SPONSORED CO N T E N T A CLASSIC DECADE IN THE BUSINESS As Classic Moving reaches its 10-year anniversary, we speak to CFM Alliance CEO Brad Street about the highlights since setting up the company BRAD STREET, CFM ALLIANCE CEO SCAN THIS TO WATCH CELEBRATING CLASSIC MOVINGS 10TH YEAR FIDI FOCUS: How has the pandemic affected the Classic Moving business? Brad Street: When the pandemic started, we did not really know and understand the impact for the business. However, we were among the first moving companies in Singapore to be classified as essential service providers, which meant we were allowed to operate with certain restrictions. Since then, the business has evolved. We are doing more virtual surveys and serving our customers remotely on an increasing basis. In March 2020, I had to return to the UK after a family bereavement. While I was there, Singapore shut its borders and I was stuck, and after hundreds of applications I was finally allowed to re-enter the country in June, just before my 50th birthday. Having any birthday in an isolation hotel is not much fun but you have to make the best of the situation, so I invited some cardboard friends for a party (see picture). This was a very stressful time, but we learned we had the right personnel and processes in place to be able to run the company despite the challenges. The years have shown me that the strong foundation I set up with Classic Moving in the very beginning has carried a strong legacy and is sustainable to grow and evolve for the next 10 years to come and more. FF: What have been the milestones of the past decade? BS: There are a few that stand out to me: Obtaining our FIDI FAIM accreditation in 2016 after four years of incorporation was a huge achievement Joining Harmony Relocation Network in 2016 Getting to know and hiring key staff like Carl Brad spent his 50th birthday celebrations with these cardboard guests in a COVID isolation hotel 18 FF305 Mar_May 22 pp18 Advertorial_Classic Moving.indd 18 Hggstrm, Charles Leo, Brian Milligan Acquiring The Family Movers and DSP in 2018 Founding CFM Alliance in 2018 FF: What were the goals of forming the CFM Alliance? BS: The advantage of having five companies in one group we are stronger together. For clients, we can offer a solution for every corporate or consumer request. Our Classic Systems branch offers commercial and business relocations, warehousing, and asset storage. Our DSP Relocation branch will look after corporate employee requirements such as visa and immigration and home/school search. Internally, with a fleet of almost 20 vehicles and a 100,000ft2 warehouse facility, we support sister companies during low seasonal fluctuations for each business. Without this group setup, we would not have been so successful during the past few years. FF: What are your ambitions for the next 10 years? BS: We have built a strong company culture that is scalable. We have expanded into Malaysia and we are looking at potentially expanding and bringing our best practice to other countries. FF: What was your secret to success when setting up Classic Moving? BS: Starting a business in a foreign country is tough, so you need to be determined and never give up. Always stay focused on quality and the client experience there is no compromise on this. Always be proactive and responsive. I still find it strange that today you can gain competitive advantage by simply being quick to communicate with customers. If you reply in a timely manner with accurate information, then you have already given yourself a much better opportunity to succeed. Finding the right people for business was key. Today, our key staff members are committed, professional and they never give up. Our Finance Manager, Minz Law, has set up an excellent cost-control system. It is not always about the big revenues, but often more about controlling the cost side of things. FF: What are some of your favourite memories? BS: Having passed the FAIM audit, it was a great feeling of accomplishment when Carl and I attended Classics first FIDI Conference in Dubai. It was very exciting getting to meet colleagues from around the world. We were still a small, growing business and the feeling of being part of a large professional global group is something quite amazing and very special. WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 08/03/2022 07:58