In this episode, Steve McGregor, Managing Director of McGregor Removals & Storage, discusses how he returned to the industry in 2013 to start his own business, even though as a third-generation remover he swore he would never be involved in Removals!

McGregor Removals & Storage is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland and offer removals, storage, distribution and packing services, covering the whole of the UK and Ireland, focusing primarily on customer service, and in January 2025 have started an international shipping service. Fleet wise McGregor Removals & Storage operate a fleet of 9 vehicles and are not brand loyal in the slightest, and storage wise they have a 16,000 sqft warehouse.

Apart from the everyday challenge of removals, Steve’s challenges have been staff and recruitment, switching off and detaching when away from the workplace, and accepting that you cannot change bad attitude.

The one thing Steve would change from his moving past would have been to network earlier, which would have taken McGregor Removals & Storage further and faster.

Steve has several high points of being within the industry, becoming a member of BAR (British Association of Removers), moving Dame Kelly Holmes, and the excitement from Steve’s children, nieces and nephews when they see the vehicles on the road as the vehicles are named after them.

The one thing Steve would like to change within the industry is to have a more structured sales process.

The advice Steve would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to network earlier and do more homework on the industry.

In the next 5 years Steve wants to continue to grow the McGregor brand. Industry wise, Steve sees technology playing a big part.

Outside of the industry Steve spends time with his two daughters, the challenge of running, working out at the gym, and has recently bought a boat.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, well two, one involving a tip and the other a sex toy.

Enjoy!

Links to McGregor Removals & Storage:

Special Guest: Steve McGregor.

In this episode, Jonathan Bramwell, Founder of Bramwell Relocation, discusses how he began in removals 42 years ago, assisting with the delivery of furniture for his mother’s antique furniture and restoration business, before buying his own van and delivering items from the local auction house.

At that time Jonathan’s business was SBS (Sure to Be of Service), which grew not only from removals but also from storage and commercial contracts, including distribution. At its peak SBS was employing 70 people and turning over £5m a year! However, during the global economic crash of 2008/9 business started to get tough as contracts were cancelled, and eventually SBS was placed into administration and up for sale – and the buyer, none other than Clockwork Removals, where Jonathan was offered a role within Sales, and then promoted to National Sales Director, before eventually parting company.

8 months after leaving Clockwork, and at the tender age of 48 Jonathan was told (twice) that he could do it again, and so Bramwell Relocation was formed, and today is a true family affair consisting of Jonathan, Bev (wife), Lewis (son) & Sarah (daughter), primarily offering very high quality domestic removals & storage services, employing 10 and running a fleet of 3 x HGVs (2 of which are demount bodies), 4 x Luton vans, 2 x VW Transporters and 1 x VW Crafter. Storage wise they offer containerised storage, shipping container storage and a very small amount of self-storage.

Jonathan’s biggest challenge ever has to be running a business for 26 years and letting it go. Any challenge since then Jonathan regards as ‘just stuff’ rather than a challenge.

The one thing Jonathan would change from his moving past is to have concentrated more on removals, rather than diversify into providing different services.

Jonathan has two high points of being within the industry, in 2000 Jonathan was appointed Chairman of the BAR Yorkshire Area, and more recently when Lewis & Sarah joined the business.

The one thing Jonathan would like to change within the industry is the process in which people buy houses.

The advice Jonathan would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to immediately deliver great service, constantly regulate yourself, don’t over trade (become a busy fool), and control your cash.

In the next 5 years Jonathan hopes to be semi-retired. Industry wise, Jonathan sees an increase in the use of 3.5 tonne vans.

Outside of the industry Jonathan has an obsession for cars and motorcycles. Jonathan enjoys skiing, vacations, gardening, and trips to the Isle of Man.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding plums.

Enjoy!

Links to Bramwell Relocation:

Special Guest: Jonathan Bramwell.

In this episode, Vince Burruano, President of Vince Burruano Consulting Services, discusses how he has had 2 stints of working within the industry, the first as Sales Leader within Office Movers (2.5 years), and the second as Vice President of Sales for Commercial Services for JK Moving Services (8 years).

Today Vince is a consultant to the moving industry, helping business owners and leaders in making their companies become more successful, something Vince has been doing for the past 3 years.

Vince has had many challenges within the industry, however, the two discussed are, finding the right talent, and the way Sales Professionals and others are treated once they are a member of the company.

Vince wouldn’t want to change anything from his moving past because he is fearful making a change in one regard would alter everything else.

