Bristol Zoological Society case study

Education

Bristol Zoological Society is a conservation and education charity dedicated to protecting wildlife both in the UK and around the world. Guided by its mission, “Saving Wildlife Together,” the organisation works to conserve endangered species, restore habitats

Requirement

Bristol Zoological Society, a global conservation and education charity with a mission of “Saving Wildlife Together,” required a relocation partner to move its final teams from the historic Clifton site at short notice. The move involved sensitive, high-value laboratory and veterinary equipment, as well as IT infrastructure and office assets. The organisation needed a provider who could deliver a reliable, efficient, and flexible service within a tight timeframe, while accommodating potential changes to scope.

Solutions

Following a competitive procurement process, Pickfords was selected to manage the relocation. A tailored programme was agreed to align with the client’s schedule and operational needs.

The scope of work included:

Relocation of specialist laboratory and veterinary equipment such as -80 freezers, X-ray machines, operating tables, fume cupboards, microscopes, and centrifuges
Decommissioning of IT systems
Provision of packing support, including crates for staff use
Transportation of additional furniture and equipment

Despite additional items being introduced beyond the original scope, Pickfords maintained flexibility and ensured the project stayed on track. The team demonstrated strong coordination, professionalism, and care in handling complex and heavy equipment.

Approach to H&S

Pickfords implemented a robust, safety-first approach throughout the relocation, ensuring the secure handling of specialist laboratory, veterinary, and IT equipment. Experienced personnel followed appropriate manual handling and decommissioning procedures, supported by a structured and pre-agreed programme of works. Despite changes to the project scope, high safety standards were consistently maintained, enabling the move to be completed efficiently and without incident.

Summary

Pickfords successfully delivered a complex relocation project within the agreed timeframe, despite evolving requirements. The team’s ability to manage specialist equipment, adapt to scope changes, and maintain high service standards resulted in a smooth transition for Bristol Zoological Society.