On 4th March 2025, the British Association of Removers (BAR) celebrated its 125th anniversary with a prestigious Parliamentary Reception at the Palace of Westminster. The event brought together Parliamentarians, policymakers, and industry leaders to recognise the vital role of the removals and storage sector in supporting the economy, the property market, and global mobility.
John Mason International was honoured with a special invitation, reinforcing our status as a leading force in the international removals industry. Representing the company, our owner, Simon Hood, engaged in insightful discussions with influential figures, including Rushanara Ali, Under-Secretary of State for Housing, and Matt Turmaine MP, who warmly welcomed guests and set the stage for a thought-provoking discourse on the home buying and selling process.
Recognising the Value of the Removals Industry
Throughout the evening, key speakers highlighted the significance of the removals sector. Rushanara Ali MP addressed attendees, emphasising the challenges facing the housing market and how the removals industry plays a crucial role in supporting homebuyers and sellers.
Ian Studd, Director General of BAR, provided an industry perspective, showcasing the removals sector’s economic contributions, its international reach, and ongoing workforce development initiatives. His speech reinforced the value that BAR-accredited companies bring to customers by maintaining high professional standards.
Why Choosing a BAR Member Like John Mason International Matters
For customers planning an international move, selecting a BAR-accredited removals company offers significant advantages:
1. Assured Quality and Professionalism
BAR members, like John Mason International, must meet strict criteria covering service quality, staff training, vehicle maintenance, and operational standards. This ensures that every move is handled by highly trained professionals, giving customers peace of mind.
2. Financial Protection with the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee
International moves involve significant financial commitments. The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee Scheme protects customer payments, ensuring shipping costs are covered even in the unlikely event of a company failure. As a BAR Overseas Group member, John Mason International offers this protection at no extra cost.
3. Comprehensive Support and Dispute Resolution
Moving home is a major life event, and unexpected issues can arise. BAR-accredited companies follow an approved Code of Practice, and in the rare event of a dispute, customers have access to BAR’s free and independent Dispute Resolution Service, ensuring concerns are handled professionally.
A Major Milestone: The Launch of the BAR Apprenticeship Standard and Academy
A key highlight of the event was the formal recognition of the launch of the Apprenticeship Standard and the BAR Academy. This initiative marks a significant step in fostering professional development within the removals industry.
At John Mason International, we have long championed apprenticeships as a means of bringing in fresh talent, providing professional training, and ensuring the future of our sector. The removals industry has faced recruitment challenges for years, with many companies relying on short-term fixes such as hiring temporary staff or recruiting from competitors. Apprenticeships provide a sustainable solution, developing skilled professionals who understand the industry inside and out.
As Simon Hood explained in a recent BBC Radio Merseyside interview: “If we don’t start training young people properly, in a few years, there won’t be anyone left who knows how to do the job. Apprenticeships are key to the future—not just for our company, but for the entire industry.”
The BAR Apprenticeship Standard ensures:
– A structured training programme lasting a minimum of 12 months
– Clear career progression from Porter to LGV Driver and Transport Manager
– Quality-controlled training, overseen by BAR and delivered by TRS Training
This initiative highlights BAR’s commitment to workforce growth and industry innovation, paving the way for a more skilled, professional removals sector.
John Mason International: Leading the Industry with Excellence
As a long-standing BAR Overseas Group member, John Mason International is at the forefront of international removals. Our commitment to service excellence has been recognised with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, underscoring our reputation as a leader in global relocations. Our participation in the BAR Parliamentary Reception was a proud moment, showcasing our dedication to quality, innovation, and the future of the removals industry.
Planning an International Move? Choose a BAR Member You Can Trust
For over 140 years, John Mason International has been helping individuals and families move their lives across the world with confidence. Choosing a BAR-accredited company like ours ensures your move is backed by expertise, professionalism, and financial protection.