How We Started
How we started
For secure, professional, and stress-free international removals.
Excellent
583 Reviews
How We Started
How we started
For secure, professional, and stress-free international removals.
Excellent
583 Reviews
Excellent
583 Reviews on
Genuine reviews from legitimate customers
See what our satisfied clients have to say about their experiences with Matthew James
How we started - history
Over more that 30 years, Matthew James Global Relocations, through hard work and dedication to its customers, has become one of the industry’s most admired and respected international moving companies.
Matthew De-Machen got his start in removals at just 5 years of age, helping his dad with single item deliveries and small removals in his transit van. His fascination and passion was sparked and only grew from there.
In 1996, at the young age of just 16, Matthew bought his first van and despite not even being old enough to drive, Matthew James Removals was born. With his Mother as the driver and himself doing the lifting and shifting, Matthew worked hard to mould his new business. After just a year of operating, Matthew made the jump to European removals and only a year after that, Matthew upgraded from his trusty Luton van to his first 7.5 tonne lorry.
Just 5 years later and Matthew James is already a household name. He had a depot offering storage and boasting a fleet that includes a 34 tonne road train, an 18 tonne rigid lorry, 2 x 7.5 tonne lorries and multiple vans. It was at this time that Matthew James took another step in the right direction and opened its first Spanish depot, cementing itself as a company that knew no borders.
Fast forward to today and Matthew James Global Relocations is a vast company with many awards, accolades and achievements under its belt. It has numerous ISO accreditations, had the first ever UK Hybrid Lorry, and the first removals vehicle to achieve a 5* TFL safety score. Matthew James has truly shown its commitment to perfect standards, the safety of its staff and the public and even the environment.
Now residing in a state-of-the-art depot that can hold over 1200 storage containers, has over an acre of parking space and houses over 100 shipping containers, Matthew James shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Even recently winning 34th place in 2024’s Mega Growth top 50.
You would be hard pressed to find a removals company anywhere that has managed to demonstrate such a vast growth while keeping those personal family values that usually get lost along the way. Despite in 2016, making the change from the road to the office, Matthew’s passion has only grown since his beginnings and even now he doesn’t shy away from the day-to-day running of the business. That’s not to say that he doesn’t mind, still, getting his hands dirty and getting back behind the wheel if required. This means that you can feel safe with Matthew James, knowing that you are not just a cog in a large machine, but the valued customer of a company that truly cares.
1
The family legacy began when Matthew’s father, John De-Machen, created a Man in Van removals service with an advert in the paper. A young Matthew, aged five, joined his father in their Transit van, completing small local removals jobs, igniting his passion for the industry.
2
With the purchase of a larger Luton van, John transitioned from a small Man in Van business to a certified removals company. This growth continued as John acquired a brand-new Luton Van, increasing his fleet and elevating his business to new professional heights. The family’s first European move cemented the De-Machen name in the removals industry beyond the UK’s borders. A young Matthew and his brother James participated in this significant event.
3
As Matthew grew, he took on a greater role in his father’s business, dedicating himself to learning the industry inside and out. The purchase of their first Iveco truck sparked Matthew’s fascination, and he diligently maintained the vehicle. Determined to start a project of his own, Matthew worked tirelessly as a kitchen porter, saving every penny.
4
At the age of sixteen, Matthew purchased his first van, despite not being old enough to have a license. He subcontracted himself, with his mother, Ann De-Machen, as his driver. This marked the birth of Matthew James. Despite branching off into their own removals companies, the De-Machens remained a strong family unit, supporting each other on larger jobs.
5
Matthew’s first European client took his business to new heights, regularly transporting antiques from Guildford to Barcelona. His acquisition of a 7.5-tonne lorry and an operator’s license marked the company’s growth. Despite the youth of the company, Matthew’s hard work paid off, expanding the fleet to include multiple lorries and vans.
Branching out into storage, Matthew James acquired their first facility in Denton Wharf, Gravesend, and their first 18-tonne rigid body lorry. Meanwhile, John continued his upward trajectory, proudly transporting props for the National Youth Ballet.
6
After countless trips throughout Europe, Matthew upgraded to a 34-tonne road train. His younger sister, Charlotte, joined the team, quickly passing her CPC certificate and overseeing transport operations. The opening of their first depot in Mijas Costa, Spain, marked their expansion beyond the UK.
Outgrowing their Gravesend depot, Matthew James upgraded to a new facility in Erith, capable of holding 400 storage containers and parking up to 10 lorries. The introduction of the LEZ zone led to the purchase of five new lorries to remain compliant with new laws.
7
The great recession posed a challenge, but with an NHS contract, Matthew James remained strong, establishing itself as a leader in the UK industry. The company moved to Crossways Business Park in Dartford, boasting a storage facility for 100 storage containers, parking for over 20 lorries, and state-of-the-art office facilities. Although Charlotte left the business to focus on her family, her contributions were significant.
8
Matthew James became a solely independent company, no longer doing contracted work for others. They moved to a larger facility at Crossways Business Park, accommodating over 1200 storage containers, 100 shipping containers, six lorry docking bays, and extensive office spaces. Matthew transitioned from driving to management, taking a well-earned seat behind his desk.
9
With Rachel, Matthew’s older sister, joining the team and becoming a managing director, the business reached new levels of professionalism. Rachel’s innovations led to various ISO certificates and HMRC customs bonded facility approval.
10
The De-Machen family faced a terrible loss with the passing of John De-Machen, but his legacy lives on through his children’s work. Matthew James, now with a fleet of 45 vehicles, is a leader in European removals, offering a reliable shared load service. The company, with over 65 employees, provides a world-wide groupage service for air and sea transport. Matthew James was shortlisted from over 64,000 companies by Kent’s Mega Growth 50, achieving 34th place. The company continues to grow, showing no signs of slowing down. Watch this space for more unprecedented growth!
How we started
The history and rise of the De-Machen and MJGR family in the removals industry is not quite horse and cart beginnings but we’re still very proud of what we have achieved in the last 45 years. Despite our humble origins we have grown to be an industry leader, blending the best of modern times with the good old days.
2024
Now operating a fleet of 45 vehicles, MJGR is believed to be the largest in Europe for reliable shared-load services. Matthew James has recently been shortlisted from 64,000 companies in Kent’s Mega Growth 50 2024 awards and achieved an amazing 34th place. Regretfully, Matthew’s father, John died in 2023, aged 78. His mother Ann, however, will be 80 this year and shows no signs of slowing down. She can be seen daily in her car running around doing quality assurance checks. The company now employs over 65 staff, offers a world-wide groupage service and airfreight in addition to its European shared load services. Unfortunately, there is no camera large enough to capture the entire crew and fleet but please meet the dedicated people who are behind the business providing an excellent service everyday to our clients.
2024
Now operating a fleet of 45 vehicles, MJGR is believed to be the largest in Europe for reliable shared-load services. Matthew James has recently been shortlisted from 64,000 companies in Kent’s Mega Growth 50 2024 awards and achieved an amazing 34th place. Regretfully, Matthew’s father, John died in 2023, aged 78. His mother Ann, however, will be 80 this year and shows no signs of slowing down. She can be seen daily in her car running around doing quality assurance checks. The company now employs over 65 staff, offers a world-wide groupage service and airfreight in addition to its European shared load services. Unfortunately, there is no camera large enough to capture the entire crew and fleet but please meet the dedicated people who are behind the business providing an excellent service everyday to our clients.
2020
Matthew’s sister Rachel retires from a decorated career in the civil service and joins the Matthew James family. In no time at all Rachel distinguishes herself as an irreplaceable asset, taking her well earned place at Matthew’s side as a managing director. Rachel takes Matthew James to a whole new level of professionalism and is an undeniable reason for MJGR’s incredible reputation today.
2016
Matthew James moves once more to a larger premisses, also on the Crossways, Business Park in Dartford. This incredible facility can hold a whopping 1200 storage containers inside, has 6 dock level loading bays, can hold 100 shipping containers and has one acre of yard for parking trucks. Sometimes Matthew reflects with disbelief upon how he got here, but remembering all the hard work along the way it is no wonder he managed to achieve this amazing goal.
