R&S April 2013 Magazine

April 2013 Removals & Storage 1

Features

www.bar.co.uk

Removals & StorageThe Magazine of the British Association of Removers

Inside this Issue

Industry News BAR News

>> How the Budget affects your business >> Bishop’s Move moves a bishop

>> Shortlist for the Domestic Mover of the Year 2013>> How to get your TSI brand right

>> Commercial Mover of the Year finalists profiled in this issue! >> Scaletrix pulls in sponsors for Conference exhibition

Features

>> European Road Tolls 2013 and EETS

>> French flair from the CSD

Breaking News

The call of the North -

Countdown to BAR Conference 2013

April 2013 // Issue 465 // £4

On the cover BAR’s 2013 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Newcastle is now just one month away. Find out about this year’s best opportunity to network with experts, politicians, specialist suppliers and industry peers to ensure you run your removals and storage business at its optimum. Page 37

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Features

Removals & Storage April 2013


Features

European Road Tolls 2013 and EETS Neil White of DKV Euro Service provides an overview of the tolls that affect removals companies across Europe, and discusses the status of the European Electronic Toll Service. 52

News from Watford

Guidelines for the use of the new BAR logo.

On the cover: Book now for the BAR Conference in Newcastle!

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Contents

Contents

Industry News

Just a snippet...

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BAR News

DMotY shortlist, customer feedback website (www.trustedmover.org), and discussions at the Kent and New Met Area meetings.

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Overseas Group News

OG workshops at the BAR Conference, Chris Mackley of ICM Gerson on engaging with the OG membership.

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Commercial Moving Group News

Find out who the CMotY fi nalists are!

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Features37 Training 42

BAR Services26

Classifi ed 62

Diary Dates 55

How to get your BAR TSI brand rightThe BAR TSI Consumer Code of Practice came into force from 1 April. BAR has issued guidance about how Members should display the new Trading Standards Institute (TSI) branding.

Call me maybe?Fox Moving’s talented team put together a very watchable spoof video of the Carly Rae Jepson song Call Me Maybe which was recently screened in Palm Springs, California.

People News54

Membership 56European News44

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BAR News


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Industry News

April 2013 Removals & Storage

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BAR News


News from Watford

The new BAR TSI Approved Consumer Code of Practice Scheme came into effect on 1 April 2013. The key elements of the OFT-approved code remain unchanged, so this is effectively a strategic rebranding exercise. The TSI will be actively promoting the new Code and BAR to the general public and local Trading Standards Officers with a directory of all BAR Members going live by 1 May 2013 on www.tradingstandards.gov.uk and www.mylocalservices.co.uk. On 18 June 2013 there will be a formal public launch of the new Code by Minister Jo Swinson at the TSI Conference in Brighton.

Starting April, BAR Members should display the new Code of Practice logo, as agreed with the Trading Standards Institute (TSI). Branding guidelines for use of the logo by Members and their suppliers have been communicated via BAR’s newsletter to Members and, as well as being available in the Members area of the BAR website, they are summarised in this issue of R&S.

TSI is a strong brand and will appeal to the public at the same time as raising the profile of BAR and our Members. Please remember that the new logo must be used or displayed in accordance with the new rules and guidelines. Please make sure you have removed the OFT brand – for further guidance on this, please see pages 20-21 of this issue or email: [email protected]

To coincide with the launch of the new Code, BAR has developed www.trustedmover.org, a customer

feedback website listing and rating BAR Members. We are also trialling a new, independent conciliation service with a simpler process and shorter timelines. We hope the introduction of the new Code and logo will present an ideal platform for BAR Members to market their services to the general public.

The Vehicle Exhibition and Procession at the Beamish Museum at this year’s Conference in Newcastle is set to be another memorable event. Plus, the giant Scaletrix track will also be a lot of fun. It’s still not too late to book your place at what should be a very lively Conference!

For those Members interested in getting more involved with BAR, look out for the call for nominations for vacant Board positions across the Association, and please make sure to cast your vote on time. This is your Association and every Member should use their voice.

There have been some new faces at BAR HQ, and I would like to extend a warm welcome to Miranda Martin, the new BARTS Training Manager. Miranda’s remit is to transform the Training offering from BAR into a source of real competitive advantage for our Members. Finally, we are also delighted to welcome Jacqui Plunkett, our new Financial Controller here at Watford.

Paul SwindonBAR Company Secretary

Follow BAR on:

Contact Details: Editorial Contributions on all aspects of the removals and storage industry are welcome, together with photographs if appropriate.

020 3235 1806 [email protected]

Advertising For all enquiries and bookings, please contact


or [email protected] The booking deadline for all display

advertisements for the May 2013 issue of R&S is 10 April.

Subscriptions Removals & Storage is subscribed to by members of the British Association of Removers in the UK and Overseas. Current annual subscription is £48.00 in the UK and £72.00 overseas. Additional subscriptions are available from BAR.

Registered as a magazine © The British Association of Removers 2013. ISSN 0034-4265

No part of this publication may be scanned, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in part or whole in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the British Association of Removers.

Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not necessarily those of the publisher, British Association of Removers.The description of a product or service in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the publisher.The publisher does not accept any responsibility for any claims by advertisers.The articles in this publication are for general information only and are not intended to be advice to any specific person.Readers are recommended to seek professional advice before taking or refraining from taking any action on the basis of the contents of any article in this publication.

The British Association of Removers 01923 699 480 01923 699 481

[email protected]

Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 OTG

Ian Studd Stephen Vickers

Paul Swindon

Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of


Removals & Storage is written and edited for the British Association of Removers by Analytica Media


Copy and advertising deadlines 2013 for future issues of R&S magazine

2nd of the month preceding publication

10th of the month preceding publication




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Industry News


SMEs slam taxes and rates The majority of small businesses in the UK have taken a dim view of changes made to the tax system by the current government, research by the Forum of Private Business shows, and a massive 94% now think business rates are too high. In total 28% of business owners said they thought the fairness of the tax system had deteriorated, compared to 17% reporting an improvement. A quarter thought it had become more complex, opposed to 14% saying it has simplified. And dealing a blow to HMRC, 26% said the efficiency of the tax system had got worse. Just 10% thought it had improved. The research also showed the single biggest complaint small firms had regarding their current tax spending was business rates. A huge 94% of all business owners felt that the level of taxation on commercial properties was now too high. Two thirds of those also said they saw no real benefits for the amount of money they were spending on the tax. A similar number reported that there were few local initiatives to support growth, with some feeling that local councils were actually hampering growth. “It’s probably fair to say that business rates are the most despised of all commercial taxes by today’s small business owner in the UK,” said the Forum’s Chief Executive, Phil Orford. “It’s a crippling tax that business owners simply have no choice but to pay, and for many who claim to see no discernible benefit to having paid up, it clearly sticks in their craw. If rates keep charging upwards then businesses are going to go bust – it’s as simple as that.”

Early opening for M9 junction Minister for Transport Keith Brown officially opened the upgraded M9 Junction 1a in February – two months ahead of schedule and for £20m less than the original budget. The new junction, the second of three major contracts required to deliver the 22km-long Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) scheme, will provide significantly improved connections for traffic using the road network in West Lothian and to the north west of Edinburgh, in turn helping relieve local communities of strategic traffic. It follows the upgraded M90 which went live in Fife in December 2012. The final FRC contract – the Principal Contract – is on course to deliver the new bridge and associated road connections in 2016. The entire FRC scheme comprises nearly 14 miles of new or upgraded road.

Mr Osborne has cancelled the planned 3p rise in fuel duty that was due to take place in September. With the UK at risk of a triple-dip recession, and Osborne forced to slash his economic forecasts, the Government is trying to get consumers spending and businesses investing again. While the move has been welcomed by many in the industry, there is some disappointment that the Chancellor did not go further and actually cut fuel duty.

Another positive step came with the introduction of the Employment Allowance, which will take the first

two thousand pounds off employers’ National Insurance bills. According to the Chancellor, it will mean that 450,000 small businesses will pay no jobs tax at all.

Osborne also announced new measures to breathe life into the housing market, including Help to Buy, or interest-free loans for all homebuyers up to 20% of value of new-build properties, as well as bank guarantees to support £130bn of mortgage lending.

In addition, the corporation tax will fall in 2015 to 20% – the lowest level in the industrial world.

Some good news from Budget 2013 For once, this year’s budget brought little bad news and even some cheer to the industry – and not just because George Osborne cut the price of beer by 1 penny.

Fuel prices soar UK diesel consumption fell in January, down to 1.923bn litres for cars, haulage and other uses. And, UK petrol sales fell to the lowest tracked by government in 23 years. The AA reported that the low diesel consumption is still higher than the all-time lows of 1.871bn litres in January 2009 and 1.833bn litres in January 2010 when widespread and extended periods of heavy snow cut road use. Petrol consumption in January was 1.465bn litres, down 14m litres on the previous all-time low set in March last year and nearly 100m litres below December 2012’s consumption (1.564bn litres). “The blame for this latest collapse in petrol sales rests squarely with stock market speculation,” said Edmund King, the AA’s president. “Speculators have pumped up the wholesale price of petrol at a time of year when cars consume the most and when the concern is

normally with imported diesel prices. Currency gambling has devalued the pound, adding a further 1.6p a litre to the 7.9p-a-litre increase in the cost of wholesale petrol since the start of the year.”

The Chancellor’s recent decision to cancel fuel duty may go some way to change consumption patterns. Nevertheless industry associations, such as the Freight Transport Association, are calling for the Government to go further: “While we are relieved that the immediate danger has passed, in order to get the UK back on the road to economic recovery it is vital that we have a cut in fuel duty and a long-term strategy to prevent future rises and uncertainty,” according to an FTA spokesperson.

Industry News

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Logistics apprenticeships on the up Provisional figures from Skills for Logistics (SfL) indicate a significant increase in logistics-oriented apprenticeships in England.

In 2011/12, a total of 15,670 apprenticeships were started in the logistics sector in England. This represents a 29% increase on the number of starts (12,170) in the previous year.

Dr Mick Jackson, CEO of Skills for Logistics, believes this is good news for the logistics sector “because it clearly demonstrates that we are successfully attracting greater numbers of younger people into our industry.”

Over 90% of these apprenticeship certificates are awarded for the Driving Goods Vehicles and Warehousing and Storage frameworks. The other types of apprenticeships in the logistics areas include Commercial Moving, as well as International Trade and Logistics Operations and Logistics Operations. During 2012, Maritime Occupations and Express Logistics apprenticeship frameworks were also added.

To date, nearly 30,000 Intermediate and more than 4,000 advanced certificates have been issued. These successful apprentices have gone on to bring their employers the efficiency benefits of employees with up to date and relevant skills.

“By creating apprenticeships in close partnership with employers in the Logistics Industry we can ensure that that they are built around the high demand for the right kind of skills in the sector,” said Dr Jackson.

Skills for Logistics plans to launch a Skills Calculator, a Logistics Locker and a Mentoring Programme designed to attract more young people into the sector and to help fill the skills gap in the industry.

For more information about the Commercial Moving Apprenticeships scheme, contact Miranda Martin, Manager of BAR Training Services on 01923 699 484. A full profile of Miranda is available page 42.

Major changes to personal injury claims As from 1 April, a wide-ranging package of civil justice reforms will come into force which will have a major impact on personal injury claims. In particular, there will be a ban on referral fees and a cap on success fees.

The reforms follow a review by a judge of the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Jackson. Reason Global says the changes will “make costs more proportionate, discourage unnecessary or unmeritorious cases and create an environment where insurers can hopefully pass on savings to customers through lower premiums.”

It is worth noting that those using ‘no win, no fee’ conditional fee agreements will have an interest in controlling the costs that are incurred on their behalf. The current regime, with recoverable success fees and after the event insurance premiums, allows claims to be pursued with no real financial risk to claimants

and with the threat of excessive costs to the defendant. As part of the changes, there are new timescales for accepting claims and Reason Global advises that companies need to notify claims immediately.

The Government has also consulted on measures to address the number and costs of whiplash claims. The consultation, which is now closed, sought views on the introduction of independent medical panels and on whether to amend the small claims threshold for damages for personal injury claims.For more information, contact Graham Puddephatt of Reason Global on [email protected] or telephone 01273 739961.

Dirty number plates VOSA have provided guidance that clarifies that where a registration plate is illegible purely by virtue of dirtiness then the driver should be given opportunity to clean the plate. In guidance provided to the Road Haulage Association, the VOSA states that if the driver is unwilling or unable (including for safety reasons) to clean the plate, the prohibition should be issued and a note to that effect made in mobile compliance (MC). If the driver cleans the plate immediately, no prohibition should be issued. If it is clear that a registration plate has been left deliberately dirty for the purposes of obscuring the vehicle identification (e.g. a clean vehicle with an easily accessible but dirty plate) then a prohibition should be issued, along with

supporting comments on MC. The RHA recommends that in the case of box bodies where the registration plates are fitted at the top of the body, companies should check with their bodybuilder about fitting such plates lower, where practical to do so to ensure driver safety. A key message is that drivers should request they are given the opportunity to clean dirty plates if not offered the chance by VOSA.

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Industry News


Buying power and where it lies within the FM sector was the starting point for the forum, and consensus confirmed procurement of FM is not straight forward. The forum established that in an ideal world, the purchasing decision needs to be shared and made between the FM as well as an organisation’s procurement team. Furthermore, the importance of cultural fit between suppliers and clients cannot be underestimated in the perception and success of procured services.

Gareth Tancred, the BIFM CEO who chaired the FM Leaders Forum said “it sometimes sounds a cliché, but better cross-departmental and organisational working, collaboration, trust and transparency, delivers better results for everyone. Specialist procurement teams can help support the FM particularly around the area of contract negotiation. However, the decision on whether the service being offered is the best fit for the organisation, considering

all the intricacies involved in delivering FM functions, has to sit with the subject specialist.”

