Sometimes ordinary men have great responsibility thrust upon them. I think that’s how the saying goes. Whilst quote mangling is my thing, I also enjoy sneaking out of my comfort zones on a regular basis. One such recent occasion was when I attended the Movers and Storers Show 2013 at Silverstone Race Circuit a few weeks ago.

However well you run your business it is inevitable that from time to time a customer will find a reason to complain. Some, perhaps most, managers see complaints as negative and sometimes view them simply as an attempt by the customer to get a reduction in the price or some other kind of compensation. By David Jordan

According to the Ernst & Young ITEM Club, the chances of the UK experiencing a housing bubble as a result of the government’s Help to Buy Mortgage Guarantee Scheme are slim.

For some reason I was expecting Michael Gerson not to be working from the old company offices in darkest Whetstone when I booked the appointment for, what was for me, one of the key interviews of my journalistic life.

Delegates from a wide cross section of the moving industry gathered at Silverstone’s brand new multi-million pound exhibition and banqueting centre on 21-22 October for The Mover magazine’s first conference.

After David Jordan's introduction there was a lively session focussed on ways of increasing profitability by offering additional services that don't require capital investment. These are some of the topics discussed.

Since Rudolph Diesel invented his compression-ignition engine in 1897, it’s been through a technological transformation. But despite efficiency and power gains the original principle remains the same and the chemistry remains inescapable: we are still burning a fossil fuel to make a reciprocating engine work.

UniGroup Relocation Network’s global managing director Paul Bernardt took time out to update The Mover with some important changes and benefits that its new rebrand will bring to its members and clients.

Sherif Gabriel, 24, is the Marketing and Operations Executive at Intermove Egypt in Cairo. Established in 1991, the company is owned by his father, Wassim Gabriel, 52. Sherif spoke enthusiastically to us about his love for the industry, the company’s heritage, the removals trade in Egypt and Intermove Egypt’s plans for the future.

Lacey’s Removals on the Isle of Wight has been run by three generations of the same family since it was first established back in 1924. In recent years it’s been Craig Lacey holding the reins.

Tony and Majella Oro are the owners of what is arguably Australia’s oldest removals firm, Whybirds Removals incorporating Whybirds International.

OSS World Wide Movers Australia has just celebrated the official opening of its new Sydney office and storage depot.

‘The Lucky Country’ – Australia has come a long way. In the 200 or so years since the first European settlers dropped anchor in Sydney Harbour in 1788, the country has progressed from being a British prison colony to a world leader in resource production. By Ed Roberts

Earlier this year, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) issued its long-awaited update to fork lift truck safety guidelines entitled: Rider-operated lift trucks. Operator training and safe use. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L117). By Owen Delaney, Technical Manager, Fork Lift Truck Association

Last year the government introduced legislation designed to encourage employees to start saving for their retirement. The scheme, known as Auto Enrolment, requires companies to provide and contribute to a pension for their employees, and there are penalties for those who do not comply. The Mover asked Dena Al-Dossary, Work Place Pensions Co-ordinator for financial advisers the Charles Derby Group to explain what the new rules mean and how they affect your business.

It was back in 2011 that The Mover first reported on Anthony Walmsley, a young man just starting out in the business with his company Army Ants in Preston. Two years later, Steve Jordan braved the M6 to see how he is getting on building his business despite tough trading conditions.

James Malia, Managing Director of P&MM Employee Benefits, explains what is on offer to help companies keep their best staff from moving on, and why they should be investing more in employee benefits.

In the intensely competitive world of moving, every commercial advantage, every efficiency can give you the edge. Here, Steve Jordan interviews Bespoke Bodies from Warrington, a company that believes its ultra-lightweight bodies can reduce costs and increase payload to help you make more money.

The 2013 Britannia Conference held at the Marriott hotel in Port du Monaco in April was a great success despite the heavy rain that persisted for most of the four-day event.

An interview with Jenny and Timon Thorncroft of JT Relocations, by Ed Roberts