r&s august 2011
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Industry AwardsFor BAR Page 15
August 2011 Number 445 4.00 www.bar.co.uk
Tax and termination payments 44 VAT in the removals industry 42
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No: 445 August 2011 www.bar.co.uk
This month:
News rom Watord 06Industry News 07-14
- Green light or Logistics Skills Academy
- Business slams parental leave reorms
- IoD warns on auto-enrolment
- DT completes trailer size consultation
- Dera analyses more Low Emission Zones
- MPs debate Fair Fuel
- Government to shake up dot matrix signs
- New Trafc Commissioner appointment
- PwC highlights security concerns
- Website images may lead to copyright claims
- DT and Transport or London launch
technology und
- M74 completed at last
- Humber Bridge tolls rise
- Doncaster set or giant inland port
- FTA publishes new International Guide
- Housing market heads south
BAR News 15
- BAR picks up 2 TAF awards
- New Focus or 2012 Conerence
- Latest industry statistics
- Profle: Matt Faizey, Directly Elected Director
- Marriott Hotels savings or BAR members
- Young Mover: Neil Purdie, Family Man
- Southern Area enjoys Summer meeting
- Dinner dance on the English Riviera
- Great North West Area car treasure hunt 2011
Overseas Group News 26
Commercial Moving Group News 28
Training News 34
European News 38
People News 51
Diary Dates 52
Memberships 54
BAR Member Services 55
- Product o the Month
Letters 62
August 2011 Removals & Storage 5
On the cover: BARs Stephen Vickers andPaul Swindon with ormer England InternationalRugby player Martin Bayfeld at the Trade
Association Forum awards in July 2011.
26
48
12
09
We all know unanimity is impossible in anorganisation like BAR but that mustnt holdback those who want to move orward in a
positive way.Rob Bartup o GB Liners, Councillor in BARs Overseas Group.
- Reining in VAT in the
removals industry
- A fresh look at tax and
termination payments
- Bath Rugby running for
Thomas Firbank
- New Member:
House to Home Removals
- New International Associate:
Easymoves
Features 42-50
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BAR News
EditorialContributions on all aspects o the removals and storageindustry are welcome, together with photographs iappropriate.Please contact the Managing Editor, Louise Gale on:
Tel:020 8458 5100
Email:[email protected]
Deadlines: The deadline or all article submissions orthe September 2011 issue o R&S is 5th August.
AdvertisingFor all enquiries and bookings, please contactSteve Pearce on:
Tel:0117 330 8370
Email:[email protected]
Deadlines: The booking deadline or all displayadvertisements or the September 2011 issue o R&Sis 11th August.
SubscriptionsRemovals & Storage is subscribed to by members o theBritish Association o Removers in the UK and Overseas.Current annual subscription is 48.00 in the UK and72.00 overseas. Additional subscriptions are availablerom BAR (see contact details to the let).
Registered as a magazine The British Association oRemovers 2011. ISSN 0034-425
All rights reserved. No part o this publication may be scanned,reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in part or wholein any orm or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission o theBritish Association o Removers.
Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not necessarily thoseo the publisher, British Association o Removers. The description o aproduct or service in this publication does not constitute endorsementby the publisher. The publisher does not accept any responsibility orany claims by advertisers. The articles in this publication are or generalinormation only and are not intended to be advice to any specifcperson. Readers are recommended to seek proessional advice beoretaking or reraining rom taking any action on the basis o the contentso any article in this publication.
The British Association o Removers
Tel:01923 99 480Fax:01923 99 481Email:[email protected]
Tangent House, 2 Exchange Road, Watord,Hertordshire WD18 OTG
President: Reg Hackworthy
Director General: Stephen Vickers
Company Secretary: James Falkner
Removals & Storage is designed on behal oThe British Association o Removers by:Rubicon Marketing Ltd.Tel: 0117 330 8370Email: [email protected]
Article submission: 5th o the month preceding publication
Booking o display adverts: 10th o the month preceding publication
Booking o classifed adverts: 10th o the month preceding publication
Booking o trade adverts: 10th o the month preceding publication
Artwork or adverts: 15th o the month preceding publication
Copy and advertising deadlines 2011 or uture issues o R&S magazine
NewsFROM WATFORD
It is always nice to have your eorts
recognised and, as you will see on
page 15, BAR won two prestigiousTrade Association Best Practice Forum
Awards, or Website Design, and BestMembership Pack. The awards wereannounced at the TAF Gala Dinner on 7
July. The competition is really sti, socongratulations are due to the wholeteam here in Watord on what is, by any
measure, a terrifc achievement. Theseawards are benchmarked against manyother Trade Associations, so to receive
the awards acknowledges that we arethe best or these two categories and
shows tremendous progress or theAssociation as well as the publicrecognition o that progress.
Comments rom new Members or thenew Members pack have been verypositive. The website goes rom
strength to strength attracting morehits and more use o the searchdirectory than ever beore. This means
more direct and tangible benefts orMembers. This higher proflecomplements the ongoing success o
the estimating system, which still needs
more Members to take part in to reducethe number o out o area sales leads.
A warm thanks to those Members whoresponded so well to the recent request
or a return on their Consumer
Satisaction Surveys, which have to
orm a part o our Annual Report to theOfce o Fair Trading on the working o
the Code o Practice. Some still had tobe chased, o course, but it isencouraging to note that these were
less than in previous years. It is alsoencouraging, in a way, that the delayedconsultation on the uture o the
Consumer Landscape is now wellunderway. BAR is actively working withthe other Codes sponsors to prepare a
co-ordinated response to try and ensurethat the uture o the consumer codes is
saeguarded and remains as eective asa unique selling point or our Membersas possible.
Members should note that anExtraordinary General Meeting o BARwill be held in Watord at 12.00 Noon,
on Wednesday 21 September 2011. Themeeting will receive the Report &Accounts or the year to 31 December
2010, which were not able to bepresented at the AGM in May. A ormalnotice o the EGM will, o course, be
circulated at the appropriate time.
On page 10 useul advice, and words o
caution, are provided on copying andcopyright. In this digital hi-tech age,
when almost anything can be ound
and downloaded rom the Internet, it is
easy to orget that unauthorisedcopying o both images and text can be
copyright-inringement or whichpotentially severe penalties can beincurred. The problem is not just a
technical issue, and BAR, whose ownpolicy on this is that nothing is copiedwithout the necessary permission, oten
has to takes steps to prevent misuse bynon-Members o our T&Cs. So, becareul, and have a ormal policy on
copying and copyright.
Dont orget, there is a 100 monthlyprize in the draw or Members whoprovide the industry statistics thatenable BAR to lobby eectively. It is a
simple process to provide these stats,as June winner 4321 Services Ltd willattest to, so i you do not do so, why
not start now?
Finally, we hear that Beverly Bell, who
gave such an entertaining andinormative presentation to the AnnualConerence in May, has just been
appointed as Deputy Senior Trafc
Commissioner well done.
Contact Details:
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Green light or LogisticsSkills AcademyJohn Hayes, Minister or Further Education, Skills and Lielong Learning,has announced that the Government will und the development o theNational Skills Academy or Logistics.
Conrmation of the funding means that the
National Skills Academy for Logistics
can begin to license suitable providers
during the summer, so that an initial offer to
employers will become available in Autumn
2011.
The Academy has been developed by Skills
for Logistics, the Sector Skills Council for the
Freight Logistics Sector, and has the support of
key players in the sector with small, medium-
sized and large employers backing the proposal.
Bibby Distribution, the Port of Tilbury / Forth
Ports, Maritime, Royal Mail, Brough Marine,
Maxim Haulage, Briggs Equipment are all
Board members of the Academy.
Paul Brooks, Chairman of Skills for Logistics,
said efcient logistics operations are vital for
both the growth of the economy and for
servicing the daily needs of industry and the
consumer. It is essential that we develop skills
in our personnel in order that we further
improve the high quality of our transport and
logistics operations.
The Academy has been designed to respond
to the skills needs of logistics companies, their
employees and those seeking a career withinlogistics. It will offer training and support from
pre-employment training right through to
degree level.
Employers and trade associations have been
involved in the development of the Academys
business plan as have many colleges, work-
based learning providers and universities.
