Episode 31

Moving Matters with Miranda Hyder of BAR Services

00:00:00
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00:44:09

October 14th, 2021

44 mins 9 secs

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About this Episode

In this episode Miranda Hyder, General Manager of BAR Services discusses how she started working within the industry for BAR Services some 34 years ago, part time for Tony Allen to begin with before progressing to full time around 1994.

We discover that BAR Services is a trading arm of BAR (British Association of Removers) and was setup in 1977 to be a bulk purchasing organisation after a successful study tour of America. Today BAR Services sell to BAR members, non-members, has branched out to supply the self-storage industry and more recently directly to the general public, via its website. BAR Services was and still remains a ‘not for profit’ organisation, where profits are shared amongst its BAR member customers.

We discuss why the price of cardboard has risen so much in recent times, and Miranda warns us that it’s about to rise once again!

We discover that the cost of plastic has also risen, albeit not as often but sadly in larger percentages, however, it is Miranda’s strategic goal to become more environmentally friendly with the product range.

We discuss that Miranda’s biggest challenge was taking on the mantle of running a successful business after the retirement of Tony Allen, and proving to the board of directors that she was the right candidate to take the business forward.

We discover that Miranda would not change a thing from her past as she has really enjoyed her working life within this wonderful industry, where she has made many good friends.

We discuss Miranda’s highpoint which was increasing the turnover of BAR Services to £6.2 million!

We discover that the one thing Miranda would change within the industry is to charge the right price for the service that is offered, and hopes that the industry does not revert back to a race to the bottom line anytime soon.

We discuss the advice that Miranda would give to herself just starting out in the industry again and it is to have a healthy liver! Miranda loves to network, and I personally will state she is one of the best I know at it!

We discover that in 5 years time Miranda will still be here as she really enjoys her job and the industry. Industry wise Miranda hopes the industry becomes more environmentally friendly.

We discuss that outside of the industry Miranda enjoys family time with her husband, two children and grandchildren, touring around the UK in their recently purchased campervan, and runs twice a week with her girlfriends.

And as always we end Moving Matters with two funny stories, one involving her first presentation and another regarding a bee keeper – although Miranda does have a little black book containing plenty of dirt on well-known industry folk – NOT!

Enjoy!

Links to BAR Services: