Moving Matters

In this special episode of 'In Conversation With', I bring back three previous podcast guests to chat about a topic of their choice. John Burridge of Richardson Moving & Storage, discusses Wages. Richard Webster of Tonks Removals, discusses Costings. Tommy McNee of Guardian Moving & Storage, discusses Sales & Marketing. And I throw in my own topic for discussion at the end, Associations. Enjoy! Links to previous podcast episodes: * John Burridge (https://www.movingmatterspodcast.co.uk/29) * Tommy McNee (https://www.movingmatterspodcast.co.uk/54) * Richard Webster (https://www.movingmatterspodcast.co.uk/21) Special Guests: John Burridge, Richard Webster, and Tommy McNee.

In this episode, third-generation remover, Jason Hayes, Owner of D. Durrant Removals & Storage discusses how he began within the industry working Saturdays for the family business at the age of 13, and his first real memory of an overnighter was a removal with his father to Dundee, at the tender age of 6! D. Durrant Removals & Storage was purchased by Jason in 2001, and together with his brother (Wayne) they also purchased their uncle’s company, Turners Removals 3 years ago. D. Durrant Removals & Storage are 95% domestic removals, with a full-time team of 15, running a variety of vehicles (but none more than 12 tonne these days), and house 400 containers across 3 warehouses. Jason believes he’s been quite lucky over the years but one of his challenges was (and still is) trying to find that work/lifestyle balance. Jason would like to change two things from his moving past, firstly, to have spent more time working on the business rather than in it, and secondly, to have invested into buying property rather than renting. Jason’s highpoint of being within the industry is buying Turners Removals, not only because it was in the family before Jason was born, but he managed to secure the future of the company and gets to work alongside his brother. The one thing Jason would like to change within the industry is that the average man on the street knew about the BAR (British Association of Removers) and it was therefore more recognised by the general public. The advice Jason would give himself just starting out within the industry again is not to be so trusting and gullible, and to step back sometimes and take everything at face value. In the next 5 years Jason would like to go part time and into semi-retirement (well in 3 years actually at the age of 55). Industry wise, Jason does believe that the BAR will get on top of the key release issue our industry is constantly plagued by. Outside of the industry Jason has many a hobby, mainly around sports. Jason has 3 season tickets and can therefore often be found at football matches, he goes competition fishing with his brother and father, he has shares in a couple of greyhounds, and when time does permit, he can be found, military style, on the golf course. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding Christmas. Enjoy! Links to D Durrant Removals & Storage: * Website (https://durrantremovals.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/removalshorsham) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ddurrantmoves/) To support Jason and sponsor him aforementioned cycle journey from Munich to Pisa, raising funds for the RBA (https://rba-charity.org/) (Removers Benevolent Association) please click here (https://www.justgiving.com/page/jason-hayes-1713951654202) to make a donation that will make a real difference to those in our wonderful industry. Special Guest: Jason Hayes.