There will be a formal launch in October 2011
and services will come on stream during the
autumn.The Head Ofce of the National Skills
Academy for Logistics will be in Milton
Keynes, where the Skills Academy will share
facilities with Skills for Logistics.
The National Skills Academy for Logistics
will provide a One Stop Shop Service for
logistics employers who require support with
training and skills development. The One Stop
Shop can be accessed through a national
telephone number, by e-mail, and from the
Autumn through a dedicated website and team
of Skills Hub Managers whose role will be to
work with employers to address their skills
needs.
Employers are already signing up to become
members of the National Skills Academy for
Logistics. Members will receive help in
identifying training needs and be able to attend
events at discounted rates. Members can also
advertise vacancies free of charge through the
Skills Academy website and benet from a job
matching service linked to the Skills Academysnetwork of training providers and stakeholders.
Employers who would like to become a
Skills Academy member, or nd out more
about its services should contact:
Business slamsparental leavereorms
Britains business organisations havereacted with concern to the
Governments plans to overhaul
rules on parental leave, which could
increase the total period of parental leave
by four weeks.
The Government is proposing that
mothers and fathers could take their
parental leave in small units, rather than
in one single block.
Fathers will also be offered an extra
month of paid leave, in addition to their
current two weeks. The maximum amount
of parental leave per family would hence
increase to 58 weeks from 54 weeks.The Confederation of British Industry
has raised concerns at the proposals to
increase the total period of parental leave
by a further four weeks as it believes the
UK already offers some of the most
generous provisions in the world.
Parental leave should be open to both
parents, be simple to administer and allow
employers to reject complex patterns of
leave, said Katja Hall, CBI Chief Policy
Director.
The Federation of Small Businesses
(FSB) predicts that the changes the
Government wants to push through would
make administration of parental leave far
more complicated than it already is.
National Chairman John Walker said that
for a small rm, organising cover and
workloads for a member of staff that has
decided to take chunks of parental leave
from work not a continuous period of
time will be extremely burdensome and
difcult to administer.
The FSB is also concerned by the
Governments plans to extend the right to
request exible working to all employees,
not just to parents of under-17s. This
would just add to the red tape burden on
small rms.
According to the FSB, of the two-thirds
of small businesses that offer exible
working, only four per cent restrict this to
the parents of small children.
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According to a survey of its members,
when employers were asked how they
would make the 3 per cent contribution
of employees salaries, 34 per cent said they
would have to pay for it from prots. More thanhalf (57 per cent) of the employers surveyed
said that the added time burden derived from
auto-enrolment will be very high or high, versus
10 per cent who thought it would be very low or
low.
The survey also revealed that the burden is
likely to fall hardest on small rms. Feedback
from IoD members indicated that 95 per cent of
rms that do not have any pension
arrangements for employees into which the
employer contributes are SMEs, without the
specialist human resource functions that big
rms can afford.
Miles Templeman, Director-General of theIoD, said the Government shouldnt
underestimate the cost burden that auto-
enrolment is going to place on small rms...of
course we need to improve retirement provision
in the UK, but yet again its the small
entrepreneur who is hit. Phasing in auto-
enrolment buys us some time, but the private
sector cant be expected to bounce back and
create new jobs in the longer run if the
Government keeps dropping new cost burdenson rms.
According to the survey, many employers are
still unaware that they will be required to set up
and fund employee pensions. Twenty per cent
of employers are not aware that there will be
legislation, commencing in 2012, that requires
them by law to enrol employees who earn over
the income tax personal allowance, into a
pension scheme and to make contributions on
their behalf.
There is also a high level of uncertainty about
what proportion of employees will exercise
their right to opt out of auto-enrolment.Sixteen
per cent of employers thought that none of theiremployees would opt out. But 24 per cent of
employers said that they thought the opt-out
rate could be as high as 51 per cent or more, and
29 per cent said that they had no view on what
the opt-out rate would be.
Institute of Directorswarns on auto enrolmentThe Institute o Directors has said that auto-enrolment pensions,which will begin in 2012, are likely to burden rms with signicantcosts relating to employer contributions and administration.
DT completestrailer sizeconsultation
The Department for Transport hasconcluded its consultation into
the potential impacts of
permitting an increase in the
permitted length of articulated lorries
to 18.75 metres.
On the day the consultation closed,
the Freight Transport Association
said the Government should take a
level headed view on longer semi-
trailers.
FTAs own research suggests that
high volume semi-trailers will deliver
both efciency and carbon savings
for companies, by cutting vehiclemileage.
A move would mostly benet those
businesses such as retailers, parcel
companies and manufacturers of high
volume, low weight products where
existing 13.6 metre semi-trailers
become full before they reach their
gross weight.
Simon Chapman, FTAs Chief
Economist, said all the evidence we
have had from our members has
reinforced FTAs view that high
volume semi-trailers are good for the
environment and good for business.
For high volume, low density loads,
the extra deck space offers improved
productivity and fewer vehicle
journeys.
High volume semi-trailers are also
likely to have a positive effect on
road safety, with overall HGV
mileage reduced and the potential for
operators to specify the latest on-road
safety technology and mirrors for
vehicles.
For the FTA: The vehicles being
considered are no longer than
drawbar trailer combinations already
on the road, and the proposals are nota stalking horse for increased HGV
weights in the UK.
Government to shake up dot matrix signs
Local transport minister Norman Baker and
roads minister Mike Penning (pictured)
have said they are considering the
introduction of new road matrix signs that will
provide motorists with a much wider range ofinformation, such as encouraging them to use
the train in case of congestion.
At the House of Commons Transport
Committee, Mike Penning said that the signs
were currently not providing up to date and
user-friendly information, and that they needed
to encourage people off the motorways and on
to other modes of transport.
Mr. Baker said that if you have a sign there
saying the railway journey along this parallelcorridor is half the journey time of the road
journey, people might think about changing to
the train....if you do that, it may obviate the
need for expensive and perhaps environmentally
damaging roadworks.
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Parliament held a new debate on the issue
on 14 June, at Westminster Hall.
Speaking after the debate, Robert Halfon,
Conservative MP for Harlow said: We want a
fair deal for fuel for motorists and businesses....
as well as no more rises in fuel duty, I amurging that the Government sets up a
Commission into why fuel prices at the pump
are still far too high, even though oil has fallen
on the international markets and to examine
alternatives to rising fuel duty.
Fair Fuel campaigner Peter Carroll said:
Nearly every MP present at the debate agreed
with the call for more transparency in the
market so that hard pressed motorists and
businesses can see who is taking what out of
the price of a litre. FairFuelUK strongly
supported the call by Mr Halfon that the
Government should commit to no more rises at
all in fuel duty in this Parliament. The plan is
that fuel duty will rise in January. We have to
stop that rise.
Justine Greening MP, Economic Secretary to
the Treasury, conrmed I will continue to do
what I can to stay close to the industry, and I
will work with the Department for Transport tolook at an overall approach that will support our
economy as well as supporting hauliers,
motorists and businesses.
The Road Haulage Association has welcomed
the involvement of MPs from across the
political spectrum to recognise the plight of UK
road hauliers. RHA Chief Executive Geoff
Dunning said: We particularly welcome their
acknowledgement of those transport operators
who are being undercut by foreign vehicles
entering the UK with tanks of fuel bought on
the continent for which they have paid up to 24
pence per litre less in fuel duty.
MPs debate Fair FuelThe FairFuelUK Campaign is continuing to keep the pressure up onpoliticians to do more to alleviate the burden o high uel costs onindustry and ordinary motorists.
New TrafcCommissionerappointment
Philip Hammond, secretary of state fortransport, has appointed BeverleyBell (pictured) to the position of
Deputy Senior Trafc Commissioner.Ms Bell, who spoke at BARs annual
conference in Manchester this year, is
currently Trafc Commissioner for theNorth Western Trafc Area. The current
Senior Trafc Commissioner, Philip Brown,is on extended medical leave.
Stephen Vickers, Director General, BARsaid We congratulate Beverly on her
appointment. Following her visit to theBAR Conference in May we are certain that
Beverley has a better understanding of theissues and concerns of our Membership.
FTA publishesnewInternationalGuide
T
he Freight Transport Associations
annual guide for international road
transport operators is now available.
