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In this episode Robert Cooper, General Manager of Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage discusses how he got involved within the industry 8 years ago after a phone call from his childhood best friend Neil (Purdie) who was looking for someone to take over his role, someone he could not only trust but someone who knew the family and the dedication they put into the business – there was no mention of knowing the moving industry!
Prior to joining Purdie Worldwide Robert worked for a Government Agency, HMRC, where he spent 11 years, starting in the call centre before working his way up to Operations Manager in charge of 500 people.
To recap from Neil’s episode, Purdie Worldwide provide domestic, commercial, and overseas moving, containerised storage (in approximately 1,500 containers) and self-storage. And to compliment the moving side there is also Purdie Property Maintenance.
Robert faces challenges every day, but his biggest personal challenge was the attitude of people towards him at the very start, where he was just seen as Neil’s friend. Another challenge has been family life and adapting to the non 9-5 working hours often found within the industry.
Robert wouldn’t change a thing from his 8 years of being within the industry, because he has learned something every day, no matter how big or small, and continues to do so.
Robert has a few highpoints of being within the industry, being tasked with the relocation of a school after only being in the industry for 3 years, being involved in the Giraffe About Town & Oor Wullies projects, being the current Chairman of the Scottish Area of the BAR, and representing the Scottish Area on the BAR’s National Council.
The one thing Robert would like to change within the industry is to have it viewed as a trade, and joking aside Robert would like the customer to haggle with the solicitors rather than the movers!
The advice Robert would give himself just starting out within the industry again is don’t be scared to try something, and to apologise when the need arises.
In the next 5 years Robert see’s himself exactly where he is today, however, he would like to become a director of the company, hold the Operator’s Licence, and allow Archie (Neil’s father) to retire. Industry wise, Robert doesn’t think anything specific will change in the next 5 years but does see the guys working shorter days as removals will be prolonged. Robert is interested in electric vehicles and the role they could potentially play within the industry, but sees this as 10-15 years down the road.
Outside of the industry Robert enjoys walking with his miniature schnauzer, music, festivals, and very recently took part in the 26.2 mile Mighty Hike with 4 others from Purdie Worldwide, where they raised £2,330 for Macmillan Cancer Support (a tremendous achievement by all involved).
And as always we end Moving Matters with a funny moving story, two in fact, one regarding a small move and the other regarding the recent BAR Conference in Brighton.
Enjoy!
Links to Purdie Worldwide Removals & Storage:
Special Guest: Robert Cooper.
