Moving Matters

In this episode, Phil Hambleton, who has just retired, discusses how he got involved within the industry in 1984, when he and his parents decided to buy a small removal company and rebrand it as Hambleton’s.

After building up Hambleton’s, Phil’s parents decided to retire in 2002, and Phil consequently sold Hambleton’s in 2004 to North West Removals after it became too much for Phil (as one person) to run. At the time of selling Hambleton’s ran 6 trucks and housed approximately 500 containers in a 10,000 sqft warehouse.

Since selling Hambleton’s Phil has remained within the moving industry, where he has worked for Pickfords (for a 12-month period, under incoming BAR President Mike Andrews), Anglo Pacific (for 7 years, until he was made redundant) and finally GB Liners, where he has spent his past 12 years, before retiring at the end of February 2023.

Phil has overcome several challenges during his time within the industry, transitioning from owner to employee being one, staff was another (from the point of view of questioning his industry experience and background), and learning new IT systems within each employer.

The one thing Phil would change from his moving past is selling Hambleton’s, where a last minute change of circumstances meant he could have continued running the business.

Phil has a couple of highpoints of being within the industry, the first is being awarded the Michael Gerson Medal for the best essay in the BAR Higher Certificate of Removals Management, and the second being the recognition of industry peer Robert Bartup after being asked to take on 2 of the GB Liner branches.

The one thing Phil would like to change within the industry is completion times, citing there needs to be time between exchange and completion to allow people to arrange their removals.

The advice Phil would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to seek out experienced people and pick their brains, and to join an association, such as the BAR.

In the next 5 years Phil doesn’t see much change within the industry, although he does see technology playing a bigger role. Phil doesn’t see electric trucks playing a major role within the industry due to their restrictions on distance, but he does see them playing more of a local role.

Outside of the industry Phil enjoys walking, he’s massively into sports, enjoys dining out and he’s joined a gym (but doesn’t go a lot).

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding a survey that ended up in the master bedroom, only to discover another room.

Enjoy!

Special Guest: Phil Hambleton.

In this episode Rob Hindmarsh, Managing Director of Knaresborough Movers, discusses how he got involved within the industry 30 years ago at the tender age of 15, working for a local removal company during weekends and school holidays.

The day Rob left school he started full time employment with K.W. Removals in Ripon (sadly no longer trading), where he worked for 13 years, starting as a porter, then as a 7.5 tonne driver once he had past his test at the age of 17, and moving onto HGV’s at 21. Rob also covered the sales and warehouse side while his boss was away.

Today Rob owns Knaresborough Movers, offering local and nationwide removals, containerised storage, trade assistance, and is a member of Move Assured. Rob runs 2 vehicles (but is currently looking to add a 5 container HGV) and has a full-time crew of 3, and a part-time crew member.

Rob’s biggest challenge was building up the business and taking the step to obtaining his operator licence, moving from luton vans to HGV, and I ask if it was worth it? Another challenge (today) is staffing, finding youngsters that have an interest and a passion for the industry as a whole.

Rob wouldn’t change anything from his moving past, he has enjoyed every minute and everything he has ever done in removals.

Rob’s highpoint is starting his own company within the industry, which he has built upon reputation, word of mouth and customer reviews.

The one thing Rob would like to change within the industry is to have it seen as a profession, but he also has a real passion to get youngsters (school leavers) into the industry, even at a work experience and apprenticeship level.

The advice Rob would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to go for it and don’t look back, it’s the best thing he’s ever done, and he will always be grateful to his boss for the opportunity.

In the next 5 years Rob would like to grow the business, and he would like his son to come onboard too. Industry wise, Rob hopes the industry can encourage more youngsters to join.

Outside of the industry Rob participates in sidecar racing (having previously participating in autograss racing in cars for many years) and he has a 2006 Subaru Impreza that he takes to car shows.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, two in fact, and both are of a sexual nature!

Enjoy!

Links to Knaresborough Movers Ltd:

Special Guest: Rob Hindmarsh.

In this episode Josh Pask, Managing Director of Pask’s Removals, discusses how he got involved in the industry only 2 years ago during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Josh is a professional football player and after a transfer from West Ham United to Coventry City he suffered ligament damage to one of his ankles at the start of the football season. Once back to playing midway through the season the pandemic hit, and realising the career of a professional footballer is so short Josh set about thinking of ideas of way to provide long term financial sustainability for his family. Josh kept remembering how a local man and van service made good money from his move from London to Coventry, and so the idea of being in Removals was born.