The 2011 issue includes information to helpclarify the often confusing set of regulations
faced by UK-based operators when they
visit countries in the EU and beyond. It uses
country proles to equip transport managers
with the information needed to avoid
unanticipated delays and deal effectively
with roadside enforcement.
The new edition includes updated
information on public holidays, weekend
lorry bans and toll prices, local weight
restrictions and other essential facts for eet
operators in both the own account and hire
and reward sectors.
Each year suggestions from FTA membersare included in the guide and new for this
edition, amongst others, are sections on
Algeria, updates on safe loading and on the
DocStop scheme, which is available for
drivers in parts of mainland Europe.
Defra analyses more Low Emission Zones
The Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs has launched a national
consultation on how to meet European
Union limits on air pollution. Defras plans
could include a national Low Emission Zone
(LEZ) framework to help reduce nitrogen
dioxide (NO2) concentrations.
The EU Ambient Air Quality Directive,
approved in 2008, sets limits for major air
pollutants including nitrogen dioxide with the
aim of protecting human health and the
environment. Road transport is the dominant
source of pollution in areas exceeding the
current limit values. According to Defra, on
average, local trafc contributes 60 per cent of
total UK nitrous oxide concentrations.
UK emissions of nitrogen oxide fell by 39 per
cent between 2000 and 2009 as a result of many
measures introduced over the last decade to
tackle air pollution. Based on 2008 projections,
compliance with the limit values will have been
achieved in 2010 over large parts of the UK.
However, the UK faces challenges in achieving
full compliance in major cities and towns.
Defra says that in order to meet the EU limits
in cities, it is exploring scope for additional
measures to speed up compliance. This could
include, in particular, a possible national
framework for LEZs to support and facilitate
the introduction of LEZs at local level.
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Website imagesmay lead tocopyright
claims
The Forum of Private Business
(FPB) is warning small business
owners to check the imagesthey are using on their websites in
order to guard against costlycopyright claims.
The Forum issued the warningafter a noticeable increase in calls to
its member helpline on the issue inrecent months, with several
businesses receiving letters
demanding payment for unwittingly
using copyrighted pictures.Often, small businesses entrust
web design companies to source and
upload images to their websites, onthe presumption that the design
company will have securedpermission to use them.
However, all too often this is notthe case, according to the FPB.
Liability for any copyright
infringement lies with the smallbusiness, rather than the design
company which developed thewebsite.
As a result, the Forum is urgingsmaller businesses to check they are
legally entitled to use the images ontheir websites in order to avoid
potential claims from powerful
copyright holders such as GettyImages, one of the worlds largest
stock photography companies, whichactively pursues copyright
infringement involving its images.FPB Chief Executive Phil Orford
said: I think the digital age hasblurred the boundaries of image
copyright in many peoples minds
and some business ownersmistakenly think that because an
image is freely available on theinternet, it can be reused without
permission.Additionally, many smaller
businesses entrust web designcompanies with the whole process of
registering and creating theirwebsite, and presume that their web
design company will only use images
they are entitled to use.The FPB, which is a not-for-prot
business support organisation forsmaller companies, is advising
business owners to check with theirweb design company they are legally
entitled to use each and every imageon their websites for commercial
use.
DT and Transport or
London launchtechnology undTransport Secretary, Philip Hammond and the Mayor o London,Boris Johnson, have launched a joint 1 million und to research anddevelop new technology to reduce the disruption caused by roadworks.
The money will fund an 18-month project
by the Transport Research Laboratory to
examine innovative engineering
techniques which could see utilities use
temporary road surfacing methods and fast-
setting replacement road surfaces.
This would allow utility companies to carry
out more work at quieter times and re-open
roads during peak trafc periods to reduce
delays and disruption.
Funding will be provided equally by the
Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport
for London.
The DfT also said that it is continuing to
work on drafting regulations that would
allow local authorities to run lane rental
schemes.
The Mayor has asked Transport for London
(TfL) to develop proposals for a targeted lanerental scheme on the capitals busiest roads at
peak times.
That would incentivise utilities and other
companies to carry out road works during the
less busy periods of the day to reduce their
impact on the travelling public.
Lane rental scheme
Consultation on the new regulations and TfLs
proposals for a lane rental scheme will take
place over the summer and, if approved,
regulations would be in place by the end of
the year, allowing the Mayor to apply to have
the countrys rst lane rental scheme up and
running in London in the rst half of 2012.
Boris Johnson envisages the lane rental
scheme will contribute towards clearing
unnecessary disruption from the capitals
roads. Londons Transport Commissioner,
Peter Hendy, said only 20 per cent of utility
road works are currently carried out during
off-peak hours on the most congested parts of
the Transport for London Road Network,
compared to over 70 per cent of TfLs work.
By developing these new techniques to
enable road works to be done more rapidly,we can make sure that this research meets the
needs of all respective industries, and
ultimately reduces disruption and congestion
on the capitals major roads. According to the
DfT, road works count for 38 per cent of the
capitals trafc delay and can cost Londons
economy almost 1 billion a year.
Momentous is opening its fth location in
England, a fully operating depot in the
town of Gloucester.
Simon Osborne, Group Managing Director,
said this opportunity presented itself with the
acquisition of a new staff member, Emma
Thomas, Depot Manager, who has lived and
worked the area for some time. It gives us an
important foothold in this vital, but hard to
service area of the UK, and most importantly
increases the companys footprint and operating
capability in the UK and Ireland.
Momentous is headquartered in Aylesbury,
and has locations in North London, Carlisle,
Belfast, and now Gloucester.
Momentous opens in Gloucester
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In an event at Compton Acres in June, the
Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry
awarded David Trenchard of
Leatherbarrows with a certicate of
appreciation to recognise the companys
signicant support which those members have
provided over the last twenty six years.
Michael Regenhardt, Chamber Vice President,
said we greatly value the support of our loyal
members...this is a wonderful and unique
opportunity for us to express our thanks.
Leatherbarrows winslong service awardLeatherbarrows Removal & Storage, based in Bournemouth, werehonoured in June or their long-standing commitment to localcommerce and industry.
Coastwaysawarded ISOaccreditation
Coastways Storage & Removals Ltd ofBelfast has become the latest BARmember to be ISO 9001:2008
accredited.Dominic Murray at Coastways says he
initiated the ISO 9001 quality managementdrive to enhance the professionalism of the
companys service and improve all round
productivity. Implementing a QualityManagement System also helped us
motivate staff by dening their key rolesand responsibilities, Dominic says.
Coastways is already seeing the benetsof ISO accreditation, on both the costs and
the sales sides. As service deciencies havebeen highlighted, customer complaints have
dropped signicantly, and orders are beingmet consistently, on time, and to the correct
specication. For Dominic: It is opening
up the marketplace for us, with moreopportunities for us as in many tenders ISO
9001 is obligatory.
BritanniaGoodwins
completearchive move
Staffordshire member BritanniaGoodwins have recently completely
the move of some 45 thousand le
boxes and record books for StaffordshireCounty Council.
The records and archives, including someitems which are over 100 years old, were
moved from old buildings in Stafford towncentre to a purpose-built site in
Staffordshire. The Goodwins team had to
use specially manufactured steps with aworking platform to gain access to the 5-metre high moveable racking that was
installed in this new facility. The team
worked for four weeks on the project. TheCouncils project manager, Catherine
Lantsbery, said, it was important that wemaintained accuracy and security
throughout the process and with Goodwinshelp we achieved a successful move with
minimal disruption to our clients. RobertGoodwin and Darren Gilbert of Britannia
Goodwins oversaw the move.
Humber Bridge tolls rise 11 per cent
The Government has approved an 11 per
cent rise in the tolls paid by motorists
using the Humber Bridge, the rst rise
since 2006.
The toll for goods vehicles with a maximum
weight of between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes
will rise from 4.90 to 5.40, while vehicles
exceeding that weight will pay 12.10, if they
have two axles, compared to 10.90 before, and
16.20, if they have three axles, up from
14.60.The Government said that the increase in tolls
was needed to meet the Humber Bridge Boards
obligations to maintain and operate the Bridge,
and to repay debt to the Government.
In the face of concern by local politicians andbusiness people at the impact of the tolls on the
local economy, the Treasury is to lead a review
into the future for tolls on the bridge. Results of
this review are due by November.
