’ve known for a while. I also
enjoy taking part in discussions and debates
about the current issues within the removals
and storage industry. Another enjoyable part of
the position is welcoming new members and
looking after current ones, although it can
sometimes be difficult to fit everything in around
my business and family life. I get a lot of support
from some of the other Area secretaries and
it’s good to share ideas and information with
them, I can call on them at anytime if I need
help. The people at BAR also help by distributing
all Area correspondence on my behalf.”
“The meetings are held five times a year and
there is generally a good turnout of between
twenty and forty members. The meetings are
usually very constructive and the guest speakers
provide valuable information to our members.”
There is no doubt that the Area Secretaries
play an important role in bringing members
together around the country. Without them
there would be no regional meetings and no
opportunity for members to focus on and
discuss issues that affect business in their area.
The meetings also provide a chance to network
with others in the removals industry to share
ideas and form new working relationships. But
there are some Areas that struggle to attract
members to the meetings and consequently
people are missing out on what should be a
valuable opportunity to interact and voice their
opinions. If you don’t regularly attend your
Area meeting why not give it a try? Who
knows, you might want to volunteer for the
secretary’s job one day.
November 2010 Removals & Storage 49
 Equality Act
Equality Act 2010
The basic facts
O
n 1 October, 2010 most of the Equality
Act 2010 came into force. The Act
replaces existing anti-discrimination
such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and is
relevant to all employers.
Revision of employment equality law
(England, Scotland & Wales)
As an employer, your obligations remain
largely the same. However the Act does
strengthen some particular aspects of equality
law. As a result, you may need to reconsider
some of your policies and practices.
Note that the characteristics protected under
equality law remain the same. These are:
• Age;
• Disability;
• Gender reassignment, which covers
transsexual people;
• Marriage and civil partnership;
• Pregnancy and maternity;
• Race, which includes ethnic or national
origins, colour and nationality;
• Religion or belief;
• Sex;
• Sexual orientation.
Association discrimination
Currently you mustn’t discriminate against
someone:
• Because they associate with another
person; and
• The discrimination is because of that other
person’s race, religion/belief or sexual
orientation.
From 1 October, 2010 this also covers age,
disability, gender reassignment and sex.
Perception discrimination
It’s unlawful for a person to discriminate
against an individual because that person
(wrongly) believes that the individual possesses
one of the following protected characteristics:
age, race, religion/belief and sexual orientation.
This has been extended to cover disability,
gender reassignment and sex.
Disability discrimination
Disabled people are protected from indirect
discrimination. This means that it is unlawful
to have a policy which applies to everyone but
particularly disadvantages disabled people.
However, you may be able to justify indirect
discrimination if you can show it’s a fair and
reasonable way of achieving a legitimate aim.
50 Removals & Storage November 2010
The Act also introduces protection from
“discrimination arising from disability” that
occurs when a disabled employee is treated
unfavourably because of something connected
to their disability, such as a guide dog.
Pre-employment health questions
The Act limits the circumstances when you
can ask health or disability-related questions
during recruitment.
Third-party harassment
The Act makes you potentially liable for
harassment of your employees by people
(third parties) who are not your employees,
e.g. customers.
This already applies to sex but the Act
extends the protection to age, disability,
gender reassignment, race, religion or belief,
and sexual orientation.
Gender reassignment
A transsexual person is now protected even if
they are not under medical supervision. In
addition transsexual people are protected
from indirect discrimination.
Pay discussions
It is unlawful to take action against an
employee for discussing their pay in an effort
to find out if there is a connection between
pay and a protected characteristic.
Revision of equality law in the
provision of goods and services
(England, Scotland & Wales)
This is relevant to any business that provides
goods, services and/or access to facilities to
the public.
The 2010 Act removes inconsistencies and
introduces greater protections for some groups
of people. However, as long as you treat
everyone who accesses your goods, facilities
or services fairly, you shouldn’t have to make
any major changes to the way your business
operates.
Protected characteristics
You must not discriminate against people
who access your goods, facilities or services
on the basis of a ‘protected characteristic’.
The relevant characteristics are:
• Disability;
• Gender reassignment, which covers
transsexual people;
• Pregnancy and maternity;
• Race, which includes ethnic or national
origins, colour and nationality;
• Religion or belief;
• Sex;
• Sexual orientation.
Age will continue not to be covered for the
time being.
Apart from cases of pregnancy and maternity,
people will be protected even if they do not
possess the characteristic themselves, e.g.
where a person is treated unfavourably
because they are:
• Associated or connected with someone else
who has a particular protected characteristic;
• Wrongly thought to have a particular
protected characteristic.
Disability harassment
The Act extends protection against harassment
to disabled people in the provision of goods,
facilities and services.
Harassment is defined as conduct that has
the purpose or effect of:
• Violating a person’s dignity; or
• Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading,
humiliating or offensive environment for them.
Breastfeeding mothers
From 1 October, 2010 the law now makes it
clear that you must not discriminate against
women outside work just because they are
breastfeeding, regardless of the age of the child.
Associations (including
private clubs)
An association with 25 or more members and
whose membership is controlled by rules,
e.g. a golf club, is no longer able to treat
members less favourably because of sex,
religion and belief, pregnancy and maternity,
and gender reassignment.
Gender reassignment
A transsexual person is protected even if they
are not under medical supervision. In addition,
transsexual people will be protected from
indirect discrimination.
For more information visit:
www.businesslink.gov.uk.
See next month’s R&S for more
detailed information about the
implications that the Equality Act
2010 has for employers.

The Equality Act and employment:
A practical guide for employers. By Steven Meyerhoff of Backhouse Jones Solicitors
T
he implementation of the Equality Act
(“the Act”) may make employers feel
nervous and even paranoid about what
they should or should not say and do in respect
of their existing or prospective employees. This
can be particularly problematic when preparing
a job advert, an application form or even in
conducting a job interview.
The Act seeks to protect employees from
unlawful discrimination, which can occur in a
variety of ways. For example, an employer
must not refuse a job application because of
the applicant’s sexual orientation. Hopefully
most employers are extremely vigilant when it
comes to treating existing or potential employees
fairly but the Act takes matters at least one step
further in favour of the protected characteristics
(including age, disability, religion/belief and
sex – S.4 of the Act).
Job adverts and recruitment
In the removal business, key job criterion may
include an applicant’s ability and/or qualifications
to drive a certain type of vehicle; the ability to
climb stairs; and/or lift heavy items. Employers
should therefore specify what the job entails by
using a job description and person specification
but should try not to make assumptions about
who could do the job. In other words, employers
need to keep an open mind and be able to
objectively justify a necessary job description/
requirement so as to avoid indirect discrimination.
For example, the requirement for an applicant
driver to be able to drive a removal van could
be objectively justified and therefore shouldn’t
be classed as discriminating unlawfully against
people who cannot drive because of their
disability. However, if the vacant position is
actually for a porter’s job and the applicant
might be suitable for that position if no driving
is required, employers need to be aware that they
should consider the suitability of an applicant
for an alternative post making reasonable
adjustments if necessary so as to act fairly.
Indeed, the Act encourages positive action to
recruit a wider range of people.
Employers should feel able to clearly specify
that a removal applicant will need to be able to
drive and/or lift items of furniture. This
requirement is clearly necessary given the type
of job. What employers should not do is include
in the advert anything that alludes to the job
being unsuitable for disabled people.
Therefore the wording in job adverts needs to
be carefully thought about. Employers should
avoid words such as “youthful” or “active” as
they may be considered direct discrimination
because of age or disability. An alternative word
such as “enthusiastic” would be more suitable.
Where relevant skills are cited, the advert should
make it clear if the skills are essential or desirable.
Equality good practice means that employers
can use an advertisement to encourage
applications from disadvantaged or under-
represented backgrounds. Wording such as
“we are willing to consider flexible working”
or “we value diversity in our workforce and
welcome applications from everyone” is
appropriate. However, employers must still
choose the best applicant for the job and not
just because of the protected characteristic (see
Part 5 of the Act for further details).
Asking questions
S.60 of the Act makes it clear that employers
must not (except in certain restricted
circumstances) ask a job applicant about any
disability or their health until the person has
either been offered a job or been included in a
pool of successful candidates. This includes
asking such questions during the application
process or interview. Once either of those two
stages had been reached, an employer can ask
questions to ascertain whether or not someone’s
health or disability would prevent them from
doing the job. (Also bear in mind the requirement
to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ – see below.)
The purpose of limiting the scope of questions
is to stop employers from ruling out applicants
on irrelevant grounds such as marital status,
childcare arrangements, health or disability and
instead ensure applicants are considered properly
to establish if they are suitable for the job
advertised. If such questions are asked at too
early a stage, a job applicant could bring a claim
against an employer. The Equality and Human
Rights Commission could also take legal action
against an employer. Accordingly, it is
imperative that employers approach the issue
of questions extremely cautiously.
An employer can make certain enquiries via
the application form, e.g. “Please contact this
office if you require the application form in an
alternative format or if you require any
adjustments for the interview.”
If employers want applicants to undertake an
assessment, they can ask questions (including
about reasonable adjustments) to find out if the
applicants can take part in that assessment as
part of the recruitment process. For example, the
questions could be to ensure that people unable
to participate in a physical test because of
pregnancy or injury can be excluded.
Similarly, it can be permissible to ask a
question relating to a person’s ability to
undertake an element of the job that is intrinsic
or even fundamental to it. In the removals
business, an employer could arguably need to
ask about disability or health on the application
form or at interview if the questions relate
solely to an applicant’s ability to, for example,
climb stairs or ladders to a significant height
and/or carry items of furniture, etc. with or
without assistance.
For best practice, employers should consider
the disabled person’s ability to do the job with
reasonable adjustments in place. The questions
most likely to require answering will be whether
an applicant has the relevant experience, skills
or qualities needed to perform the job as opposed
to the type of disability they have or what their
state of health is.
Equality Act
Reasonable adjustments
In addition to not treating anybody with a
protected characteristic – perceived or otherwise
- or somebody associated with such a person
worse than anyone else, employers have a duty
to make reasonable adjustments (S.20).
As far as is reasonable, employers need to
ensure that disabled people have the same
access to the job application process and beyond
as a non-disabled person. For example, this
