In this episode, Jonathan Bramwell, Founder of Bramwell Relocation, discusses how he began in removals 42 years ago, assisting with the delivery of furniture for his mother’s antique furniture and restoration business, before buying his own van and delivering items from the local auction house.
At that time Jonathan’s business was SBS (Sure to Be of Service), which grew not only from removals but also from storage and commercial contracts, including distribution. At its peak SBS was employing 70 people and turning over £5m a year! However, during the global economic crash of 2008/9 business started to get tough as contracts were cancelled, and eventually SBS was placed into administration and up for sale – and the buyer, none other than Clockwork Removals, where Jonathan was offered a role within Sales, and then promoted to National Sales Director, before eventually parting company.
8 months after leaving Clockwork, and at the tender age of 48 Jonathan was told (twice) that he could do it again, and so Bramwell Relocation was formed, and today is a true family affair consisting of Jonathan, Bev (wife), Lewis (son) & Sarah (daughter), primarily offering very high quality domestic removals & storage services, employing 10 and running a fleet of 3 x HGVs (2 of which are demount bodies), 4 x Luton vans, 2 x VW Transporters and 1 x VW Crafter. Storage wise they offer containerised storage, shipping container storage and a very small amount of self-storage.
Jonathan’s biggest challenge ever has to be running a business for 26 years and letting it go. Any challenge since then Jonathan regards as ‘just stuff’ rather than a challenge.
The one thing Jonathan would change from his moving past is to have concentrated more on removals, rather than diversify into providing different services.
Jonathan has two high points of being within the industry, in 2000 Jonathan was appointed Chairman of the BAR Yorkshire Area, and more recently when Lewis & Sarah joined the business.
The one thing Jonathan would like to change within the industry is the process in which people buy houses.
The advice Jonathan would give himself just starting out within the industry again is to immediately deliver great service, constantly regulate yourself, don’t over trade (become a busy fool), and control your cash.
In the next 5 years Jonathan hopes to be semi-retired. Industry wise, Jonathan sees an increase in the use of 3.5 tonne vans.
Outside of the industry Jonathan has an obsession for cars and motorcycles. Jonathan enjoys skiing, vacations, gardening, and trips to the Isle of Man.
And as always, we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, regarding plums.
Enjoy!
Links to Bramwell Relocation:
Special Guest: Jonathan Bramwell.