The long awaited M74 in Glasgow opened
to trafc on June 28, some fteen years
after planning permission was rst
granted.
The extension links the end of the existing
M74 at Fullarton Road, near Carmyle, with the
M8 southwest of the Kingston Bridge. The 5-
mile motorway link comprises three lanes in
each direction and a hard shoulder on each side.
Construction work on the road began in May
2008. Completed eight months ahead of
schedule, the M74 is expected to take around
20,000 vehicles per day off the M8 reducing
peak hour journey times by up to 10 minutes.
According to Transport Scotland, the new
road forms a vital part of the west of Scotlands
motorway network. It should ease congestion
on the M8, which until now has been stiing
the economy, not just of Glasgow, South
Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire, but of the entire
west of Scotland.
M74 completed at last
David Trenchard receives a long service award on behal o Leatherbarrows
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Britannia Conerencecelebrates 30 years
The Britannia Conference in Cardiff was anespecially productive and enjoyable event
this year, as delegates celebratedBritannias thirtieth birthday in a lively and
enthusiastic atmosphere.
On the Saturday morning, after a rousingintroduction from Britannia Chairman John
Dilks, delegates had the opportunity to listen to
business guru Gerard Burke, who gave adynamic presentation on how to improvebusinesses and how to apply a more strategic,
well prepared structure to daily routine.Roundtable discussions were the format for
the next stage. This was a new session that split
the delegates across eight tables, discussingsubjects such as improving websites, tendering
for ofce moves, records management,additional shipping services and others.
Twenty-minute sessions allowed time to visitthree of these tables. The general noise levels
and passion in these discussions showed thatnew roundtable concept had been enjoyable and
productive for everyone.
The next guest speaker was Nick Hewer of thetelevision show The Apprentice. The audience
was entertained by various anecdotes from along and colourful career, particularly by some
of the behind the scenes insights into thetelevision series.
The annual Britannia Awards followed,recognising exceptional achievement and
service in the Britannia Group. This year, a totalof eight awards were given out to those making
an outstanding contribution in their area,
recognising their exceptional levels of sales,service and professionalism.
The Corporate awards recognised quality and
support for UK and International removals. TheUK award was won by Thomas Casserlys forthe second year in a row, with Sandersteads just
pipped into second place.On the International side it was Beckwiths
who claimed top prize, ahead of Leatherbarrows.
Beckwiths won their award for their work onmoving employees for a large Swiss based
pharmaceutical rm, while Leatherbarrows earntconsiderable praise for developing superb
services to and from the Channel Islands for a
relocation account.Sandersteads scooped the Sales award for
their immense support from all their removal
and administration staff for Corporate workthroughout the year across all accounts. Robbinscame in second, for their efforts in developing
local relationships with their Polygoncounterparts based at the Cardiff and Bristol
ofces.
Finally, the shipping awards saw Beckwithsrewarded for their inroads in the shipping
market with the Most Improved Shipperaward, while Leatherbarrows headed the pack,
winning the Shipping Cup after a terric year.The Business Session was closed by an
inaugural speech by new Managing DirectorMark Tresler, who used the opportunity to
outline his vision for Britannias future and
convey his hopes that all parts of Britanniacould work together and benet from these new
objectives.After the completion of the Business session,
coaches left for the Millennium Stadium, wheredelegates enjoyed a black tie dinner in the
stadiums banqueting suite. Delegates weretreated to a three course meal while enjoying
background music from a classical harpist.Once the meal was over, the real festivities
began. Firstly, with the cutting of the Britannia
30th Birthday cake and then with a short speechfrom one of the founders of Britannia Movers,
Mr John Court.
A hearty rendition of Happy Birthdayfollowed and while slices of cake were passedaround, there was a swift auction which raised
over 1,000 in aid of The British HeartFoundation.
LtoR: Rachel Kingwell (Britannia Import Manager) / Gavin McCarthy (Sales & Marketing Director) /
Michelle rom Irish Relocations
The shipping awards
saw Beckwiths
rewarded or their
inroads in the market
with the Mostimproved shipper
awards.
L to R: Robert Goodwin & his wie (Britannia
Goodwins) / Peter Monk & his wie (Britannia
Quickmove) / Leslie Dilks
John Dilks (Britannia Chairman)
Round table business sessions
Photographs by Steve Jordan
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Industry News
13
Doncaster set orgiant inland port
T
hree developers have signed a deal tobuild what will be the largest inland
port in the UK, at Rossington nearDoncaster in Yorkshire.
The three partners in the 400 millioncomplex are Helios Europe, a European
logistics company, Shepherd Developments,and property company Segro.
Situated at junction 3 of the M18 in
Doncaster, the Rossington Inland Port willinclude customs clearance and bonded
warehouses on site.Comprising up to 5.75 million square feet
of rail linked distribution warehousing, plusan intermodal container facility, the project
will provide major retailers and third party
logistics providers with buildings that haveboth direct motorway access and direct rail-to-port container services.
The site already has outline planning
permission which was granted last year.Mike Hughes, CEO of Helios Europe,
said Doncaster is acknowledged as apremier location for logistics in the UK and
this project is core to our European-widebusiness. The primary UK ports storage
capacities are being stretched to almostbreaking point through expansion, so there
is substantial demand for intermodal inland
port hubs of this nature. Rossington will
provide our international clients withfacilities that are truly transport futureproofed.
The site will be accessed by a new linkroad which has just been granted an 18
million grant from the Government underthe Regional Growth Fund programme.
The trio expects the rst buildings to be
available for occupation in 2012.
New truck or BlacksWorldwideBlacks Worldwide Movers & Storers o Brechin have added a newR700 MOV truck to their feet, keeping the average age down andensuring they can provide clients with a top quality service.
Robert Black says that despite the sluggish
housing market, the company is still
seeing new work coming in and needs to
enhance its eet.
Blacks eet, made up mostly of DAFs, now
has an average age of under four years an
impressive statistic for a furniture removal
company. The new truck is part of the DAF CF
series. Bodywork was completed by Tekbo in
Glasgow, while the chassis cab, containing all
the usual driver comforts, was supplied by
Norscot Aberdeen.
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Industry News
14
The Land Registry survey, which is based
on actual sale prices achieved and includes
nearly all sales in England and Wales,
whether the purchaser obtains a mortgage or
pays the full price in cash, gives the most
accurate overview of prices actually being paid,
although as it reports actual prices achieved its
gures lag behind those produced by the
Nationwide and Halifax. By contrast the other
authoritative surveys including Halifax and
Nationwide cover only house sales where the
purchaser takes out a mortgage. All three do
however cover the UK as a whole so their
sample is broader but less comprehensive than
the picture offered by the Land Registry.
The Land Registry reported an annual pricedecrease of 2.2 per cent in May, which takes the
average property value in England and Wales to
161,823. This is the largest price decrease since
October 2009. The monthly change from March
to April was a fall of 0.4 per cent. Sales volumes
averaged 44,314 per month from December
2010 to March 2011, which is a drop from the
average of 52,060 per month for the period of
December 2009 to March 2010.
The divergence in price change between
London and the rest of the country continues to
grow. London house prices were 2.9 per centhigher in May than in May 2010. This is the
largest rise seen in the capital since February
2011. However, Londons monthly change of
0.2 per cent was lower than last months gure
and brings the average house price to 344,819.
The region with the greatest annual price fall
was the North East with a movement of-6.9 per
cent. The East Midlands experienced the greatest
monthly rise with a movement of 0.4 per cent.
Wales was the region with the most signicant
monthly price fall with a movement of -3.5 per
cent.
Nationwide, which covers the whole of theUK and is based on a sample of loans issued in
any given month, reported that prices were
unchanged in June, with an average house price
of 168,205, 1.1 per cent lower than in June
2010. Commenting on the gures, Robert
Gardner, Nationwides Chief Economist, said:
The property market has moved sideways over
the past six months, and Junes data suggest that
this trend is being maintained through the
summer months....Its hard to make the case for
prices rising or falling sharply over the
remainder of 2011 if the economy develops as
we expect. Economic growth looks set to gather
pace in the months ahead, but is likely to remainunspectacular. This in turn points to only modest
gains in employment and sluggish wage
increases, which will continue to keep many
potential buyers on the sidelines...overall, a
combination of low transaction volumes, still
tight housing supply and attish house prices
looks set to stay for the remainder of the year.
