Delegates from many different areas of relocation took part in Re:locate’s latest networking event, Best Practice in Relocation: meeting the challenges of today and tomorrow, held at the Institute of Directors on 5 November.

Speakers from NATS and PricewaterhouseCoopers shared the secrets of their success in the Re:locate Awards 2007/8, James Walters, of Smith Stone Walters, gave an update on the new points-based immigration system, and Tim Rose, of Connells Relocation, spoke about relocation challenges in the current property market. Sue Shortland, of London Metropolitan University, was in the chair...

Facilitated discussion groups on the themes of Property and Finance, International, Leadership, Communication, and Relocation Policy enabled delegates to share best practice and explore credit crunch challenges. Key points arising from the discussion groups are summarised below.

Judging from the feedback, those who attended found the event extremely useful and appreciated the very interactive nature of the day. Readers can suggest topics for future forums by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more opportunities to share best practice and debate key relocation issues, join our new online forum at www.relocatemagazine.com/forum.

Property and Finance

• Mortgages are becoming slightly easier to obtain, but it’s essential to plug in to the independent broker network and get advice from an independent financial adviser in order to get the best deal
• Employers should be more willing to pay mortgage arrangement fees (which have increased dramatically) on relocatees’ behalf
• Where relocatees are unable to sell, employers could consider supporting them in letting their properties by ensuring they have the necessary expertise to become landlords
• Employers should cut the acceptance period and impose penalties for properties in poor condition
• It’s important for HR to assess the total cost of relocation, including loss on resale, stamp duty, interest costs, tax gross-up, etc

The winter issue of Re:locate includes two property features. Don’t miss them!

International

• In the current economic climate, with international assignments not decreasing, it’s vital to hold steady, manage headcount and costs, plan and share ideas globally
• Assignees must not be ‘out of sight, out of mind’
• Assignees must feel part of the team – a ‘buddy’, or coach, may help
• Provide cross-cultural coaching
• Plan ahead for repatriation and succession
• Outsource, so you’re not having to deal with multiple contacts
• Beyond cost, consider talent and the needs of the business when calculating ROI
• Key performance indicators are crucial
• There should be a greater focus on global strategy, addressing questions such as where, why and at what level staff are needed

See our country profile of the Middle East in the winter issue of Re:locate.

Leadership

• A good leader is a good leader whatever the circumstances. In troubled times, the motto should be ‘business as usual’
• Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture
• Have a strong vision, and communicate it clearly
• Plan ahead
• Be honest, and give honest feedback
• Don’t neglect the team
• Be ruthless if necessary
• Hang on to talent

Communication

• Engaging people is key
• One-to-one verbal communication pays dividends, with written follow-up if necessary
• Don’t be over-reliant on technology
• Integrity, honesty and courage are essential
• Communication channels should be available 24/7
• Involving the employee’s family in the relocation arrangement helps encourage buy-in

Relocation Policy

Key challenges:

• Driving policy forward
• Controlling costs
• Mitigating risk
• Reviewing implementation
• Enriching policy to win the war for talent