Hemel removals firm celebrates 30 years in the industry

Press release

In-Excess Removals Ltd Celebrates 30 Years in the Removals and Storage Industry

Expanding Business Transitions into the Next Generation While Upholding a Commitment to Quality and Community Support

In-Excess Removals Ltd, a removals company based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, is excited to announce its upcoming 30th anniversary, celebrating three decades of dedicated service to the local community and beyond.

Originally founded in March 1996 by Steve Yates and partner Sally Matcham, the business has evolved significantly since the start.

In the beginning, with four young children at home, Steve and Sally were looking for ways to achieve more independence and find a much-needed bigger home for the family.

Neither of them came from an academic background; they relied on hard work and resilience to build the business from the ground up.

Sally had been a hard worker her whole life. She assisted in building her parents' first home at a young age and later renovated her first home at 21. She was definitely not afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty! This was a fundamental reason the business grew as it did in the early years.

Without Sally, the business would never have existed, let alone become the thriving enterprise it is today. The hard work and dedication she invested in the early days were not just important; they were the very foundation upon which everything was built. Her unwavering commitment and resilience shaped the trajectory of the business, and her influence continues to be felt in every aspect of its success today.

Steve, from a young age, struggled in school and was not the most academic. He was told by a teacher that he wouldn’t amount to much, so he was always determined to prove them wrong.

Steve worked for a truck rental company in his early years before In-Excess began in 1996. He had always dreamed of the independence of his own business. Steve said, “Building a business is like building a house: start with strong foundations, and do things properly to begin with,” reflecting the theory of working from the ground up.

Now, Steve enjoys the freedom and lifestyle he always dreamed of, proving that hard work does pay off.

Initially starting with just one vehicle locally, the owners working late nights and often seven days a week, the company now boasts a fleet of 21 vans and HGVs, and a growing team. Offering not just local but also comprehensive national and international removal and storage services, In-Excess Removals has adapted to the changing landscape of the industry.

The business has experienced substantial growth since it began, reflecting not only the hard work and dedication of its staff members but also their unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and the consistent delivery of high-quality service. This remarkable growth over 30 years is a testament to the fact that happy customers are at the heart of everything they do.

As In-Excess Removals prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the company reflects on its journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected name in the removals industry. With a focus on community engagement and a commitment to quality, In-Excess Removals stands as a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.

The company’s success can also be attributed to its long-standing dedicated team.

Lee joined as an agency porter in 1999 and quickly climbed the ranks to become the now Fleet General Manager.

Reflecting on his journey, Lee noted, “When I joined In-Excess, we only had four vehicles. Now, I’m responsible for a fleet of 21. My responsibilities have grown significantly during the years, and seeing the business flourish has been a continuous source of job satisfaction. I can't imagine working anywhere else now and can say that I feel like I’m part of the furniture here.”

Lee also acknowledged the change in compliance, regulations, and legislation over this period that have shaped the industry. “Customer expectations have risen significantly; they require us to stay current and proactive with all these changes, and we must keep pace with their reviews and feedback. Additionally, with many independent operators entering the market, the 'Man & Van' competition has definitely become more challenging.”

Louise, the Office Manager for 23 years, enthusiastically shared her perspective on the evolving landscape of the industry: “The most significant change for me has been witnessing the remarkable growth of our business. Customers have become more discerning, and the increased regulations have certainly added complexity to our operations. However, regardless of these challenges, we have it all covered in the office because our team is brilliant. The highlight of my role is working alongside such a fantastic group; our staff truly make this place special! It’s not just the office team—having our drivers come in always lifts everyone's spirits. And I can’t help but smile when I see our In-Excess lorries on the road; their distinctive branding is a source of pride for us all!”

With the Team on the road being such a fundamental part of the In-Excess team, we also spoke with long-term employee Scott, who started working for the company at 16 during his work experience week and never left! Twenty-two years later, he reflected that "working for In-Excess is like being part of a family," going on to say that "while removals are hard work, my job is never actually a chore. It's just a family business working together to get the job done!" For the future, Scott hopes the business will continue to grow, with a particular emphasis on seeing more work across Europe.

Steve Yates remarked, “I’ve seen so many changes in the industry in the last 30 years. It is an industry I have thrived in from both the removals and storage perspective. It’s been a privilege to have long-standing employees like Lee and Louise, but also my daughter Richenda, who joined in 2019 as a virtual surveyor. It’s a joy to work alongside her as she supports and works with me closely every day.”

Richenda, who initially thought her law degree would lead her in a different direction, expressed her satisfaction: “I didn’t think I would work for the company, but I’m so glad I did. I love being part of the team in the office, supporting and working alongside the men on the road and, most importantly, supporting my dad and contributing to a business that has such deep roots in the community.”

She went onto add "One significant advancement has been the introduction of virtual surveys" which have become a fundamental part of the business. "This innovative service allows clients to engage with the company remotely, making the process more convenient and accessible for everyone. While on-site visits remain an option, the virtual survey method has streamlined operations, reflecting the company’s commitment to modern practices and enhancing customer experience"

This transition demonstrates that In-Excess Removals is not only keeping pace with industry advancements but is also leading the charge in providing flexible solutions tailored to the needs of their clients.

In-Excess Removals has always prioritised giving back to the community. The company actively donates furniture and goods to local charities whenever possible, reinforcing their commitment to being a responsible and caring business. This approach not only supports local charities but also strengthens their ties to the community.

As proud members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 1999, they not only guarantee service quality but also provide peace of mind for their clients. Their reputation for reliability and professionalism has made them a trusted choice for those looking to move, no matter the distance.

This is also emphasized by their exceptional Which? Trusted Trader reviews. "In a business landscape that has evolved significantly over the past 30 years, these reviews are fundamentally important to us," said Steve. "While such feedback didn’t really exist in the early days, they now play a crucial role in shaping our reputation and ensuring we meet the high standards our customers expect."

As they prepare for this significant milestone, the team at In-Excess Removals expresses heartfelt gratitude to their loyal customers and the community. “Our reputation is our future,” Steve emphasized. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the same dedication and personal touch that has defined our business from the beginning.”

In closing, Steve made special mentions to his employees: “A heartfelt thank you to all the In-Excess office staff and to all the team on the road. They are the cogs that keep our business turning. Without them, we would not be who we are today.”

The company looks forward to the future, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead within the industry! And with a legacy built on trust and reliability, In-Excess is set to continue its journey, making every move as smooth and stress-free as possible for years to come.

The business invites the community to join in their celebrations.