Halifax, which also covers the entire UK, but
bases its index on a sample of each lenders own
loans each month, reported that prices increased
1.2 per cent in June bringing the average house
price to 163,049. House prices in 2011 Quarter
2 (April to June) were 0.5 per cent lower than in
the previous quarter. This was the smallest
quarterly fall since 2010 Quarter 2. On an annual
basis, prices in June were 3.5 per cent lower as
measured by the average for the three months to
June against the same period a year earlier. This
was an improvement on the annual rate of -4.2
per cent recorded in May. Halifax said that lowinterest rates have helped to improve
affordability, and the recent increase in
employment may also have been an important
factor supporting the market. Housing economist
Martin Ellis said: A slowly improving economy
and sustained low interest rates should help to
support broad stability in the market over the
coming months. The market is, however, likely
to continue to face signicant headwinds which
are expected to constrain housing demand. Low
earnings growth, higher taxes and relatively high
ination are all continuing to put pressure on
household nances.
Figures from Communities and Local
Government (CLG) for April show that houseprices decreased by 0.3 per cent over the year
and decreased by 1.1 per cent over the month
(seasonally adjusted). Average house prices were
0.3 per cent lower over the quarter to April,
compared to a quarterly decrease of 0.4 per cent
over the quarter to January. Average prices
remained unchanged during the year in England
but decreased in Scotland (-1.2 per cent), Wales
(-1.4 per cent) and Northern Ireland (-15.2 per
cent). Prices paid by rst-time buyers were 1.6
per cent lower on average than a year earlier and
prices paid by former owner occupiers increased
by 0.2 per cent. Prices for new properties were
4.2 per cent higher on average than a year earlier
whilst prices for pre-owned dwellings decreased
by 0.6 per cent.
The latest monthly market report from the
National Association of Estate Agents showed
slight decreases across supply and demand in
May. In May, 275 people registered with a
branch, compared to 277 in April. However, this
is still well above data from a year-on-year
comparison, where a gure of 265 was reportedfor 2010. The average number of sales agreed
per branch stayed at eight for the fourth month
in a row. But the percentage of sales to rst time
buyers increased from 21 per cent in April to 24
per cent in May. The average number of
properties for sale per branch decreased slightly
from 69 to 68. According to the NAEA, the
combination of large deposit demands, pressure
on household nances and the gloomy economic
picture for the UK is causing stagnation in the
housing market.
Price change by region Source: Land Registry
Housing market heads southHouse price statistics rom the most authoritative sources in the UK suggest that the housing market hastaken a turn or the worse, with most recent surveys pointing to monthly and annual price declines.
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BAR News
Marriott Hotelsoers savings toBAR members
Marriott Hotels has joined forceswith BAR to offer some
signicant savings at their hotels
and golf and leisure clubs in the UK.
This is an exclusive offer to Marriott
partners only, providing savings that
include:
25 per cent off Stay for Breakfast
breaks at Marriott Hotels across the
UK. These savings apply when you
book a Friday night or two-night
weekend Stay for Breakfast break.
25 per cent savings on Marriottspopular Park Here, Fly There
packages, which are available at a
selection of hotels strategically located
close to the UKs main airports, and
include one nights accommodation
and up to 15 days parking.
Savings on Leisure Club Membership
at Marriott Hotels across the UK.
Marriott has 41 leisure clubs across the
country. The leisure club offer
provides a 15 per cent discount off full
peak monthly leisure membership
rates, which is also available to themain members partner. There is no
joining fee, and no annual contract.
Savings on Golf Club Membership at
Marriott Hotel & Country Clubs across
the UK. Participants can enjoy a 10 per
cent discount off 7 day golf monthly
membership rates, and a 50 per cent
reduction in joining fees, with no
requirement for an annual contract.
The discounted rate is also available
for the main members partner.
Marriotts Hotel and Country Clubs
boast Championship courses, putting
and driving facilities and highly
trained PGA professionals.
For more information, go to the Trade
section of the BAR and look at the latest
Special Offers for Members.
It was a busy night for Stephen Vickers and
his team from BAR as they collected two
awards. BAR was selected from a nal
shortlist of three associations to be the winner
of TAFS Membership Pack of the Year. And,
from a shortlist of four outstanding contenders,
BAR was chosen as winner of the TAF Website
of the Year 2011.
Stephen told R&S: These awards areimportant for trade associations as they
demonstrate best practice against hundreds of
other associations, and the competition is
always ercely contested. One judge was so
impressed with the calibre of BARs entries that
he approached me after the Awards were made
to seek permission to replicate certain elements
within his own Association high praise
indeed!
Website o the YearThe Forums Final Judging Panel stated they
were impressed with BARs easily navigable
website with dened sections for both membersand consumers being equally well focussed.
The look and feel of the site is very good and it
is clearly effective in promoting the removal
industry.
The judges considered that the provision of
real-time quotes to consumers from members
results in excellent added value by way of new
business for BAR members. The innovative
approach of the quick estimation of removal
cost for consumers was particularly
noteworthy.
Created by Viridian Partnership, BARs
pioneering website allows customers to obtain
immediate online estimates for moves, and at
the same time generates sales leads for BAR
members. While this appears incredibly simple
for users, it is based on a highly sophisticated
application developed for BAR. Potential
customers can also check out removers by
reading comments from other customers about
their experience of actual moves involving
BAR members. These are streamed live onto
the site.
The Trade section of the site was designed to
create value to being a BAR member and help
BAR Members interact, enabling them to work
on big jobs together and buy/sell vehicles etc.
By using a bespoke Content Management
System, this has minimised the support costsand maximised BARs control over its web
presence.
David Cranley of Viridian Partnership the
agency which developed the solution for the
British Association of Removers said: We set
out with BAR to create a highly functional
customer-focussed website. So many
Association sites are just for members. BAR
have made the most of their position as an
Association to help end users. This delivers
enormous benets for their members.
Members wishing to improve their prole on
the BAR website or take part in the successful
estimating system should contact BARCommercial department on 01923 699 or email
Membership Pack o the YearThe TAF judges also decided that BARs
Membership Pack was the best of all the packs
considered. One of the judges, Ben Turner,
Head of Sales at the Institute of Sales &
Marketing Management, explained how BARs
pack won: The BAR entry for Membership
Pack of the Year encapsulated everything that
is positive about being part of a trade
association, it expressed a genuine enthusiasm
of the afliation as well as presenting the
benets and proposition in an easy to
understand way for the member. This style of
communication helps the member to clearly see
what the benets of membership entail, as well
as expressing how much the new member
means to the business.
BAR recognised byindustry awardsBAR picked up two prestigious awards at the best practice eventorganised by the Trade Association Forum in early July.
BAR Director General Stephen Vickers, Martin Bayfeld, Julia Crompton rom the Deeson Group
(Sponsor) and Paul Swindon, BAR Commercial Manager.
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BAR News
R&S: How long have you beeninvolved with BAR? What are yourbest memories of BAR events?
Matt Faizey: M&G joined in 2004. Memoriesof BAR events sadly not, I can only really
relate to area meetings, and, to be fair, there are
some nice memories from those that have been
generated over the last couple of years. Plus, of
course, the primary benet is being able to tap
the knowledge base (face to face) of those who
are also members. William Burden, I owe
thanks to and it has been fascinating being able
to meet the varied personalities from within the
membership. The names of Mr Bartup and Mr
Wheadon immediately come to mind, plus of
course Chris Burke is always a pleasure to meet
and has been able to provide some very useful
information over the months.
R&S: What position do you hold at yourcompany? Please tell us how yourmanagement experience at yourcompany will stand you in good steadfor an executive role at BAR.Matt Faizey: My experience? Well I supposeat this point many people would launch into a
self- promoting piece akin to a sexed up
curriculum vitae. I will simply say this: I have
been there in terms of waking up at 03:45 in a
cold sweat, feeling sick and scared because the
wages are due in 48 hours and there is no clue
how to pay them. I have been there, at the
bottom rung, unable to exert any inuence or
authority amongst unruly employees. I have
been there when the bank account states minus
50k and the overdraft limit (on that account!)
is only 40k. And I have been there at themoment we became debt free, and I have been
there when we managed our rst fty grand
week.