Vince’s highpoint of being within the industry was his experience during Covid, where even when he had to reduce the size of his team, he still grew the business to be more successful.

The one thing Vince would like to change within the industry is the mindset of individuals, especially company owners and leaders.

The advice Vince would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to spend as much time as possible building the team, and more importantly the culture.

In the next 5 years Vince hopes to continue to carve out a niche for himself within the industry. Industry wise, Vince hopes that the industry continues to evolve in a good way.

Outside of the industry Vince is spending more time on photography and has a huge passion for reading books (physical not digital).

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, in fact three, and are all related to Vince’s son.

Enjoy!

Links to Vince Burruano:

Special Guest: Vince Burruano.

In this episode, Andy Carr, a former removal company owner, discusses how he began within the industry over 50 years ago from the age of 10/11, as a lift boy at weekends for his father’s company Romford Office & Commercial (ROC).

Andy is a former (BAR) Commercial Moving Group chairman, and today is still very much involved within the industry, being a BAR inspector, a QSS auditor, the lead judge in the (BAR) Commercial Mover of the Year competition, and a practicing business coach and consultant, under his company The Moving Shop.

Andy has had several challenges within the industry, a major warehouse fire in 1988 which totally destroyed everything the company had built, clearing the Commercial Union floors of the Baltic Exchange Building shortly after the Saint Mary Axe (London) bombing on April 10th, 1992 (where incidentally Andy and a crew were working an hour before the bomb went off!), and becoming an auditor for QSS.

The one thing Andy would like to change from his moving past is to have not grown by acquisition, which was a recommendation from his bank!

Andy has a couple of highpoints of being within the industry, firstly, winning Commercial Mover of the Year award at the same time as winning East London Growth Business of the Year, and secondly, becoming chairman of the (BAR) Commercial Moving Group, where during his tenure he introduced the quality standard for commercial moving (BS 8522).

The one thing Andy would like to change within the industry is to see it recognised as a profession, as it is in so many other countries.

The advice Andy would give himself just starting out within the industry again is network, by attending BAR area meetings, conferences & seminars, and getting involved.

In the next 5 years Andy hopes his days on the road are over, however he still wants to continue offering his coaching, as this can be provided remotely. Industry wise, Andy wants the solicitors and conveyancers to get their act into gear and sort out the completions (for the domestic market), and for the CMG (Commercial Moving Group, or soon to be WRG - Workplace Relocation Group) to be more recognised by FM’s (Facility Managers).

Outside of the industry Andy is a keen West Ham fan, he used to play golf and would like to take it up again. Andy has a passion for cooking, enjoys country walks and he together with his wife volunteer at the village community shop.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, in fact three, plus Andy tells a few during this episode too.

Enjoy!

Links to Andy:

Special Guest: Andy Carr.

In this episode, Ed Katz (Reverend), of International Office Moving Institute (IOMI), discusses how he began within the industry nearly 50 years ago, starting at the very bottom as a mover/helper (porter) before starting his own company Peachtree Movers in 1976 based in Atlanta.

Ed sold Peachtree Movers in 2000, and in that 24-year period Peachtree Movers completed nearly 50,000 local office moves. During Ed’s time at Peachtree Movers, he created several inventions, the Space Gobbler being one, an inflatable device that filled the available space within desk drawers, and the Spider Crane being another, a hoist that allowed wide lateral file cabinets to be moved without the need to remove the contents.

Today Ed teaches (and preaches) his 3-day office moving seminar, which if you don’t catch in person, you can now watch online.

One of Ed’s challenges within the industry is trying to get people to think outside of the box to differentiate themselves from the marketplace.

The one thing Ed would like to change from his moving past is to have taken the kind of training Ed provides the industry today, as he had no industry mentor to learn from so everything was self-taught from the school of hard knocks.

Ed’s highpoint of being within the industry was going out on moves and listening to the customer reactions and seeing the appreciation for making the service more user friendly.

The one thing Ed would like to change within the industry is to ensure that new contractor businesses (those that never render the actual service) are certified.

The advice Ed would give himself just starting out within the industry again is get training, differentiate himself, listen to the customer and focus on one specific sector.

In the next 5 years god willing Ed will not be room temperature, but continues to see himself advising, coaching, consulting and teaching. Industry wise, Ed see’s people returning to the office and therefore a higher demand for commercial moves as current empty buildings begin to fill again.

Outside of the industry Ed spends an hour a day at the gym, but Ed just loves to coach, train, teach and consult as business is his hobby.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding a trip to the can.

Enjoy!