In this episode, Patrick McCrory, Owner of McCrorys Removals discusses how he began within the industry in 1967, which is when he bought his first vehicle, that came with a starting handle! Patrick, originally from County Tyrone in Ireland, who is 75 in June (2024), did work for a carrier company in Middlesborough for a short period of time before upping sticks and moving to London (alone) shortly after he’d left school. Working nightshifts in Safeway allowed Patrick to transport goods during the daytime, which included brass beds for a local antique company, that later lead Patrick into the antique and auctioneers industry for a few years, before returning to removals when he relocated to Nottingham some 40 years ago. McCrorys Removals specialise in moves to and from Ireland, running 2 x 18 tonne demountables, 2 x 3.5 tonne vans, 1 x 18 tonne demountable trailer, 1 x 3.5 tonne box trailer & 5 x demountable bodies. Patrick has experienced many challenges over his time within the industry, staff will always remain a challenge, but the worst decision he ever made was signing a contract to join a trade association. The one thing Patrick would change from his moving past is to have learned to say no and to ensure he could undertake the job comfortably before saying yes. Patrick has had many highpoints of being within the industry is, but one was getting his first demountable drawbar trailer. The one thing Patrick would like to change within the industry is that everybody within an operation, no matter what their role or their seniority, go and assist on a removal on a regular basis, to get a full understanding of the industry. The advice Patrick would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to appreciate only owning a small van for the valuable experience of having to utilise every inch of available space. In the next 5 years Patrick plans to retire, again, and is now actively looking to sell McCrorys Removals, which Patrick believes can be a niche bolt-on to an existing Removals & Storage business, that can be relocated anyway within the UK. Industry wise, Patrick sees more regulation, such as the weight a person can lift. Outside of the industry Patrick likes to travel (he has himself a campervan), cooking (which includes baking soda bread), gardening, reading, and listening to Radio 4. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a move to Spain. Enjoy! Links to McCrorys Removals: * Website (https://www.mccrorys.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/McCrorys-Removals-Ltd-107579797529590) Special Guest: Patrick McCrory.

In this episode, James Cooper, Director of Peter Cooper Ltd discusses how he began within the industry full time from the age of 21, although as a second-generation remover he helped out in the family business during school holidays from 12/13. James was begrudgingly shuffled off to college followed by university (to study marketing), mainly by his mother, to gain a degree to fall back on should he not want to return to the family business, although the goal was always for James to return. But prior to James’s return to the family business, he went on to learn his removal foundation skills from White & Co initially and then GB Liners. Peter Cooper Ltd was started in 1986 by James’s parents, and provide domestic (predominantly), European, international & commercial relocations, secure shredding, and storage, but also offer an antique restoration and repair side of the business too, as Peter (James’s father) was trained as an antique restorer. On the removals side James runs a full-time removal crew of 12, and 3 restorers on the antique side, operating a varied fleet of 11 vehicles. James has overcome several challenges, in the early days it was being the boss’s son, but Covid was his biggest challenge. The one thing James would change from his moving past is to have purchased land that became available on the industrial estate they currently reside, but the land and the build costs were just astronomical. James’s highpoint of being within the industry are when the guys return from their jobs with a clean job ticket, and they and the customers are happy, then it’s a good day. The one thing James would like to change within the industry is people’s perception of what our industry is about. The advice James would give himself just starting out within the industry again is that you can never have to many friends within the industry, to ask questions, and to listen to the views of others no matter how different they may be to your own. In the next 5 years James believes he will be doing exactly what he is doing now, enjoying life, and hopefully taking more holidays, but probably still complaining about all the things the industry normally complains about on a yearly basis. Industry wise, James doesn’t see any change as it slowly gets back to pre-Covid trends. Outside of the industry James has a very long to-do list composed by Mrs C, regarding the new home they purchased 5 years ago that requires a lot of work, so DIY is his current escapism. Up until a year ago James played football on a weekly basis, and in his youth was a schoolboy player for Southampton FC. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding an overnight in Hamburg, Germany. Enjoy! Links to Peter Cooper Ltd: * Website (https://www.petercooperltd.co.uk/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/petercooperltd) Special Guest: James Cooper.