I am here, because I want to be, not because I
have to be. I am here to serve my customers to
the best of my ability. I now intend to attempt to
exert some inuence on BAR, and the industry
for the better, and for the benet of the public
we serve.
My position? Well, as many out there know,
in order to truly be in charge, one day you might
be the companys cleaner, the next you might be
the secretary, and maybe, if you are really lucky,
on day 3 you might get the chance to boss
somebody around.
R&S: Why did you stand for the DEDposition? What do you hope to achieveas a director?Matt Faizey: I stood because I am not afraidto stand up and be counted. As many know I
have been vocal through R&S over the last few
years, and was one of two who were
considerably vocal over the standards-based
membership issue. I consider it would have been
hypocritical of me not to have stood. A loud
mouth is one thing, I think the membership are
fully entitled to nd out if I have the balls toback it up.
Achieve? Well, despite what many may think
I havent arrived here with a cast iron belief I
will successfully achieve anything. However, as
many have known, it is rare that I fail at
anything I decide to do. The real aim will be to
temper myself and always consider if I am
following the brief I have been provided with by
the members I now serve.
R&S: What do you think BAR does well?What are its main strengths?Matt Faizey: Clever question. The main
strengths perhaps relate to its solidity. Solidityin terms of its standing, and its robustness under
scrutiny. Members do have a badge, and an
association that will, when asked stand up to
public inspection.
Does well? The only answer I can give is that
it plays its current role of sleeping giant
absolutely impeccably! It is a performance
worthy of an Oscar. I however feel it is time this
giant was awoken from its slumber by the noise
of its members issuing instructions, and I think
the membership will agree with that sentiment.
R&S: How do you think the industry haschanged since you joined the business?How has BAR responded to thesechanges?Matt Faizey: The industry hasnt changed!Thats the problem. I can only answer this
question from a domestic moving perspective
but all the same problems are still there, that is
to say the ones that were there 18 years ago
when I started are still there now. Hardly
anything has changed that has led to a direct
nancial benet for those that work within this
trade/profession.
Sure there are more avenues for rms and
individuals to become more professional, but
what use if the public do not perceive us in suchway? All other aspects, well, obviously VOSA
sharpening its claws over the last 5-6 years has
had an impact, but that is outside of BARs
inuence anyway.
Profle:Matt Faizey,Directly ElectedDirector
Matt Faizey (pictured) o M&G Transport Ltd, who is the latest Directly Elected Director to BARs Board oDirectors, talks to R&S about his background and his new role in BAR.
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BAR News
However, this question should really be
answered from the perspective of the last few
years. BAR never did respond as the recession
took hold, which, personally I think is
something its bottom should receive a smack
for. There are good companies that if they did
not go under then came mighty close, and with
no real avenue to get assistance or advice fromtheir professional body. This is something that
must be addressed. Any future discussion or
programme about changes simply has to factor
in those members who are small outts. BAR
should be moving in a direction that can assist
those with revenues at the lower end of the
spectrum far more than it currently seems to.
Personally I think a statistical review of the
membership should be carried out to
determine what the average size of a BAR
member company is. I often feel that there are
some individuals who seem to think small
companies are those with a 1m turnover. This
has to change. There are good people out therethat give our trade an excellent name but get
little recognition or assistance.
If BAR isnt aware of the size and nancial
situation of its members across the board
then it cannot possibly hope to understand their
needs and can never hope to react in any way
that will give direct benet.
BAR could ultimately respond by nding a
way to make the changes the members
need rather than attempting to react to the ones
they did not.
R&S: Compulsory use of standards by
BAR members is a hot topic at BAR.Where do you stand on this issue, andwhy?Matt Faizey: I will refuse to answer that. Theissue does not need petrol pouring on the
Members. What I will say is that if I had my
way the entry criteria would be beefed up
considerably and I would move to nd a proper
way of auditing members beyond a paperwork
exercise. I would write criteria for membership
that a member of the public would nd
impressive as opposed to concentrating on the
administration end of things and turning the
inspections into a box ticking exercise.
R&S: What do you think BAR needs to dobetter? What particular improvementswill you be pushing for as a director?What changes need to be made?Matt Faizey: The membership needs a methodof promoting their views faster. The structure
needs to be able to adjust and respond far, far
quicker. Democracy is important and can take
many forms however its current form is fuelling
mistrust and stagnation. This is a topic the entire
membership should air their views on, and one
which I believe all of BAR should be
discussing.
I think that a huge effort needs to be put into
getting BAR back inside the minds (and hearts)of its members. BAR seems to me to provide
very little to engage the interest and debate of
hundreds of members, the standards debate
doesnt count as that bred division. I believe that
BAR should blame itself for this and not the
membership. BAR needs to discover how it can
bring back a sense of cohesion and optimism
amongst the membership.
I will also be pushing for a greater frequency
of meetings by the board. Currently the board
meets 3 times a year. I fail to see that this is
enough. Maybe if the membership agree with
me they can discuss/vote at their next areameeting and send their views up the chain? I
would have thought 4 meetings minimum would
be sensible? However, the membership might I
hope advise on this with the minutes of their
next meeting.
R&S: Many BAR members are nervousabout the economy, rising fuel costs,the stagnant housing market, etc. Whatadvice would you give them? How doyou think BAR can support the industryin this period?Matt Faizey: As many know, I believe BAR
should be lobbying the Law Society for changesto the Conveyancing protocols. Hopefully
details of this will emerge in due course IF I can
garner the support of the membership. BAR
cannot move unless the membership start the
engine!
BAR should be supporting by listening and
not presuming. Many, many members need
proper advice and proper forecasts. It isnt hard
to forecast how the next three months might pan
out if you have access to the right information. I
have always thought that BAR should be
providing the information and the tuition on
how to interpret it.
BAR also should be providing a platform forthe membership to come together, which
continues the cohesion, and optimism theme.
Despite me listing this last, this is what I
consider most important right now. Why we do
not have a method for direct communication and
discussion is beyond me. Members very often
would like to be able to bounce ideas off each
other. BAR members should be able to discuss
their views on any aspect of our trade together
at any time.
Whilst area meetings are an important part of
the BAR structure and are something that
should never cease to exist it is beyond
fathomable to me that the members havent
called for an online forum within BARs new
website.
A place they can all come to discuss the trade,
discuss workloads and generally come together.
Restricted to BAR members, by BAR members.
So if you ask me what BAR should be doing
now, it is looking at this as an option.
However, the membership havent called for it
yet...........
R&S: Anything else you would like toadd?Matt Faizey: Yes, Any member can emailme at any time. I actively want to know
what you think. My email address [email protected] feel free to
moan, whine or rant as much as you want.
I actively want to know how the membership
feels about the association it owns.
BAR cannot
move unless the
membership start
the engine!
Matt Faizey,
M&G Transport Ltd.
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BAR News
D
elegates this year gave a largely positive
response to the Manchester Conference,
especially to the quality of this years
speakers and particularly the keynote speaker
Lars Iverson. All of the speakers received on
average good to very good ratings for both the
content and style of their presentations.
Members also liked this years Q&A session
(a very good idea...a fantastic learning tool),
with the vast majority agreeing that this new
event should be held at every BAR Annual
Conference. Some delegates said that the Q&A
event should even be extended in future
conferences.
However, more effort needs to be made to
attract new exhibitors to Conference and to
revitalise the exhibition element of the event,
delegates and exhibitors alike said.And, some delegates were not best pleased by
the quality of the catering, especially at the
Museum Of Science & Industry event on the
Friday evening.
The BAR Conference Committee is already
planning a major revamp of the Conference for
2012, to take on board the suggestions from
members and the three councils, and to ensure a
vibrant and rewarding occasion.
Conerence eedback sets stage orWindsor 2012At Royal Windsor, the 2012 event will kick off
with a welcome evening with a barbeque, andwill include a tour of Windsor Castle for
overseas delegates and partners.
The theme of the 2012 Conference will be A
New Focus. The Committee is making a
special drive on the exhibition front, in order to
provide higher value for exhibitors and for
delegates. There will be showcases for
exhibitors to highlight their products and
services. There will also be new workshops of
specialist and general interest.
We are completely changing the structure of
the Conference to add more business value and
ensure that there is something for everyone,
Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General and
Chairman of the Committee told R&S.