One concern is that in the current climate costs are being driven down with little regard for where they impact. Gareth said “in the current climate everyone wants more for less. However, the desire for short-term reductions in price is often pursued without regard for the long-term reduction in value.”

The forum concluded that procurement is about the correct balance of power, which works best where there is transparency and trust between buyers and suppliers. Procurement does not just stop at the purchase – on-going relationship management is also important.

BIFM discusses role of procurementThe role of procurement in facilities management (FM) was the latest hot topic debated during the British Institute of Facilities Management’s

TfL gets LEZ van advice badly wrong Transport for London (TfL) sent inaccurate information to van owners about compliance with changes to London’s Low Emission Zone, and this led them to replace their vans needlessly, the Local Government Ombudsman has found.

Dr Jane Martin said TfL “made several fundamental errors in notifying owners,” including failure to make adequate checks or to give prominent warnings in its letters that vehicle owners should make their own checks.”

TfL has since agreed to pay compensation to the five complainants who came to her, as well as to a further 30 people who complained to TfL about the same matter. Four van owners and a representative of a scaffolding company that owned nine vans each complained to the Ombudsman about the introduction of changes to London’s Low Emission Zone. They said that the information TfL had given them turned out to be inaccurate. TfL had said that vehicles they owned could not be used in the Zone after 3 January 2012 without paying a daily charge of £100. Failure to pay the charge would result in a penalty of £500. The advice from TfL was to take action by either purchasing a new van or by modifying their current vans so that they met the new requirements. The information was wrong. The vans they owned were either compliant or were not within the scope of the scheme. The complainants all replaced their vans when they had no need to do so.

New Mercedes for Steeles Steeles Removals have just put their latest removal truck on the road, a low mileage Mercedes Actros 2546 Large Sleeper, which cost £36,000. It was originally a tractor unit that has now been stretched, with a brand new body, a ramp system, paintwork and decals by SBR Motorsport Vehicles, at a cost of £26,000 plus VAT. The bright red beast is now a regular sight on the roads of Cumbria and beyond.

HGVs win London let-off from Boris

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has abandoned plans for setting a new Euro 4 target for HGVs in London’s Low Emission Zone in 2015. Phase five of the capital’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is due to be introduced in 2015 and the Mayor has confirmed it will now only apply to Transport for London’s fleet of buses. The Mayor expects that this move will save around £350m in costs for businesses using vehicles that would have been affected by the changes. The decision has been welcomed for its good sense by many in the transport industry. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) had recommended leaving the regulations surrounding HGVs as they are and placing any investment into improving buses which have large diesel engines and which spend their working life in the London area, polluting the atmosphere. “As far as goods is concerned, the

cleanest, safest and most economical way to make deliveries in London is often in large trucks and we are pleased that this is increasingly recognised by regulators,” said Jack Semple of the RHA. “We should not underestimate the excellent, low-pollution performance Euro VI diesel engines for HGVs are expected to deliver.” The Mayor said that Euro vehicle standards have not actually reduced NOx emissions for vehicles operating in urban environments to the level that was forecast. NO2 levels would therefore not have been reduced as planned under the original proposals for phase five, he argued. He also said that the substantial investment being made in reducing emissions from transport infrastructure means that by 2020 almost all the vehicles running in central London during working hours could be zero or low emission.

Industry News


Van modifications exemption The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, the BVRLA, says that it has successfully lobbied for minor van modifications such as ply-lining and racking to be exempted from the new type approval regulations being introduced this Spring. From 29 April 2013, LCVs (up to 3.5 tonnes) will come within the scope of European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) regulations, which requires approval for modifications made to them. The Vehicle Certification Agency was originally of the view that all modifications, no matter how minor, would require an individual vehicle approval certificate. Following a recent meeting with the BVRLA, body builders, motor manufacturers and the Department for Transport, the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has agreed that minor modifications, such as ply-lining and racking, can be treated as part of the vehicle payload. More complex modifications, such as roof beacons and tail-lifts will need to go through a simplified individual vehicle approval route, under which the body-builder who carries out the modification has their fitting process approved.

Expats aren’t coming home Could what was once a steady source of business for removal firms be about to dry up? A survey by Lloyds TSB International has found that 79% of expats questioned say that they do not intend to return to the UK at all, up from 60% in January 2011. Lloyds TSB International questioned 1,168 British expats in popular expat destinations: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, Spain, UAE, and the USA. Nine out of ten expats in Australia plan to stay indefinitely. Expats in France were the most happy with their quality of life. The economic slowdown in the UK is the main reason for the trend. At the same time, it appears that availability of jobs and the cost of living play a role, as do lifestyle factors that in some cases can be decisive in where people chose to live. However there is some good news. Lloyds TSB also found that 30% of UK expats had moved abroad for a career opportunity, up from 27% since February 2012. In addition, 68% of respondents who moved abroad said that they now earned more than they did in the UK, up from 54% in February 2012. Outbound emigration traffic at least seems set to hold up or even increase, even if returning expats look like becoming a rare breed.

Time to identify PCN hotspotsA 50% leap in the number of penalty charge notices (PCNs) being

its members to train their drivers in identifying PCN hotspots.

Companies delivering goods on the roadside in London typically attract PCNs, albeit quite innocently. Although these are often successfully contested, which itself costs time and money, many are not and the industry still pays many millions of pounds in PCNs each year.

The PCN Survey 2012, commissioned by FTA, revealed that the 27 companies surveyed had paid £2.9m in fines and reported a rise in costs which was directly related to the increase in the number of PCNs issued on the capital’s roads.

The report explored trends in PCNs in relation to six key areas: enforcement authorities, PCN hotspots (street/location), whether issued by CCTV or civil enforcement officer, contravention codes, appeals and costs.

Amongst the findings of the report was that one-third of the enforcement authorities accounted for

nearly all PCNs issued (80%), with the London Borough of Westminster, London Borough of Camden, City of London and Transport for London more likely to issue to PCNs to FTA members than other London boroughs.

The survey also clearly identified locations where drivers were more likely to receive PCNs, providing valuable information for operators and drivers in respect of areas in which to be vigilant for parking restrictions.

As well as recommending that FTA members train their drivers to improve their understanding of how parking restrictions apply, the FTA is calling on local authorities to ensure that there is sufficient kerbside space and facilities for deliveries, and for Civil Enforcement Officers to apply some common sense before issuing tickets to trucks and vans that are in a restricted parking area.

Workplace expert Acas has endorsed the Government consultation on a new Early Conciliation service which it says will help employers and employees save time and money in workplace disputes. Early Conciliation will be introduced from April 2014. It will mean that anyone thinking about making an employment tribunal claim will need to contact Acas first. Acas will then offer free Early Conciliation to try and resolve the dispute quickly and cost effectively within one month. The Department for Business, Innovation and

Skills asked Acas to provide Early Conciliation due to the success of a similar free, voluntary Acas service called Pre Claim Conciliation (PCC) which in 2011-12 helped resolve over 21,000 workplace disputes saving employers and employees the time, stress and expense of preparing for and attending a tribunal. 78% of the PCC cases did not go on to become an employment tribunal claim in the 2011-12 period. Acas advice is always that it is better to resolve disputes at the earliest possible stage, ideally in the workplace itself.

ACAS looks forward to Early Conciliation

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Industry News


Previously a parent who has obtained one year’s service has been entitled to 13 weeks’ unpaid parental leave per child from the date of the child’s birth until the child’s fifth birthday. If the child is disabled then the entitlement to leave will increase from 13 weeks’ to 18 weeks’ which can be taken at any time up to the child’s eighteenth birthday. This is subject to a maximum of 4 weeks’ leave per year and one week at any given time.

The changes which came into force on 8 March

2013 extend the rights of parents to 18 weeks’ unpaid leave per child but do not affect the qualifying period, the maximum amount of leave per year or the maximum leave at any given time.

Further changes to unpaid parental leave are planned for 2015 when a parent will be entitled to take time off at any point between the child’s birth or its eighteenth birthday, regardless of whether or not the child has a disability. These changes aim to provide further flexibility to parents.

Increase in rights to parental leaveFrom this month the rights of parents to unpaid leave will change, transport law solicitors Backhouse Jones are reminding BAR Members.

ACAS looks forward to Early Conciliation

Extra time for UKWA chairman The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) has announced that its chairman, John Maguire, will continue in his post for an extra year. Traditionally, the chairman of UKWA has served in the role for a period of two years and John, who took up the position in July 2011, was due to hand over the reins this summer. However, he will now continue until July 2014. “The Association is seeking a period of continuity and we are delighted that John has agreed to continue the excellent work

he has started for another 12 months,” said UKWA chief executive officer, Roger Williams. John Maguire, who is Sales and Marketing Director at the articulated forklift truck specialist, Flexi Narrow Aisle Ltd, commented: “We believe the Association is entering an exciting phase in its development and I am pleased to be playing a part in the evolution of an organisation with such a long and proud tradition.”

Industry News


Green light for Southampton dredging Associated British Ports (ABP) has received consent from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to improve the marine access to the Port of Southampton with an extensive programme of dredging. The dredging, in Southampton Water and the Solent, is part of an extensive programme of investment centred around improving the capability of the port to receive the largest vessels in the world long into the future. The work will see the main navigational channel used by commercial shipping deepened from a current minimum depth of 12.6m, at various points along its length of 25 nautical miles. The channel will also be widened to 100m in some areas to allow vessels to pass one another as they enter and exit the port.ABP Port Director Southampton, Doug Morrison, said: “As shipping gets bigger, the port needs to adapt in order to retain its place at the forefront of the industry and to continue to be able to meet our clients’ needs.”

On 9 November 2012, the Prime Minister’s office announced Mr Welby’s appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. He was formally elected as Archbishop of Canterbury on 10 January 2013 at a ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral. The Bishop’s Move removal men from its York branch attended the Bishop’s residence at Auckland Castle at the end of January to begin work on the move to London’s Lambeth Palace. Overall twelve removal men and four Bishop’s Move vehicles were involved throughout the duration of the move. This is the second time in three-years that Bishop’s Move has been responsible for the relocation of the Bishop of Durham. In 2010 the company moved Mr Welby’s predecessor, Rt Rev Tom Wright to Fife, Scotland following his retirement. Steve Allen, Bishop’s Move York Branch Manager, said: “We are honoured to have been appointed to handle this prestigious and notable relocation. It was a privilege for the removal men and indeed our

company to ensure the Bishop of Durham enjoys an easy transition into his residence and to play a small part in history.”

Bishop’s Move manages Bishop’s move!has completed the relocation for the Bishop of Durham, Justin Welby, now the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Crown Worldwide Group has raised a staggering £100,000 for DEBRA, the national charity that supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – a genetic skin blistering condition. For the past year, the global mobility relocation provider has been volunteering its time to fundraise thousands of pounds to enable DEBRA to offer specialist care and support the people affected by this devastating condition and continue to search for effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for EB. Ben Merrett, Chief Executive of DEBRA, said that “the team at Crown Worldwide have been outstanding in their fundraising efforts and I want to thank them all. The money they have donated will allow us to continue our holistic approach to our care from birth, for as long as it’s needed and will enable us to continue supporting individuals and families affected by EB.” Over the past 12 months, teams from around the UK have taken part in a variety of charity fundraisers including a 250 foot long zip wire ride, a 150 foot abseil and a London to Paris cycle. Other initiatives included jumping from the world’s highest bungee jump, staff quiz nights, cake sales, collection buckets and a wear green to work day, just to name a few.

Crown Worldwide charity effort for DEBRACrown Worldwide Group has raised a staggering £100,000 for DEBRA, the national charity that supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – a genetic skin blistering condition.

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Industry News


Anglo-Pacific ships Wembley Gates to Chile When the royal tunnel gates from the original Wembley Stadium went up for auction in November 2011, few would have predicted that the successful bid would come from a museum in Chile. But successful they were, and Anglo Pacific now has the task of safely shipping the gates to capital Santiago.

Terry Horsnell, Anglo Pacific’s Fine Art Consultant, says “I genuinely love a challenge and 16 foot square gates don’t get more challenging. The gates were stored in a yard in Kettering and just getting them out, vertical to remove and then horizontal to travel, was a mission – particularly as overhead telephone and power cables come into play.” Terry explains that Anglo Pacific then had to liaise with the authorities to get the necessary wide load permits for the evening

road trip from Kettering to Anglo Pacific’s warehouses in London. “For the Atlantic crossing, the gates were too large for containers so had to be packaged in timber casing, lifted with specialist equipment and shipped as conventional below-deck cargo. A shipment like this only comes four or five times a year – a recent comparable was a 16 foot high Salvador Dalí statue we transported to Singapore, and it’s great fun to fine-tune all the logistical intricacies.”

Fox Moving’s got talent It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows the talented team at Fox Moving that they have proudly flown the flag for British comedy and outshone all the competition at an international convention in the US. Fox are Atlas International UK agents. Atlas invited all of their agents to make a spoof video of the Carly Rae Jepson song Call Me Maybe, which were then screened at the recent Atlas convention in Palm Springs, California. The Fox effort can be viewed at www.youtube.com (type in Fox Moving Call Me Maybe Parody), and it must have been the most creative and enjoyable spoof shown at the event. “It was a great bit of fun,” Paul Fox says. “The song was sung (not mimed) by my daughter Sam, and I even got my son Mike to take his shirt off. The 1962 Harley Davidson was driven by Glyn Evans who is our mechanic but is now considering a career in acting. It was all shot and edited by my brother in law Graham.” As anyone who watches the video will agree, Fox Moving did a very professional and imaginative job. The music industry’s loss is the removal industry’s gain!

Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?