Pask’s Removals opened for business in November 2020, and are a London based company providing domestic and commercial moves, a full packing service, storage (containerised through a third party), and they have also provided a couple of European moves. Pask’s Removals run 4 vehicles (loloaders) and have a team of 7 guys that carry out the moves and a team of 3 ladies that provide the packing service.

Josh’s biggest challenge was ignorance and therefore learning something new, but he is grateful for the advice given by fellow movers (some of whom have been previous podcast guests!). Another challenge is running the business from Coventry when it operates from London, but systematising processes through the use of IT has helped massively.

Josh wouldn’t change anything from his moving past, he is very happy with where Pask’s Removals are currently, however, he is constantly changing, evolving, and refining everything as he goes.

Josh has two highpoints of being within the industry, the first being the two overseas moves (for two fellow professional footballers), and more importantly, the second providing jobs for people.

Josh believes there are many things that need improving within the industry but the one thing he would like to change is the perception and education of moving as a whole, something Josh is trying to do using the company’s social media platforms.

The advice Josh would give himself just starting out in the industry again is encouragement (no fear, no anxiety, no worry), learning from every mistake made along the way.

In the next 5 years Josh has no idea where he will be, 5 years ago he never thought he would be in the moving industry in the first place. Industry wise, new technology especially in the form of AI (artificial intelligence) have and will continue to make significant roles in the moving industry.

Outside of the industry Josh doesn’t really switch off, he is still currently playing professional football (for The New Saints F.C. in the Cymru Premier), he is part of a football and faith charity, he enjoys golf in the summer months, but he does make a conscious effort to find time for loved ones (family and friends).

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a mix-up in delivery addresses.

Enjoy!

Links to Pask's Removals:

Special Guest: Josh Pask.

In this episode Andrew White, Managing Director of Dream Move Relocation, discusses how he got involved in working with movers some 15 years ago, helping with the relocation of employees, individuals, families, and pets.

Dream Move Relocation is based in the North West, but can operate nationwide, and assist with the finding of properties for people relocating to the UK, including helping with setting the property up, legals, schooling, social activities, banking, and much, much more!

Andrews’s challenges, especially early on was starting his own business, with the mindset of going from an employee to an employer and the mental pressure involved. Covid was another challenge for Andrew with no one able or even wanting to relocate, and today's challenge is a lack of available properties.

The one thing Andrew would like to change from his moving, or rather relocation past is the timeline and bringing it into modern times and streamlining the process.

Andrew’s highpoint of being within the industry is the personal aspect.

The one thing Andrew would like to change within the industry is the timeline, and Andrew believes he could work better with the moving industry by being an add-on service which could streamline the moving process.

The advice Andrew would give himself just starting out again is to be more humanistic and not to treat people as numbers.

In the next 5 years Andrew would like an element of growth but also keeping the service provided very personal, and utilising technology even more. Industry wise, it will be a tougher market with less choice of properties.

Outside of the industry Andrew enjoys the outdoors, playing tennis, football and time in the Peak District with his wife and 2 children.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a quaint moving story of friendship.

Enjoy!

Links to Dream Move Relocation:

Special Guest: Andrew White.

In this episode Craig Atkinson, Director of Craig Atkinson Removals, discusses how he returned to the industry 5 years ago after a decent break, but started within the industry at the tender age of 16.

Today, Craig Atkinson Removals is a relatively small company based in Burnley, Lancashire, that only undertake domestic moves and packing services. Craig has a team of 6 and runs 3 vehicles, hiring more when required.

We discover where Tommy Turbo came from, a mascot created from one of Craig’s brainwaves!

Craig hasn’t actually had any direct challenges, but one Craig has found hard is himself, getting out of his own comfort zone.

The one thing Craig would change from his moving past is to learn to delegate more.

Craig’s highpoint of being in the industry is seeing his name on the van for the first time, but also starting his own business.

The one thing Craig would like to change within the industry is how movers are perceived by those within the industry, especially how some of the bigger movers look down on the smaller ones. Craig would like the knowledge within the industry to be passed down more than it currently is, and for movers to be more honest, open and transparent, especially within the numerous groups/forums that exist online today.

The advice Craig would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to learn what you can as early as possible, speaking to as many people as you can already within the industry or other start-ups from other industries. Also, start as you mean to go on, be professional right from the outset.

In the next 5 years Craig does think Craig Atkinson Removals will have a truck on the road, maybe a couple more vans, and a warehouse/unit for storage. Personally, Craig hope to keep improving as he himself is big into self-development. Industry wise, Craig sees it remaining the same, unless robots can move stuff in and out of the vans but does see 3D printing possibly changing things where people can print their own effects rather than have them moved!

