BAR Annual Report 2010

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Annual Report & Accounts

2010

British Association of Removers Ltd

BAR is dedicated to promoting professional excellence and service in the

removal industry for the mutual benefi t of removers and their customers


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BAR is dedicated

to promoting

professional

excellence and

service in the

removal industry for

the mutual benefit

of removers andtheir customers

ContentsNotice ofExtraordinaryGeneral Meeting

R3

Presidents Report R4

Director GeneralsReport

R5

Treasurers Report R6

BAR ServicesChairmans Report

R7

QSS ChairmansReport

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BAR Organisation &

Governance

R9

-R11

Directors Report 1-2

Independent AuditorsReport

3-4

Prot & Loss Account 5

Balance Sheet 6

Notes to the FinancialStatements

7-14

Detailed Prot & Loss

and Summaries15-17

BAR Mission Statement

British Association of

Removers LtdTangent House62 Exchange RoadWatfordHertsWD18 0TG

T 01923 699480

F 01923 699481E [email protected] www.bar.co.uk


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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of The British Association of Removers

will be held at 12.00am (Noon) onWednesday 21 September 2011 at Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford,

Hertfordshire, WD18 0TG, for the following purposes;

1. To receive and consider the Associations Accounts, and reports of the Directors and Auditors, for the yearended 31 December 2010.

2. To consider any other business admitted by the Chairman.

By Order of the Board of Directors

James FalknerCompany Secretary

17 August 2011

Registered Ofce of the Company: Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0TG

Company Registration Number: 133531

Note: Every Member entitled to attend and vote may appoint a proxy in accordance with, and with the powers conferred

by, Articles 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 of the Articles of Association to attend and vote in his stead. To be effective, a formof proxy together with any power of attorney or other authority under which it is signed, must reach the registered

ofce no later than 10.00am on Wednesday 14 September 2011. To enable comprehensive answers to be provided to any

questions in connection with the Agenda, questions should be submitted to the Company Secretary no later than 10.00am

on Wednesday 14 September 2011.

Copies of the Report and Accounts are available to Members for downloading at www.bar.co.uk/egm2011.aspx or upon

request, and will be available for inspection at the meeting.

Notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting

Wednesday 21 September 2011

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Presidents Report

for the year ended 31st December 2010

Reg HackworthyPresident

August 2011

Bristol was the venue for the Associations 2010 conference and my

inauguration as President for the two years. The conference was well

attended with the number of delegates up from the previous yearsconference in Brussels.

...the views of the membershipcan be truly reflected as our

Association moves forward.

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Director Generals Report


Sadly all of this positive news has been overshadowed by thelarge dark cloud of a signicant fraud perpetrated on us by a

now former employee.

We have made signicant progress in our Training offering,

lobbying has increased both directly and through the goodofces of FEDEMAC, our marketing activity has increased,

DMotY is fast becoming an established and valuable award, nicelycomplementing the great success of CMotY. QSS and BARScontinue to offer great levels of service and range of products

at very competitive rates and are both to be commended at atime of great trading difculty for all.

The new website has been well received by consumersgenerating well over 1m business for members and the

internal part of the website continues to be developed toimprove information and communications. There are so manyother positive actions to be report, but it would be remiss of

me not to use the space available to cover the issues raised bythe accounts in somewhat more detail.

It has been necessary to restate the balance sheet by over 300k.This is made up of several elements namely theft, through the

doctoring of cheques, cover up of other transactions, falsifyingaccounts and other elements that, at the time of writing, we

have been unable to identify. We have evidence that this fraudhas been taking place since at least 2006 demonstrating that thisis not a one off occurrence. Investigations have been long and

complex. We discovered this through a combination of puttingin place proper professional procedures and the excellent

diligence of our current auditors in identifying items that hadfalsely been on our balance sheet for many years but not

noticed by previous auditors.