In this episode, James Langridge, Operations Manager of Near & Far Removals discusses how he’s been in and out of the industry for the past 10-15 years, working in the family business, although he was hoping for a career in football. Near & Far Removals are based in Nottingham and was started in 2003 by James’s parents, Martyn & Elaine Langridge. Near & Far offer domestic removals, packing, dismantling & re-erecting, house clearance/disposal, commercial relocation, crate hire and storage (using both self-storage units and shipping containers, as James doesn’t like the 250 cuft wooden storage containers). James says that removals itself is a challenge he has had to overcome, especially key waits, which he goes on to have a little rant about. Other challenges include staff, which James enjoys and thrives upon, and tidiness, which includes vehicles & uniforms. James wouldn’t change anything from his moving past as he believes it is a journey he is on. James’s highpoints of being within the industry are working with different customers, different people, seeing different parts of the country and having a laugh on the job. The one thing James would like to change within the industry is, surprise, surprise, completion days. The advice James would give himself just starting out within the industry again is not to go over the top buying supplies, such as covers, as blankets are more than adequate. In the next 5 years James wants to continuing making Near & Far the best they can be by continuing to provide the best service possible. Industry wise, James doesn’t see any changes apart from individuals themselves. Outside of the industry James is clearly a keen footballer, he also enjoys golf, fishing, evenings at the spa and nights out on the town with his mates. And as always, we end Moving Matters with two funny moving stories (as well as the oddest item James has moved), one regarding a photograph, and the other involving a chap called Jeremy. Enjoy! Links to Near & Far Removals: * Website (https://www.nearandfarremovals.co.uk) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nearandfarremovals/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/nearfarremovals) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nearandfarremovals) Special Guest: James Langridge.

In this episode David Burgess, Owner of We Move You Edinburgh discusses how he began loosely in the industry, by mistake, in 2000, doing removals while studying for a post graduate degree in physiotherapy. David’s old company was rebranded We Move You Edinburgh a couple of years ago, and provide the usual domestic moving services, house clearances, shipping container storage, and a weekly run to and from London, running 4 vehicles with a crew of 4. We Move You Edinburgh is massively into recycling and therefore tries to reduce landfill as much as possible, collecting 100 tonne of furniture every year. With house clearances David tries to sell, give away or even upcycle the items, rather than letting them go to landfill. One of the challenges David had to overcome was Covid, where David found himself being too busy and practically burned himself out having to deal with staff getting Covid, staff on furlough and not wanting to return to work, and therefore having to do their job, as well as his own. The one thing David would change from his moving past is maybe taking a step back and taking time out during Covid. Also, learning and knowing your numbers is critical, something that was detrimental to David over previous years. David’s highpoint of being within the industry, apart from being a guest on the podcast, is obtaining his Operators Licence. The one thing David would like to change within the industry is the no parking on pavements ruling, which in David’s situation is specific to Edinburgh as many of the roads are simply not wide enough to have vehicles parked either side of the road and leave a large enough gap for vehicles to pass, especially emergency service vehicles. The advice David would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to charge more. In the next 5 years David would like more vehicles, more storage (a warehouse or more shipping containers), and even his own land. Regarding recycling, David would like to open up a shop (with or without a partner) to sell items from house clearances, auctioning off anything that doesn’t sell, and any items that remain unsold can then be used to smash up inside a Rage Room! Industry wise David sees the recycling side increasing but changes outside of the industry still need to be made to make the green removal service achievable. Much to David’s downfall he did very little outside of the industry in the past, however, he is switching off more and more these days, and is very active in OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) and supporting his daughter in her field of vaulting (acrobatics performed on the back of a cantering horse), where she is a British Champion. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding a helping hand from the afterlife. Enjoy! Links to We Move You Edinburgh: * Website (https://wemoveyou.scot/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WeMoveYouEdinburgh) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wemoveyouedinburgh/) Special Guest: David Burgess.