The Royal Windsor venue seems likely to
attract a high level of interest from international
operators and the Beaumont Estate will provide
a spectacular setting for the Conference.
Members of the BAR Conference Committee
for 2012 are all working hard to revitalise
Conference, and ensure that members and their
partners get the most out of the Windsor event.Members of the Committee would welcome
more ideas from members and afliates.
The members of the Committee are: BAR
President Reg Hackworthy; Vice President Ian
Studd; Overseas Group representative Tony
Tickner; Commercial Group representative
Mark Herrington, National Council
representative William Burden; and Paul
Swindon from BARs Commercial Department.
To ensure that exhibitors get outstanding value
and are properly represented, Richard Allen of
Active also sits on the Committee.
All early subsgrateully received!Just a small note to thank those BAR
Members who have paid their annual
subscriptions early this year.
New Focusor 2012
ConerenceFeedback rom this years BAR Annual Conerence in Manchesterhas landed on the desks o the BAR Conerence Committee or 2012,who are now preparing major changes or next years event inRoyal Windsor.
Dinner danceon the EnglishRiviera
The South Western area is delightedto announce they are returning to the
Imperial Barcelo Hotel in Torquay
for their annual dinner dance on Saturday
12th November.The Barcelo Imperial
Hotel is an exclusive four-star cliff top
hotel with staggering views across the
bay.
As one of the top UK holiday
destinations since Victorian Times,
Torquay has panoramic views of 22 miles
of stunning coastline, with seven famous
hills which provide a picturesque
backdrop to the watery scenery that
matches anything on the French Rivera.During the dinner dance there will be a
rafe and auction, the proceeds of which
go to a local charity personal to area
members, an international charity and the
RBA. Last year these included Treliske
SBCU, Mayeld Special Needs School,
Shelterbox and the RBA. In the last ten
years of holding this dinner dance the
South Western Area has raised in the
region of a just under 29,000!
The South Western Area would like to
invite you to join them for their area
meeting and dinner dance. Whether you
fancy complimenting the meeting and
dinner dance with pampering at the hotels
beauty rooms, visiting the health club and
swimming or taking a trip into the vibrant
town of Torquay to sample the shopping,
culinary delights or bars, the South
Western Area members feel the weekend
has something to offer everyone.
For more details and information please
contact Sue Christophers, South Western
Area Secretary on 01637 872529 or email
The Barcelo Hoteloverlooking Torbay
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The rst event was in November 2009
in Birmingham where the group went
bowling and playing Laser Quest. It
was a fantastic time and I met some really
nice people, said Neil. Pressure of work
prevented him from going to other events
but he did get to the murder mystery day in
Watford which he said was a fantastic
laugh everyone took the time to get
costumes and the numbers had risen from
the original event. He added that it wasnice to get away from the stress of the
ofce for a day too.
The Young Movers, of course, do more
than play and drink beer when they meet.
The Young Movers helps build a circle of
friends within the industry. I felt that there
was a generation gap between todays
managers and the managers of the future.
Through Young Movers Ive met a lot of
guys who are in the same position as
myself: they have come through the family
business and are now working towards
managerial status.The relationships that are built while
socialising are long lasting. All elder
statesmen of the industry today would
agree that the friendships they built during
long nights around bars at the BAR
conference, for example, have endured andbeen invaluable during their careers. But
for Neil there is more to it than that.
Young Movers gives us a chance to say
how we feel the industry is going rather
than just accept that it will carry on the way
it has done for years. Its a source of new
ideas that I think will begin to be noted
more by BAR.
Neil left school at 16 to do a business
administration apprenticeship with the local
council. When he nished, at age 18, he
came into the family business as the third
generation. There was never any real doubt
that he would. I could really see thebusiness going places and I wanted to be a
part of it.
Right from the start he took part in every
aspect of the business: portering, packing,
loading and driving. At 18 he passed his
class 2 licence and progressed to class 1 as
soon as he was 21. Hes been all over
Europe on the vans and thoroughly enjoyed
his time on the road. I always felt that
there was a little more pressure on me as
the bosss son to get things done but it was
probably good for me, he explained.
Now Neil does the surveys, handlestenders with the companys east Lothian
manager David Woodhouse, organises the
vehicles and tries to make a point of going
to the last day of every overseas move just
to make sure that everything is as it should
be. He still gets the chance to go out on theroad sometimes. Neil doesnt believe that
carrying the family name gives him much
benet during surveys. Its more pride
than anything. Its good for the customers
to know that the company is still in the
family.
Neil spends any spare time he gets with
his partner Diann and young daughter
Esme. Whether its building blocks,
colouring books or watching cartoons on
the TV I always feel it time well spent, he
said.
His other spare time pursuit, is to go and
see his beloved Heart of Midloathian aSaturday afternoon or Sunday. I have been
going to these games since the age of about
seven or eight and it is the only thing that I
will never change. Im sure Diann would
like me to give up the season tickets and
spend more time in the house however I
feel that this is my only kick back and
release. Shouting from the terraces is
almost therapeutic and I will keep this up
for many years to come. As well as
watching football Neil likes to play ve-a-
side a couple of nights a week. I play just
to keep t now that I am mainly ofcebased.
Neil PurdieNeil Purdie, rom Matt Purdie & Sons, has been a member o the YoungMovers since it started in 2009. Hes an advocate o getting the under40s together regularly to chat, play and do business and sees it asproviding signicant benets to the individuals concerned, theircompanies and the moving industry as a whole.
Young Mover Profle: Family Man
Every month Removals & Storage includes a numbero eature items. These are planned well in advanceto allow members o and suppliers to the industry tojoin in.
Please contact Andy or Louise at AnalyticaCommunications on: 0208 458 5100 or e-mail:[email protected]
Feature Schedule 2011
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BAR NewsBAR News
Southern Areaenjoys Summermeeting
The Southern Area held a successfulmeeting at the Romsey Golf Club in
Southampton in late June, with this
years participants enjoying an excellent
day of golf, a barbeque, and drinks, with
some serious business discussions also
thrown in. Seven players participated in the
golf tournament, which was played in late
afternoon sunshine. Tony Skinner of
Pickfords won the event (the prize was an
engraved hip ask and George Lambert
trophy sponsored by Neal Lambert from
George Lambert & Sons Ltd. Area
secretary, Peter Doman, was not far behind
in second place (receiving a Pro Am
invitation provided by Graham
Puddephatt of Reason Global). Peter also
picked up prizes for nearest the pin
(provided by Paul Tracey of Pickfords) andlongest drive (provided by Paul Bullock of
PHS Teacrate). White & Cos umbrellas for
each player were reassuring to all involved
as thunderstorms began to brew in the skies
above, although fortunately the downpour
never materialised. Following the golf,
Peter Doman informed meeting participants
about recent BAR business, including a
detailed review of this years Conference.
Darren House of Wentworth International
Movers came from outside the Southern
Area to give a very interesting presentation
about the Young Movers initiative. R&S
editor Andy Stern presented his companyAnalytica Communications, and the range
of publishing and PR services it offers, and
took suggestions and questions about R&S.
Toasting successAt the drinks event held after the meeting,
and sponsored by Basil Fry, participants
raised toasts to this years outstanding
successes from the Southern Area: Brian
Maidman, winner of Domestic Mover of
the Year, and David Trenchard, who has
been awarded Honorary Life Membership
of BAR. Steve Davies, Chairman of the
Southern Area, paid warm testimony to
Davids involvement with the industry in
the area over the last 49 years, and Brian
Maidman also spoke about Davids unique
contribution to the industry.
David told R&S: Eight teams took part,
and, reporting for instructions at 6 pm,
prepared themselves for battle, bearing
remarkable names, but comprising sponsors,
members, co-opted family/friends, and area
ofcers.
The idea was to follow a specic 18 mile
route through the Cheshire countryside, starting
and nishing at the Windmill Hotel near
Knutsford the regular venue for Area
meetings looking for, and answering, clueswhich totalled 40 in number. Some cryptic;
some clear; some easy; and some hard. A
deadline was imposed of 9 pm, which all Teams
adhered to (most could remember the fate
which befell the John Mason Team some years
ago, which reported at 9-02 pm, and were
disqualied!). As the teams arrived back, their
papers were handed to David for marking,
which took place during an excellent buffet
meal. And then the results were announced.