The support we have received from Wellers and Backhouse

Jones in not only dealing with the fraud but also rebuilding ouraccounts has been excellent. The impact of this on the people atBAR Head Ofce cannot be underestimated. They had known

the individual for many years and close friendships had formed,so the news and scale of the fraud has had a major impact onmorale. We have only been able to deal with this as well as we

have because of the support of our advisors, the support ofJames Falkner, who as Company Secretary has been the main

person involved with Banks and the Police, and the professional

attitude of the remainder of the Secretariat. I cannot commenton the Police investigations as they are still ongoing, but to date

they have been thorough and professional.

Lastly the support of Members has been critical in ensuring thatthe Association remains strong. Incredibly tight management ofexpenditure and early payment of subscriptions by supportive

Members have meant that we have managed our way throughthis years immediate cash flow problems.

In closing I would like to formally, on behalf of the Association,thank all of those whose positive and helpful approach to this

has ensured that we have seen our way past the main difcultiesand come out of this stronger, more professional and our

reputation intact.

Stephen VickersDirector General

August 2011

In my report last year I referred to the building blocks being put in

place for the future. Ideally I would like to focus my report for 2010 on

all of the positive actions, initiatives and progress that we have madeas an Association and we have made significant progress.

...the support of Members hasbeen critical in ensuring that theAssociation remains strong.

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And I would suggest that this was a remarkable achievementwhen the most signicant scal decision of the year was to

hold subscriptions at January 2009 levels, recognising thatthe Membership was struggling to keep their own businessesin prot during recessionary times. As you now know, that

benecence could not be extended any further post July 2011,

but the increase was kept to an absolute minimum, in fact,

slightly below inflation at that time, without any effect onservice provision.

Yes, there was an area in which the expectation was not met,concerning the contribution from Removals and Storage (not

entirely surprising due in the main to the downturn in advertisingrevenue), but revenue streams held up pretty well in other areas,especially subscription income, which was remarkably buoyant.

Membership losses were counterbalanced by new Memberscoming on board, thus ensuring that the overall revenue position

for subscription income against budget was satisfactory. It wasparticularly pleasing to note that the contribution from theConference came in as expected, especially after the struggle in

2009 to reduce the signicant decit to a minimum.

A highlight, in terms of exceeding expectations, was theperformance of the Training Division, which, although sufferingfrom stafng problems relating to having a regular eld trainer

on staff, having an effect on consistency of service provision, stillcomfortably beat what was an aggressive budget. Congratulationsto Loren Webster and her team for performing so well in a

difcult climate. The Division will again have a stretching budget

in place for 2011, as it needs to remain a sizeable contributor

to the bottom line.

Cost control across the board remained tight throughout the

year, with close scrutiny of every line, and examination takingplace and questions being asked on a regular basis where

variances against budget and/or last years performance becameevident. Not rocket science - just sound business practice, ingood times as in not so good.

As you are aware from the statement issued by the Company

Secretary on the 6th of April 2011, and the detailed reportgiven by the Director General at the AGM, serious nancial

irregularities have been discovered dating back at least to

2006, and as I prepare this report a full investigation is beingundertaken involving our Auditors, Wellers; the BAR Director

General and Company Secretary and the Police.

The main elements of the irregularities have been uncoveredand a potential liability provision has been incorporated intothe accounts to be presented at the EGM, where a more

detailed verbal report will also be given. This detailed andthorough investigation and the extraordinary items included in

the accounts for 2010 were essential in providing a frameworkfor condence in, and control of, your monies in the future. A

Balance sheet adjustment has been clearly identied, but the

extraordinary nancial controls put in place in 2011 and diligent

management have ensured that we have worked our way

through this period without the need to increase subscriptionsbeyond that which we need for the normal running of theAssociation. Cash flow will continue to be tight for a while as it

will take some considerable time to complete the investigationsinto the irregularities and conclude matters arising from the

irregularities.