Outside of the industry Craig doesn’t really switch off from the business as Jodie (Craig’s wife) is also in the business, so conversation generally flows around moving. But, Craig does enjoy watching football (his team being Manchester United), walking with Jodie and their 4 children, and travelling.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny, or rather difficult, moving story, regarding AnyVan and Shiply.

Enjoy!

Links to Craig Atkinson Removals:

Special Guest: Craig Atkinson.

In this episode Gerrard Halsey, Founder of Gerrard Halsey Video Surveys, discusses how he stumbled into the industry back in 1996 as a 19 year old summer student to help out in the warehouse of Interconex, where 6 weeks turned into a 25 year career within the industry.

Gerrard was at Interconex for 4 years (1996-2000) before being made redundant after learning Interconex was being merged with Interdean, and in 2001 Gerrard began a very colourful and flourishing career at Crown Relocations, where after 4-5 years in the London office Gerrard was handed the task of setting up a new branch in Bristol from scratch. In 2013 Gerrard was also given the opportunity to relocate to Australia where he took over the Canberra branch.

Gerrard Halsey Video Surveys is a business Gerrard setup in 2019, after implementing video surveys for Crown Relocations in 2016. In 2020 Gerrard was in the right place at the right time, the pandemic provided Gerrard’s company with unprecedented growth, as the demand for video surveys grew. To clarify, Gerrard Halsey Video Surveys provide a video survey service using industry experienced individuals (becoming a wholesome sales extension of their clients), they do not provide video survey software.

One of Gerrard’s challenges, since starting his own business was the growth factor, and industry wise it’s the turbulent times we currently find ourselves in, and market saturation from the smaller companies starting up.

The one thing Gerrard would change from his moving past was his approach and mindset to the move to Australia, which probably took place at the wrong time in his life. However, Gerrard is delighted he went, and is grateful for the experience.

Gerrard has two highpoints of being within the industry, firstly, being awarded both the Branch of the Year and the Quality Branch of the Year for Crown Relocation in circa 2011, and secondly, to be given the opportunity to relocate to Australia.

The one thing Gerrard would like to change within the industry is for the decision makers to be less resistant to change (not only with technology) and to be more communicative.

The advice Gerrard would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to be flexible, protecting and preparing yourself for change when you least expect it.

In the next 5 years Gerrard very much hopes that his company is still leading video surveying within the industry and spread around the moving industry in all four corners of the planet. Industry wise Gerrard foresees more acquisitions, more use of technology and big investment into sustainability.

Outside of the industry Gerrard enjoys family life, he has two youngsters that keep him fit and healthy, he plays a bit of football, is the linesman for his daughter’s football club, and enjoys a game of snooker followed by a curry with his son.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding an unexpected find inside a wardrobe.

Enjoy!

Links to Gerrard Halsey Video Surveys:

Special Guest: Gerrard Halsey.

In this episode Adam Maton, Owner and Founder of wemove, discusses how he began his man and van journey in the sexy world of removals & storage 6 years ago, although Adam’s initial career started in the corporate world of Risk Management, where he worked for 8 years before relocating to China to teach English for year.

wemove provide a full domestic removal service (mainly local), packing and some storage, running 4 x 3.5 tonne lutons (with no aspirations to run a big truck) and employ a fulltime team of 7.

One of Adam’s challenges was lack of industry knowledge when he started out. Another challenge was and still is staffing, due to the yearly, monthly, weekly and daily challenges faced by the industry as a whole.

The one thing Adam would change from his moving past is to have started his own storage, as wemove currently sub storage, but it is something Adam will be looking to focus his efforts on over the next 6-12 months during the expected downturn within the removals industry.

Adam’s highpoint of being within the industry is being ranked first on the tender list for the Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch council contract, after only being in the industry for 2 years!

The one thing Adam would change within the moving industry is VAT fraud, especially amongst those operators running 2/3/4 trucks, 4/5/6 men, and Adam has strong and valid views regarding this subject.

The advice Adam would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to potentially be bolder and braver, and in doing so he probably could have achieved some of his successes quicker. Also, Adam believes he could have grown wemove quicker had he sooner learned to leverage capital.

In the next 5 years Adam will focus on wemove and the challenges ahead, especially with the expected shift in supply and demand within the marketplace due to the current economic climate. Industry wise Adam see’s a shift in sustainability as he believes we are behind as an industry.

Outside of the industry Adam has a passion for exercise, whether that be training daily in the gym, playing football or boxing. Adam is also an avid AFC Bournemouth fan and attends every home game but loves the occasional away game.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding a stressful incident involving bugs.

Enjoy!

Links to wemove:

Special Guest: Adam Maton.

In this episode Holly Oven, Transport Manager of Britannia Alan Cook discusses how she began in the industry only 2 years ago and is still a mere 21 years of age!

