In this issue, we find out how our sector has risen to the challenges posed by keeping the relocation show on the road during the 2012 Olympics. We also examine the expansion of the US’s Global Entry programme, discover why so many Australians and New Zealanders are returning to their home countries, report on property prices in key global cities, and investigate Oxford’s appeal for relocating families. Plus we bring you news of Re:locate’s forthcoming HR Mobility Knowledge Share Conference: sign up now!



There’s lots to look forward to in the Autumn 2012 edition of Re:locate magazine (out September), including three international features. Following on from the well-received USA coverage in our Autumn 2011 edition, and reflecting Re:locate’s role as media partner for the prestigious HR Excellence Conference and Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium, to be held in Washington DC, one of this issue’s highlights will be a focus on the USA and its enduring appeal as a relocation destination during this presidential election year. We’ll also analyse the relocation scene in Australia, exploring the current issues for employers there, and for those managing international assignments to the region.

To complement our country coverage, our education features will have a special international schools’ focus looking at the issues facing families relocating to Australia and the USA. And, as the new academic year begins, we’ll provide a timely update on education changes in the UK and tips on finding school places. Keep your knowledge up to date by following our education editor, Rebecca Marriage, via the Re:locate website, and refer your relocating employees to the Smart Move website, where they can access high-quality information on education and a range of other topics.

Keep in touch through Re:locate’s international quarterly magazine, leading website, www.relocatemagazine.com, and daily RSS news feeds. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Fiona Murchie
Managing Editor

TOP STORIES THIS MONTH

Olympics high: the Brits pulled it off! 

The London 2012 Olympics have been a source of pride and inspiration for the whole of the UK. Fiona Murchie, Re:locate’s managing editor, examines how relocation has risen to the challenges of this very busy period, and how the lessons learnt this summer can be used to ensure the sector’s – and the country’s – future success.

The smile on the face of Mo Farah, which appeared on front pages around the world when he won the 5,000 metres, said it all.

Olympic enthusiasm gripped the nation, kindled by the Olympic torch touring the country ahead of the Games. People across the nation turned out in all weathers to catch a glimpse and share the stories of the torch carriers, and to take pride in showcasing their part of the country.

Read more... 

Expansion of the United States Global Entry programme 

The United States Global Entry programme allows quick and easy clearance for pre-approved international travellers arriving in the US. Here, Aisling Ryan, of Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP, gives Re:locate readers the inside track on its expansion.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programme, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk international travellers arriving in the US, has recently expanded to include citizens of the Republic of Korea.

Known as Global Entry, the programme allows certain pre-approved travellers to use kiosks at designated airports to scan their travel documents, provide digital fingerprints, and answer customs declaration questions, thus reducing waiting times and paperwork for certain eligible travellers.

Read more... 

Australian and Kiwi expats return home for better job opportunities, survey suggests 

As fears of a triple-dip recession loom large in the UK, Australian and Kiwi expats are returning home in droves, according to Track Me Back, an online jobs community that links expat workers in the UK with firms in Australia and New Zealand.

A healthy economy and better job opportunities in Australia are luring thousands of expats back home as Australia’s jobs growth rate hits an eight-year high and unemployment in Europe reaches record levels.

Home Office figures show that the number of Australian citizens entering the UK for employment has dropped by 35% over the past three years, while the number of New Zealanders has fallen by 40%.

Read more... 

Prime property prices in key global cities see strongest growth since 2010 

New research shows that, during the second quarter of 2012, prime property in the world’s key cities saw its strongest price growth since late 2010, with cities in Asia’s emerging economies leading the way.

Prime prices across the 27 cities monitored by Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index increased by 3.5% in the 12 months to June 2012.

Since its low in the second quarter of 2009, the index, which tracks the performance of the top 5% of mainstream housing markets, has been largely subdued, recording average quarterly growth of 0.8%.

Read more... 

Oxford: its appeal for relocating families 

As Re:locate reported earlier this month (Estate agent: London property prices 'filtering out'), the commuter hotspot of Oxford has seen an increase in buyers from London that has driven prime property prices up by 2.5%, according to the latest Knight Frank Prime Country House Index.

Against the background of a decline in the value of prime country property for the fifth consecutive quarter, what sets Oxford apart from the rest of the country – and, indeed, the rest of the South East?

Read more... 

ARP appoints new chair 

Simon Robins, sales manager of corporate relocations company Connells Relocations Services, has been elected the new chairman of the Association of Relocation Professionals (ARP), with immediate effect.

Said Mr Robins, “I am delighted and honoured to become the new chair of the ARP. My predecessor, Alison Van Dalen, will certainly be a hard act to follow, but I am determined to carry on her excellent work of moving the association forward during my time in office.

Re:locate Awards 2012/13: a few sponsorship opportunities still available 

We are delighted to announce that seven of the 10 categories in this year’s Re:locate Awards have now been sponsored.

Don’t miss this chance to position your organisation at the forefront of the industry through association with relocation’s premier awards! With a choice of categories for HR and service providers, there’s sure to be one that’s a perfect fit for your company.

Take a look at the fabulous 25-page supplement in our Summer 2012 issue for an idea of the extensive coverage we offer.  

Jobs

There are many great jobs on our website, relevant to you and your skills. The top ‘HOT  JOBS’ are listed below, including new jobs posted online since the last  Re:locate Extra. To view all job opportunities, click here.

Property Advisor
International Assignment Consultant
Senior UK Corporate Immigration Consultant
UK Immigration Consultant
Mobility Consultant
Relocation Coordinator
Tenancy Consultant
Global Mobility Consultant
International Assignment Manager
Assignment Manager
Global Immigration Manager
Global Immigration Consultant
UK Immigration Consultant
Transportation Coordinator
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager - Paris
Assistant International Assignment Manager
Immigration Consultant
Account Manager Relocation Services
MOVE MANAGER - Central London

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