Bennetts Removals has been named Which? Trusted Trader of the Month for February 2021, thanks to its focus on customer service and a growing list of 5-star customer reviews.

The company, which celebrated its 25th birthday in 2020, aims to make removals as simple as possible for its customers. Bennetts Removals promises a ‘highly practical’ and ‘cost effective’ packing service, and has links with a local storage company that offers a self-storage option.

We caught up with John Bennett, Owner of Bennetts Removals, to learn more about the company’s journey as a Which? Trusted Trader.

Do you think your company has what it takes to win? Read our guide on how to be the next Which? Trusted Trader of the Month.

Years of hard work

Since starting up in 1995 with the help of a Prince’s Trust loan, Bennetts has moved its main office and now deals with full house clearances. The Bennetts Removals website explains that John's knowledge of antiques and the additional care and protection they require is paramount.

John told us that his customers also benefit from the company's relationship with a local storage facility. He said: 'The storage facility is not mine, but I am their dedicated mover. Often, after I've moved contents into storage, the customer can gain access to the facility and help themselves to their belongings, often using this as an opportunity to de-clutter and sell off items.'

Speaking about starting his company, John told us: ‘I went into business because I saw an opportunity – a gap in the market for a home mover.

‘Barry, my home town, is the biggest town in Wales. At the time, back in 1995, there were only two other house-moving specialists.’

The team at Bennetts Removals is made up of a trio of hard-working professionals. John explains: ‘Out team comprises myself, Thomas and Cory. We take on a new move every day. Quality of service is very important to us.

‘Moving home is hard work. It requires fortitude and meticulous planning. What makes me proud of the service we provide is being able to help with the whole moving process personally from start to finish.’

Positive feedback from satisfied customers

The coronavirus pandemic has put extra pressure on John’s team. He told us the company has had to deal with last-minute house-clearance jobs recently because of a skip shortage. The team has also taken on cleaning duties on jobs where other members of staff were too ill to visit the site.

But despite these challenges, customers are still delighted with the service provided by Bennetts Removals.

One customer reported: ‘Bennetts Removals offers a professional and friendly service. John kindly agreed to take on our move when our original carrier could not meet our new moving date.

‘Despite the fact that it was a bigger job than indicated on the quote, John and his team carried it out and matched the original company's quote. We offered to compensate for the extra work, but the team refused. John is a true gentleman!’

That wasn’t the only customer review that jumped off the page. Another five-star review said: ‘John and his team recently helped with my relocation from the city to the country, as well as helping to relocate my 87-year-old dad, who hadn't moved for 60 years.

‘From the moment John came to look at the job, I had confidence that I was in safe hands. Some companies just quoted me without seeing the work involved, but John took time to look at everything, listen to my concerns and understand what was important to me. He was completely unfazed by anything, even though the move was complex as it involved a 70-mile relocation and potential access issues at the new property.’

Top marks from the judges

In his application for Trader of the Month, John told us that the company proudly shows off the Trusted Trader logo as often as possible. You’ll spot the logo on all the company’s vehicles, as well as on stationery, fridge magnets and mugs back at the office. In fact, Bennetts Removals has an entire page on its website dedicated to explaining the Which? Trusted Trader scheme and its benefits.

One of our judges was blown away by the company’s Trader of the Month application, saying: ‘The company sounds like it goes above and beyond for its customers. I really like the use of the mugs and carrying cases with the Which? Trusted Trader logo, too.’

Another member of our judging panel was just as impressed, adding: ‘It’s great to see the company picking up extra work – it obviously cares for its customers. The Which? Trusted Trader logo is everywhere, too, which is amazing.

‘I’ve seen lots of really great reviews that highlight the company’s focus on customer service and going the extra mile.’

Advice for other ambitious traders

After he struggled to find a tradesperson for a building job a couple of years ago, John told us that a friend recommended reaching out to a Which? Trusted Trader.

He said: ‘I reached out to a Which? Trusted Trader and was pleased with the job the builder did. After that, I looked into the cost of becoming a Which? Trusted Trader myself. I was pleased to see how reasonable the charges were.’

We asked John if he had any advice for other companies considering joining the Which? Trusted Trader scheme. The Bennetts Removals owner told us: ‘I would tell other traders to use the Which? logo wherever they can to hammer home the trust element of the service they provide.

‘Our customers often tell us they were swayed by our Which? Trusted Trader accreditation.’

Congratulations to Bennetts Removals for winning February 2021’s Which? Trusted Trader of the Month award.

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