In this episode James Tutton, Managing Director of Chelmsford Removals discusses how he began in the industry by helping out his father at weekends in his parent’s removal company (Handy Removals) from the age of 10, and later in life while between work and serving in the army. Today James owns Chelmsford Removals which he started 16 years ago and Move It Removals which he acquired in 2019. Both companies are 90% domestic removals & storage (460 x 250 cuft containers), with some commercial and trade work, running 12 vehicles and employing 35. And both are members of the BAR (British Association of Removers). One of the challenges James had to overcome was not being able to afford to employ (let alone attract) the best removal guys when starting out, but today he couldn’t be prouder of those he employs. The one thing James would change from his moving past is to have taken much greater care of his back, which James has ensured forms a big part of the training he delivers to his staff. From a business perspective James would have liked to have focused on storage much sooner. James has several highpoints of being within the industry, consisting of, growing his own company much bigger than his Dad’s, getting his own warehouse in Chelmsford, joining the BAR, and acquiring Move It Removals. The one thing James would like to change within the industry is a standardised system in which removal companies are recognised, separating those that are couriers at worst and man & van at best apart from professional removal companies. The advice James would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to learn as much about business, the industry, and to get really good at your numbers. In the next 5 years James would like to acquire another company as he’s gearing up for an acquisition hopefully in 2025 (either a competitor for a larger market share, or a business in a complementary area), and to buy his own warehouse. Industry wise James doesn’t seem much changing, however in 10 years maybe autonomous trucks and AI moving robots. Outside of the industry James has a really good work life balance and enjoys a beer with his mates, a wine with his wife, and he also endures fitness challenges. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding every mover’s necessity for the job, a cuppa. Enjoy! Links to Chelmsford Removals: * Website (https://www.chelmsfordremovals.co.uk) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/chelmsford.removals) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/Chelmsremovals) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/chelmsfordremovals/) * YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNT-bnZxeRcNhnqxTqhrp4w) Special Guest: James Tutton.

In this episode, Nancy Zafrani, General Manager of Oz Moving discusses how she began in the industry directly from school 32 years ago (31 with Oz Moving), cold calling companies from the phone book! Oz Moving, who have the greatest strapline of “The Wizard of Moving” was started in 1993 by Avi Oz in New York, and today consist of 4 branches. Oz Moving provides the standard removal services, and have a 185,000 sqft storage facility in Yonkers, as well as other storage facilities. Oz Moving have approximately 40 trucks and 170 movers within the operation. Oz Moving have recently merged with a boutique moving company called Movage who offered international moving services, something Oz Moving look to expand. Being in a male dominated industry Nancy has always had a really strong group that she works with and has always had an equal say as anyone else, but one challenge of being within the industry is moving itself as it’s often so very personal depending on circumstances. The one thing Nancy would like to change from her moving past is to have invested in cameras in and on the trucks sooner, which Nancy states was a complete game changer for Oz Moving. Nancy has two highpoints of being within the industry, her first is being part of bigger charitable projects and thus providing transport and storage, her second being within Oz Moving and helping it grow over the past 30 years to the well-known and reputable company it is today. The one thing Nancy would like to change within the industry is to have more and more moving companies doing things the right way as there is often a lot of dishonesty being that it’s an easy industry to get into and no personal accountability to the owner of the company. Nancy discusses how influencers are both helping and hindering the sales process of a moving company, and the challenges encountered when moving people in New York itself. The advice Nancy would give herself just starting out within the industry again is that every experience is a learning experience. In the next 5 years Nancy still sees herself at Oz Moving, expanding with branches in Texas and Florida, and growing the international side. Industry wise, Nancy is excited for self-driving trucks. Outside of the industry Nancy loves to travel, spending time with friends and family, and being pulled through Central Park by her 3-year-old rescue dog. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, in fact two, one regarding a lost cat and the other her own move. Enjoy! Links to Oz Moving: * Website (https://www.ozmoving.com/) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ozmoving) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/ozmovingnyc) * Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ozmovingnyc/) * Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/oz-moving-&-storage-inc-/) Special Guest: Nancy Zafrani.