can be achieved by providing a job application
form in an alternative format where an applicant
requests it because they are a disabled person
and/or by making reasonable adjustments such
as holding a meeting in a ground floor office to
allow an applicant to participate in an interview
or assessment.
Employers need to take into account how
making reasonable adjustments could enable
an applicant to do a job when assessing their
suitability for the job. However, if after that
assessment the applicant would not be the best
person for the job, employers do not have to
offer them the job. For best practice, employers
should keep a contemporaneous note of the
above should they later need to rely on their
assessment reasoning, e.g. to defend an
Employment Tribunal claim.
Exceptions
There are various situations where equality law
provides for exceptions to the rule. Although
age is a protected characteristic, employers can
objectively justify some forms of direct age
discrimination. For example, an employer can
refuse a job application on the basis of age if
within six months of applying for the job the
applicant will be 65 years old or older (or over
the employer’s default retirement age if greater
than 65). Where age is used as a reason to
refuse an application, an employer has to be
able to objectively justify the decision (see
Schedule 9 of the Act for further details).
Other general issues employers need to be
wary of include telling jokes either at the
interview stage or in the workplace that might be
considered offensive or a form of harassment
by an employee.
The current provisions of the Act can be
found using the following link at: http://www.
legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents.
For useful guidance downloads about the
above and other relevant issues (such as working
hours, time off, dismissal, pay and benefits),
please visit the Equality and Human Rights
Commission website at:
http://www.equalityhumanrights.
com/home/advice-and-guidance/
new-equality-act-guidance/equality-
act-2010-guidance/.
For further information please contact Steven
Meyerhoff on 01254 828300 or by e-mail at
steven.meyerhoff@backhouses.co.uk.
November 2010 Removals & Storage 51
 Whole Body Vibration
This year has seen the implementation of new EU legislation designed to minimise Whole Body
Vibration (WBV), protecting staff from harmful vibrations from vehicles and plant machines.
T
he health problems derived from vibrating
engines or machinery is a growing area
of concern. Known as Whole Body
Vibration (WBV), the problem occurs when
staff are continually exposed to the vibrations
delivered from a machine or a vehicle which
they use as part of their job. While there are a
multitude of different vehicles used, in nearly
all cases, the vibrations are either transmitted
through the seat of the vehicle and into the
body via the buttocks or through the foot well
and into the body via the feet.
This can happen while the vehicle is in
operation, transit or the engine is idling. As a
result, employees who spend a large majority of
their roles operating vehicles could be exposed
to WBV.
The directive, which came into effect in July,
has introduced minimum levels of WBV
protection for employees covering evaluation of
the risk, removal or reduction of exposure and
ongoing health surveillance. Implications of
WBV on the body can be extremely significant,
with studies showing evidence of increased
health risks with regard to the neck, shoulders
and back, as well as reported effects on digestive
systems and female reproductive organs.
The majority of organisations will not have
the in-house skills and scope to test their own
fleets and carry out any needed adjustments.
As a result, companies will have to work with
a third-party partner such as the transport
research and development facility at Millbrook
in Bedfordshire.
Millbrook has launched a Whole Body
Vibration (WBV) programme from initial
52 Removals & Storage November 2010
“ The legislation is an
extremely positive
step forward, as it
will seek to minimise
the possible long
term implications
of WBV ...”
Bruce Lornie
analysis to final reports for local authorities,
sub-contractors and other organisations seeking
a total WBV programme.
Bruce Lornie, Millbrook’s Business
Development Manager, commented: “The
legislation is an extremely positive step forward,
as it will seek to minimise the possible long
term implications of WBV, including back and
neck disorders for individuals. And it will be
vital for all employees, particularly in the fleet
Whole Body
Vibration (WBV)
is what occurs
when staff are
continually exposed
to the vibrations
delivered from a
machine or a vehicle
which they use as
part of their job
and business car sectors, to ensure compliance.”
He continued: “As part of the employer’s
duty of care, a risk assessment must be carried
out on all equipment that creates WBV. Once
tests are done, remedial work can be carried
out on a vehicle to ensure its compliance, or
working practices altered for personnel.”
According to Millbrook there are no
obligations on manufacturers to supply vehicles
that comply within safe limits – all responsibility
lies with the vehicle operator. Operators need to
prove, under health and safety regulations, that
they are operating their vehicles and equipment
within safe limits. There is no pass or fail level;
the risk depends on both the level of vibration
and the time used each day. It might be, for
example, that an old vehicle would be considered
safe for short journeys only. To establish the
risk and whether individual vehicles comply,
equipment needs to be tested by Millbrook (or
a similar testing organisation), at the test track
in Bedfordshire or at the operator’s premises,
under working conditions. It is not necessary
to test every vehicle as operators may assume
that all vehicles of the same type will have
similar vibration levels.
The cost of performing the test could be
many hundreds of pounds depending on
whether the equipment is tested on site or at
the testing station, and the variation of vehicles
within the fleet.
A prosecution is likely if an employee makes
a claim for a condition that is caused by exposure
to excessive vibration and the operator cannot
prove that the vehicle was operating within
independently assessed levels.
 Retiring Baby Boomers

