A North Devon businesswoman who swapped the care industry for the world of removals has been recognised for her hard work, resilience and leadership.
Amy Horsham of HLH Removals in Bideford, has been named the winner of the Inspirational Women in Business Award – a proud moment for the woman who has helped steer her family-run company through some of its biggest challenges and most exciting growth.
HLH Removals is a multi-award-winning removals and storage business with more than 85 years of combined experience in the industry, and ten years trading under the HLH name. Offering nationwide services from their base in Bideford, the company helps clients with everything from transporting belongings to secure storage and full or part packing.
Amy joined HLH Removals just before the Covid-19 pandemic, when her husband’s growing business needed more hands on deck. “I started off part-time, just helping him with the admin in the evenings,” she recalls. “But as the company grew, it became a full-time job – and a career I have grown to love.”
Her background in the care industry gave her a natural eye for detail and a strong sense of empathy, both of which she believes are key to the company’s success. “The most important thing to me is that everything is done correctly – from having the right team in place to making sure all our paperwork and insurances are in order,” she explains. “We treat every client’s possessions as if they were our own.”
The pandemic tested Amy’s problem-solving skills when in-person surveys – a vital part of the quoting process – were no longer possible. “So much of my job is about meeting clients, seeing their property and gaining their trust,” she says. “Taking that online was a huge challenge, but we made it work. In fact, we still use remote surveys now because for some people it’s more convenient, especially for last-minute moves.”
Working in what is still largely a male-dominated industry hasn’t held Amy back – in fact, she sees it as an opportunity to challenge expectations. “Sometimes people are surprised to see a woman on a moving job, but they’re always impressed when they see the support from my team and that I’m happy to muck in,” she laughs. “There’s nothing I would expect my team to do that I wouldn’t do myself – or at least try to!”
Her favourite part of the job is taking the stress away for customers. “Moving house is one of the most stressful times in someone’s life, and I pride myself on making it easier,” she says. “I especially love packing kitchens – I don’t know why, but there’s something so satisfying about it.”
While there have been moments she’s considered giving up – “Running a business is HARD!” – Amy says looking back at how far HLH has come always gives her the motivation to keep going. Winning the award has been a special moment. “It’s usually the team who get recognition from our customers, so it’s lovely to be noticed for all the work I do behind the scenes,” she admits.
Looking to the future, HLH Removals is set to grow even further. Amy plans to complete a Transport Manager’s course, enabling the company to run HGVs and take on larger jobs.
And her biggest inspiration? “My husband,” she says without hesitation. “Not many people could live and work together, but he’s my rock. He’s always pushing us to get things done right and supporting my decisions. I honestly don’t know where the company would be without him.”
HLH Removals continues to operate from Bideford but serves customers nationwide, offering the same friendly, professional service that has earned the company multiple awards.
For all removals and storage enquiries contact:
HLH Removals & Storage
www.hlhremovals.co.uk
07593234194 / 01237418428
hlhremovals@yahoo.com