There is no doubt that 2011 will be an extremely challenging

year for the Association and its Membership. Despite thisprediction, we have a prudent budget in place for 2011, andare condent of achievement, matching cost to any major

fluctuations in revenue. Our eyes will not be taken off the ball.

My thanks again but nevertheless no less sincere go to thegentleman with whom I have the closest business relationship,namely Stephen Vickers, the Director General. His help and

support has been invaluable. My thanks also to the President,the Board, the Executive, and all the staff at Watford for the

parts they have played in assisting me in my duties.

The A.G.M. in May 2011 saw me embarking on my fourth year

as your Treasurer. It really doesnt seem that long ago since myappointment in May 2008! Please be assured that I will continueto play my part in ensuring that the nancial objectives are

met, and assist the Board in delivering value for money to all,as the B.A.R. continues to consolidate its position as the pre-

eminent and most recognised brand for Removals in the UnitedKingdom.

Treasurers Report


David BuntingHonorary Treasurer

August 2011

When I was Director in charge of the Office and CommercialDivision for Whittle Movers Group, we had a slogan and aim to

deliver a quality of service which met or exceeded our Customersexpectations. I was reminded of this when preparing this Report, inthat the trading situation in 2010 for B.A.R. Ltd met or exceeded, inthe main, our expectations or in other words Budget.

...we have a prudent budget inplace for 2011, and are condent

of achievement...

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BAR Services Chairmans Report


The fragile market we have experienced has nally begun to show

signs of an improvement in the housing market and consumercondence thus beginning a slow recovery. Unfortunately, the

increase in paper costs, bizarrely brought about by a shortageof worldwide wheat, the starch from which is used at various

stages of the paper manufacturing process, was a primary factorof the two increases in carton prices, although BAR Services

worked hard to ensure the affect on members purchasing theseproducts was kept to a minimum.

Whilst working hard to keep costs down, BAR Services hasstill managed to provide high quality products and has alsointroduced a new one the innovative Cordlash 95 restraint

system which has generated much interest, and we havealso gone into partnership with Safpro, a leading corporateworkwear supplier which has given us the ability to negotiate

a cost effective range of clothing for members at discountedprices. BAR Services has also been keen to promote ISO14001 to larger companies who will not nd it as onerous as

it could be to smaller businesses. Furthermore, we have been

keen to offer information regarding board grade to provide ourcustomers with a better understanding of the quality of boardbeing used for your cartons, highlighting that although initially

cheaper cartons may look to be a good money saving measure,it is probably because it has been manufactured using a lessergrade board.

Unfortunately, it has also been a time of personnel change at

BAR Services. Tony Allen, a familiar face to almost everyonewithin the industry, retired after some thirty years havingmanaged BAR Services since its inception, and my predecessor,

Anthony Robinson decided to step down as Chairman in

October last year in order to concentrate on his own businessneeds. But perhaps the most poignant of all was the news thatPeter Barrett, BAR Services Chairman for many years and amuch loved gure in the removal world, sadly passed away at

the end of October, leaving a huge void for all those who knewand worked with him.

Despite having an involvement with this co-operative for nearlyten years, Chairmanship is a new role for me and I am aware

that I am following in some big footsteps. I am, however, lookingforward to developing new and sustainable business projectswith the rest of my team.

After much time and energy has been spent carrying out Article

changes following the BAR governance review, and contractnegotiations with Contrast, our management company, BARServices is approaching a new and exciting era. Even though

it is expected that the economic climate will remain tough fora good few years to come, I now look positively to the futureas we embark on a new ve year contract and a new ve year

business plan which should ultimately see us through thesedifcult times.

With so much going on, we look forward to continuing

providing innovative, quality products and I thank all the team atBAR Services and you, the member, for your unfailing supportover the years.

John LuxfordChairman BAR Services

August 2011

As a co-operative owned by members, BAR Services exists solely to work on

your behalf so it therefore gives me pleasure to begin my Chairmans report

by saying that despite the continued slow market conditions and several in-creases in paper prices, we were once again able to reward members with a

year-end rebate, something that was not possible twelve months ago.

