To celebrate International Women’s Day, we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing women working in varied roles across the Britannia network. Whilst the removals and storage industries are still male dominated, the representation of women in this sector is growing and there are a range of exciting job opportunities available. Across our nationwide branch network, we have no shortage of intelligent, resourceful and creative women on our teams, and they have a positive impact on the experiences of our colleagues and customers every single day. If you are interested in a career at Britannia Movers, please contact your local branch or email careers@britannia-movers.co.uk. In the meantime, here are some insights from some of our colleagues on their professional experiences in the removals industry.
Emma Lane, Britannia Lanes of Devon – Exeter
I’ve been in the industry for 32 years. My husband Rob and I opened the Lanes of Devon branch with just ourselves, two vans, four crew members and a small warehouse. It’s a little different now!I am a company director and I find it fulfilling being in charge of my own destiny – although as with everything, it has its own constraints! The best thing about our industry is the people – they are a uniquely generous, friendly, nonjudgmental bunch. And then there’s the customers – the service we offer can contribute massively to ease stress during a period of significant life change for them. Being part of that journey can be extremely rewarding, and I love getting good feedback telling us how we made their move easier.
During my career I have also been lucky enough to be involved in the running of our national trade body, the British Association of Removers (BAR). I acted as an Area Secretary for 10 years, and then as Area Chairman. I have been a trustee for the Removers Benevolent Association (our industry-specific charity) for over ten years, acting as Chair for the last two of those. I am also on the board of Britannia Movers. I find it gratifying being a board director – you really feel you’re able to make a difference.
Being part of my local business community in Devon has also massively enriched both my career and my personal life. It all comes back to surrounding yourself with the right people who can empower you both in and out of the workplace.
Caroline Anthonisz, Britannia Thomas Casserlys – Oswestry
I started with Britannia Thomas Casserlys in 2010 as a part-time administrator. My children were at school age, and I was looking for a new career. I started with just 15 hours a week, but over the years my job became full-time as I took on more responsibilities.I am now working as General Manager which involves accounts, carrying out video surveys, booking jobs, running the diary, organising removals (both UK and overseas), promoting our storage and shredding services via social media, and anything else that might need to be done to keep the company running smoothly.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I initially found it hard to make my voice heard but as I have gained confidence and knowledge, I feel that my views now count. For someone coming into the removal industry I would say it is a very varied job, there is something different every day, and you become part of a team.
If you thrive on unpredictability and you can react to challenges small and large on a daily basis, then the removal industry is a career path that will reward you financially, mentally and emotionally!
Mairead Almandras, Britannia Sandersteads – South London
I have been involved in removals all my life. As Britannia Sandersteads is a family company, I grew up running around the warehouse, and was often out on the trucks and helping in the office on school holidays. It was only natural that I fell into a full-time position 13 years ago. Since I started in the industry, I have managed to play a huge role in the re-birth & development of the British Association of Removers (BAR) Young Movers group, having sat as the Chair from 2021-2023. When I first joined the Young Movers in 2016, I was the only female on the council, and now we sit as a female majority council. Being part of the Young Movers has also allowed me the opportunities to sit on the BAR board, the National Council, and the Overseas Council. I am also an active member of the Britannia Future Leaders Group, and it has been amazing to do so much for future generations and inspire other young women in the industry to know they can do it too!
Holly Oven, Britannia Alan Cook – Norfolk
I’m Holly, the Transport Manager for Britannia Alan Cook. I started my career within the removals industry as an office administrator, but due to my hard work and determination I quickly progressed to my current role. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, making my work dynamic and exciting. Beyond the everyday tasks, I have found that this career has opened unexpected doors to opportunities I never thought possible. It’s been a stepping stone for my personal and professional growth, pushing me to discover talents and capabilities I didn’t realise I possessed. This realisation has added an extra layer of satisfaction to my work, knowing that I’m not only contributing to the success of the business but also carving out a fulfilling career that I’m proud of.
Ashley Fleet, Britannia Fleet – Liverpool
Ashley is a member of the family who own and run Britannia Fleet and has worked in the business for 22 years. Most of that time has been spent as a move coordinator, booking jobs, liaising with crews, organising the paperwork and looking after customers. However, Ashley is also a fitness enthusiast so when a crew member calls in sick, she isn’t afraid to get out on the vans and assist with loading and unloading. After such a long career in the family business, she can turn her hand to most aspects of the job including surveying (assessing the volume of goods to be transported in order to provide accurate quotes) and packing. This photo was taken just last week when she volunteered to help a crew unload 3000 cubic feet of a customer’s goods into their new home.