Industry News


Nine months ago, Metro Removals purchased a new Scania 18 tonne, 5 container pantechnicon. The Scania cab has been modified to include three seats and three bunks, yet remains spacious and comfortable. Managing Director Lee Paris took up the first opportunity to benefit from the pleasure of driving such a beautiful Pantechnicon. “The Scania is such a delightful truck to drive,” he says. “The Opticruise gearbox with the optional manual mode is so easy to operate, and the power generated by the 320 Euro 5 engine is so quiet and yet the vehicle drives effortlessly even uphill when fully loaded.” Following in the footsteps of David White, his stepfather and company founder, Lee’s love for vehicles has always been in evidence since he began his career in removals as a teenager, helping out at Metro part time during holidays. When he took over the business operations in 1999 after completing his Accountancy degree, Lee started with a 3.5 tonne van, and later that year acquired the company’s first 7.5 tonne vehicle. Despite the loss of David in 2002 and discontinuing use of road trains, Lee managed to sustain growth for ten years by the use of 3.5 tonne and 7.5 tonne trucks only. Lee became the Managing Director in 2009. Recognising the substantial growth in the average household volume, Lee decided to purchase the new Scania 18 tonne last year and used Kurt Hobbs Coachworks for the bodywork. Since then, Metro has refurbished its existing vehicles to match. Using his branding skills (Lee came up with the company slogan: “Where others promise….Metro delivers”), Lee spent many months designing the new look for the vehicles. “The first time I took the Scania truck on

the road I couldn’t help but notice how eye-catching the truck is to the public eye, so many heads turned as I drove by. This prompted me to copy the design onto our existing vehicles.” The wider variety of vehicles together with a larger

group of professionally trained staff ensures jobs can be carried out more efficiently, he explains. “Our aim at Metro is to provide a personal, reliable service with particular attention to detail,” Lee says.

Metro Removals expand fleetMetro Removals of Kettering have been busy upgrading and expanding their fleet, with a new vehicle and a new livery to match, showing their appetite for growth and their ambitions to grow even further in the future.

Peter McGowan (sales manager for Scania Truckeast) handing over the keys and more

Santa Fe launches Africa Connect Santa Fe Group’s Africa Connect Service is now open and receiving bookings for Immigration, Moving and DSP services in and out of Africa. Africa Connect is an innovative service that provides a single point of control for companies that wish to relocate their employees to and from the African region.Africa connect is headed by Mathieu Dunod who has 14 years of experience in managing relocation and moving services in Africa. Mathieu manages the Africa Connect team and is supported by a coordination team dedicated to the Africa region. He says “Africa is an expansive continent, larger than North America and China combined, and as culturally diverse as Europe, South America or Asia. Furthermore, local processes and administration can be baffling to anyone outside the system. For these reasons Africa has always represented a challenge to any company

transferring their staff to the region.” Santa Fe hopes that Africa Connect will remove the barriers to relocating employees to Africa by enabling businesses to connect their employee

mobility programmes with the region more easily. The service manages the entire interaction with Africa to provide a consistently high standard of customer service for the relocating employee.

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Industry News


Industry News


Our recent article on demount vehicles has generated a fair deal of debate and discussion in the trade, with many removal firms writing to us to talk about their experience with the vehicles.

Mega Trailers for Webbs The jury is still out for Bill Webb of Webbs International when it comes to demount vehicles. The BAR International Associate specialises in removals to and from the Balearic Islands in Spain, and has opted for a Mega Trailer to maximise capacity on its popular weekly scheduled service to Mallorca. “We have owned and driven all types of vehicles and trailers over the years, and we have one of the most unorthodox fleets you will see,” owner Bill Webb confesses to R&S. “The road train demount system is fine for running around the UK, but with their limited cube and additional length on the ferries they are not cost- or time- effective. The road trains may be a bit bigger on the cube, but again they spend too much time being loaded and unloaded. Keeping to our weekly scheduled service means that we have minimal time in Mallorca.” Webbs International has had to do some local adaptation work to adjust the Mega Trailer to the characteristics of local ferries. Bill, who used to sail in the Merchant Navy, explains that the link spans of ferries are adjustable because tides can vary by over ten metres outside the Mediterranean. As a result, ship ramps can be very steep. “We had noticed that other mega operators were gouging out the catwalks on the tractor units, so we needed a plan,” he says. “We opted for a pair

of Dutch Volvo Globetrotters with air suspension on both front and rear axles. We then had the fifth wheel raised slightly, as we need a fair amount of adjustment when coupled to our mega 100 m3 Trailers.” As the units spend 95% of their time on the continent, they are left-hand drive. For the 20-minute drive from the port to the UK depot, two drivers are used for safety purposes. The mega trailers themselves have an adjustable modular double deck system, of Webb’s own design, and are adjusted to accept all shapes and sizes.

The units simply swap trailers at the Mallorca depot, and are ready to head back on the same ferry. “We operated a demount system ten years ago, when ferry and operating costs were not that much of the equation,” Bill says.

“However, a demount road train has capacity of 80 cubic metres but is just over 18 metres on the ferry, while our Mega System has 100 cubic metres but is only 16.5 metres on the ferry. 200 m3 in just five days is impossible for almost anything else,” Bill says.

“Webbs carries quite a bit of freight, most being palletised, but also boats and jet skis. As long as it’s not hazardous, flammable or perishable, Webbs can carry it!”

David Dale backs Demount vehicles

The latest to contribute to the debate is David Dale of David Dale Removals in Yorkshire, who has been using the vehicles since way back in 1989. David is a strong supporter of the technology. He says he initially acquired just one demountable road train for Europe but hasn’t looked back since. Other vehicles quickly followed and the company now has 5 prime movers and trailers and 12 demount bodies with two more on order. “We have road trains leave our Yorkshire base each week heading to France Spain and Portugal and road trains leave our Alicante warehouse with jobs for the UK,” David told R&S. “The vehicles often meet up in France and swap bodes which takes about 1 hour. The vehicles and crew then head back to their

respective bases delivering as they go. All crew are at home for the weekend keeping wives and girlfriends happy!”

David says that another advantage is the increased flexibility of the prime mover, which has much better access capabilities compared to coach built vehicles. “Trailer bodies can become truck bodies and we rarely need shuttle vans,” he says.

Some of the bodies are conventional 4 door Marsden/Vanplan and some are GRP offside with a curtain on the nearside. Behind the curtains are 4 steel gates with wooden tie rails.

These gates open inwards and outwards allowing loading through the rear doors and side curtain. They

hold 1750 cu ft of loose furniture or 4 containers.“We do a lot of work for the trade and often have

movers deliver to our warehouse with groupage jobs for Europe,” David says. “With a couple of demount bodies in the yard we can load straight on thus saving double handling.”

“All in all they are a very good system however there are a couple of drawbacks. The demount frame is heavy, so to counteract this, our prime movers are all 6 wheelers.

The loading height is also about 4” or 100mm higher than conventional trucks. All our prime movers have front and rear air suspension to overcome this problem.”

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Industry News



Richard Healey Removals make The Herald! As well as coverage in leading trade publications such as R&S, there’s nothing quite like a write-up in the national press to raise spirits and enhance a company’s profile!At the end of January, Richard Healey Removals of Beith, Ayrshire received extensive coverage in The Herald, Scotland’s premier broadsheet as part of their SME focus feature. The newspaper interviewed Georgina Berry about the company’s history and its ambitions. “It was gratifying to be showcased in such a

manner and we hope this article gives readers an idea of how our business started as well as what we hope to achieve moving forward,” Georgina says. Richard Healey Removals is one of the shortlisted companies for this year’s Domestic Mover of the Year (see page 22 for more information).

UBS accolade for Harrow Green

Harrow Green has been awarded the UBS ‘CREAS Vendor of the Year 2012’. The award, based on the performance of Harrow Green on site at UBS throughout 2012, recognises Harrow Green’s commitment to the global financial services provider. Harrow Green was evaluated alongside all other key vendors who serve UBS, using measures such as demonstrating best practice through the year, an understanding of the bank’s values, culture and professionalism, motivated staff, and consistently delivering an exceedingly high quality service at all times.

Ian Studd, Harrow Green’s Director of Business Relocations, attributed winning the award to the “open, honest and trustworthy relationship” that Harrow Green has held with the Bank for more than 25 years during which time it has become an integral member of their CREAS team.

Ian Studd (centre) with the CREAS team.

Maersk Line moves back to profitContainer shipping giant Maersk Line has reported a profit of US$ 461m for 2012, after losing US$553m in 2011. Maersk said the result was positively affected by improved volumes, freight rates and unit costs. Average freight rates were 1.9% higher at US$2,881/Forty Foot Equivalent (FFE) unit and volumes increased by 5% to 8.5m FFE. Bunker consumption per FFE was reduced by 11% and headquarters headcount was reduced significantly. Maersk Line implemented significant general rate increases on most routes, and made capacity adjustments in the form of

slow steaming, scrappings, idling and blanked sailings. Total fleet capacity increased by 4% to 2.6m TEU. Maersk Line said it maintained its market share for the full year. It currently accounts for about 14% of the world’s container capacity. Later this year, deliveries are scheduled for the first of Maersk’s Triple E Class, the largest container vessels ever built. Maersk is confident that the demand is there to fill this new supply; it forecasts that demand for shipping containers is likely to increase around 4 to 5% in 2013.

Industry News


Property market heats up It’s been a positive start to the first few months of the year in the property market, with both house prices and transaction volumes continuing to recover.According to Rightmove, house prices spiked by 2.8% in February and are 1.1% higher than in the same month last year. It wasn’t just prices that saw renewed activity; there were also encouraging signs of life among home-movers too as the Rightmove website recorded its busiest ever month in January. However, Rightmove research indicates that those most likely to buy and sell in 2013 are the ‘old hands’ with greater access to equity and finance, who have the confidence and the will to move. Miles Shipside, Director and Housing Market Analyst at Rightmove, said “it’s far too early to pop the champagne corks as certain sectors will remain on ice until the return of wider-spread mortgage availability. However, our research suggests that with age comes experience and, more importantly, equity, and it these old hands that seem most confident to plan a move this year. Interest in property has hit such a peak that Rightmove is now the sixth busiest website in the UK. Pages viewed on the Rightmove website reached a new record high in January, up by over 20% year-on-year. This resulted in more enquiries to agents and developers than ever before.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) said the number of house hunters rose in January to its highest level in five years.

Latest figures from the NAEA’s January housing market report revealed the average number of house hunters registering with an agent increased from 281 in December 2012 to 314 in January. This is the highest figure since September 2007, when an average of 326 house hunters was recorded. The year has started on a strong note with a rise in the percentage of sales made to first time buyers. In January, this important part of the market hit its highest point in almost two years at 25% of overall sales compared with 21% in December, marking a two year high. The increase in demand impacted the number of sales agreed, which rose from an average of five per branch to seven.

In terms of pricing, figures from the Land Registry show a monthly price increase of 1.0% in house prices in January, bringing the average house price in England and Wales to £162,441. In addition, during November 2012, the number of completed house sales in England and Wales increased by 1% to 61,091 compared with 60,369 in November 2011. The number of properties sold in England and Wales for over £1 million in November 2012 increased by 19% to 657 from 554 in November 2011.

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in the 12 months to December 2012 UK house prices increased by 3.3%, up from a 2.2% increase in the 12 months to November. House prices increased across most of the UK in 2012, although prices in Northern Ireland have continued to fall. The year-on-year increase reflected growth of 3.4% in England, 2.4% in Wales and 3.1% in

Scotland, which was offset by a decline of 5.7% in Northern Ireland. Annual house price increases in England were driven by a 6.4% rise in London and a 3.7% increase in the South East. Excluding London and the South East, UK house prices increased by 1.9% in the 12 months to December 2012.

Elsewhere, LSL Acadametrics estimated that housing transactions in January 2013 in England and Wales totalled 47,500 properties, an increase of 7.5% on the January 2012 total of 44,245 sales, or an extra 3,250 sales. Acadametrics chairman Peter Williams said “our latest estimate of the number of housing sales in England and Wales in 2012 is 665,000, which represents a 0.6% increase over 2011 levels and almost exactly matches the number of sales in 2010.” “The general market view is that transactions will be slightly higher this year, reflecting increased activity, but there is little expectation that numbers will climb to the long-run average which, using Land Registry data since 1995 for England & Wales, was just over 1 million a year (the old ‘normal’).”

According to Halifax, which uses different figures, activity was at its highest for five years in 2012. Home sales increased by 5% in 2012 to 932,000; the highest

annual total since 2007 (1,619,000). Sales in the final three months of 2012 were 4% higher than in the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Housing economist Martin Ellis said “the Funding for Lending scheme has helped lenders to lower interest rates and improve availability in the past few months. This is likely to have been a factor contributing to the pick-up in both home sales and prices.”

Encouragingly for movers, Halifax said that the further rise in mortgage approvals points to continuing increase in sales. The industry-wide number of mortgages approved to finance house purchases rose for the fifth successive month in December. Approvals for purchase, a leading indicator of completed house sales, increased by 3% to 55,800 in December. Overall, there was a 19% increase in approvals over the last five months of 2012.

Nationwide estimated that house prices increased by 0.2% in February.

Chief economist Robert Gardner said “while activity in the housing market remains subdued by historic standards, there have been tentative signs of a pick up in recent months. The Funding for Lending Scheme has achieved some success in bringing down mortgage rates, with encouraging signs of an improvement in credit availability.”

Source: Rightmove

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Industry News


20

BAR News


How to get your BAR TSI brand rightThe BAR TSI Consumer Code of Practice came into force from 1 April. BAR has issued guidance about how Members should display the new Trading Standards Institute (TSI) branding.

BAR Members must replace the old BAR OFT logo with the new BAR TSI logo in all communications and marketing material immediately.

It is important that BAR Members adhere to the comprehensive branding guidelines in place for the new Code of Practice. Use of incorrect branding or misrepresentation could lead to potential prosecution.

