Bournes Moves, the family-owned and operated removals, storage and relocation company with headquarters in Rye, was named the winner of the People First Award at the 1066 Business Awards.
This award, sponsored by TE Connectivity, celebrates employers who stand out for “their unwavering commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, nurturing professional growth, and prioritising the well-being of their workforce.”
Here’s what some of the employees told us about working for the firm, and why they think it is a well-deserved winner of the People First award.
Bonnie Thurlow, corporate sales director explains: “Someone once said that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. When I first heard that I laughed. Now it always brings a smile to my face when I am asked, ‘What is it like to work for Bournes?’ as the consistent feedback I always get is ‘Wow, you really love your job’. Indeed, I do love my job and if you worked with the incredible bunch of selfless humans whom I work with, you would too. I knew that I needed a new challenge, but it was imperative that the company I moved to be the right fit for me and I for them. Bournes stood out for me being a family business, small enough for everyone to have a voice yet big enough to offer a boutique, global reach.
“I was very sceptical when I first joined Bournes as I could not believe that everyone (and I do mean everyone), could be so nice. Over a year on, I can safely say that they are, and I have never looked back. With over thirty years’ experience in the HHG’s / relocation business I have never come across a company that deeply cares about people more than the one that I have the privilege to work for. The leadership is second to none. All the Bournes family and senior management team go out of their way daily to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees. A no-blame culture allows people to hold up their hands when occasionally they do not get it right and everyone grows stronger because of this. When you work in an innovative culture that inspires you and you genuinely believe in all that they do, having to reassure our clients that we will take care of them is easy. No sales pitch needed, no saying what you think people want to hear. It comes from the heart: we mean it, people really do matter!”
Martyn Baker, driver and crew supervisor said: “I am now in my fifteenth year working for this company and I have to say it has been a very enjoyable but challenging part of my life. The knowledge and expertise of this company and the crews is first class. Moving home can be a very stressful process and I feel that a major part of my job is to take the stress away from the client and carry out the move quickly and efficiently with the maximum of care.
“The company prides itself on being a caring family business. On a personal note I had to have eight months off work with a serious illness. During that time the senior management and my road crew colleagues kept in contact with me and supported and encouraged me through a very difficult part of my life and eased me back into the routine on my return to work. So I can whole-heartedly say that this company cares.”
Founded in 1875, Bournes Moves has consistently demonstrated its dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment whilst delivering excellent moving experiences for its customers. The company, now managed by the fifth generation of the Bourne family, employs nearly one hundred people and serves over 2600 private homeowners and corporate customers annually, offering removals, storage and other relocation services that span local, European, and international relocations.
In summarising Bournes’ winning entry the Let’s do Business Group which hosts the 1066 Business Awards said: “Bournes prioritises its people, investing in culture, development, and wellbeing. With a focus on inclusivity, professional growth, and safety, they foster a positive workplace. Employee testimonials underscore the impact of its supportive environment.”
Image Credits: Bournes .