The good and the bad of

lavish, over-sized houses that were so essential
as status symbols when they were in their prime,

Baby Boom retirement:

in favour of more modest accommodation. As
the children leave home never to return for more
than a duty visit, they need to make savings to

a rocky ride for movers? reduce their outgoings and allow their inadequate
pensions to stretch a little further.
For the moving industry this sounds like good
Little did our parents know that their post war amorous engagements news. No matter how pessimistic your outlook,
would have such a dramatic effect on world economies. If they had a million or so extra moves can hardly be a bad
thing. However, what is left behind? Put that
known, they probably wouldn’t have cared anyway. By Steve Jordan. many large houses on the market and the price
is going to fall encouraging those who retire a
little later to stay put. The fall at the top end

B
ut the Baby Boom generation, those opened the Habitat furniture store in 1964. must be countered by a corresponding rise
born in the late 1940s, 1950s and early When the ‘boomers’ had children of their own, lower down shutting out, even more firmly, the
1960s, have changed the way we live in who demanded thrills and spills, is it any great first-time buyer from getting on the ladder. No
so many ways. What’s more, they are continuing shock that Thorpe Park and Alton Towers opened first timers, no completed chains and nobody
to do so. Allow the mind to wander a little and their doors in 1979 and 1980 respectively? I goes anywhere.
it’s clear that, for the moving industry at least, think not. I’m not putting myself forward as an expert
the continuing march of the greatest population Statistically, apparently, we are all at our on housing dynamics, or anything else for that
boost the world has ever seen, is a double-edged wealthiest when we are in our late 40s and early matter. But you don’t need to be John Maynard
sword. 50s. For the ‘boomers’ this period of indulgence Keynes to work out that the retiring baby
Take a look at the birth rate graphs for virtually kicks off around 1990 and carries on until about boomers are going to have an effect of some
any country, including the UK of course, and now. For movers it should, therefore, have been kind as they slip quietly from their directors’
between 1946 and 1964 the figures go sky high. a time of plenty. It would be reasonable to chairs to their rocking chairs. Will the moving
Track this bulge in the graph over the last 40 assume, therefore, that the economic boost that industry be a winner or a loser from this
years or so and it’s easy to see how the baby all countries have enjoyed from this charmed penultimate phase of the ‘boomers’ life track?
boomers have dominated virtually everything generation is about to grind to a halt. As the I have no idea, that’s for greater minds than
we do. For example it’s no surprise that ‘boomers’ slip into retirement they will have mine to work out. But those who work it out
Mothercare, the children’s clothes retailer, less cash to splash around first will, I suspect, see the rest disappearing in
started business in 1961 just when the 0-10 Indeed, according to a recent report from the the rear-view mirror of their Porsches.
year-olds were at their peak. It’s no surprise Liverpool Victoria insurance company, around Of course, you could always sell up and buy
either
BHJthat,moon
just as
adthe180x132-5:Backhouse
oldest ‘boomers’ were advert1.2 million people are
10/8/10 likely to
10:29 be moving
Page 1 home a care home or re-train as a monumental mason.
reaching marriageable age, Terence Conran in the next few years as they trade down their Now there’s a thought!

specialists in transport law

www.backhousejones.co.uk

never say

“the sky is the limit”

when there are tyre tracks on the moon
tel: + 44 (0) 1254 828 300 email: jennifer.bell@backhouses.co.uk

November 2010 Removals & Storage 53

 John Mitchell at Pluscrates
John Mitchell returns to Pluscrates
Following a 12 month absence,
John Mitchell has returned to
Pluscrates – the business he
started with Neil McGuigan –
and four months on declares
‘it’s great to be back’.
By Steve Jordan
S
o what was John up to while he was
away? “An eclectic mix of business and
pleasure,” he says. “Most who know me
in the industry know my passion for motorcycling
and during the last half of 2009 I managed to tick
off a few motorcycling milestones: getting my
knee down at Silverstone; the same at the
Nürburgring; qualifying as an advanced
motorcycling coach; and completing a Wheelie
School course at the infamous Long Marston
Drag Strip were amongst my highlights. My
wife tells me that defining the year a success
on account of having ridden around a corner
with my knee on the ground and popping some
wheelies betrays an alarming level of juvenile
immaturity and, of course, she’s usually right.”
As far as the business side is concerned, John’s
activities have been about as far away from
crate rental as it’s possible to get. “During the
first half of 2010 I provided sales consultancy
to SmartWater Technology Ltd, a fascinating
business and one far removed from crate hire
and commercial relocation. SmartWater is
54 Removals & Storage November 2010
“ Most who know
me in the industry
know my passion for
motorcycling and
during the last half
of 2009 I managed
to tick off a few
motorcycling
milestones ...”
John Mitchell
principally a risk management business engaged
in implement forensic security systems and
crime reduction strategies across the UK and
within specific international market sectors.
Although my engagement with SmartWater
ended in July, I continue to take an interest in
its business and I would be glad to offer an
independent appraisal of SmartWater’s ability
to bring a security solution to any BAR member
suffering from criminal attacks to their premises
or vehicles. Before I completed my project
with them I made sure that my motorcycle was
registered and forensically coded with a unique
SmartWater solution.”
Asked whether there were any surprises for
him when he re-joined Pluscrates, he commented
that there was bound to be some changes for a
company that was growing more rapidly than
any he had known before. “Immediately upon
returning I engaged with the national operations
management team and put together a major
plan to reorganise the operational structure.
With the help and support of Regional Director,
Nick Flaxman, we drove through the positive
change very quickly indeed.” John explained
that his clients now have greater visibility of
their orders via an enhanced extranet supported
by satellite vehicle tracking and the launch of
Pluscrates latest service centre that has brought
a local presence to the commercial relocation
market in Bristol and the South West. “The
business has also begun to feed in new bespoke
delivery vehicles specially constructed to
perfectly match payload and space with the
precise dimensions shared by the suite of crates
carried. It has improved our standard service
and added greater strength and depth to the
emergency same day service.”
John is happy with the way he’s been able to
slip back into the business after his absence
and is expecting the business to be “more of
the same” in the near future. “We have built the
business and positioned it to be the recognised
crate hire specialists for the UK commercial
relocation industry,” he said. “There are well
established opportunities for us to diversify
adding packaging material to our product range

