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DMOTY 2010 Winner Announced
by BAR

Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd has won the British Association of Removers' prestigious Domestic Mover of the Year Competition 2010.  

Announced on Saturday 15 May at the BAR Annual Conference, Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd, held off competition from four other finalists and was crowned the overall winner.

Matt Purdie & Sons Ltd a family owned business founded in 1960 is Scotland’s largest independent removal company located midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow with operational depots in West Lothian, East Lothian and Kilmarnock.

Companies entering the competition were judged on professionalism, commitment and leadership and high standards of customer service in the domestic removals market.  The Office of Fair Trading (OFT), a Government department responsible for consumer protection and promotion of the Consumer Code Approval Scheme, actively participated in the judging process.  This included the initial assessment of all applicants, a ‘mystery shopping’ exercise and contacting customers of each finalist to gauge customer satisfaction.

Company owner Matt Purdie says ‘We are delighted to have won the industry’s premier award, especially with competition from four exceptionally worthy competitors.  The four quality standards which we hold were the foundation of our success as the management, training and administration procedures, audited annually, are hugely important to the smooth everyday running of any company. The entire workforce has received a huge boost with the winning of this award. I would recommend any forward thinking company to enter next year’

Added: 20/05/2010 MORE
CMOTY 2010 Winner Announced
by BAR

Pickfords Business Moving has won the British Association of Removers' prestigious Commercial Mover of the Year Competition 2010.

Announced on Saturday 15 May at the BAR Annual Conference, Pickfords Business Moving held off competition from the other finalist BCL of Manchester.  Both finalists were subject to a stringent site inspection during the final scoring process.  The judging panel consisted of a member of the BAR Board of Directors, a representative from the Facilities Management industry and a representative from the Quality Services Standards Ltd.

 

Pickfords Removals was established in the 17th century and has been moving homes and businesses for generations.  The company has extensive, flexible resources and manages projects of any size – from small office removals and internal porterage contracts to managing complex specialist relocation projects.  Pickfords’ portfolio of business relocation services include; transition management, move management, asset management, space planning, office refurbishment and fit outs, IT and server relocation and environmental disposal services. 

Pickfords Business Moving Director Mark Herrington,  ‘Commercial Mover of the Year is a prestigious title and involves a rigorous process of assessment and checks against the BS8522 standards that all commercial movers strive to reach and maintain.  A fantastic result, its great to see that the expertise of our teams have been rewarded’ 

Managing Director Russell Start says ‘ I am delighted that Pickfords Business Moving has won this award,  it’s a true reflection of the commitment and hard work of our move management and operational teams and their focus on quality and customer service”

Added: 20/05/2010 MORE
Evian Agreement Implementation
by Sous-Prefecture in Calais

Lines to take for users of the Port of Calais

The Administrative Agreement signed at Evian on 6th July 2009 by the Minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity and Co-Development for the French government and by the Minister for Immigration for the British government established the conditions for putting into place closer cooperation between French and British border control services in the Port of Calais. It also makes provisions for the use of the most advanced and appropriate technology for reinforcing the security of the common border.

 

In accordance with this agreement, a Joint Operational Coordination Centre (JOCC) has been operational since 8th February, bringing together representatives from Police aux frontières, Douanes, United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) and the Calais Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The objective of this centre is to strengthen cooperation and communication between the services, essential elements to the good management of working priorities and the integration of joint operations at port.

 

The latest x-ray scanning technology will also be installed. Its management has been trusted to French Douanes in the framework of the fight against fraud and the movement of illegal goods. It will therefore strengthen the existing control operations in the Port of Calais.

 

While allowing traffic flow to be maintained through better integration of currently independent controls, the scanner will begin operation for a trial period of 3 months starting from 19th April.  

Added: 16/04/2010 MORE
BAR Training Services Field Trainer Vacancy
by BAR Training Services

BAR Training Services (BARTS) provide operative training and management qualifications as well as career development advice. BARTS are continually expanding the training offering to provide new, relevant courses and qualifications, recently there has been a significant increase in demand for on-site training which has led to the growth of the training department.

 

A fantastic full-time opportunity has arisen for a Field Trainer to join the BAR Training Services team.

 

Reporting to the BAR Training Manager, the Field Trainer will design, develop and deliver professional training courses and offer bespoke training packages to BAR members, removals businesses and businesses/individuals outside the removals industry.

 

The sucessful applicant will need to assess and advise businesses on health & safety matters, risk management and fire safety. Reviewing market trends, industry needs and changes in legislation, the BAR Field Trainer will look to provide new training courses, methods of delivery, training aids and initiatives to further enhance and benefit the department. Most of the training will be delivered on-site at customers' premises or at BAR's Watford headquarters. This is a mobile role that will require nights away from home and weekend work, a Mobile Training Unit with campervan will be provided.

 

Applicants must have removals experience, be hard working, have a passion for training, a flexible working attitude, excellent people skills and a willingness to learn.

 

To apply for this position send your CV, covering letter and current salary details by email to: Loren Webster, BAR Training Manager - loren.webster@bar.co.uk 

 

Added: 14/04/2010 MORE
Freight Rates on the increase
by BAR Overseas Group
Every year the shipping lines independently review their rates and adjust them in accordance with market conditions. Over the last few years there had been very little change in ocean freight rates. In 2010 there has been a dramatic increase on all major routes and these became effective from 1st March. This increase applies to all commodities and is not limited to household furniture. Your chosen removal company will be able to advise you of any impact this may have on recent pricing and you should contact them directly. The BAR is not involved in pricing, and only offers this information as confirmation of a general price increase by shipping lines.
Added: 10/03/2010 MORE