Patrick Hicks talks to Iain Adams on his strategy for leading Britannia Movers International into a new era.

When Iain Adams took up the role of Managing Director at Britannia Movers International PLC on 1 September, 2025, he stepped into a position that carries both legacy and opportunity.

With more than 27 years of global experience in the moving industry, Adams is charged with building on Britannia’s solid foundations while steering the company and its members through a period of significant transformation.

Entering the industry
Like many in the removals industry, Adams’ path into the sector wasn’t planned.

“I fell into the industry by accident,” he admits. “After graduating with a degree in Engineering and Business Management, I was working in a bar when my university housemate - who had joined Sterling International Movers - arranged an interview for me. That’s where I got my first-class introduction to customer-centric international removals.” That opportunity set the course for a long and successful career spanning multiple continents and leadership roles.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with inspiring leaders who could both lead and have fun at the same time,” he reflects. “Living and working overseas gave me a deep appreciation for what international moving is really about. We’re not just transporting belongings - we’re helping people relocate their lives.”

Britannia’s evolution
Founded in 1981, Britannia Movers International began as a cooperative of small and medium-sized UK removal businesses. Its purpose was simple but powerful: to give regional movers access to competitive international shipping and help them stand shoulder to shoulder with larger London-based firms.

“Over the years, Britannia has grown from a small cooperative focused on shipping into a national and international removals network,” Adams explains. “Today we have more than 37 offices across the UK, a strong brand, and a diversified service model.”

By blending the strengths of independent local movers with centralised branding, marketing, and logistics support, Britannia has maintained a distinctive position in the market.  “Our ability to leverage our network, invest in technology, and recruit high-quality members will determine our continued success,” says Adams. “Britannia’s strength has always come from the collective expertise of its members, supported by a strong, trusted central brand.”

Resilience through turbulence
In recent years, the removals industry has faced enormous disruption - from Brexit and the pandemic to spiralling energy costs, supply chain bottlenecks, and driver shortages ...

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