Our accreditations: BAR member removals company in Dorset
1st Choice Removals has been a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 2011 and offers the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee on inland domestic moves. We also hold an operator licence for the UK and Europe, and our directors hold International Certificates of Professional Competence.
British Association of Removers member since 2011
We joined the British Association of Removers (BAR) in 2011. BAR is the trade association for professional removers in the UK, and members agree to follow its code of practice.
For you, that means a remover that is answerable to an industry body as well as to its own customers.
BAR Advance Payment Guarantee
The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee protects money you pay in advance for your move. If a BAR member cannot complete your removal after you have paid, for example because the company stops trading, the scheme is there to protect your advance payment.
The guarantee applies to inland domestic moves only.
More information: bar.co.uk/advanced-payment-guarantee (BAR telephone 01923 699480).
Operator licence for the UK and Europe
We hold an operator licence for the UK and Europe, a credential that reflects our standing as a professional haulier. Our European removals are surveyed, planned and managed by 1st Choice, with the European transport carried out by trusted partner removal firms.
Certificates of professional competence
Fiona and Chris, who run removals day to day, both hold International Certificates of Professional Competence.
Fiona also holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures, which helps when a move involves paperwork for customs, such as moves to Europe or worldwide.
What this means for your move
- Your advance payment on an inland domestic move is protected by the BAR guarantee
- Your goods are fully insured while in transit
- Your UK move is carried out by full-time, uniformed 1st Choice crews, not agency staff
- The people planning your move are qualified to run international transport
Find out more about the family behind the business on our why choose us page, or contact us for a free survey.
Your questions answered
Is 1st Choice Removals a member of the British Association of Removers?
Yes. 1st Choice Removals has been a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 2011. BAR is the UK trade association for professional removers, and its members follow a code of practice. Membership also means we can offer customers the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee on inland domestic moves.
What does the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee cover?
The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee protects money you pay in advance for an inland domestic move with a BAR member. If the company cannot carry out the move after you have paid, the scheme is designed to protect that advance payment. It applies to inland domestic moves only, so check with us how your own move is protected.
Does the Advance Payment Guarantee cover moves abroad?
No. The BAR Advance Payment Guarantee applies to inland domestic moves only. If you are moving overseas with us, we will explain the terms of your move clearly in your quote. For shipments by sea, marine insurance must be arranged by the customer themselves, and we can talk you through what to look for.
Does 1st Choice Removals hold an operator licence?
Yes. We hold an operator licence for the UK and Europe. Fiona and Chris hold International Certificates of Professional Competence, and Fiona holds a BTEC in Customs Export and Import Procedures. For European moves we survey, plan and manage the move, and the transport is carried out with trusted partner removal firms.
Why does choosing an accredited remover matter?
An accredited remover is answerable to a trade body as well as to you. With a BAR member you get a company that follows a code of practice and, for inland domestic moves, can offer protection for money paid in advance. It is a simple way to check you are dealing with an established, professional business.