Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2014 | Page 131

BUSINESS LIFE Lacey's still going strong at 90 B embridge-based Lacey’s Removals have reached a milestone this year with the 90th anniversary of the wellknown Island company. The firm was founded in 1924 by 16 year old Thomas Lacey, the grandfather of current boss Craig, who borrowed from his father to set up the business, and started with a Model T Ford removal van. Thomas retired in 1983, and his company was passed to his two sons Edward Lacey (Craig’s father) and John Lacey (Craig's uncle), with Craig joining the business in 1985. In 1991 John left and it was run by Edward and his wife Daphne, with Craig taking over in 2001. Craig modernised the way of removals and storage for the business by transforming the fleet of vehicles and building a purpose-built warehouse for storage in 2004, equipped with intruder alarms and fire alarms so customers can rest assured their belongings are safe. Lacey's now have a fleet of five lorries up to 12m long which are instantly recognisable because of their highly traditional livery. The company carries out removals all over the UK, even to such remote places such as the Isle of Mull, and provides worldwide shipping services to Australia, New Zealand, USA and Zambia to name just a few countries. Lacey’s staff comprises eight fulltime employees; each employee has been with the company over five years, and one member will reach 25 years’ service next year. Craig and his wife Amy run the office side of the business, and all the staff at Lacey's endeavour to ensure the experience of moving house is as stress-free as possible for the customer, whether they are moving down the road or relocating to the other side of the world. All staff are fully trained in techniques for moving awkward items such as safes and grand pianos, so you know your house move is in very safe hands! Lacey’s (IOW) Ltd., 42 High St, Bembridge, PO35 5SF. Tel: 01983 872663. Thomas Lacey www.visitilife.com 131