Addressing the more than 100 global mobility and relocation professionals, suppliers and specialists who attended Relocate Global’s annual International Networking Reception in London in February, managing editor Fiona Murchie highlighted some key issues and developments in the corporate global relocation sector and Relocate’s offering.The event was held to welcome delegates attending Worldwide ERC’s London Summit and bring together members of Relocate’s global community.Said Fiona Murchie, “It’s great to see so many people from around the world here tonight. I know we have guests from the USA, France, Denmark and Germany, as well as Singapore, Australia and Dubai, representing so many sectors, including the education and schools community, which are so crucial to keeping relocating families on the move.“I would like to begin by thanking our sponsors, The TAS Alliance powered by The Apartment Service. This is the fourth year that they have supported this event.“The TAS Alliance and The Apartment Service have asked me to say that they are delighted to sponsor, once again, this wonderful global get-together of professional relocation, global mobility, HR and suppliers to the industry. The TAS Alliance, powered by The Apartment Service, continues to go from strength to strength, already representing over 44,000 units globally through its seven sales, supply and operational offices, in New York, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona and Singapore.“The team wish all delegates, exhibitors and attendees at WERC tomorrow a productive and successful conference.”Hear what Jo Layton, managing director of group commercial sales for The Apartment Service, said at the reception:

Relocate Awards 2017: entry deadline looming

Fiona Murchie continued, “We’re also here tonight to remind you that the deadline for entering this year’s Relocate Awards is 31 March, so there are only five weeks left to submit your entry.“This is a very special year, as it is the awards’ tenth anniversary. We would like to see even more entries showcasing the invaluable and cutting-edge work of those across the profession, from HR global mobility specialists to HR in areas such as talent and change management teams – not forgetting the full range of relocation specialists and experts in areas such as immigration, finance and property, who are part of the jigsaw that keeps companies and organisations growing and able to respond to challenges and change. “We’d like to encourage even more international entries this year. There is the opportunity to find out more at this reception and meet sponsors and winners. With ten categories, there’s plenty to choose from – and it’s free to enter.”Dr Susan Shortland, who has been a member of the judging panel since the awards began, then described some of the benefits of entering the Relocate Awards.Said Dr Shortland, “It is highly satisfying and motivational to be appreciated and recognised as making a difference. Being part of the Relocate Awards provides public acknowledgement of excellence and highlights success stories. The awards also enable the opportunity to have outstanding work showcased.“Entering the awards raises your status and profile, demonstrating your professionalism and exceptional achievements. It also provides a really thoughtful way to thank staff, colleagues, partners and clients as you demonstrate the valuable part that they have played in the achievement of relocation industry excellence.”

Showcasing innovation, igniting enthusiasm

After thanking Professor Shortland for her contribution, Fiona Murchie said, “The Relocate Awards are established as the top accolade for HR and relocation professionals, so do enter, and help us make this year’s the best yet.“Find out more via the fully resourced awards section of our website, with plenty of hints and tips on writing that winning submission. Sign up for our awards podcasts and newsletters to find out more.“We hope you’ll join us on 11 May for the Gala Awards Dinner, which this year will be held at the Science Museum, a stunning venue chosen to showcase the great innovations happening across so many industry sectors. You’ll have seen our coverage of the space industry and some of the spin-off technologies.“We want to ignite enthusiasm – and not only for science, technology and engineering and the digital skills that are so important for leading-edge companies. We’re looking for companies with great stories to tell that can be ambassadors for the innovations in their industry sector that will inspire young people to be global leaders of the future.“The gala dinner will be a fabulous night, celebrating all that is best in global mobility and giving you the opportunity to connect with leading companies from a different perspective. If you want to be part of this festival of global mobility and put relocation and global mobility on the map, then talk to us about how you can get involved as we connect, employers, schools, higher education and those doing groundbreaking work across science, technology and engineering in many sectors – from retail to biomed, pharmaceuticals, robotics and space.”Richard Inglis, business development director at SIRVA, explained how Relocate Global brought together those working in global mobility:

Launch of UK and international education guides

Announcing the publication of Relocate Global’s new Guide to Education & Schools in the UK, Fiona Murchie explained that inspiring future generations was critical if they were to take their place in the world and make a difference.She added, “The guide’s unique editorial content, beautiful illustrations and high-quality production make it a first in the global mobility market for HR decision-makers, those responsible for relocation and managing global teams, and relocating parents.“As another tool to help you steer families through the transition and change that are inevitable in moving and establishing a new network and sense of home, the guide will be invaluable in supporting the work you do in sourcing schools and accommodation.“It will help you deal confidently with parents who need to secure school places in their new location, smooth the path for families choosing schools, and minimise the risk of costly assignment failure for your corporate clients.“The guide is also ideal to give to relocatees, whether they are in the early stages of considering a relocation offer or embarking on an international assignment or domestic move, to help them make informed choices about schooling options.“Co-branding options are available across print and digital. Please get in touch as soon as possible if you would like to secure additional copies for relocating parents, your corporate clients, and/or colleagues in regional offices.“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the creation of the UK guide and the new 2017 edition of the Guide to International Education & Schools, to be published in early March: the schools that have supported this project and provided wonderful photographs and editorial comment; the education consultants, experts and associations who have generously contributed and shared their knowledge and expertise: and, of course, our own editorial and design team, who have done such a fabulous job.

Engaging with the global mobility community

“We look forward to seeing some of you tomorrow at the WERC conference. We want to engage with you to grow Relocate Global’s community, which embraces HR and employers, global managers and the relocation profession, and sectors from property and schools to finance, immigration, health and security.“You can also contribute via the website, social media or email. Join us for some great conversations.“We’re already planning ways to engage across webinars and video to complement our Global Mobility Toolkit, which is designed to support organisations seeking opportunities in an increasingly globalised world. It provides information, practical advice and support for HR (whether they are new to mobility or experienced practitioners), global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas in a range of sectors, from automotive to oil and gas.“The toolkit covers a wide range of hot topics – from immigration, relocation policy design, talent management, tax, pensions and technology to security, risk management, and the full range of family and employee support topics, including property, cultural awareness and language skills.“Underpinned by best practice and written by a team of experts, academics and leading practitioners, these resources will give you the structure to address modern-day global mobility issues in your organisation and make sure your decision-making team is up to speed with the processes involved.“We’ll be exploring productivity and engagement with some fantastic case studies, but we invite you to tell us what you need to talk about, especially as regards science and technology and stories of how companies are engaging with schools and higher education to help young people enter the workforce of the future.“And finally, thank you for coming tonight. We look forward to receiving your entries for the Relocate Awards and hearing how we can help you to grow your organisations. Watch this space!”Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory  Get access to our free Global Mobility Toolkit