A new staff training initiative ensures high customer retention and referrals despite a slowing market.

Bishop’s Move Luton, part of the largest privately owned removals company in the UK, is taking a unique approach to talk of a downturn in the local removals and storage market by looking to excellent customer service as a way to ensure existing customers are retained, and new ones found via referrals.

A three-day training programme, held in February, gave all 36 members of staff the opportunity to enhance their existing customer service skills and to see how, when applied correctly, such skills can make the difference during challenging times.

Bishop’s Move Luton employed specialist external company, Executive Playground, to oversee the programme. Over the three-day period, the entire Bishop’s Move Luton staff were split into teams of three and set various team building games and challenges, all designed to make them consider and think about what they do from a customer’s point of view. The outcome has been a top-to-bottom realignment of understanding the potential of how important good customer service is to company bottom line.

After seeing that over 50 per cent of its business comes from recommendations from other clients, Bishop’s Move Luton ensured the course also focused on how it could improve the experience from the customer’s point of view to maintain its good reputation with its public, thereby driving

Spirit Health Clubs special discounts offer encourages Bishop Move’s customers and staff to ‘Get Moving’

Bishop’s Move, the UK’s largest independent removals and storage company, has entered in to a partnership with Spirit Health Clubs to offer its 15,000 customers per year a free opportunity to unwind following their move and settle in to their new location.

The ‘Get Moving’ package offers all new Bishop’s Move customers two weeks FREE Spirit Health Club family membership during daytime hours and at weekends at any of its 40 nationwide locations. Any clients wishing to remain at the Club once the promotion period ends also qualifies for 10% off full membership. The deal also extends to Bishop’s Move employees, who can benefit from a similar discount for annual membership.

In a return gesture, Bishop’s Move is offering a 10% discount on its removals and storage services to any Spirit Health Club members who are relocating.

Roger Bishop, Managing Director of Bishop’s Move comments:
“Moving house can be physically and emotionally draining, so what better way to de-stress from that by relaxing with a spa or beauty treatment, a few laps in the pool or working it out in the gym?

“This partnership reinforces Bishop’s Move commitment to deliver a considerate and professional service to our customers, as well as our market leading position.”

Any new client with Bishop’s Move from May 2008 will receive a voucher with their booking confirmation detailing their temporary membership of the nearest Spirit Health Club to their new home. The membership lasts for two full weeks from the date of their first visit, and can be redeemed at any time within three months of the voucher being issued.

Justin Andrews, Operations Support Manager for Spirit Health Clubs said:
“Joining a health club is a great way to meet new people and likeminded families. ‘Get Moving’ will help Bishop’s Move customers recover from their relocation, stay health and start building a network of friends in their new town.”

UK homeowners looking to sell are embarking on a Spring-cleaning and storage drive this Bank Holiday weekend to improve the saleability of their homes, according to the UK’s largest privately owned removals firm Bishop’s Move. While many are using it as means to offset the costs of the move itself, others are getting creative with their approach to storage space.

Bishop’s Move has recorded a 35 per cent rise in the last six months of customers using their extensive storage facilities as a ‘holding bay’ for their possessions during the sale process, as they declutter to make their homes seem both more spacious and to limit the potential of ‘buyer turn-off’ endangering the deal.

The company is expecting a spike of enquiries when the Spring Clean season kicks off over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, as vendors ramp up efforts to jump-start their sale.

Nigel Bishop, Manager Director of Bishop’s Move, comments:
“There is no doubt that the housing market is slowing, but sellers can improve their chances of a deal by giving their Spring clean more purpose this year and decluttering.

“We are finding that customers are storing everything from treasured possessions to out of season clothing with us to encourage buyers see their property’s potential. It’s the ideal option if you can’t bear to part with anything.”

A Spring declutter can also offset some of the costs of moving. According to research conducted last year*, each home in the UK is cluttered up with an average of £2,500 worth of unwanted and unused bric-a-brac. It is estimated** that the May Bank Holiday Weekend will see upwards of 2,000 car boot sales taking place nationally – with bargain hunters blowing more than a billion pounds on hidden gems dug out from lofts, cupboards and sheds. Combined with the plethora of online sales sites, there are more options for the canny homeowner than ever before.

Mr.Bishop continues:
“For the less sentimental, gathering your unwanted belongings and selling them online or at a local car boot sale this Bank Holiday Weekend can give decluttering some focus. It is a great way to make back some of the costs of the sale – or raise money towards something for the new house.”

UK house prices are expected to fall by 20 per cent in the next two years, meaning that enhancing the saleability of a property through whatever means necessary before that drop really bites has a even greater urgency than ever.

Bishop’s Move is urging sellers to follow a selection of top tips to ensure their de-cluttering efforts do not go to waste:

• Declutter one room at a time, including all of the cupboards, cabinets and drawers in it before moving on to the next. Being able to see what can be achieved with one room and a bit of effort will motivate you to start the next.

• Grab three bags and label them ‘Keep’, ‘Sell’ and ‘Throw Away’, and categorise the room’s content accordingly. Ideally, by the end of the process, the latter two bags will each be at least double the size of that holding the items you want to keep.