It is a criminal offence for non-BAR Members to use the logo, and TSI says it will work through local trading standards departments to crack down on any companies who are not authorised to use it. As from 1 May, a directory of all BAR Members will go live on www.tradingstandards.gov.uk and www.mylocalservices.co.uk as part of the TSI’s commitment to promoting Code Sponsors.

A copy of the new Code can be found in the Members area of the BAR website and can be downloaded and used by BAR Members as a document in its own right, incorporated into other company documentation or placed on Members’ websites.

Please note that all the elements of the previous OFT-approved code have been retained. There are some reporting changes and other management and control changes that BAR is required to comply with. Some of these have already been implemented by working with Members prior to or during the annual inspections. Legally the OFT brand had to be removed by 31 March 2013 and for this reason it is

recommended you check the list and schedule on page 21 under Start using the new logo as soon as possible!

The new branding guidelines for Members to use or pass on to their suppliers for implementation are available in the Members Area of the BAR website, where you can also find a full suite of high resolution logos.

.

Some of the different ways in which the Approved Code logo can be used are illustrated in this article. Members should make sure that all the logos are equally visible against the background, whatever the colour scheme. As the logo is a shade of purple, it cannot be used on a purple background. The reversed out version should be used on dark backgrounds. If a Member chooses to use a design which includes their BAR Membership number, it must be clearly visible and displayed in the format Memb No: A123. If the Membership number is not displayed below the BAR logo, it should not be used at all. Members may not use incorrect colours, alter the size or position of any elements or distort any elements of the logo, and cannot change the font. Please note Members can display the BAR logo with the ‘Member Hat’ on the top in addition or as an alternative to the BAR TSI logo.

BAR has launched a dedicated removals industry customer feedback website – – which will lend support to the effectiveness of the new Code. For more information, see page 22.

A new independent conciliation service is being trialled by BAR to resolve customer complaints more quickly and outside of the courts. For more information, see page 22.

01923 699483 Reversed out logo


BAR News

There is flexibility as to where the logo can appear on a leaflet or other documents, as long as it is legible and is set to the guidelines established.

The logo can also appear anywhere on a business card, as long as it is legible and is set to the minimum recommended size.

On a letterhead, the positioning of the logo should be in one of the corners. Online, when using the full logo on a website or other online platforms a hyperlink to http://www.bar.co.uk/consumer/AboutBAR/CodeofPractice.aspx should be used.

When a Member wishes to draw attention to the TSI Approved Code without using the logo, the following wording is permitted:

Standards Institute.

we follow, which is run by BAR.

is ...

Standards Institute, has approved the BAR TSI Code of Practice.

Phrases that indicate that a company is ‘government approved’ or ‘Trading Standards approved’ are not allowed. In addition, Members cannot use Trading Standards Institute approved without also referring to the name of the code sponsor, i.e. the BAR.

Start using the new logo as soon as possible!

The new logo should have been set up on BAR Members’ websites by 31 March 2013.

The new logo should be used at the next print run. And, in any case, any existing stock of letterheads using the OFT logo should not be used after 30 June 2013.

If the OFT logo has been used on any paper-based promotional materials where there is existing stock, the new logo should be incorporated at the next print run. However, any existing stock of printed materials using the OFT logo should not be used after 30 June 2013.

A new Code leaflet is now available from BAR as a download from the Resources area of the BAR website.

The Code leaflet will also be available personalised (to include Members’ logo and address) to each Member as required. The cost for the initial supply will be subsidised by BAR and is only available on request. Such requests should include a high resolution company logo and address details that need to be displayed on the leaflet. The costs for

the initial supply and additional personalised Code leaflets are available on the Members area of the BAR website. Please note due to printing costs there will be a minimum order size of 500 leaflets. To order your leaflets, please email [email protected]

The next order placed for advertisements must include the new BAR TSI logo. Yellow Pages and Thomson’s directories have been provided with the information.

Existing stocks which have the OFT logo may be used up, but cannot be used after 30 September 2013. All new orders are to have the new BAR TSI logo. BAR Services have the new logos.

Existing stocks which have the OFT logo may be used up, but cannot be used after 30 September 2013. All new orders are to have the new BAR TSI logo. You should provide your supplier with the new logo which you can download from the Members area of the BAR website.

OFT Vehicle stickers must be replaced no later than 30 June 2013. BAR Services have stocks of new

vehicle stickers, the same size as the old stickers. There are two styles, firstly with a white background, secondly with a transparent background. See the Members area of the BAR website in relation to costs and for more information email [email protected].

You should contact any third party that display your company details where the OFT logo is displayed and advise them that it is illegal to use this logo after 31 March 2013. Make sure you provide them with a copy of the new logo and branding guidelines as they may be liable to prosecution if they continue to use the OFT logo after 31 March 2013.

Where the OFT logo is displayed on or in premises, the same rules for removal apply as for vehicles. OFT premises stickers or other displays must be replaced no later than 30 June 2013. You should contact either BAR Services for a price for replacement or, if you already have a supplier, provide them with the branding guidelines and a high resolution logo.

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BAR News


Trustedmover.org Make sure you are set up for the removal industry’s very own customer feedback website. To coincide with the launch of the new BAR TSI Approved Consumer Code of Practice, BAR has developed a state-of-the-art customer feedback website: www.trustedmover.org, which will be consumer facing as from 1 May 2013 and which is already live for BAR Members. This will be free of charge to BAR Members and very straightforward to use! The consumer questionnaire will be branded with the BAR TSI logo and Members can add their own logo to the questionnaire by setting up their own profile when logging into the system for the first time.

The questionnaire sent to the customer will include compulsory questions related to the move, the Code of Practice but can also be personalised by Members as they have the option to add up to 9 questions for their own feedback purposes. The questionnaires will be sent to customers electronically and, when completed, the Member will be able to view them online. There will be a 7-day period during which the Member can dispute a questionnaire. Members will also receive an alert for any scoring less than average. After 7 days, the review will be visible on the website. In the future, Members will also be able to embed their customer feedback on their own websites. If you need any support, please contact [email protected].

Congratulations go to the following Member companies on this year’s DMotY shortlist:

These shortlisted Members have been subjected to an independent ‘mystery shopper’ as well as an on-site

inspection. By adding the scores gained to the first round, 3 finalists will be identified. The finalists will then have three customer satisfaction survey conducted (selected by external assessor from references provided). The scores from all rounds will be totalled and an overall score will determine the competition winner. The 3 finalists will be profiled in the May issue of R&S, and the winner announced at the Gala Dinner on Saturday 18 May. In the meantime, R&S wishes the best of luck to all the shortlisted companies!

Domestic Mover of the Year 2013 In what has been described by the judges as a very close competition so far, the Domestic Mover of the Year (DMotY) competition has moved to the next stage with a shortlist of companies now published.

DOMESTICMOVER OFTHE YEAR

2013-14

How customer conciliation could work

It aims to be a flexible process conducted confidentially in which a neutral person actively assists the parties in working towards a negotiated agreement of a dispute or difference, with the parties in ultimate control of the decision to settle and the terms of resolution. Where the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the conciliator will make a recommendation to the parties in writing, based on the discussions that have taken place.

The entire conciliation is in confidence; it is held in private. What is discussed

remains confidential and the outcome is only publicised if the parties so agree; and no private information shared with the conciliator in a private discussion with one party can be passed on without the party’s express permission.

The process is conducted without prejudice, which means that anything discussed during the process cannot be used later in court or by an arbitrator.

No one is bound by anything that was discussed during the conciliation process, until

it has been put in writing and signed by both parties. Once both parties have signed an agreement, it is binding in contract.

All conciliators appointed by CEDR are completely neutral and independent of BAR. All conciliators on the panel will be CEDR Accredited Mediators, have no prior involvement with the case and have no vested interest in the outcome.

R&S will keep you updated on any final decisions regarding this conciliation model.

BAR is piloting a new, independent conciliation service with a simpler process, shorter timelines (8 weeks to resolve from date of receipt of complaint) operated by CEDR, one of only two TSI recommended organisations.


BAR News

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BAR News


Participants were able to hear from experts about latest rules requiring provision of employee data to HMRC (James Tillotson, Wellers), the impact of the new BAR TSI approved Consumer Code of Practice. (Tony Allen, TSI), changes to tolls and DKV’s discount offerings to BAR Members (Nick Holt & Steve Kempton, DKV), the benefits of private health insurance policy provided by BAR Affiliate, PHP (Mark Bassett, PHP), and how the exclusive and unique leads available from Moveme work for BAR Members. In his role as a trustee of the Removers Benevolent Association (RBA), Jonathan Hood of Cadogan Tate explained how the RBA works. Since a significant proportion of grants made by the RBA are related to accidental injury at work, the RBA Board and Trustees are considering options to introduce an RBA-sponsored accident policy which could reduce the number of accident-related claims to the RBA by up to 40%.

Instead of presenting a nostalgic retrospective of the Area over the past ten years, the pro-active New Met committee used the afternoon debate to elicit from participants what they could do to take the Area to the next level. Area Treasurer, Bob Tree of Basil Fry & Co, used his inimitable presentation skills to trace the development of the New Met Area, recording its amalgamation with the South East London and Mid-Southern Areas. As the self-confessed godfather of the Area, Jonathan Hood who was the first Chairman of the New Met explained that in an effort to prevent falling Members’ attendance numbers and motivation, it was decided to completely overhaul the traditional structure and format for the Area meeting. As from 2004, instead of monthly meetings in Central London, the Area began to have a business meeting once a year in an easily reached location outside of London with parking and other

facilities. The one-day event would invite relevant speakers and cover themes of interest to local Members, and there would also be one evening event for more informal networking. In addition, a more informal management style was adopted with less bureaucracy.

Ten years on, this approach was endorsed by many at the meeting. Frank Thoreau, a past member of the Area Committee, said the new style of meeting had created excellent networking opportunities. “Your isolation is lifted when you realise others have the same problems as you and that you can get excellent advice from colleagues.” Frank suggested that future meetings could incorporate half-hour refresher training sessions on a variety of industry topics affecting removals businesses. There was also a suggestion by Geoff Dell for commercial motor industry speakers to attend.

Members discussed options for different meeting formats and times but the general feeling was that

the current set up still works well. Twice-former Chairman of the Area, Roger Aitken, said that the dynamism of the Area Committee members has played a significant role in the success of the New Met Area to date.

As BAR Directly Elected Director, Brian Maidman of Maidman’s, said: “the Area is well organised, well attended and there are many networking opportunities, with a good feeling of camaraderie.”

There will be two changes however for future meetings. Following a suggestion by John Watson of Abels, the committee will endeavour to schedule the annual business earlier in the year, during the traditional quieter period for removals companies. And, a diplomatic suggestion by Jonathan Hood that ten years after its relaunch, the New Met could not really be described as ‘new’ led to unanimous support for the motion to rename the Area as The Met.

An informal networking event at the Brooklands Museum, Weybridge will take place on Wednesday 19th June 2013 at 6:30pm. Members and their friends and families can take an escorted ride in a racing car on the original track, walk through Concorde, wander around the museums and enjoy the buffet and cash bar on the veranda of the original club house. Numbers are limited, so book your place soon! For more information, contact [email protected].

New Met becomes The MetCelebrating ten years of its new approach to Area meetings, this year the New Met Area considered how to add value over the next decade to ensure the Area remains a modern, local network of industry professionals.

The important role played by the New Met Committee was underlined by many at the meeting.

Bob Tree, New Met Area Treasurer, was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his services by the New Met Chairman, Gary Wheadon.

Nick Caporn of Surrey Hills receiving a new BAR Member certificate from Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General.


BAR News

“The main two things that we spoke about at the meeting were the continued pressure on prices that people are feeling, and the need to get young people into the industry.

As a member of the Young Movers, the second issue is close to my heart and is one that is often discussed at our area meetings. Unfortunately, in Kent we still don’t have enough companies in support of an Apprenticeship scheme. This could be for many reasons, including how the proposed schemes match the operating requirements of moving companies, but it would be great in future if the industry could find a way of working this out and coming up with other ideas for encouraging young people to join.

In terms of pricing, I suppose that what we are seeing in Kent is the same as anywhere else in the country. The market is very competitive, and prices are being driven very low. Different cost structures of different companies mean having to find new ways to reduce costs and work in smarter ways to be able to compete in a price driven market without cutting corners or providing sub-standard services.

This is also being driven because the way that people buy has changed. The massive growth and popularity of comparison engine sites like GoCompare and Compare the Market in other industries such as insurance have meant that consumers are used to this way of comparing services, which is almost 100% price driven. So there’s little room to differentiate yourselves through your quality or range of services, or through your resources and skills.

Customers have also got used to this on demand way of buying, you enter a few key parameters and you can buy there and then, 24/7 from the comfort of your own living room.

This means we’re having to adapt, innovating and working out new ways to attract customers and also to arrange their quotations. At Bournes it’s meant a

complete overhaul of the way we ‘sell’ and the way we market ourselves.

In terms of Kent as a region there has been a lot of growth. Ashford for example has seen huge building development activities and with the completion of the high speed rail link is now part of the ‘commuter belt’ for London as it’s just a 36 minute journey into the city centre. Hopefully as these developments continue to be completed and more of the young professionals moving into the area settle in and build

their families here we’ll see more investment from businesses in the area driving further moving activity!

In Kent we have area meetings every month except August, so we see each other regularly and have a very healthy turnout. We had nine different companies represented in February, out of the 23 in Kent, and we usually get some good speakers for every meeting.

But we don’t talk about work all the time – the meetings are very social events, which is why our attendance levels are so good!”

Kent Area debates prices and youngstersTom Bourne (pictured) of Bournes Removals reports on the recent Kent Area Meeting and reflects on some of the key challenges facing the industry.

