AWARDS
A NIGHT OF
MAGIC & SURPRISES
T
his year’s Re:locate Awards presentation saw record attendance, with nearly 250 guests from across the international corporate relocation sector, including HR, global managers and
suppliers, gathering for a black-tie dinner to celebrate the winners. The venue for this glittering occasion was The Brewery, an elegant
18th-century building in the City of London brought into the 21st century as a sophisticated corporate events venue. Its location, in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant financial centres and just around the corner from Shoreditch and Tech City, made it, said Re:locate’s managing editor, Fiona Murchie, “a fitting location in which to bring together the best and the brightest in the relocation sector, who are driving the global mobility agenda”. Guests came from as far afield as India, the USA and Switzerland.
This year, too, more than 50 per cent of the entries were from outside the UK – confirmation of the awards’ global reputation, which is underpinned by a rigorous, independent judging process. In many cases, the judges said, these international submissions were particularly strong.
“One of the best and most memorable industry events. It was a joy to see so many great people gathered together in a
new and perfect venue.” Anna Barker, R3Location
Our ten categories recognised, between them, HR and service
providers, with awards for technological innovation, HR teams, HR and supplier partnerships, relocation management companies, serviced apartment companies, immigration teams, international removals providers, employee support, and destination services providers. The entries reflected the new sectors and specialists arriving on the
scene as the number of disciplines involved in global mobility increases in response to growing complexity and globalisation. Technology and immigration were two areas that attracted a large
number of entries again this year. Many were of exceptional quality. The shortlist in the Technological Innovation category included solutions
“This is a really fabulous evening. The venue is amazing, and the
entertainment has been brilliant.” Tom Meertens, Oakwood Worldwide
As the latest surveys show (see p20 and p22), compliance continues
to be one of the greatest challenges for companies that are relocating employees and their families, so it’s not surprising that providers of specialist immigration services were keen to showcase their offering in the Immigration Team of the Year category. An immigration services provider was highly commended in the Outstanding HR & Supplier Partnership category.
Unforgettable entertainment The evening began with a drinks reception. Guests were intrigued and entertained by two magicians, who later moved between the dinner tables. During a seasonally inspired dinner prepared by The Brewery’s
top-class chefs, guests, who had been promised surprises throughout the evening, were astonished when three of the waiters started to exchange comic banter. It soon became clear that these apparent rivals were, in fact,
accomplished entertainers. As The Three Waiters, their interactions with each other and their audience, and their spirited performance of everything from Nessun Dorma and the Toreador Song to That’s Amore, had guests waving their napkins and clapping along. Host and master of ceremonies John Simonett, whose varied CV
includes membership of the Inner Magic Circle, had a few surprises of his own in store, including what may have been the world’s first card trick via Twitter. As he pointed out, his experience as a schoolteacher and a professional rugby player no doubt stood him in good stead when it came to keeping the awards presentation moving and his enthusiastic audience in order.
to the latest relocation industry challenges, with outstanding examples of efficiency gains, improved customer experience, modernisation, and added value (see p18).
34 | Re:locate | Summer 2016
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68