The British Association of Removers is the UK's leading trade body for the removals industry. Choosing a BAR-accredited firm gives you important consumer protections — here's what it means and how to check.
Key Points
BAR (British Association of Removers) is the UK's leading trade body for removal companies
BAR members must pass a financial vetting process and meet strict quality standards
All BAR members must carry adequate goods-in-transit and public liability insurance
BAR provides an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme for unresolved complaints
BAR members offer an Advanced Payment Guarantee — protects your deposit if the firm goes bust
You can verify BAR membership at bar.co.uk before booking any removal company
What Is the British Association of Removers?
The British Association of Removers (BAR) was founded in 1900 and is the UK's largest trade organisation for the removals industry. It represents over 550 member companies across the UK and internationally, from small local firms to large national and international operators.
BAR sets and enforces standards for the removals industry, including codes of conduct, insurance requirements, financial stability checks, and consumer protection schemes. While BAR membership is voluntary, it is widely regarded as the gold standard for the removal industry in the UK.
What BAR Membership Means for Customers
Financial Vetting
All BAR applicants undergo a thorough financial check before joining. This helps ensure the company is financially stable and unlikely to go out of business — protecting your deposit and your move.
Advanced Payment Guarantee
If a BAR member company goes into administration and cannot fulfil your booking, the BAR's Advanced Payment Guarantee (APG) scheme protects any deposits or advance payments you've made — up to a specified limit.
Insurance Requirements
BAR members must carry adequate goods-in-transit insurance and public liability insurance as a condition of membership. This provides a minimum standard of cover for your belongings during the move.
Approved Dispute Resolution
If you have an unresolved complaint with a BAR member, you can escalate it to an independent Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme — The Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman — at no cost to you.
Code of Practice
BAR members must adhere to a strict Code of Practice covering customer service, transparent pricing, handling of complaints, and professional conduct. This is periodically reviewed and enforced by BAR.
Training Standards
BAR member companies and their staff have access to professional training through the BAR Training Academy. This covers safe moving techniques, packing standards, customer service, and specialist handling.
BAR vs Non-BAR: Key Differences
Protection
BAR Member
Non-BAR
Financial vetting before joining
✓ Yes
✗ No
Deposit protection (APG)
✓ Yes
✗ No
Minimum insurance requirements
✓ Yes
⚠ Not verified
Independent dispute resolution
✓ Yes (Ombudsman)
✗ No
Code of Practice compliance
✓ Yes
✗ No
Staff training standards
✓ Yes (BAR Academy)
⚠ Varies
How to Check BAR Membership
Go to bar.co.uk and use the "Find a Member" search tool
Search by company name or postcode to find accredited local firms
Verify the company appears and check which BAR scheme they belong to (Domestic, Overseas, Storage, etc.)
Contact BAR directly if you're unsure about a specific company's status
Warning: Some companies claim BAR membership without being current members. Always verify on the official BAR website before booking.
BAR Approved Dispute Resolution
If you have a dispute with a BAR member company that cannot be resolved directly, you can escalate to the BAR's approved ADR scheme — The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman. The process is:
Raise a formal complaint directly with the removal company (in writing)
Allow 8 weeks for the company to respond
If unresolved, contact the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman at fhio.co.uk
The Ombudsman will investigate and can award compensation — this service is free to consumers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BAR membership a guarantee of quality?
BAR membership is a strong indicator of a professional, financially stable company with appropriate insurance and a code of conduct. However, it's not an absolute guarantee — always read reviews and get a written quote before booking. BAR membership is best used as a baseline requirement, not the only criterion.
Are BAR members more expensive?
Not necessarily. BAR members do tend to charge slightly more than unaccredited firms, because they incur costs for membership, training, and insurance requirements. However, the price difference is usually modest (5-15%), and the additional consumer protections are significant — especially the APG and ADR access.
What other accreditations should I look for?
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is another credible accreditation for removal companies. For international moves, look for FIDI (Federation of International Furniture Removers) or LACMA accreditation. For Scottish moves, some firms also have specific Scottish consumer protection schemes.
Can I complain to BAR about a member company?
Yes — you can contact BAR directly if you have a complaint about a member company. BAR will refer you to the approved ADR scheme. In serious cases of misconduct, BAR can investigate and, in extreme cases, remove a company from its membership roll.