• Rules to determine what should go in each bag can loosely be given as: If it’s broken, throw away; if it’s whole but hasn’t been used for six months, sell it and everything else can be kept.

• Start in the corner of the room and move around clockwise, clearing surfaces and the floor. Then repeat, this time going through cupboards and other storage areas.

• Uncertain about anything? Place it all in a box and tape it closed. If the box has not been opened a year later, the contents are not needed. Or, have a trusted friend or relative go through the pile and help make the decision – they will be less sentimental.

• When the process is finished, each room should reflect its purpose to prospective buyers – rather than a collection of storerooms.

• From now one, abide by the ‘one in, two out rule’. Each time you buy something new for the house, you have to dispose of, sell or donate two others. It will prevent the build up of clutter again in the future.

Students at local primary school receive new classroom tools from Bishop’s Move.

St. Joseph’s Catholic School, on Aldershot Road, was one of many schools across the UK to receive donations of rulers and calculators from Bishop’s Move, the UK’s largest independent relocation and removals company. The company began its campaign to support local schools after becoming aware of a shortage in the classroom.

Mike Preece, Area Manager for Bishop’s Move, said: “As an established UK company, Bishop’s Move recognises that working alongside local communities is the foundation behind any successful business. The company identified local schools as an area where we wanted to lend support.

“Classroom equipment, such as rulers and calculators, can be one of the first items to be cut in reduced budget spends. After becoming aware of a shortage in school tools we arranged for the rulers and calculators to be produced and branch managers made the deliveries by hand. Since launching the campaign, we have received numerous letters of thanks for the donations. While it is always nice to receive a thank you note, it is particularly pleasing when the items are so genuinely appreciated.”

Steve Phillips, head teacher at St Joseph’s, commented: “I was very pleased to receive support from Bishop’s Move, it is not often that businesses get involved in Primary Schools and I hope other firms will have the same foresight. An important part of the Every Child Matters outcomes is to foster good relationships with the wider community and develop the children’s economic awareness.

“So it was great to have Bishop’s Move get involved and well done to them. The rulers and calculators we received are very practical tools that all the children regularly use in their learning.”

Other education institutions to receive donations include Tanbridge House School Horsham, five local schools in Oxfordshire, Mepal and Witcham CofE VC Primary School and Glebelands Primary School, both in Cambridgeshire.

www.bishopsmove.net

High levels of emigration and economic instability will put more financial pressure on UK businesses says relocations firm, Bishop’s Move.

UK businesses must be prepared to spend more money than ever on recruitment this year, according to research by relocations firm, Bishop’s Move. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics reveals that 600 people a day are moving overseas. With over 70 per cent of these coming from the UK workforce, British business footed a bill of over £1 billion last year just to counter the effects of an outbound talent flow.

A growing housing market coupled with economic instability is resulting in Bishop’s Move continuing to see a rise in numbers of overseas enquiries. Last winter was its busiest period to date as more and more UK residents sought sunnier and safer climes. However, this trend has continued into 2008, having a forceful impact on the financial ambitions of smaller businesses throughout the UK.

According to research , it costs a business an average of £7,000 each time a member of staff leaves. Bishop’s Move relocated over 3,500 residents abroad in 2007 and it estimates that its business customers alone footed a bill of over £24million just in re-staffing its workforce. However, this number is likely to rise in 2008. The cost of phasing out the outgoing staff member, interviewing and hiring new staff, redesigning the office layout to accommodate them, ordering new stationary, and induction training all adds up.

With an unpredictable property market and a steady number of enquiries in January, 2008 could be a costly year for UK businesses and its economy.

In the second quarter of last year, overseas enquiries for Bishop’s Move were up an incredible 24 per cent over those in the first quarter and, bucking traditional trends, December bookings were up 64 per cent over the rest of the year. This meant that by the end of 2007, Bishop’s Move had travelled over 20 million miles for its customers.

The favourite location for UK residents remains Australia, where the lure of an agreeable climate, lack of a language barrier and relaxed immigration laws has driven over 40% of its relocations Down Under. France and Spain come a close second and third respectively, with ‘emerging’ destinations such as the Balkans and southern Mediterranean gradually growing in popularity.

Bishop’s Move specialises in business and corporate relocations for individuals and for whole companies. Its business relocation services include corporate and employee relocation, office to office moves, storage and distribution services, porterage hire, crate hire and professional move management and churn services. All its business relocation services can be tailored into bespoke removals solutions to suit a company’s individual business relocation requirements.

Nigel Bishop, Managing Director of Bishop’s Move comments: “We received more overseas enquiries last year than ever before. What with more and more talk of our unpredictable housing market, it is only inevitable that people are panicking and looking for a more stable life abroad.

“However, it can often be forgotten how this affects businesses. Assuming these people are employed, business leaders are having to spend thousands of pounds to keep up with this outbound flow. The lasting affect could potentially be crippling and I advice those in such positions to be extra vigilant.

“Whatever the size a business move we may be undertaking, our business relocation advisors are professionally trained to advise on the best course of action and are on hand to discuss all the details.”

