More than 250 HR and relocation professionals from around the world and across the relocation and global mobility sector gathered in May to honour the winners of the Relocate Awards 2017.London’s spectacular Science Museum was the perfect setting in which to celebrate the tenth anniversary of relocation’s most established and prestigious awards, while looking forward to a future that promises to be full of rapid change and innovation for global businesses and those responsible for managing employee mobility.Speaking before the gala dinner, Fiona Murchie, Relocate’s managing editor, explained that this special anniversary event was a fantastic opportunity to take stock of how far relocation had evolved over the last decade, imagine the workforce of the future and how different industry sectors might evolve to meet new challenges, and raise awareness of global mobility’s role in supporting business growth and recruiting and retaining talent.

Inspiring excellence and innovation

The Science Museum’s Exploring Space and Making the Modern World galleries provided the ideal backdrop to an evening that brought together academics, industry and mobility experts to create a platform for collaboration and growth and promote excellence and innovation.At the drinks reception that preceded the dinner, guests mingled with specially invited Innovation Ambassadors – experts from a range of disciplines, including space, education, international HR, engineering, removals, and the SME arena – to find out about the latest developments in their sectors and start conversations about how mobility could help to nurture the workforce of the future and meet evolving skills needs. Guests were inspired to take their organisations to the next level.Fiona Murchie says, “This was an opportunity for the people who are driving their businesses forward to connect with other disciplines, mingle with academics, and cross-pollinate ideas. From the space sector to engineering, construction and the education and SME sectors, we heard about the cutting-edge developments that are on the agenda for international organisations and those competing in a fast-paced global market.”The Innovation Ambassadors were:

• Michelle McDowell, principal and chair of civil and structural engineering at international architecture, design, engineering and urbanist practice BDP

• Michael F Dickmann, professor of international HRM at Cranfield School of Management

• Mark Gilman, professor of SME growth and development at Birmingham City Business School

• Jesse van Sas, secretary-general of FIDI, the global association of quality-certified moving companies

• Charlotte Avery, president of the Girls’ Schools Association

Relocate is very grateful to all of them for helping to make the evening such a success.Giving enthralling informal demonstrations at the reception were Professor Anu Ojha, director of education and space communications at the National Space Academy, and his colleagues, Dr Kierann Shah and Amy Bradshaw. Ably assisted by two of their students, they inspired guests to think about the global careers of the future in the context of space.Host and keynote speaker Maggie Philbin, the popular TV and radio broadcaster and CEO of TeenTech, an award-winning organisation that helps young people to understand the opportunities available in science, technology and engineering, mingled with guests to celebrate success and good practice in all aspects of relocation and facilitate more great conversations.Guests also had the chance to meet experts from across industry sectors and global mobility professionals supporting talent on the move, including immigration, HR, relocation services and education specialists.

New initiatives for global mobility

Following on from this successful innovation-themed event, Relocate is launching a number of new initiatives for the global mobility sector, with the aim of supporting talent development and the growth and voice of global mobility, inspiring future generations of school and university students, and creating a bridge between employers and talent of the future.

• Special interest forums – Lively discussion, knowledge-sharing and networking. Virtual forums to engage our global readership, with some live, face-to-face events

• Study tours – To specific regions, to find out more about countries or industry sectors

• Global Mobility Toolkit – Webinars and videos, building on the knowledge streams covered by our factsheet downloads

• CSR projects – To help connect employers with schools and inspire and prepare Generation Z to excel in the careers of the future

If you would like to be involved, please contact Fiona Murchie via enquiries@relocatemagazine.com

Award winners

This year’s ten Relocate Awards recognised individuals, teams, policy and innovation. View the shortlist.Our short case studies give a flavour of our winners and the secrets of their success.

• Technological Innovation – Joint winners: PWC and MoveAssist

• HR Team of the Year – O2 HR Team

• Outstanding HR and Supplier Partnership – Clearview Relocation and Edwards

• Best Serviced Apartment Provider – Cheval Residences

• Best Relocation Management Company – NEI Global Relocation

• Best International Removals Provider – Gerson Relocation

• Immigration Team of the Year – Smith Stone Walters

• Destination Services Provider of the Year – Clearview Relocation

• Excellence in Employee and Family Support – Simply Learning Tuition

• Exceptional Contribution to Relocation – Nancy Dickinson, FOCUS

Full coverage of the Awards can be found in the special Awards supplement of our Summer issue magazine

2018 awards

The Relocate team is already hard at work to ensure we build on the success of this year’s awards to make next year’s even bigger and better!To heighten recognition for your business and all those working in relocation, and to reward and promote best practice, talent and innovation, why not sponsor one of relocation’s most established and prestigious awards? Supporter opportunities are also available.Find out about our fantastic 2017 sponsors and supporters.

Following this year's innovation-themed gala dinner, the Relocate team is already hard at work to ensure we build on the success of the Relocate Awards 2017 and make next year’s even bigger and better.

Promote your business: Sponsor the Relocate Awards 2018

Watch the video highlights of the Gala Dinner and Awards presentation here

Get access to our free Global Mobility Toolkit

Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory

 

^{© 2017. This article first appeared in the Summer 2017 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.}