Growth, strategy and the road ahead

AGS Global Solutions’ Andrew Elliman on leadership, innovation – and the future of the removals industry.

In the last issue of the Movers and Storers Magazine, Andrew Elliman, Head of European Business Development, AGS Global Solutions, reflected on the challenges he has undertaken, sharing insights from both his professional career and personal achievements. In this issue, he turns his attention to the development of the business, the evolution of the removals industry, and the trends that will shape its future.

Growth, strategy and evolution

M&S Magazine: Removal companies have changed significantly over the past decade. How would you summarise evolution since our last interview with you 10 years ago?

Andrew Elliman: The removal industry has changed a great deal over the past decade. Customers now expect faster service, higher quality standards, and often lower pricing, all of which present real challenges for companies. Meeting these demands requires not just efficiency, but also flexibility and the ability to anticipate the unexpected.

Planning for uncertainty is critical because it’s often during the toughest times that true leadership is tested, something we clearly saw during the pandemic. Having worked for AGS Global Solutions for over ten years, I’ve seen firsthand how they’ve navigated countless challenges with clear leadership, resilience, and decisive action.

M&S Magazine: What has been the driving force behind growth strategy over the last 10 years?

Andrew Elliman: The driving force behind the growth strategy over the past 10 years has been a combination of clear vision, strong leadership, and a focus on continuing to do what we do best. Technology has also played a huge role, shaping how we operate, streamline processes, and deliver better service, and it will continue to influence the future of the business. But above all, growth comes down to people: those who share the same vision, embrace challenges, and are committed to continuously developing the company.

M&S Magazine: How have leadership priorities shifted as moving has expanded its global footprint?

Andrew Elliman: Leadership priorities have definitely evolved for businesses that have expanded globally. The most important elements are trust and shared vision. You need leaders you can rely on to make decisions that align with the company’s goals, while also understanding the local knowledge and culture of the regions they operate in. Being able to balance a consistent global strategy with local strengths is key – it’s about empowering people to act decisively in their markets, while ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction.

M&S Magazine: Were there any pivotal decisions or moments over the last decade that proved transformational for the business?

Andrew Elliman: There have been several pivotal moments over the past decade that were truly transformational. AGS is a very asset-heavy company, with offices and warehouses in over 100 countries – what you might call “boots on the ground”. That global presence sets them apart in the market. One of the clearest examples was during the pandemic. AGS demonstrated incredible agility, pivoting almost overnight from operating as a global company to acting as a local partner in each client location, meeting urgent needs when every moment counted.

The global economy and market pressures

M&S Magazine: The last 10 years have brought economic volatility, geopolitical challenges and changing customer expectations. How has the removal industry navigated that landscape?

Andrew Elliman: Demands in the removal industry are definitely higher than ever, and the nature of moves has changed significantly. With more people working remotely, and a new generation that isn’t as attached to furniture, antiques, or heirlooms, the way people relocate today is very different. Customers now expect quicker, more efficient service, higher quality, and lower costs, all at a time when there’s growing pressure to provide environmentally friendly solutions. Then there are wider global factors: wars, extreme weather, and government restrictions, all of which have knock-on effects across the industry.

In my experience, the best way to navigate this complex landscape is through proactive thought leadership. Companies that anticipate changes, plan for uncertainty, and act decisively are the ones that thrive.

M&S Magazine: How has the global economy influenced long-term vision and appetite for growth?

Andrew Elliman: The removal industry has experienced many economic cycles over the years and has consistently been influenced by shifts in the global economy. However, these challenges have also reinforced the importance of resilience and long-term vision. While growth may slow during economic downturns, the fundamental need for relocation services remains constant. People will always move for employment, lifestyle changes, family reasons, or business expansion. Even as technology advances and policies evolve, the physical aspect of moving cannot be digitised or automated away.

M&S Magazine: Do you feel today’s challenges require a fundamentally different leadership approach than a decade ago?

Andrew Elliman: I believe that strong leaders naturally evolve over time. Today’s challenges – such as economic uncertainty, digital transformation, and changing employee expectations – require greater agility, transparency, and resilience. Communication styles, decision-making speed, and strategic planning have all had to adapt to a faster-moving and more complex environment. However, while leadership styles may evolve, the core fundamentals remain the same. In the removal industry, no matter how it is positioned or modernised, the essence of what we do has not changed. It is still a people-focused, service-driven industry built on trust, reliability, and hard work.

Closing thoughts

As the conversation draws to a close, it’s clear that the Everest climb was never a single moment in time, but the start of a much longer journey – one defined by purpose, adaptability and long-term vision.

Whether through charity, leadership, or industry influence, Andrew Elliman continues to approach challenges with the same determination that carried him to the top of the world. With AGS looking firmly to the future, and the removals sector facing its own period of transformation, the next decade promises to be just as demanding and just as full of opportunity.

If Everest taught us anything, it’s that progress is rarely about speed, but about endurance, clarity of purpose and choosing the right path forward.

Read the story in the Magazine.