1st March 2021
How It Works
Don’t stress, leave the piano moving to us!
- Get in contact via phone or our website.
- Arrange an onsite/video consultation.
- Receive our bespoke quote.
- Confirm your booking with us.
- Happy safe moving!
Do you have a piano you need to move? We understand that moving a piano can be a daunting process for the owner as it is often an extremely cared for possession. We want to put your mind at ease and move your piano with the upmost protection. We have a specially trained team who have expert knowledge and experience in moving all types of pianos and we have all of the specialist equipment needed in order to move all types of pianos securely and safely. We pride ourselves on attention to detail and an in-depth knowledge on how to properly move a piano. We use breathable materials for protection, specially designed piano wheels for safe moving and piano shoes and secure straps for grand pianos. It is essential to have the appropriate equipment, training and knowledge before attempting a piano removal.
Pre-move consultation
It is important for us to gather all of the relevant information, so we can be fully prepared in safely removing your piano. We understand that each move is extremely individual with different requirements, some may require an outside elevator depending on floors and steps. A stair lift may be required as well as extra man power. From the information you provide we will be able to personalise the service you require enabling us to come fully prepared with all of the correct specialist equipment and a knowledgeable fully trained team to safely move your piano.Packing and preparing
It is essential that all removable parts of the piano are dismantled and securely packaged prior to moving the piano. We have an extensive range of piano covers to protect when moving. For example, it is essential black lacquer pianos are always fully covered as they are easily marked. We use high quality materials to protect and prevent this from happening including piano covers, furniture blankets and specialist wrapping which has been specifically designed to wrap pianos.Safe moving
In order to move pianos safely, you need a specially trained team and specialist equipment. A minimum of two men are needed for an upright piano when it is moved from ground floor to ground floor location and additional men required if floors are involved. A minimum of three men are required to move a grand piano and again additional men needed if there are floors. We use piano wheels which have been specifically designed to keep the piano stable and secure. A grand piano must be moved on its side with its legs removed. It will also be placed on a piano shoe and securely strapped before placing on piano wheels. We have specially designed vehicles with ramps and tail lifts, padded railing and rails to secure on travel, they all have air ride suspension to reduce impact for travel. All of our piano removals staff have years of experience and are all highly trained.Storage
We have secure storage facilities with a designated area of our warehouse for specialist items such as pianos. We cater for short-term storage or long term within our secure and climate-controlled facilities which are alarm and CCTV monitored. We use breathable packaging materials in order to protect your piano in storage. If storage is required please discuss this during your pre-move consultation.Why Choose Us?
Specialist Equipment
We have a range of high-quality materials and specialist equipment to move your piano safely.
Family Run Business
With over 90 years’ experience in moving pianos you can be assured of a professional service.
Free No Obligation Quotation
Contact us today for your free consultation, quote or advise from one of our expert move consultants.
Fully Insured
We offer a fully comprehensive insurance cover to protect your piano and premise.
The Removals Team
We have a specially trained piano removals team who have an in-depth knowledge, the expertise and experience to carry out your piano removal safely and professionally. Click on their pictures to find out more!
John Ballard
Chairman
John is one of the founding directors and has now retired from the day to day running of the business after 50 years in the industry and 36 years as Managing Director of Britannia Beckwith. He is delighted to be able to hand on the business to his son Cameron and Simon, son of his co-founding director Barry Clark. He continues to take a full interest in the business as Chairman and a sounding board to the directors.
Interests out of Work.
Cricket enthusiast, also enjoys gardening, music from opera to folk, reading, walking, fine wine and good food.
Cameron Ballard
Director
Cameron is joint Managing Director. He officially joined the company in 2009 but had been working on the vans since the age of 14. He is involved in all aspects of the business and has particular responsibility for Business Development, Sales and Marketing. His hard work and enthusiasm continues to drive the company forward.
Interests out of Work.
He enjoys playing a variety of sports and cricket for a local team. He regularly runs half marathons and cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for The JPK Project. He enjoys travelling, the cinema and eating out.
Simon Clark
Director
Simon is the son of Barry one of the founding directors. He is an experienced operator having had a background in logistics and freight forwarding prior to joining the company. In charge of planning the allocation of all staff and vehicles to match the requirements of each individual removal. His encyclopaedic knowledge of European post codes has served the company well in his capacity as trade co-ordinator. He particularly enjoys the daily variety and has organised removals from many interesting homes and particularly remembers moving Pete Townsend of the Who from the South of France to Guildford.
Interests out of Work.
He is married to Lucy and has a son and a daughter Rebecca who works with him in the office. He is a keen supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion and in an effort to get fit has become a keen cyclist. To relax he enjoys the company of his friends, peers in the industry, travelling and eating out.
Tina Tyson
Office Manager
As office manager Tina is involved in all aspects of the business. In her role as Simon’s assistant she looks after Corporate Clients and is responsible for coordinating vehicles for European removals and in particular the customs documentation which she finds interesting and at times challenging. She enjoys being busy, the buzz of the office and talking to the variety of clients.
Interests out of Work.
