British Association of Removers (BAR) Explained

The British Association of Removers (BAR) describes itself as the “recognised voice of the professional moving industry” and it is a key body in the UK moving industry.

Training, professional standards and providing information and advice to customers are included in the BAR’s remit, as well as a dispute resolution service.

Key facts about BAR:

The BAR has several different types of membership: UK membership, Overseas Group Membership, Commercial Moving Group Membership, Self Storage Interest Group Membership. Companies can also be International Affiliates (non-UK businesses trading in the removal industry) and Affiliates (companies who are not engaged in removals and storage activities but who provide goods and services to the industry).
The BAR has the only Code of Practice in the moving industry that’s approved and monitored by the Trading Standards Institute.
The Trading Standards Institute monitors the performance of all BAR members.
BAR covers both UK and international moves.
BAR has its own training division – BAR Training Services, offering professional business training courses that set the standard in industry specific training.
BAR members are subject to ongoing site inspections during their membership.
BAR also runs the Trusted Mover website to help you find BAR removers.

Organisation profile:

The BAR has established itself as an industry body with a mission to uphold professional standards in the moving sector for the benefit of its members and also for their customers. It has a code of practice that sets standards of service, materials, vehicles and warehousing, staff training and how to deal with a situation if something goes wrong.

It also provides financial protection for customers, for example where a job is cancelled by the mover. Customers can complain to the BAR about a member and there is also an alternative dispute resolution service.

Training is a key part of the BAR membership programme and members have access to ELearning modules on topics such as leadership, finance, sales and selling, customer service, marketing, coaching, management and supervisory skills development.

Some Member Companies

Criteria for membership:

No membership criteria are available via the website, which says, “If you are interested in becoming a Member of BAR, and for membership criteria and an application form, please contact BAR giving your company information and contact details.”

Industry opinions about the British Association of Removers:

BAR appears frequently on the websites of British movers and many of those who list it focus on its longevity as one of the oldest trade associations in the removals sector and it’s history of more than a century.

The fact that Trading Standards has approved its Code of Practice is seen as another major plus as this provides assurance to consumers that their interests are protected beyond the basic requirements of the law.

The fact that the association carries out ongoing site inspections is seen as important, as is the fact that members must provide evidence of ongoing customer satisfaction.

The general opinion is that “by choosing a BAR member you will ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible.” The BAR is held up as a movers standard by property websites, which describe this as a basic requirement for a good mover, that will be held to minimum standards of professionalism and offer some financial protection.

Choosing a removal firm that has committed to the BAR membership is a good starting point because it shows they’re willing to be held up to a minimum standard. BAR members have minimum standards of conduct for membership which will be in your interests such as legal, licensed vehicles, protection for your deposit and arbitration or free conciliation and in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

– rightmove

Every BAR Member works to the BAR Code of Practice which is approved by Trading Standards. This stringent code protects and promotes consumer interests beyond the basic requirements of the law.

– Pickfords

More than 97% of consumers recommend their BAR remover.

– Compare My Move

Website: http://www.bar.co.uk/