Champion hunters
Wooden spoonists status was achieved by ajoint Sponsors Team of John Mitchell, from
Pluscrates; Graham Puddephatt from Reason
Global, and Rob Ford from Pickfords Preston,
with a rather paltry 16.5 points out of 40. The
usual excuses were trotted out, such as
unfamiliarity with the Area, which didnt wash
with anyone, and they were each handed
literally a wooden spoon for their efforts!
Third place with a bottle of wine for each
participant kindly donated by Rob Ford from
Pickfords, went to a slightly misnamed team of
The Losers, comprising Britannia Bradshaw
Manchester employees Mel Halley, Diane
Twigge, KeeleyHart, and Paul Flowers with a
very creditable 26.5 points.Second place with four bottles of
champagne generously provided by Graham
Puddephatt from Reason Global, went to the
Still trying to win team from John Mason
International Liverpool, skippered by Steve
Sheldon, and supported by his wife Sheila, his
son Rick, and Sarah Pratt. 30.5 points without
disqualication was pretty good!
And the winners? Well, the captain of the
team (Malc Halley) has been a winner before,
and was therefore an old hand. His team,
unimaginatively named Brit Movers
(Britannia Bradshaw Manchester) comprised
his son Piers, and Area Chairman ErnieHumphreys, and came in with 34 points,
walking off with the top prize, most kindly
donated by John Mitchell of Pluscrates, of a
meal with wine at the Windmill. Special
mention is due for the Pickfords featuring
Annette + 1 team, which performed remarkably
well, thanks in the main to the contribution of
the + 1 namely Annette Harriss daughter
Brooke Foster a mere 13 year old, but
obviously wise beyond her years. All
participants declared the event a success, and
look forward to another hunt next year when
other areas are more than welcome to join in the
fun. David sends his special thanks to all thesponsors, particularly John and Graham, who
had not only travelled some distance to support
the event, but provided very generous prizes,
and joined in as well.
Great North West Areacar treasure hunt 2011The evening o Thursday 30th June saw the North West Area getinvolved in its now traditional summer Car Treasure Hunt, organised byDavid Bunting, BAR Treasurer.
Tony Brown from Cheshire Moving &
Storage Ltd receives their
Membership Certicate by Ernie
Humphries (N W Area Chairman), at the
recent North West Area meeting held on
the 30th June at The Windmill Public
House, Knutsford, Cheshire. Cheshire
Moving & Storage will be proled in afuture issue of R&S. For all other meetings
please contact Area secretary Annette
Harris on annette.harris@anglopacic.
co.uk
Tony Brown rom Cheshire Moving & Storage Ltd
receives their Membership certifcate rom Ernie
Humphries (NW Area Chairman)
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
2nd place team Sarah Pratt, Shelia Sheldon, Steve
Sheldon, and Rick Sheldon, with prize sponsorGraham Puddephatt in the middle.
Tournament winner Tony Skinner o
Pickords (L) receives his George Lambert
Trophy rom Neil Lambert
Photograph by Analytica Media
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The ndings from the report are as
follows:
Moves within the UKQ1 saw a steady decline in moves within the
UK, March 2011 showed a signicant decline of
8.87% compared to March 2010. Q2 2011
witnessed a recovery and the months of April
(2.43%) and June (1.5%) fared better when
compared to the previous years ndings.
Overall, UK domestic moves in 2011 for therst six months were down by 2.60%
(Figure 1).
The National Association of Estate Agents
(NAEA) reported in June 2011 a rather
disappointing picture for the UK removals
industry citing The combination of large
deposit demands, pressure on household
nances and the gloomy economic picture for
the UK is causing stagnation in the housing
market. President of the NAEA, Wendy
Evans-Scott said Demand for property
remains consistent but the barriers to buying
are proving impossible to overcome for the vast
majority of consumers.
House prices and sales volumeThe Land Registrys House Price Index report
for England & Wales (January 2010 May
2011) reveals a variable outlook on the housing
market as indicated by house prices and sales
volumes (Figure 2). House prices rose during
eight consecutive months from January 2010,
peaking in August 2010 with an average value
of 166,750. A downward trend then followed
and the average house price decreased to below
162,000 for all but two months to May 2011.
A similar trend can be seen for sales volume,
gures peaked in July 2010 at 68,000, falling to
below 40,000 in January 2011. Most recent
gures available from February 2011 andMarch 2011 show slightly more encouraging
and positive statistics.
Industry Statistics:January 2010/11 June 2010/11Based on surveys completed by Member companies, BAR has analysed the industry statistics or the
proessional removals industry, comparing like-or-like months rom 2010 to 2011 or the rst hal year(Q1 & Q2).
Figure 1: Moves within the UK
4.00%
2.00%
0.00%
-2.00%
-4.00%
-6.00%
-8.00%
-10.00%
2011 compared to 2010 by month
Figure 2: House price and sales volume (England & Wales)
167,500
167,000
166,500
166,000
165,500
165,000
164,500
164,000
163,500163,000
162,500
162,000
161,500
161,000
Ave
rageprice()
S
alesvolume
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0
Average price () Sales volume Source: Land Registry
Figure 3: Sta Employed
4.00%
3.00%
2.00%
1.00%
0.00%
-1.00%
-2.00%
2011 compared to 2010 by month
Figure 4: Vehicles in use
8.00%
6.00%
4.00%
2.00%
0.00%
-2.00%
-4.00%
2011 compared to 2010 by month
Figure 5: Moves to European countries
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%0.00%
-10.00%
-20.00%
-30.00%
2011 compared to 2010 by month
Figure 6: Moves to Overseas (non-European countries)
35.00%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
-5.00%
-10.00%
-15.00%
2011 compared to 2010 by month
Jan-1.39%
Feb-5.17%
Mar-8.87%
Apr2.43%
May-0.90%
Jun1.50%
YTD-2.60%
Feb-1.65%
Apr0.00%
Mar6.20%
May7.32%
YTD
2.20%
Jan-0.42%
Jun0.00%
Jan 10 Mar 10 May 10 Jul 10 Sep10 Nov 10 Jan 11 Mar 11 May 11Month
Jun-19.23%
Jan54.84%
Feb36.84%
Mar12.00%
Apr-8.79%
May
-2.60%
YTD10.54%
Jan0.67%
Feb1.13%
Mar3.49%
May-1.70%
YTD0.69%
Apr3.48%
Jun-1.54%
Jan32.56%
Feb4.26%
Mar-9.43%
Apr-3.43%
May11.66%
Jun15.66%
YTD7.05%
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BAR News
Industry employmentThe number of staff employed increased slightly
by just 0.69% during the 6 months of 2011
compared to 2010 (Figure 3) although
worryingly May (-1.70%) and June (-1.54%)
both fared worse this year compared to like
months from 2010.
Vehicles in useThe number of vehicles in use also increased
slightly by 2.20% over the rst 6 months of
2011 compared to 2010 (Figure 4). Vehicles in
use for the month of May 2011 proved to be the
most favourable month with an increase of
7.32%.
Moves to European countriesMoves to European countries in 2011 compared
to 2010 by month have been extremely erratic
and variable to say the least, with a considerable
54.84% increase in January 2011.
Conversely a signicant decrease of
approximately 19% is reported in June 2011
(Figure 5). Year to date gures reveal a healthy
10.54% increase.
The top European removal destination for
January - June 2010 was France followed by
Spain and then Germany.
The top European removal destination for
January June 2011 was France followed by
Germany and then Spain.
Moves to Overseas countries(non- European countries)Moves to Overseas countries (non-European)
in 2011 compared to 2010 by month have been
rather erratic and variable. January 2011 saw a
large increase of approximately 33%, but
conversely a decrease of approximately 9% in
March 2011 (Figure 6). An upturn in the market
in May 2011 (11.66%) and June 2011 (15.66%)
has been fairly dramatic following the previous
couple of months. Year to date gures reveal a
positive 7.05% increase.
The top Overseas (non-European) removal
destination for January - June 2010 was
Australia followed by USA and then New
Zealand. The top Overseas (non-European)
removal destination for January - June 2011
was New Zealand followed by Australia and
then USA.
In summary, the UK domestic removals
indus