Pluscrates national operations management team
Clockwise from left - John Mitchell:MD, Ian Gilkes:
Birmingham, Stuart Stansfield: Manchester, Michael
Derrane: London, Stuart McLean: BD Manager, Scotland
and Nick Flaxman: Director
“ Immediately
upon returning
I engaged with the
national operations
management team
and put together
a major plan
to reorganise
the operational
structure ...”
John Mitchell
and offering services such as records
management and document shredding though
our view is that pursuing these options could
put us at risk of competing with our core client
base and that’s a chance we’re not prepared to
take. We would prefer instead to capitalise on
the strength of our specialist expertise by
taking Pluscrates to international markets and
we are currently working on a franchise model
which will enable us to achieve this within a
reasonable time frame.” That seems like a big
job in itself after which John just might need a
bit more time off. Donnington perhaps?
New member profile:
Arnold & Self Removals
A
rnold & Self has recently re-joined the
BAR after a short break and was
awarded its certificate at the New Met
area meeting kindly held at Anglo Pacific in
NW10. The current owner Ian Siddle said,
“Being part of a well known and respected
organisation such as BAR has always been of
benefit to us. We not only buy our boxes and
equipment from BAR Services but will be
using the BARTS training services for
our staff.”
The Surrey-based company has been providing
first class relocation services since its inception
in 1986. Priding itself on its forward thinking
approach, Arnold & Self continues to move
with the times but drive the industry forward.
Ian said that the company is built around
dedicated and professional staff. “We provide
all of our clients with the same first class
service no matter what their requirements. No
job, big or small, is too much trouble and with
the ‘can do’ attitude instilled throughout the
company a solution is always found.”
As a household name in Surrey and the
surrounding area Arnold & Self has been
concentrating on its core business of household
and overseas moving. Seeing the need to progress
the company, Ian asked a long-term friend and
associate Derek Deamer to work alongside
Arnold & Self and set up a partner company
A&S Relocation & Storage Solutions to push
Don’t let the
grass grow -
Arnold & Self
is a company
built around
dedicated and
professional staff
and provides
its customers
with a first class
service
New member profile
forward the Commercial Moving Division.
With over 20 years in the office moving
market Derek said, “Arnold & Self already has
a great archive business and some very good
corporate clients which we can build on. It’s
going to be a challenge and I’m looking forward
to working with Ian to drive the company
forward.”
“Having worked in the industry for such a
long time I have moved some large and unique
offices and objects,” Derek continued. “Each day
is very different never knowing what you may
come across. As they say - watch this space”.
Ian and Derek have built strong relationships
with other BAR members in their local area
and regularly meet up for social events as well
as working together on various projects when
the need arises.
Ian said that the past two years have been
something of a challenge while the company
put into place the necessary changes and
procedures to help it run more efficiently.
Arnold & Self have also spent a lot of time
employing and training staff to meet the high
standards the company requires.
Ian concluded, “It is an exciting time for
us, and with hard work and determination
Arnold & Self will continue to grow in the
domestic, commercial and storage areas of the
business and offer our first class service time
and time again.”
November 2010 Removals & Storage 55
 Diary Dates

Diary Dates
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BAR AREA MEETINGS 2010/2011 East Midlands Area
CONFERENCES 2010 Contact Jayne Cliffe: 01778 394291
Kent Area Meetings will be held at:
FEDEMAC General Assembly Contact Tom Bourne: TomB@uts-bournes.co.uk The Haycock Hotel, Wansford
Amsterdam, Netherlands November 17 7.00pm
November 26 – 28 East Met Area
Contact Ray Slemmings: 01708 440113 Southern Area
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL Contact Peter Doman: 01372 385985
CONFERENCES 2011 Northern Area peterd@basilfry.co.uk
Contact David McGarry: 01325 348700
BAR Conference 2011 Western Area
Renaissance City Hotel, Manchester Northern Ireland Area Contact Ria Russell: 01278 447099
May 12 – 14 Contact Campbell McGimpsey: 028 9145 6222
West Midlands Area
FIDI Annual Conference South Western Area Contact Sarah Pargeter: 01384 377786
Lisbon, Portugal Contact Adrian Foster: 01752 228815
May 1 – 5 BAR SCOTTISH AREA
Sussex Area MEETINGS 2010
OMNI Conference Contact Nicholas Marshall: 0845 602 1755
Albufeira, Portugal Contact Georgina Berry: 01505 502220
May 6 – 10 East Anglia Area Meetings will be held at:
Contact Andrew Pearson: 01362 853777 Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn
Young Movers Conference November 9 - November 9 -
Malta
May 26 – 29 New Met Area
Contact Darren House: 01932 253737
MöLo International Fair
‘Furniture Logistics, North West Area
Removals and Services’ Contact Annette Harris: 0161 653 4455
Kassel, Germany
June 16 – 18 Yorkshire Area
Contact Graham Puddephatt:
AMÖ General Assembly grahamp@reason-global.com
Kassel, Germany November 17 - Venue TBA
June 18 2011 Meetings
January 20 - Venue TBA
BOARD, COUNCIL AND AGM
COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2010 March 17 - Venue TBA
May 19 - Venue TBA
Board of Directors September 8 - Venue TBA
December 1 November 19 - Hotel TBA
Annual Dinner
Executive Committee
November 24 -

Do you have any diary dates?

E-mail them to rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

Feature Schedule 2011 Here’s what’s coming up: January 2011: India;
February 2011: Japan; March 2011: Korea; April 2011: Luxembourg.

Every month Removals & Storage includes a number of E-mail us on any of the topics mentioned, or with anything you wish to say,
feature items. These are planned well in advance to allow at rands@thewordsworkshop.co.uk or phone Charlotte Freestone
members of and suppliers to the industry to join in. on 01908 695500.

