On 25th February, Jane Finch gathered a select group of movers together in the boardroom of Interdean in London to present her ideas for another new trade association for the moving industry.

This follows the launch of AIM (Alliance of Independent Movers) at the Movers and Storers Show last October which is already gaining new members.

Jane’s idea is to create a committee-run movers’ trade association that will meet the needs of all companies at whatever level in the industry from new starter to market leader.  Her intention is to create multiple membership levels based upon a company’s level of ability and professionalism. This would then be clearly communicated to the public to allow them to choose the type of mover that fits their needs: a student might need a man and a van whereas someone moving with their company might prefer a more comprehensive service.  Members would be helped and encouraged to ascend the levels as their companies matured.  All members, in any category, would need to achieve minimum quality standards.

The fact that yet another trade association is being considered as necessary in the industry might look like a sad reflection of the offers of the existing associations.  Conversely, however, it might also be a compliment to the achievements of BAR over the last 110 years or more that companies who were not eligible still felt the need to belong to something. The meeting attendees included one company that had tried to become a member of both BAR and AIM but did not meet the membership criteria; and three companies that were currently members of NGRS (The Guild) but were either in the process of or seriously considering leaving.

Although the attendees appreciated the aims of the new association some said that they thought the structure might be over complicated and difficult for consumers to understand.  The meeting did, however, provide Jane with useful comment that will help her to refine the proposed structure of the organisation and its membership criteria.

Photo: Jane Finch



Opinion

"Having attended the meeting I was impressed by Jane Finch’s earnest enthusiasm and dedication to the industry.  The problem remains, however, of how to offer something different and fresh that will capture the imagination of the industry, and provide sufficient added value to make it both sustainable and affordable.  There is also a problem of further confusing customers, especially when it seems the moving industry has never been good at selling the benefits of trade association membership.  Any new association joining the market must clearly differentiate itself and make it easy for members to explain the unique nature of their services to their customers"

Editor