2016
Matthew James moves once more to a larger premisses, also on the Crossways, Business Park in Dartford. This incredible facility can hold a whopping 1200 storage containers inside, has 6 dock level loading bays, can hold 100 shipping containers and has one acre of yard for parking trucks. Sometimes Matthew reflects with disbelief upon how he got here, but remembering all the hard work along the way it is no wonder he managed to achieve this amazing goal.
2015
Matthew marries his wife Kirstie. They had met during a DFS delivery contract. Matt leaves all the wedding arrangements to Kirsty, in fact they went straight over his head, with only condition: the wedding vehicle had to be a Matthew James liveried road train and it had to be a Scania. That’s right, not just the rigid, but the trailer pulled behind as well! Had Kirstie not accepted Matthew’s condition who knows what would’ve happened!
2014
Matthew James takes a huge step forward and moves to the Crossways Business Park in Dartford. This depot was over double the size of Erith. This location was able to hold up to 1000 storage containers and had parking facilities for up to 20 trucks. Arguably the best location in the UK for an international logistics operation and that’s without even considering the incredible company advertisement as this depot can be seen by all who drive over the bridge.
2014
Matthew James takes a huge step forward and moves to the Crossways Business Park in Dartford. This depot was over double the size of Erith. This location was able to hold up to 1000 storage containers and had parking facilities for up to 20 trucks. Arguably the best location in the UK for an international logistics operation and that’s without even considering the incredible company advertisement as this depot can be seen by all who drive over the bridge.
2011
Road Train SP61N UK is born. This truck holds special value as Matthew personally built, designed and operated it. This truck goes on to win the largest truck show in Europe taking home the 1st place trophy. It had special paint, a second adjustable and removable floor to maximise space, car ramps that stow away underneath when not required to mention just a few of its features. Winning this trophy was like taking home the world cup for Matthew, an unforgettable experience indeed.
2009
Matthew James once more moves to a larger premises in Spain. This new location boasts a warehouse facility that can hold 200 containers and park up to 5 road trains. This is now the main hub for Spain and still today remains our headquarters in mainland Europe. This has been a game changer for the business. This meant MJGR could now commit to dedicated collection dates for the entire south of Spain so clients do not need to wait for the shared load return vehicle.
2009
Matthew James once more moves to a larger premises in Spain. This new location boasts a warehouse facility that can hold 200 containers and park up to 5 road trains. This is now the main hub for Spain and still today remains our headquarters in mainland Europe. This has been a game changer for the business. This meant MJGR could now commit to dedicated collection dates for the entire south of Spain so clients do not need to wait for the shared load return vehicle.
2007
The company purchased a brand new Renault Premium. This was the company's first brand new purchase for a truck. This was a direct result of the recently introduced LEZ to remain compliant and continue undertaking moves within the London area. This very year MJGR committed to 5 brand new vehicles without knowing dark times were ahead, a recession was looming!
2007
Matthew’s obsession with trucks grows and he begins to frequently take the fleet all over the country to compete in truck shows. Matthew has given his life to trucks and that has never worn off despite making the transition from the road to the office. Undoubtably if Matthew had his way he’d still be out driving them daily!
2007
Matthew’s obsession with trucks grows and he begins to frequently take the fleet all over the country to compete in truck shows. Matthew has given his life to trucks and that has never worn off despite making the transition from the road to the office. Undoubtably if Matthew had his way he’d still be out driving them daily!
2005
At this point in time MJGR now has two road trains regularly running around Europe due to the shared load service taking off and demands growing. The second truck, DAF 95XF, Supper space cab acquired its name in honour of Millie Gemma, Matthew’s first daughter who wasn’t even born yet. There are even rumours going around that’s where she was conceived! No comment.
2005
Seen here is MJGR’s Mercedes 1820. A very special truck to the company affectionately named Katie Rebecca in honour of Matthew’s niece who was just 6 at the time. This truck was driven by a lady HGV driver called Cat and to be frank, she was well known for getting this truck absolutely anywhere it needed to go. Another noteworthy detail is the vehicle shown marked three decades of Mercedes trucks being in the Matthew James Fleet.
