The Team – Britannia Lanes of Cornwall

Mark Lane – Managing Director

I have been in full time employment with Lanes Storage and Removals Ltd since 1978 and part time (school holidays) since 1973. I started my career out on the trucks and in 1983 became Warehouse Manager to oversee the move to container storage. Joined the sales team in 1989. In 2002 became Project Manager for the large expansion of the Truro site which was completed in 2003. In 2004 I was the main Director for the Truro site while Sylvia Lane became Vice President of BAR in 2005 and President in 2006. I was the National Councillor for the Western Area of BAR between 2006 and 2009. I became the Managing Director of Britannia Lanes in 2007. I have been a Director of Britannia PLC since 2007. Since 2000 with the help of all the family and managers I have been diversifying the business to include Self Storage, Archive Storage, Self Drive Van Hire, Shredding and the latest internet business for Britannia Lanes starting in 2012 lanesmanandvan.com Outside of business my interest from the late 70’s until 2002 was motorsport in the form of tarmac rallying, which I enjoyed immensely. My brother Rob and I entered many National A & B events throughout the country, achieving many class wins and podium finishes. Since 2008 I have had a change in my sporting activities to cycling, competing in TT, Crites and Sportives, again entering events all over the South of England. I have signed up for the Britannia Cycling Challenge for 2012 with a ride for charity from Land’s End to Newcastle, arriving in Newcastle in time for the Britannia Conference on Friday 13th April.

Sarah – Director

I started my career at the age of 14 helping in the office on Saturdays and during school holidays, this lead on to a full time admin role once I had finished college gaining A levels in Business Studies. I Continued in this role for several years until I took a break to have my two children. When I returned from maternity leave, I became office manager and a Director of the company in 2021. Within my role I oversee and advise the office and removal operatives, I am responsible for recruitment, HR and Marketing. Most recently I have focused on our future growth strategy along with Mark which has started with the purchase and project management of the build of our new Self Storage facility in Falmouth which opened in January 2023.

In my spare time I enjoy running, walking our beautiful coastline, sea swimming and paddle boarding.

Matt – Director

I joined the family business at 16, starting part time as a porter during school holidays. On completing higher education, I started full-time as removal operative gaining my class 2 licence along the way. From this I progressed into office based roles starting with records management followed by Self Drive and Self Store Manager and finally, since 2018 took over as Operations Manager. In 2022 I became a Director of the company.

In my spare time I am a keen football player for my local team Perranwell AFC who the company proudly sponsor, and walking my dog Otis.

John – Records Manager

I enjoy the travelling aspect of my job, whether that be out collecting boxes/shredding, or out doing removals. Seeing all corners of the county, especially when the sun is shining and meeting all the customers makes me feel extremely lucky to be doing what I’m doing.

In my spare time, I play pool a couple of times a week, going as far as playing for Cornwall, something which I hope to do again one day.

Elise – Admin

Within my role my main task is sending quotations based on the surveyors information and working with customers to secure their removal date working closely with Matt. I enjoy the variety of the role and the people I speak to while helping to schedule their removals – as no two moves are the same!

Away from the office, a lot of my spare time is spent playing Short Mat Bowls both in the UK and Internationally. I regularly play for Cornwall and was fortunate enough to be selected to play for England for six years. I am proud to have represented England at the British Isles Championships, especially being part of the 2015 A Series Winning Team, and for being the first person from Cornwall to be selected for the World Championships.

Kali – Admin

Initially I joined Britannia Lanes as an apprentice in administration, and on completion of the course I was delighted to be offered a full time role within the team.

My day consists of telephone answering, producing booking confirmations, shredding tracking, securing removal dates for customers I am working with and assisting Elise and Kirsty in any other tasks that need completing. Most recently, in 2023, I took on the opportunity to manage Britannia Lanes Falmouth’s Self Store social media accounts.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and friends — especially at the local pub!

Justin – Overseas Manager

Since starting in 1996, you name it – I have done it! I have been a Porter, Packer, Driver, Record Manager and have been in my current role as Overseas Manager since 2015.

I have enjoyed working up through the roles in removals from a Porter to Management. This allows me to pull on my experience, viewing situations from all aspects which helps me to assist Matt in his operations role.

In my free time I enjoy playing football and golf also spending time with my family.

Kirsty – Accounts Assistant

I have been in my role here, at Britannia Lanes of Cornwall for a total of 5 years. Within my role I enjoy the variety my job offers, speaking daily with customers, building relationships, together with working within a strong and passionate team.

In my free time I enjoy nothing more than a meal out with family and friends and spending precious time with my little girl.

Nathan – Self Store & Self Drive Manager

I am the newest member of the team following a period working for a large national vehicle rental company. I am solely responsible for the company’s fleet of 12 rental vehicles as well as 357 internal and external Self Store units. It’s a good team of people to work with at Britannia Lanes, and the customer interaction is a fun part of the role that I enjoy.

I like football and playing computer games with my kids. Can’t beat a proper Cornish Pasty for a favourite food.

Imogen – Company accountant

I joined the company in 2015 after being recruited as an Accounts Apprentice to assist the Company Accountant. After gaining my AAT qualifications and experience within the account’s team, in 2018 I was promoted to Company Accountant and have been happily developing within the role ever since. I am responsible for all aspects of financial control, reporting to the directors with management accounts and analysis, used to aid company decisions.

When I am not in work, I like to get out for walks with my dog Jango, and where possible visit different parts of the world.