A Bristol removals firm has won a prestigious Which? award after little more than four years in business.

Move On Removals and Storage was one of four businesses nominated in the trusted trader category at this year’s Which? awards, held at a ceremony in London hosted by TV presenter Victoria Derbyshire.

The company, which employs ten people, has already grown by over 1,000 per cent since being established in early 2020.

Move On’s Richard Batten, who is joint managing director with his partner Joanne Kallevik, says the company has gone one better than last year, when it was among the nominations in the trusted trader category.

“My Grandad was director of a big removals and storage company in Addlestone in Surrey, which operated around 15 trucks. Removals has always been in my family and I think it will always be in my blood.

“Jo joined the business in 2018, followed by her sister Helen, who is now a senior member of our leadership team, making it a fully-fledged family business.

“Which? is such a trusted and respected brand and we were thrilled to be nominated last year, so to go one better and win this year is fantastic.

“We provide a stress-free removals service while treating everyone with respect, delivering excellence, having a commitment to our work and to the care of the customers - working with integrity and taking ownership of everything we do, while having fun in the process. Every member of our team must live by these core values and this is what I believe lies behind our award nomination.”

Richard Batten says the time is right for the next phase of Move On’s growth, which will involve rolling out a franchising model.

“Currently we move people to and from the Bristol and Bath area, across the entire UK, and we’re able to compete with the likes of Pickfords, Britannia and GB Liners by being individualistic and occupying a niche in the market.

“We do this by offering a personalised and highly tailored service, taking account of people’s specific wants and needs and what is important to them while also acknowledging their situation and what may be worrying them. Moving is a massive milestone in people’s lives and a huge undertaking and we are privileged to be able to act as their guide, helping them move on to the next chapter of their lives with complete peace of mind. We take much more of a holistic approach than your average removal company.

“Our big ten-year vision at Move On is to become the world’s number one boutique removals franchise company and we plan to embark on this next stage this year. Our business model is now at a point where we can scale up, and the Which? awards experience has added rocket fuel to the whole process.”

Anabel Hoult, Which? chief executive, said: “Congratulations to Move On Removals and Storage on its win at this year’s which? Awards. Moving house can be stressful, but it’s reassuring to see movers infusing their service with a personal touch, providing support during an uncertain time.

“Its traders’ friendly demeanours and their careful attention to each job exemplify what it means to be a Which? Trusted Trader. All endorsed traders should strive to provide this level of support.

“The Which? Awards judging standards are incredibly high, so to be named as a winner is a huge achievement – something only achieved by the best of the best.”