IT took a keen business vision to start a removals company in Laindon, like the late Derek Jeakins did in 1953.
And it took the hard work and support of his family to continue the legacy and make Jeakins Removals Limited the empire it is today.
Derek and his wife Myrna started the business 70 years ago when there was just one van and Derek on the workforce at the shop on Laindon High Road.
“His father Charlie ran a removals business and Derek wanted to go out on his own. His got a business licence and it all began from there,” said Michelle, Derek’s daughter.
Now located at Denbigh Road, Jeakins Removals Limited today has been shaped by the founder, Derek. His children Derek and Michelle, along with business partner Kevan Horton, Cpc holder for the company, are steering the company forward.
They aim to always preserve the personal touch that the company has become known for, and they have a fleet of coach-built Pantechnicons and a trained and skilled workforce.
Services include domestic removals, business removals, storage facilities, packaging service and oversea removals covering south Essex and beyond.
Derek and Myrna had six children and they were very family orientated.
“I was one of six and my father loved his family, and he achieved what he did because he had my mum behind him,” said Michelle.
“The business evolved to include three depots in Enfield, Manchester and Scotland. In Basildon there were a number of artic lorries, haulage, car rentals, removals and a workshop. He built up a strong team and was very good to his customers and staff and very generous at Christmas time.”
Michelle started working for the company in 1986 at a time of change for the business.
“By the time I joined the business had split to focus on removals and was run by Derek, the late Nigel Jeakins and Ken Slaughter,” explained Michelle.
“We love what we do and always have, we have dedicated our lives to it.”
After Derek sadly passed away Michelle, son Derek and Kevan continued to run the business. “When the recession hit in the late eighties there was less work and economy shrank. My dad taught me to look at the newspapers for adverts. I saw one for work in Europe and the business went from solvent to profitable as we sent lorries to Germany bringing back our Royal Airforce in 1991. As the economy grew, we could invest in storage and expand the business further.”
“My son William has been working with jeakins since he was a boy. It is nice to see him become part of the business and work along side me in the office. We are all here because we love what we do.” See www. jeakins-removals.co.uk.
A truly global enterprise
IF you were to relocate all the way to Australia, Jeakins Removals would be able to pack up and ship your precious belongings to you, on the other side of the world.
They are a well-known Laindon business, but their reach is truly global.
Kevan Horton is the Cpc holder for the company, he joined the business in 1986.
“We are known as being a very professional service. We are members of the British Association of Removers who come and inspect what we do and check our paperwork. Our staff wear a smart uniform and we deliver great customer service,” said Kevan.
“Every five years we buy new pantechnicons and we have plans to extend our warehouse space so we can accommodate more storage here on site.”
No matter where you are moving to, Jeakins Removals has you covered.
“We ship anywhere in the world, if you want to move to Australia we can ship all your belongs across the ocean. The items are export wrapped so they arrive as good as you left them. We drive across Europe so if you are moving to France or Bulgaria or anywhere, come to us,” said Kevan.
Kevan personally meets a wide range of people who are looking to move.
“I go and meet the people and get to know them. It is an interesting job and you meet all sorts, you never know what is behind closed doors,” laughed Kevan.
“I like that side of the job and we are all about great customer service. We have worked with the local authorities for many years to move people if they cannot afford a removals service. We have also helped women move to a refuge after domestic abuse, it really is a very diverse job.”
The business has always incorporated storage and now it has a capacity of 10,000 square foot with plans to extend the warehouse to allow for more.
“We must be one of the best known family businesses in Laindon,” said Kevan.
“There is a really rich history here and some lovely photos of the shop on Laindon High Road where it all began. We are lucky to be business people remember and come to when they want to move house.”
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