Whilst working hard to keepcosts down, BAR Services hasstill managed to provide highquality products

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QSS Chairmans Report


David Trenchard FMIChairman QSS

August 2011

Again I am pleased to report Quality Service Standards Limited has

provided a very economic and effective service to monitor quality systems

for moving and storage companies, primarily members of BAR, throughout2010.

This service alone is worththe cost of the quality standardcompliance by providing comfortand assurance that all is in order

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BAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Reg Hackworthy Hackworthy & Sons LtdVice President Ian Studd Harrow Green Removals Ltd

Honorary Treasurer David Bunting Honorary Life MemberDirector General Stephen Vickers BAR

National Council Chairman Richard Dolan Greens Removals & Storage LtdOverseas Group Chairman Ian Palmer White & Co plcCommercial Moving Group Chairman Mark Herrington Pickfords Business Solutions (appointed 7 July 2011)

BAR (Services) Chairman John Luxford Luxfords of WeybridgeDirectly Elected by the Membership Gary Wheadon D Sully & Son Ltd

Directly Elected by the Membership Brian Maidman Maidmans Removals & StorageDirectly Elected by the Membership Matt Faizey M&G Transport Ltd (appointed 16 June 2011)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Reg Hackworthy Hackworthy & Sons LtdVice President Ian Studd Harrow Green Removals LtdHonorary Treasurer David Bunting Honorary Life MemberDirector General Stephen Vickers BAR

Nominated by the Board of Directors Gary Wheadon D Sully & Son LtdCo-opted by the Exec. Committee Russell Start Pickfords

Company Secretary James Falkner BAR

NATIONAL COUNCIL

Chairman Richard Dolan Greens Removals & Storage LtdDeputy Chairman Mike Andrews Pickfords

East Anglia Representative Richard Dolan Greens Removals & Storage LtdEast Metropolitan Representative Vacant

East Midlands Representative Richard Stoddart Arrowpak InternationalKent Representative Tom Bourne T Bourne & Son LtdNew Metropolitan Representative Julie Thompson Luxfords of Weybridge

North Western Representative Rob Ford PickfordsNorthern Representative Alan Hoggin Harkers Removers & Storers Ltd

Northern Ireland Representative Dominic Murray Coatsway Storage & Removals LtdScotland Representative Simon Swales White & Co plc

South Wales Representative Paul Fox Fox Group (Moving & Storage) LtdSouth Western Representative Craig Pagett Anglo CarriersSouthern Representative Neal Lambert George Lambert & Son Ltd

Sussex Representative Roger Martell Martells International RemoversWest Midlands Representative William Burden White & Co plcWestern Representative Angus Russell Britannia Lanes

Yorkshire Representative Mike Andrews Pickfords

BAR Organisation & Governance (as at 17 August 2011)

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OVERSEAS GROUP COUNCIL

Chairman Ian Palmer White & Co plcDeputy Chairman Vacant

Honorary Vice Chairman Nick Kerr DT Moving LtdCouncillors Robert Bartup GB Liners Ltd

Stephen Denning Fox Group (Moving & Storage) Ltd

Rupert Morley Sterling Relocation LtdChris Mackley ICM Gerson Ltd

Austin Clark Clark & Rose LtdTony Tickner Euro USA Shipping LtdSteve Fanning Britannia Movers International plc

Andrew Wade F+N Worldwide Logistics LtdWesley Bourne T. Bourne & Son Ltd

Co-opted Moore Shanks MTC AdministratorStephen Gray Anglo Pacic International plc

Ian MacLeod Excess International Movers Ltd

COMMERCIAL MOVING GROUP COUNCIL

Chairman Mark Herrington Pickfords Business Solutions

Deputy Chairman VacantImmediate Past Chairman Rod Seeland BCL

Councillors Brian Maidman Maidmans Removals & StorageNigel Shaw Specialised MoversDanny Rutter Premier Moves Ltd