Kevin Brown new Scottish Area chairman

Kevin will hold this position for a minimum of two years. “I’m thoroughly delighted to accept the role of chairman at an association as prestigious and well-respected as BAR,” he said. “The Shore Porters Society has been a member of BAR for a number of years and I’m looking forward to continuing its development and enabling it to be at the forefront

of maintaining professional standards within the removals industry, which will of course be to the benefit of its members and their customers.” For more information about the next Scottish BAR Area meeting, see the Calendar/Events section under MyBar on the website and the Diary Dates on page 55 of this issue.

Kevin Brown of Shore Porters has taken on his new responsibility as Chairman of the Scottish branch of the BAR, having previously occupied a vice-chair position.

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BAR News



BAR ServicesBAR Services

Document storage and disposalBAR Services provides a range of specialised products to ensure removals and storage companies can generate revenue by offering offsite document storage and document shredding and disposal services.

Government legislation dictates that documents including financial data, records of purchases, expenses and income must be retained and stored safely. Consequently document storage plays an important role in the effective running of businesses in all sectors as the loss of data can be potentially devastating. For businesses, this poses problems of costly space requirements and security; for the removal industry this provides an additional source of income. By providing a quick-retrieval storage facility, your customers will benefit by gaining much needed office space to recruit further staff or to downsize to smaller, less costly premises. The benefit to you is that the document storage industry provides a good return as long as providers adapt quickly to the ever changing regulations. Document storage isn’t just for the business sector either, many individuals are keen to store their private documents and possessions in a safe and easy to access environment. BAR Services has always encouraged this income stream by stocking an inclusive range of good quality document storage cartons in a box and separate lid style. Having conducted some research, BAR Services have noted a marked increase in the amount of companies and individuals turning to off-site document storage. It has reacted to this increase by expanding its existing range and now holds eight sizes of cartons. These have been designed to be functional and versatile to suit all of your customers’ needs.

Whether you are already running a storage and retrieval service or if it is a consideration for the future,

you may also want to think about complementing this with a shredding and disposal

service. With the proper destruction of confidential information also

becoming a more pressing issue, BAR Services supply a range of products to Members who provide this service.

BAR Services supply a high quality, woven polypropylene sack (commonly known as a destruction sack) which is

available in various sizes. Manufactured in a tough and tear resistant material, these sacks are the

ideal product for the secure disposal of highly sensitive and

shredded documents. The sacks can also be printed to suit your own individual design requirements. To complement this, a comprehensive range of tamper evident security seals is also available. The one-piece moulded, nylon seals are the most popular and BAR Services recommend these for use with its destruction sacks as detailed above. The sequential numbering system allows for full audit traceability providing your

customer with complete piece of mind that no unauthorized access has been gained to sensitive data.

The number of companies outside the removal industry claiming to provide records management services continues to increase daily. BAR Members should act on the opportunities available to them, such as existing storage space, and with the help of BAR Services fight off this competition.

If any of these products are of interest or you would like any further information, please contact the BAR Services sales team on

or email


BAR News

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BAR News


CMG News

The changing face of the Commercial Moving marketIf you have an interest in the Commercial Moving market this is a business session not to be missed.

Mike Farrell to entertain the CMG

Over the past few months Michael McIntyre, Principal of Envision Management Consultants, has worked with the Commercial Moving Group to highlight the trends affecting the Commercial Moving Industry over the past 5 years.

During the Friday 17 May business sessions, as well as presenting the results of the most comprehensive survey the CMG has undertaken, Michael will highlight the strategic action plans that Commercial Movers need to put in place to manage this changing environment.

He will talk to Conference delegates about the drivers of business change to forecast how these will impact upon the commercial relocation market in the future, and on the procurement and delivery of commercial moving services.

Following on from the Friday business session, a hands on CMG workshop will be facilitated by Michael on Saturday 18 May to help Commercial Movers plan for the future. Topics will include:

opportunities and threats in the commercial moving industry, and what they mean for Commercial Movers

for participants

Refinement in challenging markets and how these can be applied to the commercial moving industry.

To register and for more information about the Conference please visit www.bar.co.uk/conference2013.aspx

The entertainment for the CMG seminar and golf event has been confirmed – it’s Mike Farrell who rates among the top after-dinner comedians on the circuit. He has worked successfully alongside all the famous names, especially in the sporting arena. Mike is asked on a regular basis by current sporting personalities to be the guest comedian at their testimonial and benefit dinners. The list includes: Sir Geoff Hurst, Kevin Keegan, Ian Rush, Bryan Robson, Paul Merson, Ray Parlour, Lee Sharpe, Matthew Le Tissier, Jimmy Greaves, Gordon Banks, Sir Ian Botham, Alec Stewart, Graham Gooch, Phil Tufnell, Phil Bennett, Ben Kay, Martin Bayfield, Willie John McBride, Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan, John Parrott and many more. Mike is always

very much in demand for corporate golf day dinners, where many companies have been so impressed they book him again the following year. He is also popular at golf clubs for captains’ dinners, charity dinners and cabaret evenings. Corporate clients include the Institute of Directors, the British International Freight Association and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. Mike tailors his material to suit the audience so we are all looking forward to what he can say about the wonderful world of commercial moving! To book your place at the CMG seminar and golf event which takes place on 30 September -1 October, see www.bar.co.uk/CMGGolf2013.aspx


BAR News

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BAR News


CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects of commercial relocations.

Congratulations to the following BAR Member companies who have successfully qualified as Finalists in this year’s Commercial Mover of the Year (CMotY):

Well done also to the following companies who have been awarded Certificates of Merit in this year’s CMotY:

Find out at the BAR Conference on Saturday 18th May 2012 where the winner will be announced.

Main Sponsors:

CommercialMover of the Year 2013

Ede’s commercial moving business has gone from strength to strength since it was founded by greengrocer William Ede back in the 19th century. In those days, people who moved had the choice to use either the coalman or the greengrocer who would keep your goods clean. To this day, Ede’s concentrates on the high end of the marketplace and on delivering a quality service. It is still a family-owned business and maintains a family culture, with a company-wide desire to help its clients succeed.

Ede’s is focused on developing long-term partnerships and on repeat business from key accounts, especially major blue-chip clients. In addition to large financial sector clients, Ede’s also undertakes moves for companies of all shapes and sizes who are looking for a high quality relocation service provider.

In a competitive marketplace, the company’s keen commitment to environmental issues is a strong differentiator. Ede’s recently acquired eight new vehicles for its fleet, which are compliant with the latest Euro V environmental standards. All vehicles are low emission and also have built in crew capsules, so the entire crew can travel in one vehicle, cutting down on emissions. The company’s new offices and warehouse in Morden were built with a sustainable approach and have achieved an EPC A rating. The environment is one of the drivers for the business, so Ede’s practises what they preach and remains environmentally aware.

Founded: 1869Location: Morden, South West LondonPrincipals: Tony Smith, Bob Pigott and Bill TiernanEmployees: 70Vehicles: 16Warehouse(s):120,000 ft2

Ede’s

By working hard to be accredited to standards, and investing in staff training, JT & Sons Relocations has won an outstanding reputation in the market after just over three years of being in business.

Sussex-based JT & Sons Relocations has developed a solid client base, including central government departments, hospitals, universities and both private and public sector organisations and has emerged as a strong player in the London market.

“We are delighted that the strength of the feedback from our customers has helped us to become a CMotY finalist this year,” says Director Jenny Thorncroft. “We want to be more than just a great removal company – we want to add value for our clients, and that means thinking hard about how we can go the extra mile.”

As a young company, standards certification has been an important way of proving the credentials of JT & Sons Relocations to the market. The company is integrating ISO 9001 to combine with the standards it currently holds (BS 8522 and ISO 14001).

In addition, the company has invested heavily in staff training, providing clients with the confidence that they are in good hands. “Our success in the competition so far is down to the very hard work and commitment of everyone here, both administratively and operationally!” Jenny says.

Founded: 2008Location: SussexPrincipals: Timon Thorncroft and Jenny Thorncroft (Directors)Employees: 23Warehouse(s): 20,000 ft2 warehouse in London, and 10,000 ft2 warehouse in Leeds

J T & SonsRelocations


BAR News

Since its formation in 1978, Universal has been committed to delivering a highly competitive, professional and innovative relocation service, placing its focus on developing and nurturing longstanding client relationships. The customer base of this family-run business is predominantly in London and the South East. Clients are drawn from both the public and private sectors, with a specialisation in projects for local government as well as the banking, legal, financial services and education sectors. Typical projects involve multi-phased project management and relocation of a large organisation or churn work at corporate headquarters where there is an on-going requirement.

Universal views investment, like innovation, as a critical and continuous feature of its business and integral to its commitment to striving for excellence in Quality and Environmental Management Systems, where it has gained certifications for BS EN ISO 14001, ISO 9001:2008, and BS 8522:2009. According to Legal and Quality Director Sarah Cole: “The introduction of BS 8522 has been a highly progressive and valuable development in promoting and advancing the business critical services we offer clients.”

The company invests heavily in training of staff to offer the best service to its clients and positive career development. It has also developed a specialist fleet policy following on from its involvement with Transport for London’s Fleet Operators Scheme backing up a safe, efficient and green fleet. It is continually investing to ensure its infrastructure, support systems, facilities, IT and working processes are as secure, efficient and innovative as possible.

Founded: 1978Location: Greenford, Middlesex Principals: Billy Murray (Managing Director), Mairead Murray (Company Secretary) and Sarah Cole (Legal & Quality Director)Employees: 50Vehicles: 12Warehouse: 60,000 ft2

Specialised Movers is a Sheffield-based removals and storage company employing modern moving methods whilst adopting a traditional approach to customer service and best practice.

“We take time to listen to our clients and when we understand their needs we tailor the right service to fit exactly what is required,” says Commercial Manager John Turner. “We have the vehicles, equipment and specialist moving technology to successfully complete all types of commercial relocations.”

Specialised Movers service all sectors of the commercial industry, and boast a wealth of prestigious clients. The company invests in detailed project management throughout large projects, which is often put in place at little or no extra expense, including out of hours communication with contract managers. “We pay great attention to detail and to any changes in the scope of works and always aim to provide quick responses to extra instructions from the client,” John says. “Our managerial staff are contactable 24/7 and will often attend site on weekends and actually work on site themselves. Our front line operatives are all time-served who are friendly, positive and hard working. We strive not to sub-contract any part of our removal duties and this over a period of time will always win over repeat customers.”

For all work undertaken, Specialised Movers provides only uniformed staff, and works with a method statement and complete risk assessment. Increasingly, the BS 8522 standard is now becoming a key question when actively finding and servicing work.

Founded: 1985Location: Sheffield Principals: Carole & Nigel Shaw (Directors), Paul Simpson, John Turner and Rob Townroe (Managers)Employees: 40Vehicles: 15 Warehouse: 39,000 ft2

UniversalCommercialRelocation

SpecialisedMovers

Xpress Relocation of Milton Keynes aims to provide a service to clients that is second to none and one that goes far beyond their expectations, thereby ensuring that they return time and time again.

The company specialises in large and diverse projects and it has extensive contracts in the fields of defence, education and the leisure industry. Investment in areas such as technology and environmental compliance has played an important role in the success of the company to date. “We have invested in new vehicles to ensure our fleet is kept up to date and complies with current regulations and Low Emission Zones,” says Sales and Marketing Director David Stanley. “We are also investing in developing visual database led software for move management.”

Xpress Relocation places great value on building long-term partnerships with its clients. Key to this has been the development over the years of an experienced management team that can deal with the most complex of challenges “as we very rarely seem to get the ‘straightforward’ move!” David adds. “As a result, new clients regularly provide feedback stating that the move has surpassed their expectations, and in many cases we have turned one-off moves into long term relationships.”

Among its quality standards, Xpress Relocation holds BS 8522:2009, the Commercial Moving Standard and a pre-requisite for CMG membership.

Founded: 1996Location: Milton KeynesPrincipals: John Taylor (Operations Director), Belinda Taylor (Company Secretary), Jon Elliott (Commercial Director) and David Stanley (Sales & Marketing Director)Employees: 22Vehicles: 8Warehouse: 16,500 ft2

Xpress Relocation

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Features

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BAR News


BAR Training NewsOverseas Group News

The OG has been determinedly pro-active in encouraging more guests from overseas to attend this year’s BAR Conference, and Ian Palmer, the Chairman of the Overseas Group Council, has sent personal invitations to BAR’s International Associates. BAR has received registrations from Sweden, Cyprus, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Malaysia.

In keeping with its tradition for hospitality, the OG will host the welcome drinks and the hog roast barbeque on the evening of Thursday 16 May.

This year, the OG is also organising three workshops at Conference. These will take place on Saturday 18 May and will cover the following themes:

issues that concern the overseas moving

There are various packages available for the conference. If you are not planning to attend the whole event and are interested in learning about Overseas topics why not choose a 24-hour package on Thursday 16 May or book a day package for Saturday 18 May?

A major part of the Conference is the Trade Exhibition, which enables exhibitors to showcase new products and services. The exhibition hall will feature a dedicated networking area and this will provide a focal point to meet and chat with your fellow peers.

In these days of mobile Internet and broadband, it can be all too easy to carry out international business without ever engaging in close contact with your suppliers and clients. This year’s Conference will be an ideal opportunity for OG members and International Associates to network, to learn, and to enhance their business relationships with partners from around the world.

OG extends Conference welcome to BAR’s international guestsThe Overseas Group (OG) looks set to play a pivotal role in the success of this year’s BAR Conference in Newcastle.

New website going live!By the end of this month, the new Overseas Group website is due to be up and running, providing an effective new channel for marketing to the general public. The new structure, look and feel are based almost entirely on feedback from the OG Council.

The website will be targeting members of the public who are looking to move overseas. It will clearly explain the advantage of the Advanced Payment Guarantee scheme (APG) for customers using an Overseas Group Member for their move, and will clearly

differentiate between what it means to be a BAR Member and a BAR Overseas Group Member.

