From One Van to 21 Vehicles: The Family Business That Proved You Don’t Need Qualifications to Succeed

After being told at school he wouldn’t amount to much, entrepreneur Steve Yates went on to build a thriving removals company alongside his partner Sally Matcham. Thirty years later, their family business is celebrating three decades of success and two prestigious business award nominations.

When Steve Yates was growing up, academic success didn’t come naturally.

Struggling at school, he recalls being told by a teacher that he wouldn’t amount to much. It was a comment that stayed with him, but rather than allowing it to define his future, Steve became determined to prove otherwise.

Today, 30 years after launching In-Excess Removals in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, Steve’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurial success isn’t necessarily determined by qualifications, but by determination, resilience and a willingness to work hard.

What began in March 1996 with a single vehicle has grown into an established removals and storage company operating a fleet of 21 vans and HGVs, providing services across the UK and into Europe.

And in its milestone anniversary year, the family business has secured two finalist places at the 2026 biz4Biz Hertfordshire Business Awards.

Building a Business From the Ground Up

In 1996, Steve and his partner Sally Matcham were raising four young children and dreaming of a more financially independent future.

They wanted to create opportunities for their family, including the possibility of moving into a larger home.

Neither came from an academic background, but both understood the value of hard work.

Steve had previously worked for a truck rental company and had always dreamed of running his own business.

Sally, meanwhile, was no stranger to getting her hands dirty. Having helped build her parents’ first home when she was young and renovated her own property at just 21, she brought determination, practical experience and an exceptional work ethic to their new venture.

Together, they launched In-Excess Removals.

The early years were far from easy.

With four children at home and a business to establish, the couple regularly worked late into the evenings and seven days a week.

There were no shortcuts, no established customer base and no guarantees of success.

But there was a shared determination to build something that would provide a better future for their family.

Steve has always been clear about the importance of Sally’s contribution. Her hard work and commitment during those formative years helped establish the foundations on which the business continues to operate today.

Reflecting on his approach to entrepreneurship, Steve said:

“Building a business is like building a house: start with strong foundations, and do things properly to begin with.”

It’s a philosophy that has remained central to In-Excess throughout its three decades in business.

From One Vehicle to a Fleet of 21

Over the years, In-Excess has expanded from a small local removals operation into a company offering domestic removals, business relocations, storage solutions and services extending across the UK and Europe.

But while the vehicles, services and customer base have grown, the company has worked to retain the personal approach on which it was founded.

Perhaps one of the strongest examples of this is the loyalty of its employees.

Lee joined the company as an agency porter in 1999 and is now Fleet General Manager, overseeing the company’s 21 vehicles.

“When I joined In-Excess, we only had four vehicles. Now, I’m responsible for a fleet of 21,” he explained.

“My responsibilities have grown significantly during the years, and seeing the business flourish has been a continuous source of job satisfaction.”

Office Manager Louise has been part of the business for 23 years, while Scott joined at just 16 during a work experience placement.

Twenty-two years later, Scott is still there.

Describing the company as being like a family, Scott explained that although removals can be physically demanding, the sense of teamwork makes the job enjoyable.

For Steve, these longstanding relationships are an important part of what makes the business successful.

While many entrepreneurs measure growth through turnover, expansion or profit, In-Excess’s story also highlights the value of building a workplace where people want to stay.

Keeping Business in the Family

As In-Excess celebrates its 30th anniversary, another generation of the family is now involved in the company.

Steve’s daughter Richenda joined in 2019, initially working as a virtual surveyor.

Having studied law, she hadn’t originally imagined her career would lead her into the family removals business.

However, becoming part of the team has given her an opportunity to contribute to the company her parents worked so hard to establish.

“I didn’t think I would work for the company, but I’m so glad I did,” Richenda said.

“I love being part of the team in the office, supporting and working alongside the men on the road and, most importantly, supporting my dad and contributing to a business that has such deep roots in the community.”

Richenda has also witnessed the introduction of technology that is helping the business adapt to changing customer expectations.

Virtual surveys, for example, allow customers to discuss their moving requirements remotely, providing a convenient alternative to traditional home visits.

It’s one example of how the company is embracing new ways of working while maintaining the family values that helped establish its reputation.

Double Award Recognition in a Milestone Year

The company’s 30th anniversary celebrations have been given an additional boost with the announcement that In-Excess is a finalist in two categories at the 2026 biz4Biz Hertfordshire Business Awards, sponsored by Barclays.

The business has been shortlisted for both Best Family Business and Best Social Media.

While the family business nomination recognises the company’s longstanding roots and values, the social media shortlist reflects the work the team has undertaken over the past year to develop its online presence.

Through sharing more of the people behind the business, showcasing its work and highlighting its community involvement, In-Excess has been giving customers a closer look at the company beyond its vehicles and services.

For a business established long before social media existed, the recognition also demonstrates its willingness to evolve.

Steve said:

“To be shortlisted in our 30th year is a tremendous moment for everyone at In-Excess. We’re proud of the family business we’ve built and of the people who have helped it grow over the years.”

“Being recognised for our social media work is especially rewarding, because the team has put a great deal of time and effort into it over the past year.”

The finalists will be celebrated at the awards gala in November.

Thirty Years of Business Lessons

Building a company that lasts three decades requires more than simply having a good idea.

The removals industry has changed considerably since 1996, with increased competition, changing regulations, technological developments and greater customer expectations.

In-Excess has navigated these challenges while continuing to invest in its people, maintain professional standards and support its local community.

The company has been a member of the British Association of Removers since 1999 and places considerable importance on customer feedback and its reputation.

It also supports local charities through donations of furniture and other goods whenever possible.

For Steve, the principle behind the business remains straightforward.

“Our reputation is our future.”

It’s a simple statement, but one that reflects the importance of trust, consistency and delivering on promises.

Proving That Success Has More Than One Path

Thirty years after starting with one vehicle, Steve and Sally’s story is about much more than building a successful removals company.

It’s about two people who wanted to create a better future for their family and were prepared to put in the work to make it happen.

It’s about the employees who have grown alongside the business, the next generation becoming involved and the importance of staying true to your values while adapting to change.

And perhaps most importantly, it’s a reminder that struggling academically doesn’t mean someone lacks the potential to succeed.

For the young man who was once told he wouldn’t amount to much, building a business that has served customers for three decades is an achievement worth celebrating.

As In-Excess Removals looks towards its next chapter, its story offers encouragement to anyone considering starting a business without a traditional academic background.

Sometimes the strongest foundations aren’t built in a classroom. They’re built through hard work, determination and the courage to give something a go.