Tina is an unpaid taxi service for her two teenagers, she enjoys cycling, working out at the gym and her regular holidays in Spain. To relax she watches films particularly those starring Daniel Craig and enjoys listening to 80s music.
Louise Fuller
Move Consultant
Removals are in Louise’s blood, her father was a senior manager for the most well-known British removal company and she started working for him at a very young age. We considered ourselves lucky when she chose to move to Beckwiths. A vastly experienced surveyor with an encyclopaedic knowledge of customs requirements throughout the world. She is enjoying working in a family run company where we know all our staff well. Although she has seen a vast variety of properties she still appreciates that every client and removal is unique.
Interests out of Work.
Louise is married to Phil, has two sons and enjoys following their sporting activities. She plays netball for a local team and is a regular at her gym. She loves eating out and enjoys a good steak. To relax she watches Reality TV and listens to 80s music.
Zoe Perfield
Move Consultant
Zoe has been with us for three years and every day comes in bubbly and smiley. Zoe tells us she loves her job, particularly meeting new people every day and in particular their pets. Zoe enjoys the friendly atmosphere of working for a family run business. She specifically remembers a survey where she stroked the customers pet Llamas and another at the oldest house in Herstmonceux which was quite unique.
Interests out of Work.
Zoe has recently married Richard and moved into their own property. They are both gym fanatics and enjoy walking their dog. Whilst Zoe enjoys cooking, her favourite food remains her mother’s roast dinner. She is a fan of Fleetwood Mac’s music and enjoys Fantasy film, particularly Harry Potter and Period Dramas.
Christina Bookham
Finance Manager
Christina is a reliable member of the team who enjoys the challenge of running the accounts department of our expanding company. She appreciates the support of working in a small, friendly, family company.
Interests out of Work.
She is devoted to her daughter Amy and two cats. She enjoys walking and is an avid reader of mainly ‘mystery’ novels, she likes watching Action films and her favourite music is from the 80s.
Emily McShane
Move Coordinator
Emily is the newest member of the removals team. A tremendously well organised person with a great telephone manner. She has settled quickly and efficiently into her role as Move Coordinator and is much appreciated by everyone she works with. Her previous experiences, working the ski season in Switzerland/Austria and her work in estate agents offices has served her well. She enjoys working for a family run business where she knows everybody and likes living locally which means she can nip home in her lunch break and walk her two dogs a Hungarian Vizsla and a German short haired Pointer.
Interests out of work
Married to Mike who works in finance, they both enjoy eating and drinking together. Emily is good skier and preferring to be active in the evenings, she describes herself as rubbish at watching TV as she tends to forget what happened in the previous episode. She does however enjoy Detective and Crime Dramas, particularly Line of Duty and describes Made in Chelsea as a guilty pleasure.
Becca Clark
Self Storage Manager
Becca is Simon’s daughter and joined the company 3 years ago. She is very calm and efficient in her role as account manager, the first point of contact for customers. Becca finds the work interesting and varied and enjoys being part of the family business. She particularly enjoys working with her friend and colleague Zoe and the senior management team.
Interests out of Work.
She always looks immaculate with expertly applied make-up, a particular skill and interest of hers. She enjoys going to the gym and still keeps her hand in with trampolining. As a junior Becca reached a very high standard but is no longer able to compete due to injury. She loves Italian food and The Greatest Showman is her favourite film. She enjoys ‘clubbing’, her musical taste is varied and chart orientated.
Barry Clark
Founder
Barry is a co-founder of the business with John and Claire. He is now officially retired but is often found carrying out warehouse duties or export packing where his experience is much appreciated.
Interests out of Work.
Barry loves his holidays with his wife Sue, they have recently included visiting China, India, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. He is a Brighton and Hove Albion season ticket holder who rarely misses a home game.
Robert Aukitt (Taff)
HGV Driver Class CE
Taff started with the company as a porter 20 years ago and has worked up to an HGV class CE which means he can drive a road train. He enjoys the comradery of his colleagues at work and finds every day different and a new challenge. Taff particularly remembers when he had to go through strict security to move the queen’s coffee maker into Buckingham palace.
Interests out of Work.
He is married to Helen, is step father to her family and has two grandchildren. He is a competitive and talented golfer, a member of Seaford and Blatchington Golf Club for whom he plays regularly. A very loyal Liverpool supporter and to relax he enjoys walking his dog, watching Documentaries and Crime Investigations.
Chris Cornford
HGV Driver Class CE
There are not many corners of Europe that “Pops” has not manoeuvred his road train (5 container van and 4 container trailer) since he joined us. Chris known affectionately as “Pops” as he is Mark’s father and now a senior member of the outside staff, he also has 12 grandchildren.
Interests out of Work.
Every spare day off Chris seems to spend fishing, not sure when his wife sees him!! A Chelsea fan he and Mark try and get to Stamford Bridge at least twice a season.
Mark Cornford
HGV Driver Class D
Mark joined us soon after his father, having learnt his skills with one of our major competitors. He is an extremely competent removal man, very reliable and one of the hardest workers on the firm.
Interests out of Work.