The Council believes that the new design complies with the objectives of the OG as a whole, raising the online profi le of the group and its Members.

‘‘ BAR has received registrations from Sweden, Cyprus, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Malaysia.

‘‘


BAR NewsBAR Training NewsOG Profi le

Chris joined Michael Gerson Ltd in 1982 straight after completing a science degree at Durham University. He started as an import coordinator and from there progressed to dealing with exports and all other types of moves. His successful management of some key corporate accounts led to more promotions at the company where he currently holds the position of Director of Moving Services.

ICM Gerson’s main area of business is overseas moving, primarily in the corporate sector. The company has extensive storage warehousing at sites in Potters Bar and in Daventry. From its offi ce near to Swindon it also provides relocation services including home search, school search, visa and immigration support, tenancy management and others.

The history of the company is now well-known in the industry. In 2002 Michael Gerson Ltd was sold to a management buyout team and in 2008 the company was sold to ICM Kungsholms (of Sweden) and Abels (UK).

In 2009, the company name changed to ICM Gerson Ltd and in 2010, Abels became the sole owners.

While the ownership has changed, Chris says the company culture has continued to concentrate on quality above everything else.

“We train our staff to treat each customer as an individual and to pay attention to small details, to ensure that we each move is tailored to the customer’s requirements,” he told R&S. “By doing, this we have achieved a consistently high satisfaction rating from our customers throughout the history of the company.”

The company has long ties with BAR’s Overseas Group, dating back to the 1960’s when Michael Gerson Ltd became a BAR Member and was represented on the Overseas Group Council, primarily by Michael Gerson. Chris himself joined the Overseas Group in May 2008.

“I was keen to get involved in the BAR Overseas Group to understand more about the activities of the Group and also hopefully to make a meaningful contribution to these activities, bearing in mind my experience in the business,” he explains.

“At the time, ICM Gerson Ltd was not represented on the Overseas Group Council and we felt that we should be involved, if possible, as we had been for many years previously.

The Overseas Group Council is an important forum for discussing issues relevant to our core business.”

As an OG Councillor, Chris attends three meetings each year and can also participate in one of the sub-committees that are formed to deal with a particular issue.

He notes that the membership of the OG Council is made up of a very varied group of companies; some large, some smaller, some which only carry out overseas moving and others that do this alongside other activities.

Chris believes that the OG Council faces the challenge now to engage OG membership more fully in the discussion of problems that they come across. “These issues should be referred to BAR OG for discussion and advice,” he says.

“Currently, there is not a lot of material fed upwards from the membership to the Council and it would be useful if we can encourage all Members to play a more active role in the Group by bringing issues in the sector to the attention of the OG Council.”

Engaging with the OG MembershipChris Mackley, Moving Services Director at ICM Gerson, talks about his role on the Overseas Group Council.

‘‘The Overseas Group Council is an important forum for discussing issues relevant to our core business.

‘‘

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BAR News



Features

In keeping with its successful tradition, the Conference will kick off with the BAR Golf Challenge, sponsored by Basil Fry. This will take place on Thursday 16 May on the impressive course at the Northumberland Golf Club, Gosforth Park, which will become a Regional Open Qualifying course this year. The challenge of playing on medieval rigs and furrows, avoiding the numerous well-placed bunkers and reading the large undulating greens will make for a great challenge to even the very best players!

On Thursday evening, participants at the BAR Conference will be able to meet up over welcome drinks accompanied by a delicious hog roast, generously sponsored by the Overseas Group.

BAR Members in their 20’s or 30’s may opt to join the Young Movers who will be going on a treasure hunt city tour around Newcastle’s famous pubs. The event will include a free drink in four of the city’s most hospitable establishments.

However much everyone enjoys themselves at Thursday’s events, it will be roll-your-sleeves-up time on Friday morning, when the formal business of the Conference begins. The Friday and the Saturday will provide BAR Conference participants with the year’s best opportunities to network with industry peers, meet specialist service providers and suppliers, address the BAR Board of Directors, as well as learn new tips for running a removals and storage business and complying with the latest regulations.

On Friday morning, the Business Sessions will focus on BAR itself, in particular on the individual Functional Groups of BAR, the AGM’s and the overall BAR 2013 Strategy Plan.

Members will also be given the opportunity to participate in a question & answer session with the BAR Board. As those who have attended before will know, this can be a lively and constructive debating session and members of the Board are already bracing themselves for your questions!

In the afternoon, the focus will shift to the removals and storage industry at large.

The Friday afternoon Business Sessions will include presentations from this year’s Keynote Speaker, Catherine McKinnell, who is MP for Newcastle upon Tyne North and Shadow Treasury Minister, and from a range of business speakers. For example, Rob Wilson from BAR affiliate Right Move will discuss ‘Pricing in a Competitive Market.’

Later, the BAR Party Night will have a distinctive 007 feel with The Marriott Gosforth Park playing host to a charity casino night. All proceeds raised will go to the RBA and each delegate will receive fun dollars completely free! A buffet meal will also be included.

Conference Saturday will see the return of the popular workshops. These are a series of interactive group sessions, each hosted by an expert, that discuss industry related topics within a relaxed and open forum.

There will be three dedicated areas which will run simultaneously allowing Members to choose which workshops to attend. Members are encouraged to take part in these thought provoking discussions and to share their views with fellow delegates.

Hot topics to be debated include marine insurance, digital best practice and the future of the commercial moving industry.

After the eagerly awaited 2013 Vehicle Exhibition & Procession at the Beamish Museum, delegates will also have the chance to tour the world famous museum and learn about life in olden times in North East England. For more information, see page 50.

Finally, the three days will of course end with the Black Tie Gala Dinner, which will include honours, awards and presentations, capped by the announcement of the DMotY and CMotY 2013 Winners. The awards will be followed by a disco and there will also be some surprise entertainment! It promises to be an enjoyable night that will round off what is set to be an inspirational conference for all BAR Members and their partners.

All pictures show highlights of the 2012 conference held at Windsor.

Start revving up for Conference 2013!BAR’s 2013 Annual Conference and Exhibition at Newcastle is now just one month away.

Hot topics to be debated include marine insurance, digital best practice and the future of the commercial moving industry.

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BAR News

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BAR News

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BAR News


Training News

Meet Miranda MartinMiranda Martin is the new Training Manager at BAR Training Services. She talks about her responsibilities at BARTS and her vision for training Members.

“I joined BARTS in February, after around seven years as UK Training Manager at Robert Bosch and a stint as a Section Manager in Marks & Spencer.

At Bosch I was responsible for all UK training, for approximately 6,000 associates, based around 32 sites in the UK ranging from fi ve to 2,000 people – as a result I spent a lot of time travelling, mainly around the UK but also France, Turkey and about one day a week in Germany. I was part of the team who set up the shared service training from scratch; we integrated all the courses from all the Bosch legal entities in the UK, from induction courses to customer service, selling and management development programmes. I was also UK coordinator for continuous improvement and introduced an employee suggestion scheme.

I’ve only been at BARTS a short time, but there are defi nitely things that I have been able to take from my previous experience to my new job. Bosch is a German company and is very process-orientated, and I’ve already put in place some new processes such as tracking courses and evaluations, which should be useful.

My remit is to ensure BARTS are providing a high standard of training for the members and the industry as a whole ensuring that all our training offerings are up to date and introduce more career development pathways. The commercial moving apprenticeship is now in place, and our aim is to set up a domestic moving apprenticeship to join it, and any other qualifi cations we can put in place to draw people into the industry. That would mean there is a pathway in the removals industry, up to a level where we can introduce more management development.

Currently there is no specifi c training addressed at management level. We want to be able to help Members, at all ends of the scale from the very smallest to the largest companies. We are looking at providing more modular courses. Management courses are also a great opportunity for networking, which will help BAR Member companies get the most from their membership at the senior level.

I have started travelling around the UK, meeting BAR Members to fi nd out about the sort of training they are looking for from BARTS, what specifi c courses they need and how they want them delivered. That will help me redesign the courses in earnest. Ideally we would like to launch updated and new courses for next year.

We are also considering the option of setting up regional training centres, for example a centre in Scotland where we could contract trainers to provide

courses, to take training closer to home and cut down on travel expenses.

As much as possible we want our trainers to come from within the industry – a lot of Members have said they are willing to help and provide their expertise. The best trainers are those who have experience in the removals industry and can talk about real life situations and stories. Having those industry experts makes a real difference to our training.

I am really looking forward to discussing training and development at the Conference in May and sharing ideas with Members. I come from outside the industry so I’m aware I have a lot to learn! One of our training providers will also be doing free demonstrations of online training in the Exhibition Hall at the Conference, and demo credits will be available for Members who want to try it out.

My message to Members? I am always happy to listen to Members’ suggestions and ideas for BAR

Training Services – I look forward to meeting you at the Conference in May. If you are unable to attend or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on 01923 699 496.”

‘‘I am really looking forward to discussing training and development at the Conference in May and sharing ideas with Members.

‘‘


BAR NewsTraining News

To book Call: 01923 699484 or email: [email protected]

£985 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

Library Packing & RemovalsBrand new course designed, based on member feedback aimed at training operative foremen, packers and estimators in the methodologies for packing and removing libraries and extensive fi ling systems. This course will be delivered on site.

Removals EssentialsBrand new course, this course will be delivered on site as practical skills training. Delegates will take part in all practical exercises and will have no classroom element.

BTEC in Removals ManagementThe course can now be completed in 5 days meaning less time away from your place of work!

Upon completion of the later exam, successful students will be presented with a nationally

Course Dates 201315-19 April

£1,675 + VAT p/p (BAR Member)

NEWLY IMPROVED for 2013!


BTEC Award in Practical Estimating


Course Dates 2013

This 2 day course is practically based and is designed to teach students the art of estimating

BAR Training ServicesTraining from the Removals Experts

BARTS 2013 Training Dates

Did you know that BARTS can deliver all training onsite at your premises?

www.removalstraining.com and see all of the different training sessions, workshops and courses we provide, as well

your individual business needs.

Call BARTS on 01923 699484.

NEWLY IMPROVED for 2013!

BRANDNEW

for 2013!

Industry News


European News

The French Ecotax applies to all vehicles used for the carriage of goods by road, registered in France and in other countries, and weighing more than 3.5 tons. The tax will be collected regardless of whether the vehicle is empty or carrying a load.

The taxable road network covers 15,000km: 10,000km of the national public road network and main roads, and more than 5,000 km of the local network. The proposed rates can be accessed (in French only, merci Google!) at www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/151-Bareme-de-l-eco-taxe.html. Depending on the size and category of the vehicle, the tax will range from �0.8 (euro cents) per kilometre to �0.14 cents. Euro V and VI vehicles will be eligible for discounts of 5 to 15%; Euro III and older vehicles will face an additional surcharge of up to 20%. Since the Ecotax on heavy goods vehicles is paid by means of a positioning unit, all vehicles using the taxable network will have to be equipped with an On Board Unit (OBU) which will enable the automatic registration and transmission of the data necessary

for calculation of the tax. The number of vehicles affected by the heavy goods vehicle tax is estimated to be around 800,000 vehicles registered in France and 200,000 vehicles registered in other countries. Monitoring operations will be carried out by enforcement agencies.Any case of fraud or error will be punishable according to its seriousness: from a category 4 fine of up to �750, or a fixed-rate amount equivalent to 500km taxed at the highest price, through to a fixed-rate amount doubled in the event of a second breach having been ascertained within 30 days of the first infringement. Drivers must know how the OBU works. Incorrect use of the unit will result in fines of up to �750 and the vehicle being immobilised. To register for the tax and for the OBU, companies can either get in touch with Ecomouv, the operator, on their website (www.ecomouv.com/home) or contact BAR Affiliate DKV (www.dkv-euroservice.com) who are providing their customers with an approved unit. For more information, see our feature on page 52.

Get ready for the French eco-tax The Ecotax on heavy goods vehicles (HGV) will take effect throughout the French network of main roads and secondary roads as from 1 October 2013.

IRU keeps up Secure Parking drive

The IRU has partnered with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to tackle the great demand for secure parking areas along the road transport network in Europe.

The UNECE Inland Transport Security Discussion Forum on Secure Parking Areas in February brought together Interpol, the European Secure Parking Organisation and the UNECE Transport Division. All participants emphasised the need for strengthened initiatives and public private partnerships to further promote and develop secure parking areas.

IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen, said “as road freight transport is the dominating freight transport mode across the globe with a 72.2% market share in the European Union for the total land-based transport of goods, it is imperative to ensure the security and safety of road transport operations for the industry to keep driving EU and the world’s economies.”

The IRU has developed TRANSPark, a service which helps commercial road transport operators and drivers locate parking areas in over 40 countries free of charge, thus enabling them to comply with strict driving and rest time rules despite the acute shortage of truck parking areas.

“The IRU is now cooperating closely with the European Commission to define the best way to ensure the permanent availability of updated content on parking areas within the EU,” Nielsen said.

“We are convinced that the best way to achieve this, in the EU and beyond, is to guarantee that Authorities responsible for parking areas systematically provide the location, security and comfort information of commercial vehicle parking areas to systems such as TRANSPark in a harmonised, systematic and regular manner.”


Latest on French breathalyser law The French government seems to have had second thoughts about imposing an ¤11 fine on drivers who do not comply with the new rules – in force since last month – to have a breathalyser on board.

As R&S goes to press, the latest news is that the government is considering removing the sanctions so that while it is still mandatory to have an unused breathalyser on board, which needs to be presented on request at a road check, no fine will be imposed for non-compliance.

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Industry News


European News

The �225m cable-stayed structure is now the longest bridge over the Danube and carries four lanes of roads and a railway track over the legendary river. The toll bridge will replace the current expensive and painfully slow ferry service across the river.

It was built by Spanish construction company FCC and links the Bulgarian town of Vidin with Calafat in Romania. The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, will attend the opening ceremony.

