Championing creativity and leadership in global mobility
Relocate Award winners took a bow at a fabulous evening in one of London’s finest locations where the excitement, drama, wit and warmth of Shakespeare’s plays was matched by relocation’s finest players.
27 June 2018
Excitement mounted as over 200 guests from across HR and relocation gathered at yet another iconic venue, from all over the world including India, US and Europe to celebrate excellence across their professions at the prestigious annual Relocate Awards Gala Dinner.
The Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London was an idyllic setting for celebrating the achievements of some remarkable individuals and companies across the global mobility sector. The creativity and Shakespearean theme tying in neatly to the launch of the first ever Festival of Global Mobility Thinking the next day – inspiring mobility professionals to think strategically.
During dinner, guests were treated to spectacular acting and a hilarious, finely-crafted, eight-minute performance of Hamlet with some enthusiastic audience participation.The magical setting and playful nature of the evening in the intimate circular ballroom lent itself perfectly to conversation and networking.Guest Neil Bothams, chief executive of Santa Fe Europe and Asia Pacific said, “It is a fabulous venue. We were invited in true Shakespearean style surrounded here by real theatre and drama, which is definitely the everyday life of someone working in the relocation business.”
Special Award: Lifetime
achievement in relocation –
Elaine Crowe The slick and enjoyable presentation ceremony directed by the lively Master of Ceremonies brought a sense of drama and occasion to proceedings. The formalities were concluded by rapturous applause and a standing ovation as a special commendation for Lifetime Achievement in Relocation was awarded to Elaine Crowe formerly of the Rank Group, Chair of RUG and a longstanding judge for the Relocate Awards, for her major contribution to the relocation profession in the UK and Europe.Andrea Piacentini, co-founder of the Res Forum, which sponsored the first Award for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion with its Learning Lab, captured the flavour of the evening, “The venue is outstanding. Everything, from the food to the entertainment, has been excellent. It’s a great concept and wonderful to see all the relocation industry together in one room.”
Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory
©2018. This article first appeared in the Summer 2018 edition of Relocate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.
This article is taken from the Summer 2018 issue of Relocate Magazine where you can find a full Awards supplement.
A night to remember
Guests were treated to an exuberant invitation to make merry and received a warm welcome at the champagne reception from actors in period costume. Many were taken completely by surprise by a sonnet or a burst of witty Shakespearean repartee as they explored the treasures of The Globe’s fascinating theatrical history in the circular gallery.Rohit Kumah, of IKAN Relocations thoroughly enjoyed the setting. “The venue is excellent. In India, we grew up being taught Shakespeare at school and it really does raise the spirits, which is very good for tonight’s celebrations. It really is thinking outside of the box and I look forward to seeing what they come up with next year!”Recognising global success
“It’s amazing to see everyone come out at the Relocate Awards,” said Colin Fernandez of London-based Arlington House Apartments. “What’s really good is to be able to put a face to the name of people we interact with on a daily basis. This is the best time for everyone to enjoy the fruits of their labour and to admire everyone’s hard work and see their achievements recognised.”Impressed by the sheer scale and spectacle of the event was professor emerita at London Metropolitan University, Dr Sue Shortland, one of the longstanding judges for the Relocate Awards. “This is such a well-attended event and in such a novel location, which really lends itself well to these celebrations. To win, or not to win? That is the question many here are asking.”Introducing the evening’s awards ceremony, Fiona Murchie, managing editor said, “It’s been an absolutely fantastic year for entries, with submissions flooding in from all parts of the world. Last year, we celebrated innovation at the Science Museum, this year we wanted to embrace creativity and what better place to have held the awards than Shakespeare’s home on the Southbank to celebrate global success in the world of mobility.”“With Brexit looming, the growth of new sectors and advances in technology from AI to fintech, the sector is being forced to meet huge changes. Global mobility and HR professionals helping companies move their people are at the cutting edge of making sure companies can seamlessly operate around the world and grow their businesses,” she added.A rewarding experience
During the festivities, Mr Bothams added, “It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what we do in our industry, the people we look after and the people who do the looking after and put them in the limelight for a change. A lot of the time in the service industry you’re working for someone else’s benefit and so it’s nice to pause and reflect on what makes the whole experience rewarding.”He enthused, “It’s really important for people to get recognition for what they’ve done in the industry both as an organisation and individually. It also gives a lot of encouragement, which is great.”achievement in relocation –
Elaine Crowe
New categories launched
The Relocate Awards are really pushing the boundaries and responding to current and emerging trends not only in the sector but universally. To reflect this, four new awards were introduced this year.- Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion
- School Offering Outstanding Relocation Support
- Inspiring Future Careers – Best Employer & Schools Initiative
- Best Mobility Research Contribution
Read all about our 2018 winners
HR/GLOBAL MOBILITY & PARTNERSHIPS
Best International HR or Mobility Initiative – Sponsored by Santa Fe Relocation
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion – Sponsored by RES Forum Learning Lab
Outstanding HR & Mobility Supplier Partnership
IMMIGRATION
Immigration Team of the Year
TECHNOLOGY
Best Technological Innovation – Corporate Support – Sponsored by ABODA by RESIDE
Best Technological Innovation – Employee & Family Support
MOBILITY SERVICES/SUPPLIERS
Best Relocation Management Company
Best Serviced Apartment Provider
Excellence in Employee & Family Support
Destination Services Provider of the Year
WINNER, UK AND EUROPE
WINNER, REST OF WORLD & GLOBAL
Best International Removals Provider – Sponsored by FIDI Global Alliance
EDUCATION & SCHOOLS
School Offering Outstanding Relocation Support
Inspiring Future Careers
BEST EMPLOYER & SCHOOL(S) INITIATIVE
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
RESEARCH
Best Mobility Research Contribution
Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory ©2018. This article first appeared in the Summer 2018 edition of Relocate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein. 