Married to Sarah, they have just had their first daughter, Eloise, another grandchild for Chris. They really enjoy their holidays. Like his father, Chris, he supports Chelsea and enjoys relaxing in his local and playing pool.
Rob Walters
7.5T Driver
Rob is truly Mr Versatile, big jobs, little jobs, out of hours, evenings and weekend work Rob will always be involved. A great communicator, one of our most experienced and one of our best all round removal men.
Interests out of Work.
Music is Rob’s relaxation and hobby. He is a DJ and runs discos for all occasions. Rob is a fundraiser/volunteer for several local charities associated with deaf children. Also known to enjoy a pint and game of pool.
Dave Brightman
3.5T Driver
Dave has been involved in the removal industry for 17 years, a real can do man! Likes to get on with the customer and get the job done. Loves the physical side of removals and reckons it is better than paying to go to the gym. His most memorable move involved using a crane to manoeuvre a kitchen island built by Bentley out of the side of the property.
Interests out of Work.
Dave is ‘footloose and fancy free’, having been a keen rugger player now opts for a more sedate round of golf. He loves Italian food and ‘Action’ movies.
Lee Baldwin
Porter
“Mr Europe” is our number 1 European porter and seems to spend more time working outside the country than working in it! He has now been with us for 17 years and enjoys meeting new people every day. He particularly remembers a very big move from Switzerland to Jersey where the customer provided accommodation in their annex and a private chef and housekeeper for the 10 days it took to pack and load.
Interests out of Work.
He has been with his partner Karen for 16 years and is a devoted father of two girls. On the down side he is an Arsenal supporter and another lover of Chinese food who enjoys relaxing with a good movie.
Leon (Ben) Porter
Porter
Ben is a very caring and thoughtful man who has been doing removals for 36 years. He describes his job as like a good butler ‘he sees everything and says nothing’. He also enjoys every day being different with new challenges and new clients. Ben has carried out many memorable moves but particularly remembers a big move from Switzerland to Jersey which was carried out over a month and a scary one also in Switzerland where the furniture had to be moved into the house via a funicular lift with an open platform which rose vertically.
Interests out of Work.
He is devoted to his wife Claire and daughter, Cookie. Ben’s main interest is the rest of the human race and is often to be seen reading some highbrow tome. With interests in politics (not party politics) and theology (not a church goer) more religions of the world. He enjoys relaxing to Jazz and Blues and his favourite film of all time is ‘Forest Gump’.
Greg Cornford
Handyman
Every company needs a Greg, he is very hardworking and can literally turn his hand to anything. Qualified in City & Guild’s Carpentry, Joinery and Advanced Craft. He enjoys his roll at Beckwiths as he finds the work interesting and varied.
Interests out of Work.
He has four children and a grandson. He enjoys walking his dogs and watching Comedy and Action Box sets.
Dan Whittington
Porter
Dan has been working in removals for 15 years and like so many removal men enjoys the fresh challenge each day brings, the fitness aspect and the travelling. He particularly remembers packing an extremely fragile and valuable Wedgewood, full dinner service whilst carrying out a removal from Sweden back to the UK.
Interests out of Work.
He is an Arsenal supporter, enjoys mountain biking and gaming on his ‘X’ box. He thoroughly enjoyed the TV series ‘Game of Thrones’ listens to Indie music and his favourite band is Oasis.
Chris Marshall
Porter
Chris came to us with plenty of experience, he is a hard-working and enthusiastic member of the team who enjoys the variety that each day brings and the friendship of his work colleagues. Chris particularly remembers a move he carried out recently of a large country house which was very daunting initially but working as a team for a whole week they completed it successfully helped by the fact that the customers were particularly friendly people.
Interests out of Work.
Chris enjoys mountain biking and walking and enjoys all sports particularly Rugby, he supports Saracens. To relax he enjoys watching David Attenborough documentaries and comedy films.
WITH ONE OF OUR EXPERTS
Get In Contact
Our expert team are reading and waiting to assist you with in moving your piano.
Contact Us NowOur Locations
From our two operating locations in Newhaven and Bexhill we are able to carry out piano removals throughout Sussex as well as across the UK and internationally.
One company for all
Happy Clients Everywhere
Don’t just take our word for it, take a look at what some of our clients have said about our removal services.
Mr Jones
Heathfield
"Professional and courteous personnel punctual and hard working. Our 4th move with Britannia and we will use you again! A dog friendly removal company."
Mr Foulkes
Hastings
"A thoroughly positive experience. Removal team were very polite and helpful all day, a very cheerful, professional crew, when we arrived at new house they were already to unload. They worked very hard and hardly stopped all day. There was no damage to property or items, the crew are very keen to position furniture exactly where we wanted it. A really good day."
Maxine & Brian Tyler
Brighton
We would like to express our gratitude for the very professional and smooth services you provided for the move to our new home last week. The team worked hard and were very thorough, tidy and organised. They were very polite and also a calming influence during a fraught day for us.
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Latest News
Find out what we’ve been up to in our removals department. Read articles about our updates, news and services.
1st February 2021
Coronavirus update February 2021
Read Article28th January 2021
European Removals Post Brexit Update
Read Article29th December 2020