Whether you are looking to move into a brand new sector or you already have experience working with a removals business, this guide will help to cover some of the important things you need to think about as you set out your new business plan and intentions.
An introduction to removals businesses
Often referred to as a moving company, a removals business essentially helps people or businesses move their belongings from one place to another.
Many people rely on removal companies when they move house, as often they don’t have the vehicles or equipment necessary to transport large quantities of furniture and other household belongings using their car.
If people work for large-scale commercial companies, removals businesses can support them with larger vans. It doesn’t always have to come down to relocation either, many businesses use removals services to transport goods or products if they are unable to do so on their own.
The demand for removal services is rapidly growing and could present you with the chance to offer a service that many people and companies require up and down the country.
Coming up with a business plan
One of the most important things that anyone looking to start a new business needs to establish from the outset is a business plan. There is so much you need to consider – your budget, the services you will offer, what equipment you will need to carry out the work – so it’s vital you put time into making sure you have a clear idea of what you want your business to look like before taking the next steps.
In terms of a removals business, establishing what sort of services you want to provide is a great place to start. You may want to focus on purely domestic services, such as house removals and packing services. Or you may want to move into the direction of commercial removals, which would usually be based around moving office furniture and equipment for businesses that are renovating or relocating.
You could also look into offering specialist services that may give you the chance to fill a gap in the current market, maybe offering to transport items such as pianos, antiques and pieces of art.
Whatever you decide to do, it’s imperative to do your market research and check out your competition in the area you wish to set up your business.
How to legally register your removals business
Once you have your business plan outline, the next thing you need to do is legally register your business. You can get certification by joining the British Association of Removers and obtaining a license. This will require an inspection to make sure you meet health and safety standards, as well as following the right operating procedures.
At this point, you will also need to think about insurance, which is an essential part of any business.
Getting the right equipment
Make sure you have the correct equipment so you can offer your customers a seamless and professional service. A large van or a HGV will be needed, depending on the services you choose to provide. You could consider looking at second hand vehicles if you want to keep your costs low.
Packing materials and moving equipment are a must. Lifting apparatus like lifting slings will make moving heavy loads that much easier as you move them to and from the removals vehicle. Making sure you have plenty of health and safety gear for your employees is also vital, as you want to mitigate the chance of any injuries or potential hazards.
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