New Bulgaria-Romania Bridge The second bridge between Bulgaria and Romania, known as Danube Bridge 2, will be officially opened on May 9, Europe Day.

Naples extends LEZ

A 117 square kilometre low emission zone in Naples has been extended until at least the end of June this year.

Only heavy goods vehicles that are Euro IV or better will be allowed into the LEZ Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 07:30-10:30 and Thursdays from 15.00 to 17.30.

This LEZ is regularly renewed, so it is likely that the scheme continues after 30 June 2013, potentially with a short break.

Latest on French breathalyser law

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Features


Exhibitors and sponsors race to BAR’s Exhibition Hall!

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis at BAR Conferences on showcasing key service providers and suppliers to the removals and storage industry. This year, in the culmination of those efforts, the industry’s business partners are almost certain of being at the centre of attention, thanks to a giant Scaletrix track which will be set up within the Exhibition Hall!

Members can buy their own Scaletrix Truck (£75 + VAT) complete with trailer that will then be proudly decorated with their own company livery. The trucks will be raced, on a simple 18 foot by 6 foot track on Friday and on Saturday (when the Exhibition is open). All proceeds will go to the Removers Benevolent Association.

This event will not only be huge fun for everyone participating and watching, but it will also generate high levels of footfall and traffic for the exhibitors and sponsors in the Exhibition Hall.

Leading suppliers who have already confirmed that

they will be present with a stand in the Exhibition Hall include DKV, Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services Ltd, TwentyCi, Unique Van Bodies, Basil Fry, Reason Global and BAR Services.

Some of these are long standing BAR partners and affiliates, while others are more recent additions to the BAR community. But all of them provide essential services to what is a fast changing industry, and will be keen to talk to as many Members as possible.

Many of the other sponsorship opportunities in the Exhibition Hall have already been snapped up.

Eurogroup International Movers Ltd are sponsoring the lanyards, Pluscrates and BAR Services are sponsoring the CMotY competition, and PHS Teacrate are sponsoring the Casino Night.

To enable a high level of networking activity, a special area will be set up in the Exhibition Hall

where BAR Members and International Associates can discuss their requirements with the Conference exhibitors and sponsors who are present.

Sponsorship has just become available for this networking area so if you want to raise your profile in the industry, make sure you contact [email protected] as soon as possible.

The removals and storage industry is rightly proud of the close relations it has with the specialist service providers who keep things moving. And, this year’s Conference is the perfect opportunity to make those relations even better.

The Exhibition Hall will be open on Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May.

01923 699 483

A giant Scaletrix track will bring added excitement to this year exhibition hall.


Features

48

Features


French fl air from the CSD

Serge Fontaine: Since its inception in 1890, the CSD has been the only professional organization in France that represents the moving business. It defends the interests of French moving companies, from small and medium enterprises to larger removal companies. It is the only association recognised by the public authorities and social partners in the moving industry.

We have 800 member companies representing a total workforce of some 11,000 employees. In total, CSD represents two thirds of all moving companies in France and is the leading professional organisation for relocation and moving activities.

SF: The main activity is still represented by the relocation of families or individuals.Another segment is the transfer of enterprises, whether businesses in the private sector or in the public sector companies. In addition, French companies also provide storage (in warehouses), archiving and self-storage service.

SF: There seems to be a particular cultural attachment to furniture in France, with a tendency, as everywhere, for standardization and modernity (I’m thinking of IKEA), for rationalization and low cost purposes.

How is the recession affecting the removals

SF: The real estate market has declined by in the order of 20-30% which has had a direct impact on household mobility. As a result, the removals industry has been affected by a similar decrease in activity of 20-30%.

SF: France still has much less self-storage facilities and equipment, and we are clearly in a catch-up period with more developed markets.

SF: The high level of VAT impacts the cost of moving and makes it more appealing for some people not to declare their work for tax purposes. A cut in VAT levels could stem this trend, to the benefi t of businesses, consumers and the state.

SF: Insurance accounts for about 7% of moving operations.

your country and how your Members aim to meet

SF: Individual customers are looking for lower costs and a quicker moving time. Because of this, our Member companies are continually striving to provide a high quality of service in terms of time and while working within increasing economic constraints.

The Chambre syndicale du déménagement (CSD) is the French version of BAR and has recently rejoined FEDEMAC, the Federation of European Moving Federations. R&S caught up with Chairman Serge Fontaine to discuss developments in the French market.

The high level of VAT impacts the cost of moving and makes it more appealing for some people not to declare their work for tax purposes. A cut in VAT levels could stem this trend, to the benefi t of businesses, consumers and the state.

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‘‘


Features

50

Features


Beamish Museum to host BAR vehicle parade

The Beamish Museum in County Durham is famous across the UK and beyond. The Museum tells the story of the people of North East England during the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. It is a favourite day out in the region. This May, the Museum will play host to the BAR Conference Vehicle Exhibition and Procession.

As those removal companies who have participated in county shows and vehicle exhibitions will testify, a parade of classic and contemporary removal trucks is an excellent way of showcasing a brand and making a real impact with the public at large. As well as being a cost-effective and memorable marketing tool, the exhibition will also be a lot of fun for everyone who takes part!

Not all of the vehicles involved will only be powered by engines. Among those contributing restored horse-drawn vehicles to the procession will be White and Company, with an 1889 van, and Fox Moving and Storage with an 1890 Pantechnicon. Hoults will also be displaying a horse drawn vehicle, similar to the type of vehicle that Edward Hoult started business with in 1920.

More recent vehicles with combustion engines include a lovingly restored 1938 Guy Vixen from Specialised Movers. It is believed to be the only pre-war Guy Vixen that is still running. As well as their horse-drawn Pantechnicon, Fox will also be participating with a 1946 Albion Van. Specialised Movers are also entering a 1957 Ford Thames Fordson E83W.

Not to be outdone, Michael Gerson, in his capacity as an Honorary Life Member of BAR is entering a 1970 Morris Minor 1000 Van 45MG into the exhibition.

Another highlight of the show will be the first chance to see a nostalgic 1960s Leyland Comet provided by John Mason International, after the vehicle was returned to their ownership in January 2013 following over twenty years in which the lorry participated in classic vehicle shows.

But it’s not only a previous generation of removal trucks that will be on display. MoveCorp will be showing off a mighty Mercedes Actros Euro 5 Road Train, Kilmarnock Removals will be parading their new livery in a brand new DAF 45, and Deanes Removals will exhibit Elspeth Deane, their new 18 tonner. White and Company will have a MAN TGS 18.4 Road Train on show.

Cadogan Tate are entering the first ever 14 ton fully electric vehicle. Made by Smith Electric Vehicles in Washington Tyne and Wear, it has a range of up to 80 miles, a 1400 cubic feet body and a 1.5 ton tail lift. It charges on 3 phase electricity and takes 75% of its charge in 45 minutes. It is exempt from road tax and is not required to be registered on an operator’s licence. Cadogan Tate also have an electric Luton van on a Ford Transit chassis cab.

GB Liners will also be showcasing a state-of-the-art vehicle, their latest 14 tonne DAF, which will join over 60 other DAFs in the GB Liners fleet. GB Liners worked closely with Unique Van Bodies developing the new aerodynamic shape of the vehicles which were the first in the UK built in this aerodynamic and contemporary style. The reduced weight, reduced drag and improved fuel consumption are proven benefits of this design.

A venue such as the Beamish Museum will attract a sizeable crowd of visitors and enthusiasts on a Saturday in May. With a line-up like the one confirmed for the Vehicle Exhibition, BAR and its Members will be representing the history and traditions of British removing at its best. It should be a show to remember!

One of the highlights of this year’s BAR Conference will undoubtedly be the Vehicle Exhibition and Procession on Saturday 18 May, at the world famous Beamish Museum.

The Vehicle Exhibition and Parade will take place on Saturday 18 May.

01923 699 483


Features

52

Features


European Road Tolls 2013 and EETS Except for some bridges, such as the M4 Severn Bridge between England and Wales, the Dartford Crossing and the Humber Bridge, removal companies don’t have to pay road tolls in the United Kingdom.This is about to change. Neil White, who is responsible for the UK & Irish operations of BAR Affiliate, DKV Euro Service, provides an overview of applicable tolls across Europe, and discusses the status of the European Electronic Toll Service.

The British Government is planning to introduce road tolls for transporters as from 1 July 2014. Toll charges are an influential factor in the profitability, affecting continuity, flexibility, compliance and cost management of transportation and logistics companies.

From the early 1990s onwards most European countries introduced electronic road toll systems. These road toll systems were, and generally are, non-interoperable.

This implies that the cabins of international transporters are decorated with a myriad of electronic tags and on-board units.

European service providers such as DKV Euro Service offer solutions that relieve international transportation companies from burdens related to the many different, non-interoperable road toll systems. Their services combine payment systems of multiple road toll systems into one box, on-line toll calculators and provide solutions for centralized, monthly invoicing of paid road tolls, usually

combined with payments of additional services such as ferry service, fuel service and VAT refund processes. Services that ensure continuity and save costs. But let’s start at the beginning… which tolls and taxes are charged where?

Within Ireland, on specific stretches of the M1, M3, M4, M6, M7/M8, M50 and N8, toll charges apply. In addition to this road tolls are charged for the Dublin Port Tunnel, the Limerick Tunnel, the N25 Waterford City Bypass and The East Link Toll Bridge. There are different concessionaires charging these tolls, but all road tolls can be paid through “eToll”, electronic tolling Interoperable tags. There are a number of companies in Ireland providing these electronic tags.

For class 3 and class 4 HGVs in France the TIS-PL system is applicable for road tolls on main motorways. TIS-PL payments are usually done with a

badge fitted to the windscreen. As from 1 October 2013, France is introducing a new Environmental Truck Tax, called Ecotaxe. This tax applies to commercial goods vehicles over 3.5 tons and will be charged on approximately 15,000km of motorways and national roads. Expectations are that the cost per tonne of transporting freight in France will increase by 2.9%.

Automatic payments for this new tax can only be done if companies have registered with either Ecomouv’ (for sporadic users who wish to pre-pay the taxes) or a certified tax collector appointed by Ecomouv’, such as DKV Euro Service.

To ease the process of payments of TIS-PL and Ecotaxe, DKV Euro Service will soon offer On Board Units, enabling automatic payments and centralized invoicing of the French TIS PL, Ecotaxe as well as toll payments in Spain and payments of the Liefkenshoektunnel in Belgium and the Rostock Warnow Tunnel in Germany.


Features

European Road Tolls 2013 and EETS In these countries transporters need to buy an Eurovignette. Eurovignette is a road user charge applicable to heavy goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of minimum 12 tons. The vignette is registered by licence plate and the price depends on Axle Class and Emission Class, but averages are ¤750 per vehicle per year. It is as well possible to encounter such an Eurovignette for a day, a week or a month and average cost is derivative from the annual cost. Eurovignettes can be ordered on-line at www.eurovignettes.com or purchased at one of the points of sale. Besides the Eurovignette, tolls on several bridges and tunnels are applicable in these countries.

The German government introduced a distance-based toll in 2005 for all German and non-German trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 12 tonnes or more. In contrast to the Eurovignette solution, toll charges are based on the distance travelled on the toll route. The tolls are levied by Toll Collect, a public-private partnership on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany. To levy the tolls, Toll Collect established the world’s fi rst toll system that combines satellite positioning with mobile communications. Payments of the tolls can be done via internet, at terminals or via On Board Units from the Toll2Go system, which can also be used to pay tolls in Austria.

Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes need to purchase a vignette, to be settled in cash or with fuel cards such as the DKV Card. For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes Austria has introduced a distance-related toll system for trucks and buses on its motorways. This automatic system goes under the name “Go”. The toll charge levied is a combination of mileage and exhaust class (Euronorm). The On-Board-Units of the Toll2Go system used in Germany can be used to pay for these taxes as well. In addition to this, special tolls are payable for specifi c stretches on the A9, A10, A 11, A13 (Brenner Motorway) and S16.

All trucks and trailers with a laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes are required to pay distance-related goods traffi c charges or LSVA. The amount payable depends on the maximum permitted laden weight of the vehicle/vehicle combination, the distance travelled in kilometres and the vehicle’s Euro emission class. Payments for the tolls are usually made with fuel cards, such as the DKV Card, or in cash. Interesting to know: the Swiss authorities charge an additional 10 Swiss Francs to cover the cost of issuing a receipt.

In Spain all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are charged road tolls on the A2, A4, A6, A7, C31, C32, C33, A51, A61, A68 and A71. As from 1 January 2013, only Mastercard, Visa and On Board Units are accepted for toll payments on the affected motorways in order to

reduce the costs per toll transaction and to optimize the traffi c fl ow in the toll stations. Using On Board Units is recommended as this leads to toll discounts of up to 50%. The On Board Unit that DKV offers not only allows automated payments of Spanish tolls but also French TIS PL and the Belgian Liefkenshoektunnel as well as the German Rostock Warnow Tunnel.

Over 3,100km of the Italian motorways are toll roads and road toll charges (sometimes hefty) are applicable for the tunnels connecting Italy with France and Switzerland. Since Italy’s renewed focus on decreasing their budget defi cit, toll charges have increased signifi cantly. There are several ways to pay toll charges: cash, using the Viacard or using Telepass, a telematic system for the payment of motorway tolls suited to those who use Italian motorways frequently. DKV organizes these different toll systems via Consorzio.

As of 1 July, 2011 a new toll system was introduced in Poland. It concerns an electronic kilometre charge on all vehicles (coaches, trucks, private cars). Payments are done through a fully electronic toll charging and payment system, called viaBOX. The toll is intended for vehicles of more than 3.5 tons and coaches/buses with more than nine seats (including driver’s seat), irrespective of their maximum allowed weight.