56 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Memberships

BAR Memberships November 2010

Registered: City Moves
The following Member has registered: Unit 14 Ponthenri Industrial Estate
Ponthenri
Self Storage Special Interest Group
Llanelli
Steele’s Removals Ltd SA15 5RA
Memb No: S039 Tel: 0800 1699082
Sowerby Woods Business Park Web: www.cmwales.com
Bouthwood Road
Elite Moving Systems and ATN EMS
Barrow-in-Furness
Nucleus 2
Cumbria
Central Way
LA14 4RF
Park Royal
Tel: 01229 820 777
London
Web: www.steelesstorage.co.uk
NW10 7XT
Applications: Tel: 0208 963 1114
BAR has received the following applications for: Web: www.elitemovings.com
National & CMG Group Premier Movers
Unit 10 Walkers Industrial Estate
JT & Sons Relocations Ltd
Ollerton Road
Lower Morgay Farm
Tuxford
Junction Road
Nottinghamshire
Staple Cross
NG22 0PQ
Robertsbridge
Tel: 0794 3837077
East Sussex
Web: www.premiermovers.co.uk
TN32 5SH
Tel: 01580 831235 Change of Details:
Web: www.jtsrelocations.com
McCarthy’s of Leeds (Memb No: M025)
National Group with branches of Turnbulls Removals and
Holdsworth’s Removals are now:
Adams Removals Ltd
Units 1 2 & 3 Rowleys Yard McCarthy’s of Leeds
C/O of 2-22 Woodlands Park Road Memb No: M025
London
Turnbulls (Removals) Ltd
N15 3RT
Memb No: T065
Tel: 0208 800 1212
Web: www.adamsremovals.co.uk Holdsworth’s Removals Ltd
Memb No: H101
Browns Removals & Storage Ltd and ATN
Tweedy Acheson Removals & Storage
Victoria Terminal 3
West Bank Road
Belfast
Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT3 9JL
Tel: 0289 077 1199
Web: www.brownsremovals.com

Any member wishing to make any

comment regarding an application
should do so in writing to BAR Head
Office within 21 days of receipt of
this notification.
Details of membership applications
in process may also be found on the
BAR website: www.bar.co.uk

November 2010 Removals & Storage 57

 Trade Services

Channel Islands Ireland Scotland and Islands

Established 1990

�������������������������������������
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North West

Daily trade service to and from the Channel Islands

�� Packing services Sweden and Scandinavia

�� Origin and destination
services
�� Local storage
�� International groupage
services
�� Export packing services

Tel: 01489 581 063 or 01489 579 997

Email: channel.islands@pickfords.com
www.pickfords.com
PO19

Isle of Man

Scotland/Europe

Italy

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

58 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Trade Services

France

France &
Switzerland
• Weekly services and competitive rates
H081

• Tranship & Hoist services available

• Collection from your To download ou
depot or clients www.hamiltonsr r tariffs visit:
emova
residence available Username:Trad ls.co.uk
Password: Ham6 e
62

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

Germany and Austria Austria Cyprus and Malta

WH HUMPHREY & SON LTD

Weekly Groupage Service � Weekly Services to

Full origin and destination
services available.
German speaking staff
Contact Darrel or Justin
Tel: 0208 144 0734 • Fax: 0844 770 7111
Email: Darrelb@humphreys-moving.com
North and Southern Cyprus, Malta,
Egypt, Israel, Dubai, Morocco,
Canary Islands, Lebanon and Tunisia.
Contact Darrel or Justin
Tel: 0208 144 0734 • Fax: 0844 770 7111
Email: Darrelb@humphreys-moving.com

Switzerland

November 2010 Removals & Storage 59

 Trade Services

Spain Canary Islands

Purely The Balearics, No Bull! WEEKLY

TRADE
�������� RATES
������� www.evl-rates.co.uk
Weekly Scheduled Service, Containerised Storage Depots
Holder of Spanish Transport Licence
for our Tranship vehicles �������� Regular Trade Services to:
• CANARY ISLANDS • CYPRUS
Unrivaled Infrastructure in Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza
Excellent Rates, Payment in Euros or GBP accepted
����� • MALTA & GOZO
Call Paul: 01753 561490 Email: trade@evl.co.uk
UK Office: 01843 585055, sales@webbsremovals.com
Mallorca Office: 0034 971 693566, webbs@spain.cc
������ Receiving Colnbrook SL3 0ED

Trade website: www.william-worldwide-webb.com

REGULAR
Memb. No: E007

����� Worldwide

��������
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�������������������� Trade Rates
����������������������������������������������������� ������ to Europe
Regular Services to all Major
Destinations Worldwide
Receiving in Windsor & Stourbridge
Contact Mike, Chris or Steve on
01633 488 100
trade@fox-moving.com
�����������������
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����������������������������
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Cyprus

60 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Trade Services

South America China

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United Arab Emirates Caribbean South Africa

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Training

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November 2010 Removals & Storage 61

 Trade Services

External Elevators

Strip Ad Trade Services:Layout 1 12/5/10 12:55 Page 1

Trade Storage

Cadogan Tate® Trade Services www.cadogantate.com

TRADE STORAGE – Please call Alan Carpenter 0208 963 3905

Depots in LONDON NW10 – WOKINGHAM (M4) – OXFORD (M40)
Secure alarmed warehouses – helpful flexible service - competitive rates�
EXTERNAL ELEVATOR – Please call Alan Carpenter 0208 963 3905
External access up to 6 th floor – no stair/lift work. Includes Operator & Equipment.
Immediate payback in saved time & money.
EUROPEAN GROUPAGE – Please call Stuart Ashe 0118 989 5500
Fortnightly air-ride satellite tracked service between London, Paris, Geneva & Côte d’Azur.
Fine Art service available. Trade rates.