2005
Seen here is MJGR’s Mercedes 1820. A very special truck to the company affectionately named Katie Rebecca in honour of Matthew’s niece who was just 6 at the time. This truck was driven by a lady HGV driver called Cat and to be frank, she was well known for getting this truck absolutely anywhere it needed to go. Another noteworthy detail is the vehicle shown marked three decades of Mercedes trucks being in the Matthew James Fleet.
2004
Matthew James moves from Denton Wharf Gravesend storage facility and the Orpington yard, combining the two into one solo depot in Fraser Road, Erith. This new depot comes equipped with a warehouse that can hold 400 storage containers and can park 10 lorries.
2002
Matthew James expands beyond UK borders, opening the company's first depot in Spain which is in Mijas Costa. This allowed MJGR to have a local facility to not only offer an excellent removals service, but now also a local storage service.
2002
Matthew James expands beyond UK borders, opening the company's first depot in Spain which is in Mijas Costa. This allowed MJGR to have a local facility to not only offer an excellent removals service, but now also a local storage service.
2001
After many European trips from France and Spain in 18 tonne rigids, Matthew commits to his first 34 tonne road train. This vehicle holds 4000cf and is a game changer for our shared load service.
2000
The company's first 18 Tonner. This vehicle was a chassis cab when purchased and built by a company in Smarden Kent called Far Fab Coachbuilders. They went on to build many more vehicles which contributed to the ever-growing Matthew James fleet.
2000
The company's first 18 Tonner. This vehicle was a chassis cab when purchased and built by a company in Smarden Kent called Far Fab Coachbuilders. They went on to build many more vehicles which contributed to the ever-growing Matthew James fleet.
2000
The job shown here was one from Orpington to Geneva, consisting of two of our vehicles - fully freighted. This particular one consisted of one 7.5 tonne lorry and one 3.5 tonne van. Matthew remembers loading these through the day then departing and driving all night to deliver the essentials the following day. Once upon a time you could get away with this. Those were the days!
1999
A second 7.5 tonner is introduced to the already respectable fleet. The company at this point is operating from a rented yard behind Abbey Self Storage on Cray Avenue in Orpington, Kent. Matthew James is now taking on multiple moves a day, some of which are becoming very large.
1999
A second 7.5 tonner is introduced to the already respectable fleet. The company at this point is operating from a rented yard behind Abbey Self Storage on Cray Avenue in Orpington, Kent. Matthew James is now taking on multiple moves a day, some of which are becoming very large.
1998
Matthew takes another big step and purchases his first 7.5 tonne lorry and it’s a Ford Cargo, F registered. Time for Matthew to get an Operator’s License but he’d be lying if he didn’t admit to taking it out from time to time on the odd local larger job before he had it in place. Let’s face it every company has a story to tell from back in the day.
1997
Matthew proudly commits to his own first solo European trip for an antiques dealer going from Guildford to Barcelona. These trips continued over the coming years. Matthew would collect his client and their goods from the auctions around Guildford and then head for Spain. Once arriving they would drive around Barcelona for a week straight, making regular stops at all the local antiques shops. Matthew’s client would sell the recently-acquired goods for a tidy profit before heading back to the UK.
1997
Matthew proudly commits to his own first solo European trip for an antiques dealer going from Guildford to Barcelona. These trips continued over the coming years. Matthew would collect his client and their goods from the auctions around Guildford and then head for Spain. Once arriving they would drive around Barcelona for a week straight, making regular stops at all the local antiques shops. Matthew’s client would sell the recently-acquired goods for a tidy profit before heading back to the UK.
1996
MJGR takes its first big step when Matthew, without even a driving license yet, purchases his first van at the incredible age of 16. The name Matthew James was born. Matthew began working for local firms as a subcontractor whilst his mother Ann would be his driver, leaving the loading and unloading to Matthew. Always shooting for the stars, Matthew never stopped planning to be at least 10 times the size of those same companies he worked for. Who could have imagined he would long since have smashed this goal today and more importantly evolved into an immeasurably more professional one too.
1993
John bought his very first Iveco truck, a 5 tonner, however downrated it to 3.5 tonne as he wasn’t ready for his Operator’s Licence just yet. Matthew, aged 13, would wash this truck top to bottom and inside out as his fascination with trucks grew to new heights. The picture photographed was taken at a Danish camp site on one of John and Matthew’s regular trips to Europe.