Links to IOMI:

Special Guest: Ed Katz.

In episode 90, Jacob Dolan, Business Development Executive of Reason Global, a second-generation mover, discusses how he began within the industry at the tender age of 14, working in his father’s company, Greens Removals in Suffolk.

Not only has Jacob worked in the family business, but he has also worked for Pickford’s (in their Anglo Pacific office) and Crown Relocations. Today, Jacob works for Reason Global, specialist insurance brokers within the Moving & Storing industry.

Jacob’s biggest challenge was being the boss’s son when he was younger where he had to work harder, faster, longer, than anyone else in order to gain respect from staff members. Jacob’s current challenge is combining his moving knowledge with insurance.

Jacob is reluctant to look back and change anything from his moving past, but if he had to it would be to have remained in the family business longer, to have obtained his HGV driving licence, and to have got involved with BAR and YMG (Young Movers Group) earlier.

Jacob has two highpoints of being within the industry, the first being at Reason Global, and the second running the London Sales Centre for Crown Relocations at the age of 25.

The one thing Jacob would like to change within the industry, apart from perception (as many previous guests have stated), is the balance of technology with in-person meetings.

The advice Jacob would give himself just starting out within the industry again is that everyone you meet can teach you something, so listen and learn from others.

In the next 5 years Jacob sees himself still at Reason Global and attending as many industry events as he can. Industry wise, Jacob sees a continual trend in smaller shipments, and a rise in the use of smaller vehicles, such as lo-loaders.

Outside of the industry Jacob enjoys chasing around after his young family, playing rugby, golf, and live sport in general, whether watching or playing.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding a swimming pool, some absurd outfits and some quite surprised homeowners.

Enjoy!

Links to Reason Global:

Special Guest: Jacob Dolan.

In this episode, Mark Brett, Owner of Anglo French, discusses how he began within the industry nearly 40 years ago, after being brought up around trucks due to his father’s haulage business.

Mark’s father’s haulage business branched into removals, firstly providing local moves in Kent and then progressed to specialising in Spain, forming Anglo Spanish where Mark learned his removals trade. During Thatcherism, moves to Spain dried up and coupled with his father’s health, Anglo Spanish closed. After a short spell (5 years) of owning and running a fishing tackle shop (his boyhood dream), Mark sold up, bought his first truck, and returned to removals, forming Anglo French (approximately November 1998), which specialised solely in France, where Mark even relocated himself too, for 5 years.

Mark’s biggest challenge has been staff and finds that the younger generation are insecure.

Mark would like to change two things from his moving past, being braver at times (should have brought his own warehouse), and to have spent more time enjoying some of the fantastic places he’s delivered too.

Mark’s highpoint of being within the industry is getting Anglo French (starting from nothing) to where it is today.

The one thing Mark would like to change within the industry is regulation, and does see it being part of our industry, but is still a long way off.

The advice Mark would give himself just starting out within the industry again is not to change the path he’s been down.

In the next 5 years, or sooner rather than later, Mark sees himself out of the industry as his exit plan comes to fruition. Industry wise, Mark sees a lack of experienced drivers and porters coming through being a concern, domination from the larger nationwide companies as they continue to purchase established family businesses, and key exchange will only improve as the current system cannot continue.

Outside of the industry Mark enjoys his carp fishing, and even competes in the British Carp Angling Championship. Mark also enjoys watching his beloved Liverpool FC and helps out with coaching at grass-route level for his daughter’s team.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, but not just one, three!

Enjoy!

Links to Anglo French:

Special Guest: Mark Brett.

In this episode, Larry Kruger of Customized Moving, discusses how he began within the industry close to 45 years ago where he has spent all of those years in sales.

Customized Moving is Larry’s consulting business which he started in 2023 and is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Customized Moving provides consumer, corporate, and moving industry services. Larry also provides an online sales training course and has written the book on moving, called “Relocating – A Handbook for Moving Long-Distance” which is primarily aimed at the consumer.

Larry’s biggest challenge was to find and develop business, for 20+ years all of Larry’s calls were outgoing! Getting in front of clients is the challenge now as the entire sales cycle has shrunk, with the sales funnel shortened.

Larry wouldn’t change anything from his moving past, even though he has lost some big accounts he has always found that as one door closes another door opens.

Larry’s highpoint of being within the industry is sales, and therefore develop customers, which regardless of the size of the move, whether it be a multi-million-dollar account, or a small local move, still to this day gives Larry that hit of adrenaline and excitement.

