British Association of Removers (BAR)

What is the British Association of Removers (BAR) and how do they protect you, our customer?

The BAR has been providing memberships to only the most suitable removal companies in the UK for more than 100 years. Its goal is to ensure our industry has a voice and to continually improve and regulate the changing needs of you, the consumer.

It’s a question of trust. Choosing a BAR Member will ensure your move goes smoothly. You will have the peace of mind that comes from using a vetted, reputable, professional and safe remover, and in the unlikely event that something goes wrong, you’ve got someone to turn to. Every member of the BAR must undergo stringent annual audits to ensure their business is being run according to the BAR guidelines.

This includes the financial stability of their members and the skills of their operating staff. It also includes a personal visit by BAR to our warehouse to further ensure we are operating in accordance with all legal, health and safety and professional packing and transport protocols.

CTSI Logo

In addition to the service levels and performance of each and every BAR member, each member is uniquely monitored by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) to ensure the member is operating as they should be and in the interests of their customers.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) is one of the world’s longest-established organisations dedicated to the fields of Trading Standards and Consumer Protection and was established in 1881. After 140 years of progress, it remains proud of the close association with the standards of UK companies and continues to promote fair business dealings with consumers and promotes and identifies fair business practices, tackling rogue traders and ultimately protecting UK consumers.

The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman

The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman

The BAR operates an alternative dispute resolution service to ensure consumers have a voice, and representation in the event of a dispute with their mover.

The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman, is an independent, not-for-profit, government-approved organisation set up to help resolve disputes and raise standards and has been operating since 1998.

Their highly-trained staff provide impartial Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services to consumers and businesses, helping both sides reach a fair and reasonable outcome, which is binding on our members. Each BAR member must agree with the findings of FHIO in the event of a dispute with regards to any aspect of their move.

BIFA

What is BIFA, the The British International Freight Association

BIFA is the trade body which represents 1500 UK members who provide shipping, logistics, airfreight and transport services in the UK. It is there to provide effective representation and support for the UK international freight services industry and to promote good practice in the provision of freight services by all Members. BIFA also provides a range of industry training from transport services, packing and understanding the complexities of international trade and customs formalities.

BIFA interacts with many national, governmental and non-governmental bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Department for Transport (DfT), the Home Office, the UK Border Force, The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and many more. These organisations recognise BIFA as the representative body of the industry and consult it on a variety of subjects.

Being a member of BIFA also gives us access to commercial shipping rates and weekly worldwide shipping services not normally available to UK moving companies.

You can find details of our membership and profile here BIFA Member details.

International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations

FIATA's role is to familiarise trade and industry and the public at large with the services rendered by freight forwarders through the dissemination of information, distribution of publications and oinline media and to improve the quality of services rendered by freight forwarders by developing and promoting uniform forwarding documents, standard trading conditions, etc.

FCO Travel Advice

FCO Travel Advice

We are official partners with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and assist them in promoting safe travel overseas. To help ensure that British travellers are better prepared when they move overseas and for up-to-date travel advice.

Living Wage Employer Logo

Real Living Wage Employer

The Real Living Wage is an independently calculated wage rate, which is based on the cost of living in the UK. This means that it takes into account the cost of housing, food, and other essential items, and is designed to provide employees with a wage that is sufficient to support themselves and their families. The Real Living Wage is higher than the national minimum wage and is updated each year to reflect changes in the cost of living.

As a Real Living Wage employer, we are committed to paying all of our employees, regardless of age, a wage that meets or exceeds the Real Living Wage rate. This means that all of our employees can be confident that they are receiving a fair wage for their work, and that they are able to support themselves and their families.

We believe that paying a fair wage is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes good business sense. Our employees are our most valuable asset, and we believe that by treating them well, we can create a happier and more motivated workforce. This, in turn, leads to better customer service and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage employer, and we will continue to work hard to ensure that all of our employees are treated with respect and paid a fair wage for their work. We hope that our commitment to our employees will inspire other companies to follow suit and become Real Living Wage employers as well.

1st Move International Limited was first incorporated in 1987. Our company registration number is 03468184 and you can check and view our current business status, financials and registration date at Companies House here.