When it comes to removal companies, you don’t get many more well-established than Ede’s. A family-owned business with roots dating back more than 150 years to 1869, the company has evolved from a small operation involving just a horse and cart and a greengrocer named William Ede, to the award-winning, commercial relocation company it is today.
Specialising in reliable and high-quality removals, relocations, and storage solution services, Ede’s is an undisputed leader within the UK removals sector whose impressive longevity is a testament to its adaptability and unwavering commitment to quality and customer care.
So, what’s it like to run a well-established removal and relocation business such as Ede’s? Jonathan Smith, Ede’s CEO, tells us all about it.
Ede’s daily operations are very varied. We manage office relocations, IT moves, storage solutions, and much more. Whether we’re working with iconic institutions like the British Museum or streamlining office transitions, every single task we undertake reflects our dedication to precision, sustainability, and above all, client satisfaction.
As CEO, my role involves steering Ede’s into the future while making sure we continue to honour our rich heritage. I focus on strategic growth, ensuring operational excellence, supporting our incredible team, and strengthening client relationships, which are so important to maintain a well-respected and thriving business.
Like any industry, the removals and relocation industry faces many challenges on a day-to-day basis. Fluctuating demand, environmental sustainability pressures, and ever-evolving client expectations are just some of those challenges. The important thing is not avoiding challenges, but how you navigate them as a business. At Ede’s we navigate these challenges by embracing innovation and implementing eco-friendly solutions such as HVO fuel and leveraging technology for seamless operations. Continuous investment in staff training and client engagement are important ways by which we ensure we stay ahead of the competition.
Looking ahead to the future, I think there will be several notable changes within the industry. Particularly over the next two to three years, I foresee an increasing emphasis on sustainability, technology-driven solutions, and client customisation as the industry standard evolves further and further.
And how will we adapt to these changes? Ede’s will continue to lead by integrating advanced technologies, refining sustainable practices, and remaining flexible to emerging trends. Our steadfast focus on people – both clients and employees – will be central to our adaptation strategy.
This industry is wonderful to work in. I love the people – the clients we serve, the talented team I work with, and the satisfaction of seeing challenging projects come to life. It’s immensely rewarding to lead a company with such a storied legacy and a very promising future.
Ede’s is more than a business; it’s a family that is built on trust, expertise, and care. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. We’re here for the long haul, ready to grow, innovate, and continue exceeding expectations.
We are not looking to be the biggest. We want to be the best. We are focused on building a robust and stable business that will be there for our clients and staff not only now, but far into the future. In order to do that we need to put the right people in the right environment and empower them to do their job to the very highest standards.
Results need to be felt by everyone – all of the stakeholders, be they owners, clients or colleagues.
Ede’s history is long, but its future will be longer!