The one thing Larry would like to change within the industry is to bring back professional consultative sales.

The advice Larry would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to hold the course as you will go through trials and tribulations, keep your integrity, and always build your own brand.

In the next 5 years Larry sees himself continuing on within this wonderful industry for as long as he can. Industry wise, Larry sees the industry changing dramatically on the sales end of things, especially the corporate side of the industry.

Outside of the industry Larry enjoys renovating his wife’s old house in Quebec, playing golf, and traveling.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding a corporate contract with a major bank.

Enjoy!

Links to Customized Moving:

Special Guest: Larry Kruger.

In this episode, Aubrey McCarthy, Managing Director of AMC Removals, discusses how he began within the industry at the tender age of 16, to fund himself while still in education, by advertising that he could move stuff for people locally. 3 x master’s & 1 x degree later, Aubrey remains within the moving industry and still hasn’t found a proper job!

AMC Removals is based in Dublin but also has an office in San Miguel, Spain. AMC Removals covers all of Ireland and has 3 road-trains in Europe on a weekly basis, and also run 3 x 18 tonne drop bodies, 7/8 x low loaders and 2 x Pantechnicons. AMC Removals offer both containerised storage (approximately 1,000) and self-storage.

Aubrey has faced two challenges, firstly, finding that the moving industry is a closed shop, where newcomers are viewed suspiciously, and he can totally understand why, and secondly, it was very difficult to get good staff, so he now has policies and schemes in place to attract and assist them.

The one thing Aubrey would like to change from his moving past was to send his late father to industry related conferences where, as a playboy, he would have entertained and put AMC Removals on the map.

Aubrey’s highpoint of being within the industry is growing the business organically and becoming a high-end quality mover, where Aubrey has moved the likes of Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, and more recently undertaken a move which cost half a million!!!

The one thing Aubrey would like to change within the industry is having the industry as a whole wake-up to IT, and re-educate the crews, and even agents, to be more IT friendly.

The advice Aubrey would give himself just starting out within the industry again is that the raw materials to your business are your trucks, but the key raw materials are your staff, and you have to treat them as your greatest asset, as well as listen to them too.

In the next 5 years Aubrey sees himself as Auctioneer once again for the annual BAR Conference, and opening a wing in his detox centre for attendees! 😊 Industry wise, Aubrey sees huge changes, with IT playing a very important role, and reducing volumes, especially with furniture becoming more and more disposable.

Outside of the industry Aubrey has a huge impact on people’s lives. Thanks to being within the moving industry Aubrey ensures 500 homeless people are fed daily in Dublin, has over 200 people in social housing, and has 7 centres for helping people. In 2023 Aubrey was awarded the Trinity College Alumni Award for his contribution towards social impact, and this year was awarded the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year, as well as the prestigious Lifetime Membership Award by the Royal Dublin Society!

And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding Ireland’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Enjoy!

Links to AMC Removals & Storage:

Special Guest: Aubrey McCarthy.

In this episode, Steve Sole discusses how he began within the industry just over 20 years ago, where he used to run his own business, Nice Man Big Van, in Brighton, which started from owning a luton van to carry his helium balloon, which he used for aerial photography, something he discovered during his solo travels early on in life.

Steve ran Nice Man Big Van for 16 years, before reluctantly giving it up in 2019 due to ill health, caused by stress. Today, Steve works part-time for Global Immigration Relocation Moving Spain, based in Madrid, where he is helping with networking their business and social media presence.

One of Steve’s challenges was trying to recruit reliable and trustworthy people.

Steve would like to change two things from his moving past, firstly, to have learned more about the HR side of the business, and secondly, to reach out more to help being offered (and to even ask for help) from individuals today.

Steve’s highpoints of being within the industry are achieving just under 900 verified Checkatrade reviews for Nice Man Big Van, as well as some of the people he got to move.

The main thing Steve would like to change within the industry is the key exchange, but also dealing with unreliable porters.

The advice Steve would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to vet staff better, and to remain at a small and manageable size.

In the next 5 years Steve hopes to see his website, worldwideporters.com take off and be turned into an app. Industry wise, Steve sees automation taking over in the forms of AI, robots and driverless vehicles.

Outside of the industry Steve enjoys cycling, but sold his bicycle before he relocated to Madrid, but he did keep and take his conga drums and electronic drumkit which he plays. Steve also enjoys magnet fishing with his wife.

And as always, we end Moving Matters with some funny moving stories, of a sexual nature.

Enjoy!

Links:

Special Guest: Steve Sole.