www.tradestorage.co.uk Warehouse Containers

We are not a removal company or

your competitor, you are our clients
on which our business depends.
They say that imitation is a form of
flattery - but there is only one G&R Advert 60x60mm:Layout 1 20/10/08 16
Trade Storage Limited.
Piano Specialists

sales@tradestorage.co.uk
London or Swindon THE PIANO
0208 795 4838 or 01793 731696 SPECIALISTS
A family run business, Est. in 1968.
Computers and Internet

Trailer Hire LOCAL MOVING • WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

WEEKLY EUROPEAN SERVICE

TRAILER HIRE Recommended by the worlds finest piano manufacturers,

From car trailers to 3200 cubic feet auctioneers, music colleges & academies.

stepframes, 8 container
curtainsiders unsignwritten haulage
available too. (UK and Europe).
Mem. No G005

100 BOLLO LANE, CHISWICK, LONDON W4 5LX

www.tradestorage.co.uk/trailers Tel: +44 (0) 20 8994 9733 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8995 0855

020 8795 4838 or 01793 731696

Email: info@gandrremovals.co.uk www.gandrremovals.co.uk

62 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Trade Services

Journal of the British Association of Removers

ADVERTISING RATES
1st January 2010

DISPLAY AD RATES* (per insertion) 1–6 Insertions 7–12 Insertions

Members/Affiliates Non-Members Members/Affiliates Non-Members

Full Colour Full Page £745 £928 £707 £886

Half Page £470 £583 £434 £547
Quarter Page £279 £350 £266 £335
Mono Full page £473 £593 £434 £542
Half Page £343 £429 £308 £386
Quarter Page £220 £276 £208 £260
Inside Front Cover £886 £1110 £849 £1066
Outside Back Cover £955 £1157 £905 £1129
Front Cover (full colour, per single insertion) £964 £1190

DISPLAY AND CLASSIFIED AD MECHANICAL DATA (height x width)

Full Page: Half Page: Quarter Page: Front Cover:
Trim 297mm x 210mm Horizontal 135mm x 188mm Horizontal 66mm x 188mm Trim 210mm x 210mm
Bleed 303mm x 216mm Vertical 272mm x 92mm Vertical 135mm x 92mm Bleed 210mm x 213mm

CLASSIFIED RATES* MECHANICAL SPEC

All advertisements to be supplied in eps format
Situations Vacant £2.15 per word (min 15 words)
(CMYK, 300dpi) with fonts and pictures embedded or
Sales and Wants £2.15 per word (min 10 words) as a high resolution PDF (Acrobat Distiller settings can
Boxed Ad £26.50 (per single column cm) be supplied on request). Please send on CD (with a
(Picture £16 extra) printed colour copy for checking layout)**
to the address below, or by email:
Box Number £26.50 nikki@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
Loose Inserts £278 per 1,000
(per A4 sheets supplied) GUARANTEED POSITIONS
All guaranteed positions, excluding front cover, inside
Half Page Mono £509 front cover and outside back cover, are charged at
Half Page Colour £614 normal rates plus 20% and are subject to availability.
Quarter Page Mono £422
ENQUIRIES
Quarter Page Colour £500 All enquiries to:
TRADE RATES* Nikki Gee,
The Words Workshop,
Trade notices are booked per unit or multiples thereof, 26 Swanwick Lane,
and run for a minimum of 12 months. Broughton,
One unit measures 30mm x 1 column (60mm) Milton Keynes, MK10 9LD.
1 unit mono £391 per annum Tel: 01908 695500
Email: nikki@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
1 unit colour £508 per annum
COPY DATE PLEASE NOTE:
All rates shown cover the cost of advert insertion only.
10th of the preceding month
Advertisers should provide their own advertising
artwork. Removals & Storage can generate new or
amend existing artwork for an additional charge.
All advertising must be paid for in advance by credit card.

* All prices are subject to VAT at the current rate.

** If no colour print is supplied, The Words Workshop cannot accept responsibility for the correct reproduction of the advertisement.
Removals and Storage is produced by The Words Workshop on behalf of The British Association of Removers.
All display rates shown are per single insertion, based on singular or series bookings for editions of R&S within 12 calendar months.

November 2010 Removals & Storage 63

 Classifieds

Classified For Sale

Advertising Clacton on Sea, Essex removal Sixty second-hand storage

Charges and storage company
established 118 years, with a good
containers for sale
250 cubic feet, £80 each,
All classified advertisements should be booked no later than the 10th reputation and staff, 1 x 5 container, telephone Mark on 07885 322161
and received no later than the 15th of the month preceding publication. 1 x 3 container, 1 x dublo van, (Nottinghamshire)
475 x wooden containers, 28 x 20’
For all advertising enquiries please contact: containers, 2 x forklift truck, Used 250ft3 storage containers
Nikki Gee at The Words Workshop, 2 x purpose build container £75 each. Contact Mandy on
nikki@the wordsworkshop.co.uk warehouses on secure freehold site. 01285 641003
26 Swanwick Lane, Broughton, Milton Keynes MK10 9LD Genuine reason for sale, flexible
Tel: 01908 695500 Fax: 01908 690099 terms. Telephone 07967 989770
Wanted
Rates
Unique Van Bodies have for sale
Situations Vacant £2.15 per word (min 15 words) Good quality second-hand
For Sale and Wanted ads £2.15 per word (min 10 words) a 55 reg DAF 7.5 tonner with
storage containers, 7m3, please
Boxed Ad (Semi-Display) £26.50 per single column centimetre new 3 container body.
phone James on 07943 837077
(Please note all lineage & semi-display ads are set by R&S in house style) Vehicle is LEZ compliant both now
Half Page Mono £509 and beyond 2012. Further details
Half Page Colour £614 contact Terry Sinnott on
Quarter Page Mono £422 01925 846464
Quarter Page Colour £501
Box Number +£26.50
All charges are plus VAT.
Opportunities
Box Numbers
Replies to Box Number advertisements should be sent to:
The Advertiser Are You Looking To Sell?
Box no. (XYZ)
The British Association of Removers We are looking to buy good quality household moving and storage
Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Herts WD18 0TG companies in London and the home counties.
Situations Vacant Please call 07933 123 123
In line with the Sex Discrimination Act, all positions are open to male and in full confidence for a quick decision.
female applicants.

