Much of our time is spent solving problems,” says Debbie Ward, relocation manager, Clearview Relocation – winners of the Best Destination Services Provider Award at the recent Relocate Awards.“A good structure and strong processes provide the backbone, but we try not to be blinkered by them. We are, after all, dealing with individuals and their loved ones, so there are times when we look at the situation and realise it requires a very different approach.”

Relocating with pets

Pets can present challenges when looking for accommodation. Take, for example, a recent move where a family of four was relocating from South Carolina in the US to Devon in the UK. The move was complicated by the family having three large dogs and the location of their move being in prime tourist country where quality accommodation was in short supply due to the demands of the holiday season.As short-term accommodation wasn’t a suitable option, Clearview Relocation found an alternative but as the client couldn’t be in the UK to view it, a video conference, photographs and descriptions were used to convey the details instead.The property needed to be secured quickly, so Clearview led the negotiations – including the erection of a border fence to prevent the dogs roaming onto the neighbouring farm and settled all accounts on behalf of the client, including up-front payments for rent, and furniture rental, ahead of the family’s arrival.

Increase in assignees taking pets abroad

“We have our clients best interests at heart and traditionally take a consultative approach, which helps us build long-lasting relations with both clients and suppliers,” says Ms Ward. “We take advantage of all the experience and knowledge that we have gained over the years.”She says that the company prides itself on attention to detail, great customer care, and an insider’s knowledge of the industry.“Our directors and senior management team remain very much hands-on, so they appreciate what is needed to support the team and get the job done well.”This includes building and nurturing strong partnerships with partners and suppliers.

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Clearview Relocation, winners of the 2018 Relocate Award for Destination Services Provider of the Year – UK and Europe

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“A lot of effort goes into finding and retaining the right people for the team,” she explains. “We aim to provide a smooth transition between our team, partners and suppliers so that the client doesn’t notice the change; in fact it should appear effortless.”Relocating pets are just one example, echoed in a recent report by SilverDoor Apartments, which recently reported in Assignment Destination Hot Spots & Market Rental Trends, that an increasing number of people were opting to take pets with them when they relocated. “In 2017, just over 3 per cent of assignees booked pet friendly serviced apartments,” the report says, “up from 2 per cent in 2016.”

The benefits of using a relocation consultancy

As winners of the award for the second year running, judges praised the warmth and care of their service. “We have an honest and open relationship with clients,” says Ms Ward. “Some move just a few people a year and they rely on advice and guidance from us, whilst others are more experienced. We adapt the level of support we give according to each client’s needs.”Clearview helped a couple who were retiring to the UK after 25 years. They had lived in the Solomon Islands with no real concept of the changes in the property market in terms of availability and pricing.This was a private move, there was no HR involvement and they had no credit history in the UK – or a UK bank account – which meant negotiations with prospective landlords were intense and time-consuming. Yet with Clearview’s efforts, the couple moved in to their new home just 17 days after they landed in the UK.

The latest in technology to support your move

Clearview has recently launched an entry-level service, E-Locate, which utilises the technology available on their App to include recommendations and advice on different areas and locations, various ways of renting a property and help with planning a suitable itinerary to meet their timescales.“There are a lot of people who fall under the radar of traditional relocation services because they are not senior enough but the company still wants to give them support,” she adds. “This will help bridge the gap.”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.}