In this episode Ian Siddle, Managing Director of Arnold & Self discusses how he began his career in the industry some 33 years ago, joining Arnold & Self after being refused time off for his skiing holiday from his first job!

Arnold & Self was originally formed by Andy Self & Peter Arnold in 1986, mainly providing furniture delivery services for Alders during the week and undertaking removals at weekends. Today, Arnold & Self is owned by Ian, and operate predominantly in the domestic removals & storage market, although they also provide commercial relocation, archive storage and trade work. Arnold & Self operate 4 trucks, 3 lutons, and employ a daily team of 10-14, a small office team and a surveyor.

Ian’s biggest challenge was the crash of 2008 and the liquidation of the company, which Ian states was a challenging time but a very rewarding time as well.

The one thing Ian would like to change from his moving past would be to have got involved with the BAR (British Association of Removers) sooner, particularly the YMG (Young Movers Group).

As Ian mentioned he would have liked to have undertaken training earlier in his career, we discuss the Removals Masterclass course, which was a weeklong residential course provided by BAR Training Services in November 2021, in which Ian sent his Transport Manager on.

Ian’s highpoint of being within the industry is the friendships and contacts he has made, many being local competitors.

The one thing Ian would like to change within the industry is regulation (although we did discuss conveyancing off air) especially with the 3.5 tonne vehicles, and we discuss how we (as movers) or our association(s) should show that we are a regulated industry, should that come to fruition.

The advice Ian would give himself just starting out in the industry is to speak to as many people as you can, get involved, be part of the process, join the groups, join the associations, and get as much knowledge as you can.

In the next 5 years Ian would like to see himself with a lower handicap, but on a serious note Ian would like to see himself being in a position to work on the business rather than in the business. Industry wise Ian says there is clearly a challenge ahead trying to attract new (younger) staff into our industry.

Outside of the industry Ian enjoys a round of golf, Ian loves his football (although he is a Spurs fan), playing vets football on a Saturday and 5-a-side during the week, and Ian enjoys socialising and cooking.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, or in Ian’s case a funny warehouse story, regarding a fox.

Enjoy!

Links to Arnold & Self:

Special Guest: Ian Siddle.