Episode 79
Moving Matters with James Tutton of Chelmsford Removals
February 22nd, 2024
31 mins 14 secs
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About this Episode
In this episode James Tutton, Managing Director of Chelmsford Removals discusses how he began in the industry by helping out his father at weekends in his parent’s removal company (Handy Removals) from the age of 10, and later in life while between work and serving in the army.
Today James owns Chelmsford Removals which he started 16 years ago and Move It Removals which he acquired in 2019. Both companies are 90% domestic removals & storage (460 x 250 cuft containers), with some commercial and trade work, running 12 vehicles and employing 35. And both are members of the BAR (British Association of Removers).
One of the challenges James had to overcome was not being able to afford to employ (let alone attract) the best removal guys when starting out, but today he couldn’t be prouder of those he employs.
The one thing James would change from his moving past is to have taken much greater care of his back, which James has ensured forms a big part of the training he delivers to his staff. From a business perspective James would have liked to have focused on storage much sooner.
James has several highpoints of being within the industry, consisting of, growing his own company much bigger than his Dad’s, getting his own warehouse in Chelmsford, joining the BAR, and acquiring Move It Removals.
The one thing James would like to change within the industry is a standardised system in which removal companies are recognised, separating those that are couriers at worst and man & van at best apart from professional removal companies.
The advice James would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to learn as much about business, the industry, and to get really good at your numbers.
In the next 5 years James would like to acquire another company as he’s gearing up for an acquisition hopefully in 2025 (either a competitor for a larger market share, or a business in a complementary area), and to buy his own warehouse. Industry wise James doesn’t seem much changing, however in 10 years maybe autonomous trucks and AI moving robots.
Outside of the industry James has a really good work life balance and enjoys a beer with his mates, a wine with his wife, and he also endures fitness challenges.
And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story regarding every mover’s necessity for the job, a cuppa.
Enjoy!
Links to Chelmsford Removals: