In this interview, Brad Barker, COO of Elliott International in South Africa, gives an update on the South African moving market, emerging opportunities, and Elliott’s plans for the future.
With 78 years of experience, and offices and warehouses in Johannesburg (the head office location) and Cape Town, Elliott International is one of South Africa’s most respected moving companies.
The company also has an extensive network of world-class global partners, allowing it to offer seamless relocation solutions to and from any location worldwide.
Brad Barker, Chief Operating Officer of Elliott, says: ‘Our team of highly skilled, in-house professionals specialise in Corporate, Business, International, and National relocations — delivering premium services tailored to ensure every move is handled with precision and care.’
Elliott holds a dominant position in South Africa’s export market for both private and corporate relocations, with its most popular destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, and the United States.
This wide reach and range of services also give Elliott a unique insight into the state of the country’s market for moving services and Brad Barker says it is catering for significant recent change.
‘South Africa has had a strong migrant export market since the early 1980s,’ he says. ‘This has slowed significantly over the past decade as the country has stabilised politically, with many South Africans choosing to remain in their country of birth. While South Africa still faces many challenges, it remains a country full of opportunity – an inspiring place to live, work, and raise a family.’
South Africa’s most popular relocation destinations from outside the country include Cape Town, the Garden Route (along the country’s southern coast), Johannesburg, and Durban.
‘For domestic relocations, we see a clear trend: the Western Cape and Southern Cape – particularly the Garden Route and surrounding areas – remain the top choices for individuals and families relocating within the country,’ says Brad Barker.
‘This growing preference for the Cape provinces is driven by several factors, including the exceptional quality of life; strong sense of safety and community; attractive economic opportunities; access to breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and a pleasant climate.
‘The Western Cape is also widely recognised for its efficient governance and well-maintained infrastructure, making it a standout destination for local families and international retirees seeking a secure, fulfilling lifestyle.’
Future ambitions
Brad Barker says the company has ambitions to grow specific areas of its business, including boosting its market share in the South African Corporate Relocation market, launching Elliott International’s first self-storage facility – in both Johannesburg and Cape Town – ‘to meet growing demand and create a sustainable revenue stream’, and establishing an Elliott office in a first world country.
The company recently repurchased its own warehouse facility in Johannesburg, and aims to do the same in Cape Town, too.
‘At Elliott, innovation and excellence drive everything we do. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking solutions, we not only minimise risk but also help reduce overall relocation costs for our clients,’ says Brad Barker. ‘We approach each move with the highest ethical and professional standards, always treating people and their belongings with the utmost care, courtesy, and respect. We are equally committed to protecting the environment. Our responsibility extends beyond service – we continuously strive to minimise our ecological footprint through a dedicated environmental policy that guides our operations and promotes sustainable practices.’
Being a part of FIDI has a key role to play in Elliott’s vision, too, says Brad Barker. ‘Being FAIM-accredited brings increased global visibility, access to an extensive network of trusted international partners, and the prestige of FAIM certification — the most rigorous quality standard in the moving industry,’ he says. ‘FIDI membership also offers valuable tools, resources, and training to strengthen professional relationships and ensure consistent delivery of world-class service to our clients.’
Elliott rebrands
In June 2024, the company announced that it was changing its name from Elliott Mobility to the original Elliott International, in a move it says ‘honours our rich heritage while embracing our evolving identity.’
‘This marks an important milestone, reinforcing the company’s long-standing reputation as a trusted leader in the international moving industry,’ says Brad Barker.
‘The name Elliott International reflects a proud legacy and the evolution of a company built on excellence. It was first adopted when former Chairman Tom Ansley acquired the business in 1979, with a vision to position Elliott as a global leader in moving.
‘Throughout the 1980s, the company built its international reputation under this name, focusing on premium, reliable moving services worldwide. In 2008, the company rebranded as Elliott Mobility following the acquisition of Corporate Relocations — a strategic move to unify expanding services.
‘Over time, it became clear that the term “Mobility”, while reflecting our broad capabilities, was creating confusion – particularly in the South African market, where it is often associated with industries such as healthcare and automotive.
‘Reclaiming the name Elliott International is more than cosmetic. It is a return to our core identity as international moving specialists. The rebrand reaffirms our commitment to delivering world-class service to clients moving across borders.
‘The return to Elliott International not only restores a name rich in history but also strengthens our alignment with future ambitions. Clients and partners can continue to rely on the same trusted service – now under a name that clearly represents our global reach and enduring commitment to quality.’