Vehicles
Purchasers of a vehicle advertised in Removals & Storage should satisfy
themselves that the payload/volume is suitable for the purpose for which
they intend to use it.
Situations Vacant
A vacancy has arisen for an estimator who has experience
in domestic, commercial and deep sea removals
We will offer a competitive salary with car, bonus scheme
and company pension scheme.
Applications should be in the form of a CV and cover letter
and should be addressed to:

SELL IT,
Mr Robert Walker, Britannia Whitby Oliver,
31 Hospital Fields Road, Fulford, YORK, YO10 4FS.
No agencies please.

FIND IT, Removals porter and driver for hire. Reliable with 10 years’ experience.
Contact Mr Paul, 07857 245263

FILL THAT
European Move Co Ordinator
Full Time European Co Ordinator wanted for very busy office
(trial period essential).

VACANCY,
Must have experience in the removal industry (preferably Europe/shipping).
Excellent telephone manner/organisation skills essential.Dartford based.
Please forward your CV to charlotte@matthewjamesremovals.com.
Salary depends on experience.

WITH A Eagle Relocations Limited is looking for an experienced

LINEAGE AD Telesales person to work in our busy Watford office.

£2.15
The right candidate will be experienced and show a proven track record
in converting warm leads into booked jobs.
FOR JUST +VAT Please send CVs in the strictest confidence to:
Onkar@eaglerelocations.com

PER WORD

64 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Classifieds

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Atlantic Ad 10-10:Atlantic Branch Manager Ad 10-07 12/10/2010 22:25 Page 1

VEHICLE
�������������������� ������������������

Sales & Development

Manager
An exciting opportunity exists for a specialist International mover
SALES
OFFER!
to cover the UK from our East Midlands-based operating centre.

To grow and develop current revenue streams by delivering

excellent customer service and attaining increased profits. FOR SALE
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will drive results through Make and Mod
el
your ability and the management of a sales team that includes Marsden Vanpla
nX
surveyors and telesales.
THIS container,
new MOT to Ju
ne XXXX,
You will have exemplary sales and leadership skills and a proven
track record. A team player who will encourage, coach, mentor SPACE full service histor
XXXXXkm.
y

PLUS
Feature, feature,
and motivate for success. feature,
feature, feature,
feature,

PICTURE
You will already be an achiever, able to motivate and manage feature, feature,
feature,
yourself and a small team of dedicated sales people. You should LEZ compliant.

FOR
Asking price
currently be in a similar role looking for development Contact XXXX
opportunities or to further your career in a hands on XXXX
Phone and em
environment. A competitive salary with commission and car will
ONLY address
ail

£188
be offered dependent upon experience.

To apply, please send CV and a covering letter indicating your

skills and experience stating why you believe you would succeed
in this role, to: Mark Neave at
markneave@aimrelo.co.uk
+VAT
Applications close 6th December 2010.
Contact Nikki Gee
Tel:01908 695500 Fax:01908 690099
www.aimrelo.co.uk Email:nikki@thewordsworkshop.co.uk

November 2010 Removals & Storage 65

 Classifieds

Does your website need a makeover?

We all need to look our best when we meet our customers and it’s just as
important for your website to look good too – after all it could be the first
impression new clients get of your business.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Does your website still reflect the quality of your business?
• Does it give potential customers all the up-to-date information they need?
• Does it score well on Google, or are your competitors winning the race?

We breathe new life into tired websites –

call us today and we’ll show you how.

Call: +44 (0) 1908 695500

or visit: www.thewordsworkshop.co.uk

The Words Workshop

26 Swanwick Lane
Broughton, Milton Keynes
The right words for your business United Kingdom MK10 9LD

Order additional copies of R&S

R&S is published monthly and costs only £48 a year for
UK companies and £72 a year for Overseas companies.
You may order as many copies as you wish.
Please send your order with payment to:
British Association of Removers,
Tangent House,
62 Exchange Road,
Watford,
Herts WD18 0TG
England.

Please send copies of Removals & Storage to: I enclose a cheque for
Name made payable to: The British Association of Removers
Company
Address I wish to pay by debit/credit card (not Amex)
Card number

Postcode
Tel no Expiry date MM/YY
email Security code

66 Removals & Storage November 2010

 Jack of all trade
Those of you who don’t yet
use our trade groupage
shipping services obviously
don’t know Jack.
You can rely on Anglo Pacific to handle your
customers’ goods with care. We’ve been in
the business for 30 years and offer frequent
sailings on all routes to major destinations
worldwide.

We’ll arrange shipment on the vessel

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

At Anglo Pacific we understand your business

and will ensure that your goods are handled
professionally from start to finish.
Jack Dorrington
Visit our website or simply call Jack and his Trade Manager
team and get in the know.

Memb No: A026

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

FREEPHONE 0800 707 6093

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