We recently looked at the importance of accreditations for removals businesses.
Getting your removals company registered and accredited by a relevant body is a fantastic way to convince your customers that you are a reputable company - that they can trust you with emotionally and financially valuable items on a high-pressure moving day.
However, once the choice is made to seek accreditation, you aren't done with big decisions. You have to find the right accreditation or membership to fit the services your removal company offers. Finding one that meets your company and your customer's needs will make your journey to membership easier, as well as demonstrate exactly which high standards your customers can expect.
As finding the right accreditation for your company is so important, you should spend time researching any association you consider joining. Reach out to them with any questions you might have, look at exactly what they offer and weigh up the cost versus the rewards.
It is often an option to join more than one body at a time as well, so if you see the appeal of multiple organisations you should bear that in mind.
To help get you started on your journey to finding the right professional service for your business, we've put together this introduction to the main accreditations available in the UK.
Removals industry accreditations in the UK
British Association of Removers
The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the top industry body in the UK. BAR has operated for over 100 years, and is dedicated to promoting excellence in the removals industry.
BAR members will be given annual checks and audits to ensure they meet the standards BAR expects. If you are an authorised member of BAR, customers can trust you to follow their strict code of best practices.
BAR members are also required to offer an Advanced Payment Guarantee to protect customers financially. A further safety net is provided by the BAR Dispute Resolution Scheme which is independently operated by the Furniture Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO).
As BAR members, professional moving companies get plenty of other benefits too. This includes:
- discounted training services
- discounts on affiliate and partner services (including up to 30% off our MoverAlert services)
- support and advice
- networking opportunities
- subscription to R&S magazine
Though BAR is based in Britain, they also protect international moves with its 'Overseas Remover' membership.
In the UK, BAR is the gold standard in the removals industry so they have a pretty wide scope. They also cover storage services as well as removals, meaning they are a great choice if you are proud of providing customers with a fully comprehensive service.
Association of Independent Movers
The Association of Independent Movers (AIM) works to help removal companies of all sizes in providing an excellent standard of service, as well as growing and expanding their business. They have a comprehensive code of practice that every member must stick to, while also providing businesses with support and advice.
The specific benefits you get as an AIM member include:
- advice and support around expansion
- administration document templates and resources
- discounts on business supplies
- marketing support including a profile in AIM's online directory
Move Assured
Move Assured mainly works with smaller businesses, making them the perfect choice for new and local businesses that want to succeed without necessarily expanding. They support companies in giving a more personalised service.
- online networking and support via 'members only' Facebook
- access to an online 'member area' full of resources on compliance, T&Cs, driver duties and much more
- vehicle support including cubic calculators, breakdown cover and fuel discounts with M.A. fuel cards.
- discounts and offers on affiliate services including with 'Which? Trusted Trader'
- accredited training in manual handling, packing, lorry loading and estimating.
International Accreditations
If supporting people with their domestic moves is an important role, the pressure only mounts when international relocations are involved. If this is a regular part of your offers. then it is worth looking for a global association that offers worldwide membership.
FIDI Global Alliance is the largest global alliance of companies that specialise in international relocations. FIDI members are independently audited to ensure they meet incredibly strict standards of customer care.
Alternately, the International Association of Movers is another global network. Though it's based in America it covers a lot of international moves.
Spread the word of your accreditation to the right people with MoverAlerts
Securing accreditation for your moving company is an important part of marketing your business. But there's no point holding these valuable certifications or associations if the people reading your marketing don't need your services.
Here at MoverAlerts we can help you reach out to the right people and make sure you share the right information. We can save your business time and money by targeting home movers who are actually in need of a removal company - and with our fulfilment service, we can even help you produce your marketing materials too. Contact us today to find out how.