Bishop’s Move pays tribute to one its longest standing members of staff

One of Bishop’s Move longest standing employees is leaving after 39 years of service.  Mr Les Wyatt left as Group Shipping Manager of the UK’s largest independent removals company at the end of 2007.

Les started his career as a Shipping Clerk in 1968 with the Bishop’s Move Group in the old offices of Bishop & Sons’ Depositories in Pimlico.  Les helped set up a Specialist Overseas Division with Nigel Bishop and together they lay the foundation for Bishop’s Move Overseas.

Les is a well-known figure in the International Trade, having attended Household Goods Forwarders, FIDI and other Conferences on behalf of Bishop’s Move over the years.

Commenting on his departure, Les said: “I have been touched by all the kind words received from trade colleagues during my last few weeks. I’ve seen many changes in the industry since I first started.  There were no PCs, email, fax or Internet, and more pertinent to International removals, no 20ft standard metal containers.

“But not all things have changed, my beloved Leyton Orient is still in the equivalent of the 3rd division!”

The move prompts a new era of change for Bishop’s Move’s International division.  Julie Knapton assumes the role of International Manager, and Sue Preece, with 17 years shipping experience, has been brought in as Shipping Operator to look after outbound bookings.

Grant Bishop, International Director of Bishop’s Move, commented on Les’ departure, saying:  “Les is a valued staff member, praised for his hard work, reliability and conscientious work ethic.  39 years with one company shows a great commitment.  I doubt we will see many of our peers hit similar milestones in the future.

“Les is well liked and respected amongst his colleagues and customers.  He has been a role model for younger staff members of Bishop’s Move, myself included, with his strong work and play balance.  He will be missed.”

Mr Wyatt moves to a position closer to his home in Hemel Hempstead, unrelated to the removals and storage industry.

Bishop’s Move offers specialised removals and storage services for domestic and business customers, from small moves to international relocation. To find out more about Bishop’s Move UK Moves and Insurance visit www.bishopsmove.com.

Bishop’s Move figures indicate Christmas surpasses August as busiest time to move

Bishop’s Move is experiencing a surprise increase in winter domestic relocations. A record number of bookings in the week before Christmas signal the UK’s largest independent relocations company will surpass its traditionally busy summer months. Bishop’s Move believes this increase is down to the public’s fear of a house market crash and a desire to be settled before the turkey needs basting.

Bucking traditional trends December bookings are up 64 per cent over the rest of the year. Previously the industry reached its peak during August Bank Holiday when bookings were up 50 per cent. The figures from Bishop’s Move show UK residents are purposely relocating during the festive season in a rush to close deals before the market drops.

Bishop’s Move believes the predicted credit crunch is causing fear within the housing market. With the marketing already slowing and tighter lending standards being introduced, homebuyers are keen to seal Christmas deals for peace of mind.

Nigel Bishop, Managing Director of Bishop’s Move, comments: “It is uncommon for domestic relocations to hit a peak during the busy Christmas season. However, with the imminent credit crunch, sellers are looking to close house sales as soon as possible to be safely inside their new homes in time for Christmas.”

At this particularly busy time of year, Bishop’s Move offers invaluable advice and service to ensure a smooth move. Here are some top tips to consider when relocating this Christmas.

· Remember to book in good time - book the removals company at least four weeks before the move date. Don’t be left without a way to get a house full of possessions from one place to another – especially if long distances need to be covered.

· Make sure you book Cancellation Protection – no move date is ever set in stone and often the date will change at the last minute. By booking Cancellation Protection, dates can be changed at no extra charge.

· Ensure that your offer on a property includes a condition of sale Bishop’s Move advises customers to agree a sale date, making it a condition of sale. This will focus everyone involved and create a sense of urgency to complete the sale.

· Book a baby sitter and / or dog walker for the first day you arrive – Your new house will be a potential danger to small children and it is best to arrange for child care while you get to business with unpacking. Same goes for the pup, Bishop’s Move recommends hiring a dog walker for moving in day.

· Pre-arrange a grocery delivery service – When you are up to your elbows in boxes, the last thing you want to do is go to the supermarket searching for Christmas dinner ingredients. Consider the convenience of an online grocery or catering service. You can pre-order fresh food delivered right to your brand new doorstep, giving you more time to organise those cupboards.

· Book a domestic cleaner – No matter how organised you are, Christmas is by far the most bustling time of year. With a million items on your To Do List, how much of a relief would it be to know someone else is scrubbing the floors and wiping the countertops? Arrange for a cleaner to get in there first to give the house a good up and down so when you get into unpacking-mode it will be smooth sailing.

Commenting further, Nigel Bishop, says: “Bishop’s Move carefully plans each relocation to ensure customers’ needs are met. Our dedicated team is able to give back to customers what is essential at this busy time of year, and that is their valuable time. We advise customers to organise their removals company as soon as they have agreed a sale date, this will ensure Christmas is as undisrupted as possible.”

Bishop’s Move offers specialised removals and storage services for domestic and business customers, from small moves to international relocation. To find out more about Bishop’s Move UK Moves and Insurance visit www.bishopsmove.com.