Richard OSullivan Russell Fewins LtdRichard Hill Delivery Services Ltd

Kevin Mack Company MovesElizabeth Harper Harrow Green Removals LtdTimon Thorncroft JT & Sons Relocations Ltd

Co-opted Phil Oram Premier Moves Ltd

BAR AREAS AND OFFICERS

AREA CHAIRMAN SECRETARY

East Anglia Richard Dolan, Greens of Suffolk Ltd Andrew Pearson, APAK Removals & StorageEast Metropolitan Paul Freeman, C Neale Ray Slemmings, C Bain of Upminster

East Midlands Andrew Wade, F+N Worldwide Logistics Ltd Jayne Cliffe , Cliffes RemovalsKent David Strank, Stranks Removals & Storage Ltd Tom Bourne, T Bourne & Son LtdNew Metropolitan Roger Aiken, Stephen Morris Shipping PLC Darren House, Wentworth InternationalNorth Western Ernie Humphries, BCL Annette Harris, Anglo Pacic International

Northern Gareth Davies, Pickfords Alan Hoggin Harkers Removals & Storers Ltd

Northern Ireland Campbell McGimpsey, McGimpsey Bros Ltd Dominic Murray, CoastwaysScotland David Woodhouse, Matt Purdie & Sons Georgina Berry, Richard Healey RemovalsSouth Western Sharon Jerrard, W McMullin & Sons Sue Christophers, M J Christopher & Son

South Wales Jeff Robbins, Robbins & Sons (Removals) Andrew Robbins, Robbins & Sons (Removals)Southern Steve Davies, Bradbeers Removers & Storers Peter Doman, Basil Fry & CompanySussex Brady Wheadon, A W Wheadon Ltd Miranda Hyder, BAR Services

West Midlands Robert Bartup, GB Liners Ltd Sarah Pargeter, Fox GroupWestern Mark Chudley, Chudley International Maria Russell, Britannia Lanes of Somerset

Yorkshire Mike Andrews, Pickfords Graham Puddephatt, Reason GIobal

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BAR HEAD OFFICE STAFF

Stephen Vickers Director GeneralRegulatory Department James Falkner Company Secretary

Andrew Fawssett Consumer Affairs /Code Compliance OfcerFinance Department Cheryl Kent Financial Controller

Shelley Hansberry Finance Assistant

Commercial Department Caroline Suard Director of MarketingPaul Swindon Commercial ManagerDevina Parshotam Marketing Ofcer

Joanne Swinton Marketing Ofcer

Support Department Tracy Britten Executive Assistant

Melissa Fowler AdministratorTraining Department Loren Webster Training Manager

Martyn Minker Training Co-ordinator

Lee Pierpoint Field Trainer

BAR (SERVICES) LTD BOARD

Chairman John Luxford Luxfords of WeybridgeDeputy Chairman Rob Lane Britannia Lanes of Devon

Directors David Trenchard Leatherbarrows R & S LtdMatt Purdie Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd

George SutherlandAnthony Robinson Robinsons International

Stephen Vickers BARBAR President Reg HackworthyBAR Honorary Treasurer David Bunting

General Manager Miranda HyderCompany Secretary James Falkner BAR

QUALITY SERVICE STANDARDS LTD BOARD

Chairman David Trenchard Leatherbarrows R & S Ltd

Directors Matt Purdie Matt Purdie & Sons LtdAnnie Neave Britannia Neaves of East AngliaStephen Vickers BAR

BAR President Reg HackworthyBAR Honorary Treasurer David Bunting

Quality Manager Paul TidswellCompany Secretary James Falkner BAR

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British Association of

Removers LtdTangent House62 Exchange RoadWatfordHertsWD18 0TG

T 01923 699480

F 01923 699481

Documents

BAR Annual Report 2010