1993
John bought his very first Iveco truck, a 5 tonner, however downrated it to 3.5 tonne as he wasn’t ready for his Operator’s Licence just yet. Matthew, aged 13, would wash this truck top to bottom and inside out as his fascination with trucks grew to new heights. The picture photographed was taken at a Danish camp site on one of John and Matthew’s regular trips to Europe.
1991
Who remembers Xtra Van in Orpington? In 1991 John took on a huge office job from Hayes, going from Bromley to Westerham and hired a 7.5 tonne lorry to pull it off. This is a picture of a 12 year old Matthew, after a hard day's graft, posing by the truck. He was undoubtably fantasizing about driving it. Little did he know one day he’d be driving something 35 tonnes heavier, all over Europe, with 3 more axles and 10 more wheels.
1991
A momentous occasion for the De-Machen family, John acquires his first job beyond UK borders. Taking both sons, Matthew and James, the De-Machens head to Menorca for the owner of Excel windows. Excel windows is an Orpington based firm on the Cray Avenue who many of you will probably know if you reside in the south of England. Matthew could’ve only dreamt that one day he would end up with a yard of his own just next door in the years to come.
1991
A momentous occasion for the De-Machen family, John acquires his first job beyond UK borders. Taking both sons, Matthew and James, the De-Machens head to Menorca for the owner of Excel windows. Excel windows is an Orpington based firm on the Cray Avenue who many of you will probably know if you reside in the south of England. Matthew could’ve only dreamt that one day he would end up with a yard of his own just next door in the years to come.
1990
Pictured above is John’s growing fleet of two Luton vans, parked outside the family home in Chislehurst, Kent. Despite some grumblings from the neighbours, John couldn’t afford a yard just yet. Ann drove one van and John the other. Matthew and his brother, James, aged 11 and 15 at this time, were frequently helping with the loading and unloading in between school. You can even see the J D initials on the bonnet as this was when John was calling himself John Dee.
1986
Shown here is the infamous new Luton van taken on the drive of the family home in Chislehurst, Kent. With a smile, Matthew often reminisces about one such occasion where the engine gave out in Penzance leaving him and his Father stranded. Rather than dwelling on their unfortunate circumstance John instead decided to hire 2 bikes and he and Matthew rode around Penzance for the day shifting a negative experience into an unforgettable one.
1986
Shown here is the infamous new Luton van taken on the drive of the family home in Chislehurst, Kent. With a smile, Matthew often reminisces about one such occasion where the engine gave out in Penzance leaving him and his Father stranded. Rather than dwelling on their unfortunate circumstance John instead decided to hire 2 bikes and he and Matthew rode around Penzance for the day shifting a negative experience into an unforgettable one.
1986
Meet Matthew’s Mother, Ann. Shown saying goodbye to a good old, loyal van. John had decided to trade it in for a bigger vehicle so that he could commit to larger jobs and grow his business further. Whilst supportive of the business, Ann was completely against the idea of trading vehicles and particularly suspicious of the vehicle John has chosen. That new vehicle went on to let John down on multiple occasions and Ann’s premonitions came true. John spent more time rebuilding the engine than he did using it.
1984
Head of the De-Machen family and Matthew’s father, John starts the business Strong Man and Van. Shown here is John’s second van, the first having been a Sherpa van. In local newspapers John was advertising a service of moving single items and small removals jobs in his transit van. Matthew, 5 at this time, remembers going out with him to help. Matthew fondly remembers being in the back of his father’s van, trying to hold all the doors/draws closed on a sideboard while John was going around corners. He reckons at that time his Dad didn’t even know what rope or webbing was.
1984
Head of the De-Machen family and Matthew’s father, John starts the business Strong Man and Van. Shown here is John’s second van, the first having been a Sherpa van. In local newspapers John was advertising a service of moving single items and small removals jobs in his transit van. Matthew, 5 at this time, remembers going out with him to help. Matthew fondly remembers being in the back of his father’s van, trying to hold all the doors/draws closed on a sideboard while John was going around corners. He reckons at that time his Dad didn’t even know what rope or webbing was.
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