In this episode Chris Waymouth, an industry veteran (and one of the industry’s Mr Nice guy’s), discusses how he began in the industry back in 1969 at Walkers of Northampton, even though Chris was born into a family of teachers. At Walkers of Northampton Chris undertook a variety of roles within the business that gave him the grounding to pursue a career in management. In 1973 Chris took up a role within Amertrans where he honed his skills in export, shipping and forwarding, before joining Navtrans (North American Vanlines) in 1978, where he diversified the business into electronics stockholding & distribution, and airfreight (via the purchase of a company). In the late 1980’s Chris joined TransEuro (after a call from the late Paul Evans), where he remained for 12 years until the takeover with Amertrans, where TransEuro became TEAM Relocations. Chris then joined forces with Robby Wogan at MoveAssist to project manage OMNI Connect. After a telephone call from David Trenchard at QSS (Quality Service Standards) Chris took up a role to head the company, where he remained for 14 years. Today Chris is still involved within the industry, maintaining the development of the BAR database (BITS), as a BSI (British Standards Institute) Committee Chairman where he has been reworking the BSEN12522 (for the past 2/2.5 years) which will hopefully be released early this year, and being a keen photographer Chris can be found snapping away at BAR Conference. One of Chris’s challenges, personally, was self-confidence in his early days. In business, it was dealing with the less ethical side. Chris would change very little, if anything, from his moving past. Chris has loved being within the industry and has many highpoints, TransEuro undoubtedly being one where he led the building of the automated firesafe warehouse which opened in 1997 at a cost of £14m. Another was a flight on Concorde, thanks to the 4 guys that ran the airfreight business which was purchased during his time at Navtrans. The one thing Chris would like to change within the industry is more women involved in the frontline, such as the packing. The advice Chris would give himself just starting out within the industry again is honesty, fairness, and getting that grounding of what actually happens on the front line, getting to understand the grass roots of the business. In the next 5 years Chris still hopes to be clicking the shutter at BAR Conference and maintaining BITS for the BAR over the next couple of years. Industry wise, Chris believes electronics will play an even greater role, maybe not AI however, but Chris isn’t convinced by virtual surveys. Outside of the industry Chris runs a community cinema, has had a lifelong interest in photography, is a petrolhead with an interest in cars, follows motorsport quite seriously, and sailing, but in more recent years narrow boating. And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, in fact two, one regarding Chris’s job interview at Walkers of Northampton and the other regarding his moustache. Enjoy! Special Guest: Chris Waymouth.

In this episode David Ozard, General Manager of John Mason International Movers discusses how he began in the industry some 50 years ago, and believes he’s only spent 2 weeks working outside of the industry! David started life as a remover in his father’s company based in Rochdale and has spent the past 31 years at John Mason International Movers. John Mason International Movers are based in Liverpool but do have a Southern operation in Hemel Hempstead. They are one of the largest shippers ex-UK Worldwide, and only offer international moving (deep sea and airfreight) and storage, working with partner agents from all over the world. One of David’s challenges is that he comes from Bolton, but joking aside, it’s the work ethic and enjoyment of working within the industry that can clearly bring the personal rewards. The one thing David would change from his moving past would have been to move off the vans and into management sooner to protect his health and body. David has two highpoints of being within the industry, becoming General Manager of John Mason International Movers which came to David as a shock, and becoming Chairman of the MTC (Movers Trading Club). The one thing David would like to change within the industry is the Ombudsman, which David believes is setup wrong as it’s sometimes used as a blackmail for clients to use against the remover. The advice David would give himself, just starting out within the industry again, is to work hard, play hard, and to stay in the best hotels! In the next 5 years David dreams of retirement, but realistically he enjoys work too much (even though he keeps checking his pension), so he still sees himself at John Mason International Movers. Industry wise David doesn’t know what the next 5 years holds as he believes it changes so much with challenge after challenge. Outside of the industry David enjoys sport, watching more than playing (especially football at grassroots level) but he did pay Rugby Union in his younger days. David also enjoys reading, walking (due to his new hips!) and watching foreign subtitled TV. And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, in fact two, one regarding falling asleep in a moving van, and the other regarding the use of a client’s clothing. Enjoy! Links to John Mason International Movers: * Website (https://www.johnmason.com/) * Twitter (https://twitter.com/johnmasonintl) * Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/johnmasoninternational) * Instagram (https://instagram.com/johnmasonintl) Special Guest: David Ozard.