Twickenham based Central Moves started life in 1997 when Scott Rust left his job working for a small family removals company, bought a small panel van and began sub contacting for some of the larger removals companies in the area. “The contract work helped pay the bills in those early days and I was able to build up my own business at the same time,” said Scott.

 

By 2001 the business had grown considerably and Scott decided it was time to form a limited company and take on a full-time office manager. The lady he appointed, Aileen Drummond, still manages the busy Central Moves office and has played an important role in the company’s success. Several of Central’s original road staff are also still with the company. “Having people who have worked together for so long means that we all understand the company’s values and we work together to provide a first class service,” said Scott.

 

As well as routine domestic moves Central enjoys a healthy level of business from local authorities and government departments and other prestigious clients, including the Historic Royal Palaces! When it comes to royalty, who moves what and where, is highly confidential. All Central Moves staff have been vetted by the security services and exercise the highest levels of integrity.

 

Scott’s wife Tatjana Alourdas is a Greek national. They met at a Young Movers conference about ten years ago and married in 2008. Tatjana runs the European side of the business, much of which is between the UK and Greece, although as agents for Eurovan jobs to other parts of Europe are also quite common. Tatjana’s knowledge of the industry and impressive language skills – she speaks Greek, Italian, French and English – come in very handy when dealing with overseas customers.

 

In addition to Eurovan, Central Moves is a member of BAR and FEDEMAC and also holds BS EN 12522 the furniture movers standard. “The BS EN 12522 has been very useful in that it gives us all guidelines to work to and a clear set of defined rules,” said Scott. “It really has streamlined our operations and we don’t have to second guess each other because we all work to the same system – we have to.”

 

Central Moves now has 14 full time staff and a fleet of five vehicles, two 3.5t two 7.5t  and one 18t van.

 

“The company could be much bigger but I think that would mean sacrificing quality – good reliable people are not easy to find" said Scott.

 

Photo: Scott Rust

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