Currently Hungary has a vignette system in place on the following motorways: M0, M1, M3, M5, M6 and M7. Vignettes need to be purchased at selected fi lling stations. As per 1 July, 2013, Hungary plans to introduce an electronic toll system, mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tons. According to the Hungarian newspapers, the taxes levied will be the highest in Europe.

Slovakia has had an electronic toll system in place since January 2010. It is intended for trucks and buses of 3.5 tons and over, and applies to a toll network measuring ca. 2,400kms (1,500 miles) of motorway and other roads of certain categories. Named ‘MYTO’, the system operates via a unique combination of satellite-GPS and microwave technology and is one of the most advanced systems in Europe. Toll charges are written off electronically via an on board unit (OBU).

The Czech toll system is called ‘MYTO CZ’ and applies to vehicles and buses above 3.5 t hzG. The toll system is distance-related and tolls are paid fully automatically by means of an On Board Unit. With Road Toll Services from service providers such as DKV Euro Services, companies can cover all their road toll charges for all European contracts with one contract and one invoice. These services usually come with attractive value-adds such as VAT refund services, new toll systems being added to the contract

as soon as they become available and on-line toll calculators. The combination of these services result in cost savings, not only through the toll calculators but also through e-reporting systems allowing for 24/7 insight in actual toll costs, and continuity, as one invoice covers all.

However, all these different types of road toll charges, with different systems used for automated payments and the registration requirements transportation companies face for each individual country are, in the vision of DKV Euro Service, not in line with what the European Union stands for. As the EU itself claims: “EU internal market success and sustainable mobility greatly rest on the availability and effi cient operation of an adequate road network.” For this reason, DKV Euro Service is a fi rm supporter of the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS): a uniform, European system for all road tolls for trucks. Through the EETS, Brussels wants to end the myriad of contracts, magnetic cards and On Board Units currently in place. The EU aimed to have this system in place as per October 2012. However, notes of a recent meeting in January 2013 of the Committee of Transport and Tourism revealed that, amongst other things, some toll chargers have not demonstrated enough willingness to come together to put the right systems in place. With countries and concessionaires now facing legal action from the EU to oblige at least to the requirements set about providing necessary information, this process might take longer than anybody active in the transportation and logistics industry is wishing for.

All these different types of road toll charges, with different systems used for automated payments and the registration requirements transportation companies face for each individual country are, in the vision of DKV Euro Service, not in line with what the European Union stands for.

‘‘

‘‘or

Industry News


People News

25 years for Bishop’s Move MD

Having started his career as a Trainee Manager at Pickford’s Removals in Basingstoke 29-years ago in 1984, Alistair is also the fi rst non-family member at the helm of Bishop’s Move in its 158-year history. In 1994 Alistair became Bishop’s Move’s Area Manager where he held responsibility for fi ve branches and three years later he was to become Area Director. In 2001 Alistair was appointed Group Operations Director and in 2004 he became Bishop’s Move’s Deputy Managing Director. In 2009 Alistair achieved the “biggest high to my career” when he became the fi rst non-family member to be appointed Managing Director at the Bishop’s Move Group.

Alistair says “the biggest change for me, both from the industry’s perspective and that of Bishop’s Move, has been the proliferation of self-storage companies, which have undoubtedly taken the storage market share away from the traditional removal companies. This has made the mainstream removal business look more at their margin on the removal than

relying as in the past on the profi tability from storage margin. However, what is a critical issue to the removals industry is the professional price that the industry can charge for undertaking a professional removal. The industry is very easily entered into and left with very little start-up costs, which in turn encourages less professional companies charging a cheaper rate. The professional part of the industry, represented by the British Association of Removers, needs to clearly differentiate to the public, the differences between the white van and his man and a professional removal company. As I look back on my 25 years here and then look ahead to what lies ahead for the removals industry, I can only see it remaining fl at until the housing market picks up, which is not predicted until 2014 at the very earliest. This will make it the longest housing recession since records began. I also believe that we will see less vehicles in the industry and more ‘Move Manager’ companies due to the escalating costs in operating vehicles.”

Alistair Bingle, Managing Director of Bishop’s Move, has now completed 25 years’ service at the company.

What is a critical issue to the removals industry is the professional price that the industry can charge for undertaking a professional move.

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AGS appoints Paul Tracey

AGS Worldwide Movers has appointed Paul Tracey as the new European Network Director.

With more than 20 years’ managerial experience, Paul has compiled an impressive record as a director of multiple national territories. Based in London, Paul will be representing AGS Europe at the removals industry’s most prestigious events and proceedings.

Crown Relocations makes UK changes Crown Relocations has promoted David Hollins to Regional General Manager and appointed Chris Lansbury as Commercial Manager, both for the UK and Ireland.

David has worked for Crown Relocations since 1995 and previously worked as the Regional General Manager for the Southern Region. He will now be responsible for increasing the company’s revenue across a variety of sectors.

Chris joins the company bringing 30 years of relocation experience to the role. He will grow Crown’s corporate client base and integrate the key support services necessary to implement a successful business move.

At the same time as making changes to its UK operation, Crown Worldwide Group has opened a new offi ce in Turin to serve the growing needs of Crown’s current and prospective clients throughout Italy. The offi ce builds on existing locations in Rome, Venice and Milan. Turin is an important business city for many Italian corporations, in particular in the automotive industry.

Massimo Malafronte has assumed the role of Turin’s branch manager. Elio Chiafala has been recruited as new General Manager Fine Art Italy, and he will also be based in Turin offi ce. Italy’s Crown Fine Art division will be further developed under the guidance of Fred Weijgerste, Managing Director of Crown Fine Art in the EMEA region.

David Hollins

Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?


BAR NewsPeople NewsDiary Dates

BOARD, COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2013

Board of DirectorsApril 10 & 11 2013

Advisory CommitteeApril 05 2013

BAR AREA MEETINGS 2013

East Anglia AreaContact: Andrew Pearson01362 [email protected]

East Met AreaContact: Paul Freeman0800 [email protected]

East Midlands AreaContact: Andy Wade01476 [email protected] 22 2013

Kent AreaContact: Tom Bourne01797 [email protected]

Met AreaContact: Julie Thompson01932 [email protected] 19 2013 – Brooklands Museum event, Weybridge

Northern AreaContact: Alan Hoggin0191 [email protected] 17 2013Hallgarth

Do you have any Diary Dates?Diary Dates

please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the tabs where you can view full details including time, date, location and

agendas (when available).

please log into ‘MyBAR’ and click on the tab and then one of the 15 areas listed. Minutes from past area meetings can be viewed and downloaded (where available).

North West AreaContact: Annette Harris0161 [email protected] 23 2013

Northern Ireland Area Contact: Dominic Murray02890 [email protected]

Scotland Area Contact: Georgina Berry01505 [email protected]

Southern AreaContact: Peter Doman01372 [email protected]

South Western AreaContact: Sue Christophers01637 [email protected]

Sussex AreaContact: Miranda Hyder01342 [email protected]

Western AreaContact: Ria Russell01278 [email protected] 14 2013Brent Knoll, East Brent

West Midlands AreaContact: Sarah Pargeter01384 [email protected]

Yorkshire AreaContact: Graham Puddephatt0845 [email protected] 18 2013York Golf Club, Strensall

MET

56

BAR News


Memberships

Registered:The following Member has registered:

National & European Group

Cotswold Carriers Removals LimitedMemb No: C128Warehouse Number 2The WalkHook Norton RoadChipping NortonOxon, OX7 5TGTel: 01608 730 500Web: www.cotswoldcarriers.com

Applications:BAR has received the following applications for:

National & European Group

AMC Removals UKUnit 2, Glenfield Industrial EstatePerth RoadCowdenbeathFife, KY4 9HTWeb: www.amcremovalsltd.co.uk

Chess Moves RemovalsUnit 8, Chalex Industrial EstateManor Hall RoadSouthwickWest SussexBN42 4NHWeb: www.chessmovesremovals.co.uk

BAR Memberships April 2013

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

www.bar.co.uk

FEDEMAC LOBBYIST

Founded in 1959 FEDEMAC’s main function is to express the concerns and needs of the moving industry on a European level and to co-ordinate National activities that have a European impact. Much of this work is centred on lobbying at the EU Parliament and Commission as well as liaising with National Associations and other trade organisations. Today FEDEMAC represents the interests of around 4,000 professional moving companies in 27 European countries.

· Ensuring the name of FEDEMAC is known and respected and becomes the first point of contact for all related matters affecting removers and furniture transport companies in the “corridors of power”

· FEDEMAC PR

· Monitoring, analysing, identifying, prioritising, advising and reporting on matters that may impact the industry as well as taking appropriate action after discussions with the FEDEMAC Board.

Although knowledge of the removals industry is not mandatory it is desirable. The ideal candidate will be located within easy access of Brussels and will have the personal gravitas and credibility to be able to successfully represent FEDEMAC at all levels of European government and administration. Excellent spoken and written English is a prerequisite; a second European language would be beneficial.

Interested candidates should send their c.v. and a covering letter explaining why they are the ideal person for the role, together with remuneration expectations to

no later than First interviews will take place in Brussels onCandidates should be available to take up this role no later than



Trade Services

Ireland Channel Islands

France

Scotland/Europe Isle of Man

Scotland and Islands

SHETLAND ISLESIAN F REID

Removals & StorageUnits 5&6, Lower Blackhill Ind. Estate, Lerwick, ZE1 ODG

Regular nationwide service

Email: [email protected]

This space is available from just £33 a month

When booked as a mono unit for a series of 12 issues.


58

Trade Services


Germany Germany and Austria

Switzerland

Italy For Sale

This space is available from just £33 a month

When booked as a mono unit for a series of 12 issues.

This space is available from just

£67 a month

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


Trade Services

Cyprus and Malta

Greece

GREECEby Road

&ITALYENROUTE

�� GD\ transit time

�� 7ZLFH�PRQWKO\ departures

�� %ULWLVK�&UHZV & 3URIHVVLRQDO�6HUYLFH

�� +LJKO\�UHFRPPHQGHG in Greece

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Spain Europe

UK Office: 01843 585055, [email protected] Office: 0034 971 693566, [email protected] website: www.william-worldwide-webb.com

Weekly Scheduled Service, Containerised Storage DepotsHolder of Spanish Transport Licence

for our Tranship vehiclesUnrivaled Infrastructure in Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza Excellent Rates, Payment in Euros or GBP accepted

Purely The Balearics, No Bull!

WEEKLY

REGULAR

This space is available from just

£67 a month

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


60

Trade Services


China Singapore

Dubai & Qatar

Europe

Scandinavia

United Arab Emirates

Worldwide


Trade Services

CaribbeanWorldwide

Piano Specialists

Trade Storage

Training

Trailer Hire

Warehouse Containers

Vehicle Tracking

Abrahams (since 1865)

1 Crown Close, Bow, London E3 2JHTel: Fax: 020 8980 3762Email: [email protected]

Specialist Services

Specialist Services

Lifting solutions, from the unusual to the down right awkward, we have the equipment and expertise to deliver.�� +HDY\�GXW\�ORQJ�UHDFK�+,$%�FUDQHµV�� /RQGRQ�IXUQLWXUH�KRLVW��JDQWU\�KLUH�� 0LQL�VSLGHU�FUDQHV��6WDLU�FOLPEHUVWe regularly transport and install: Heavy stone work, Sculpture’s, Safe’s, Complex artwork, large furniture etc

www.sp-in.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 020 8561 4321

Specialist Installations

[email protected]: 020 8561 43213LDQR�/RJLVWLFV�SDUW�RI�WKH�$VWRQ6SLQNV�JURXS

When it comes to piano transport, use the pianist’s choice�� *UDQG�SLDQR�H[SRUW�SDFNV�� &UDQH��VSHFLDOLVW�VWDLU�FUHZV�� 8.��*HUPDQ\�:HHNO\�� /RQGRQ��6FRWODQG�:HHNO\�� 3LDQR�WXQLQJ��FDVHZRUN�UHSDLUV

62

Classifieds

Removals & Storage April 2013 Removals & Storage April 2013

Are You Looking To Sell?

household moving and storage

home counties.

Please call 07933 123 123 in full .

Opportunities

WEST MIDLANDS BASED CONTAINER STORAGE BUSINESS

FOR SALE Ideal to incorporate into existing operation

Alternatively could remain in current location

Telephone 07786 361635

WANTEDLARGE REMOVAL

VEHICLE 5 Container Body

Please contact Peter on:

01489 799192 or 07802824547

For Sale

Wanted

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For information about Classified

Advertising opportunities

call Sandra on:0117 957 5400

e: [email protected]

Used 250ft3 storage containers 01285 641003

Classified Rates

Sell it, Fill it, R&S it!Your R&S is the perfect ‘vehicle’ to

- Business- Vehicles- Vacancies- And much more besides!

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for details

We would like to hear from youOur companies’ sole purpose since its inception in 1977 is to serve the membership – to supply good quality, innovative packaging products at low prices. This is achieved by buying jointly on your behalf and passing on the discount achieved from this bulk purchasing power!

As a member, we should be your preferred supplier but are we? For many of you the answer will be yes but for those of you that say no then we would like to know why and what we can do to change that? Your feedback is important so please ring us on 01342 870087 or you can simply email [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you.

As the No.1 provider of packaging to the moving professionals, we would like to be your preferred supplier - If we are not, please tell us why.


BAR News

Advertising Deadlines

Classifieds

Sell it, Fill it, R&S it!Please see the deadlines for the

Call Sandra on 0117 957 5400 for details

May 15th Apr 19th Apr

Jun 31st May 5th Jun

Jul 19th Jun 24th Jun

Aug 15th Jul 19th Jul

Sep 16th Aug 22nd Aug

Oct 18th Sep 24th Sep

Nov 17th Oct 23rd Oct

Dec 15th Nov 21st Nov

64

BAR News


Documents

R&S April 2013 Magazine