History

In 1907, King Edward VII was on the throne, Baden-Powell founded the Scouts, and the Old Bailey opened its doors. Not only that, W J Edwards Removals was born…

Today, our smart, racing-green removals lorries are our trademark. But a hundred years ago it was a different story. Back then it was all about the trusty horse and cart.

W J Edwards Removals & Storage was founded by William James Edwards in 1907. He was a Luton-born businessman and mayor of the town in the late 1940s. Over the years, William built a solid reputation for quality house removals before passing the baton to his son, Ken Edwards, in the early 1950s.

Ken continued to run the firm from its base in Strathmore Avenue, Luton, until the 1970s. It was around then that his son, William James – ‘Jim’ – Edwards took over at the helm. In the 1990s, the business entered its fourth generation, when Jim’s eldest son, Duncan, joined the ranks.

Jim, his wife Julia, and Duncan continue to run the business at the original Strathmore Avenue premises, the old stables long since replaced by a modern storage warehouse. As for today’s customers, they range from star-name footballers to lord and ladies of the aristocracy.

And while the company prides itself on its affordable home removals prices, it’s perhaps not quite as reasonable as it was in the early days. Recently, someone came into the office with a receipt written in copper-plate writing by the original William James Edwards. The amount read 2 pounds and 10 shillings – not bad for moving an entire house contents from Luton to Brighton!

Comments

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what some of our customers have said about us…

‘Your men were excellent ambassadors for your company – very helpful and cheerful, and nothing was too much trouble.’ - Streatley

‘The whole package, from quotation to delivery, was friendly, efficient and professional. The lads on the day did a fantastic job and really helped our move go smoothly, which was much appreciated – particularly with a four-month-old involved!’ - Harpenden

‘I couldn’t be more pleased with the service given, and praise must go to your employees who did such an excellent job. Well done them! Everything went so smoothly it was a treat to watch.’ - Colwyn Bay

‘I felt I must write to thank you for your company’s excellent service. You have moved us four times now and I find it extraordinary that we have not had a single breakage or damage to decoration!’ - Guilden Morden

‘Thank you so much for all your help with our move last week. Your humour and professionalism made the whole experience less stressful than I anticipated.’ - Flamstead

‘My wife and I wish to put on record our enormous gratitude and appreciation for the work of your employees, Tom, John, Scott and Mick, who moved our possessions to Portsmouth. They were at all times cheerful, friendly and utterly competent, and once again we were glad to have chosen your company.’ - Portsmouth

‘From my initial dealings with Julia and Duncan, to the relevant crews on the two days, everyone was thoroughly professional and, even more importantly, so nice!’ -Thatcham