Holly has always been indirectly involved within the industry, but her initial career path was to be in accounting where she began her training during and after college, until Covid happened.

Britannia Alan Cook is a family business which Holly’s parents bought in 2008, as Alan Cook Removals, joining Britannia Movers International in 2018. Today Britannia Alan Cook operate 25 vehicles (10 trucks, 1 trailer, 15 vans), have 3 warehouses across 2 sites and employ approximately 40 staff. Britannia Alan Cook specialise in the domestic removals & storage market, self-storage, international relocation and offer a shredding service.

Holly’s biggest challenge has been having a young and female voice on the telephone, where customers would question her knowledge. Other challenges have been being the boss’s daughter, and more recently the tachograph changes.

As Holly’s chosen career of being within the industry is still so early on there is nothing she would change from her moving past but is excited for what the future has to offer.

Holly has several highpoints of being within the industry already, obtaining her CPC qualification, being part of the Removals & Storage Magazine’s Women in the Industry feature, and of course being a guest on Moving Matters.

We digress away from the standard questions to find out more about the recent BAR Young Movers Group conference in Cambridge.

The one thing Holly would like to change within the industry is again the conveyancing system, however on the flip side, if it didn’t provide such complications would more companies provide removal services and potentially flood the marketplace? Holly also believes the removal industry and solicitors should be working closer together rather than against each other, and together we touch on legislation.

The advice Holly would give herself just starting out within the industry again is to have confidence and believe in yourself, something Holly has been working upon. Also, to find and implement a robust organisation system.

In the next 5 years Holly would like to continue her development and undertake more courses, including the BAR Removals Masterclass, and to obtain her Class C licence! And within Britannia Alan Cook, Holly is hoping that a younger management team will be in place, alleviating the pressure from her father. Industry wise Holly hopes we will all be recovering from the expected downturn, an increase in sustainability and environmental practices, electric vans (but not electric trucks), recognition of the industry at governmental level, and finally that the crews get the recognition they thoroughly deserve.

Outside of the industry Holly enjoys watching her football team of Norwich City, she is a bookworm, participates in yoga with her mother, and she is a ‘proper’ foodie (her words not mine) who enjoys going out for meals and drinks with friends.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, or more a quaint one, regarding a move to an old railway signal box on the Norfolk Broads using her father’s cruiser as the transportation vessel.

Enjoy!

Links to Britannia Alan Cook:

Special Guest: Holly Oven.

Continuing on from Episode 56, the one thing Judith would like to change within the industry is the whole exchange and completion experience, making it more legalised and no longer allowing exchange and completion on the same day, and to become prouder in requiring a financial commitment from the customer, such as a deposit.

The advice Judith would give herself just starting out in the industry again is that the only person stopping you is yourself, not be afraid of your dreams, and to have courage and faith in you and your team’s ability.

In the next 5 years Judith hopes to spend more time away from the business, maybe stepping back a little, but is happy to continue in any role her team delegate to her. Industry wise Judith doesn’t think the days of self-driving trucks will be in her lifetime, but does think we will be moving less as more items come fitted within new houses.

Outside of the industry Judith enjoys walking the family dog, cooking and entertaining for friends, fine dining, and holidays.

And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, two in fact, one regarding a trilby hat and the other regarding fish and chips.

Enjoy!

Links to Britannia Bennetts of Malvern:

Special Guest: Judith Bennett.

In this episode (part 1 of 2) Judith Bennett, Director of Britannia Bennetts of Malvern discusses how she began in the industry nearly 25 years ago after going on a blind date through mutual friends with the enigma that is Alan Bennett (episode 35), who Judith got engaged to only 8 weeks later!

Britannia Bennetts run 4 HGV’s, 4 low-loaders, have a 20,000 sqft warehouse with 350 containers and 130 self-storage rooms. We discover what lead Judith (and Alan) into the self-storage industry as Malvern Self-Storage, which was led by customer demand in choice.

Judith’s challenge is being female in a male dominated industry, although this has changed as there are a lot more women in key roles today than when Judith started 25 years ago.

The one thing Judith would like to change from her moving past is to have more confidence in the business decisions she and Alan made in their early days in business together.

And I ask Judith if she thinks females make better surveyors.

Judith has several highpoints of being within the industry, meeting Alan is obviously the biggest, but also was joining A C Bennett Removals and turning it from sole trader into a limited company where she became a 50% shareholder, signing on the land for their current warehouse, joining Britannia Movers International and being invited onto the board, and finally, having her 2 eldest children join the family business as second generation.

Enjoy!

Links to Britannia Bennetts of Malvern:

Special Guest: Judith Bennett.