Eleven businesses based in Ealing have been shortlisted in 11 categories at this year’s West London Business Awards which take place later this month at Twickenham Stadium on 24 February 2023.
Edwards Removals located in Park Royal, is one of the businesses to make it to the shortlist in three categories: Logistics Business of the Year, High-growth SME and Park Royal Business of the Year.
EALING.NEWS caught up with Richard Lear, branch manager to find out more about what it means to be shortlisted, being based in Ealing, challenges they face and future plans.
What it means to be short listed?
Everyone in the business were thrilled to hear that we were short listed. They all work incredibly hard and whilst it’ll be wonderful for us to win an award, just to be short listed feels like a win in its own right.
What does being based in Ealing mean to you?
We love being based in Ealing. A large portion of our staff, both office and removals operatives, reside in the local area. When recruiting new staff, we do prefer locally based staff, but equally do understand sometimes people are happy to commute. We do also try, where possible, to support the local community by purchasing materials from locally based companies. With our office being so well connected to Central London, with excellent transport links, its a perfect location, in particular, warehousing,with easy transport access to the city.
What are the challenges you face as a business in Ealing?
The business rates, at present are high and are expected to increase, this present a real challenge to our business.
What can Ealing Council do for you to help your business?
Help clean up Park Royal. Every Monday morning, we come to our premises to find a river of detritus along the road and pavements. This can include fly-tipped waste, food wrappers and empty nitrous oxide canisters. For example, recently we had a 7.5t lorry abandoned outside our gate, which made it very difficult for our vehicles to enter/leave our yard. Whilst I understand it is difficult for the council to manage, a formal deterrent /process would be helpful.
What can the government do for you to help your business?
The purchase of a property, typically, is the biggest financial outlay during anyone’s lifetime. Its not something to be rushed into. With interest rates being the highest they’ve been since before 2010, certain individuals simply cannot afford to commit, or take on such an amount of borrowing. I would call for the government to consider something similar to the stamp duty freeze, which occurred following the pandemic. The housing marked was described as being on steroids throughout this period. Normal seasonality was non-existent. If the government decided to resume help for first time buyers, or others wanting to move but unable afford the expensive one-off costs required for legal costs and/or the stamp duty, this would prove invaluable to the industry.
A year from now, where do you see your business?
To be operating strongly with a positive amount of growth. Edwards has recently received significant investment from our owners – Clockwork Removals Limited, which we hope will reinvigorate the Edwards brand, along with its high quality service. In the past, Edwards and its ‘Exceptional Moving Experience’ has been graced by even royalty. We enjoying offering our exceptional service to all our customers, as they look to move from one home to the next.
What are you most proud of so far in what your business has achieved?
Historically we move very prestigious clients, of which we are immensely proud. Though, what makes it all worth while, is enabling our clients achieve their dreams and open the next chapter of their lives in their new home. We aim for perfection. And regardless of the value of our clients possessions if an item is worth a penny, or tens of thousands of pounds, we understand items have sentimental value, as well as, monetary value. Therefore, we are most proud when our clients express their happiness toward us of their successful move.
Edwards Removals and Storage is located at Unit 6, Bush Industrial Estate, Standard Road, NW10 6DF
