My Story

From a 17-Year-Old Apprentice to Over 6,000 Homes Moved

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People often ask me how I got into moving static caravans and park homes.

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The answer is quite simple.

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I started in 2002, when I was just 17 years old.

Like anyone starting out in a specialist trade, I had everything to learn. I was fortunate enough to work alongside someone who already had more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Over the next 20 years, I learnt far more than just how to transport a home. I learnt the importance of planning, patience, attention to detail and, above all, doing the job properly.

Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career.

Since those early days, I've personally transported and installed more than 6,000 static caravans, park homes and luxury lodges across England, Scotland and Wales.

Every job has been different.

Some have been straightforward holiday park relocations.

Others have involved delivering luxury lodges measuring 65ft × 16ft 6in, assembling 100ft four-section residential homes, or navigating access routes that many people believed were simply impossible.

One job I'll never forget was in Orpington, Kent. We were delivering a 12ft-wide park home through a lane that narrowed to around 8ft in places. It became one of those nights where experience, teamwork and determination mattered more than anything else. We finally completed the move at around 2am. Jobs like that remind you why every site deserves careful planning and why there's no substitute for experience.

Over the years my work has taken me from Land's End to the Scottish Highlands, working for private homeowners, holiday parks, manufacturers, local authorities and major organisations including Crossrail, the London Development Agency, Essex County Council, Kent County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council.

As the industry has evolved, so has the business.

We've continually invested in specialist transport equipment, purpose-built siting vehicles, modern trailers, compliance, training and professional development to ensure every project is completed safely and to the highest possible standard.

Today, Essex Mobile Homes operates under a Standard International Operator's Licence, with NCC Safe Moving & Siting and CITO training forming part of our commitment to professionalism.

Despite all the changes over the past two decades, one thing has never changed.

I still enjoy solving problems.

Every site is different.

Every delivery presents a new challenge.

Quite often, customers apologise before we arrive because they think access will be impossible.

More often than not, we find a solution.

That's probably the part of the job I enjoy most.

People sometimes ask me what the secret is after moving more than 6,000 homes.

The answer isn't complicated.

There isn't one.

It's simply the result of turning up every day, continuing to learn, investing in the right equipment and never cutting corners.

I've always believed that you're only as good as your last job.

That's why every home we move is treated with the same care and attention, whether it's a small holiday caravan or a luxury multi-section residential lodge.

When our team leaves site, I want every customer to feel confident that their home has been transported and installed properly.

That's the standard we've worked to since 2002.

And it's the standard we'll continue to work to for many years to come.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope we have the opportunity to help with yours.

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— Paul Schrader
Director, Essex Mobile Homes