Jayne Constantinis, the Host of the Relocate and Think Global People Awards for the second year, was enthusiastic to introduce a live element to another ground-breaking Virtual Awards Ceremony.WATCH THE REPLAY HEREHer unique experience, live announcing on BBC TV; business reporting on BBC World; fronting corporate programmes for blue-chip companies and moderating and speaking at live events made her the perfect fit for the Awards' global audience, watching the hybrid virtual ceremony unfold.It was fun, it was lively and full of surprises. Most importantly it was all about the people, and showed their professionalism, care and passion.“Suddenly, there was hope of summer, and of good things to come.“And that is what I want to capture for you ALL today.  A sense of being out in the country, somewhere special that you love, put your worries behind you after a tempestuous year and celebrate with us today, here in Lamberhurst, in the beautiful Weald of Kent”, said Fiona Murchie describing her vision for a memorable tribute to the important global mobility and international management sector.

Judges’ comment

Dr Sue Shortland, Head Judge and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Westminster and Professor Emerita at London Metropolitan University, had this to say about the quality of the entries.“This year the judges were looking to see how the entrants had managed the challenging circumstances arising from the pandemic and how they managed to achieve excellence during adversity. We were certainly not disappointed. In fact, we were inspired by the amazing outcomes achieved. Award entrants all achieved great things - coping admirably during the difficult circumstances that 2020/1 brought. The winners truly excelled in their respective categories, demonstrating exciting and novel approaches to ensuring great service as well as demonstrating support for their clients and their own staff.The level of care for staff wellbeing, and also the support given to individuals and families on the move, was truly overwhelming. The entrants and winners are all to be congratulated on their inspirational efforts.”The Judging Panel also included Mark Ethelston, Global Mobility Consultant and Paul Williamson, Head of Talent Development at the Ambassador Theatre Group. Above left: Paul WilliamsonAbove right: Mark Ethelston“In a year where people have felt disconnected and cut off from family, friends and colleagues, it’s a real privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate the people and companies who have made a real positive impact”, said Paul Williamson, Head of Talent Development at the Ambassador Theatre Group and a member of the Judging Panel.Mark Ethelston, Judge and Global Mobility Consultant confirmed "It's been an opportunity for companies & service providers to really show their dedication to their clients, really go above and beyond in terms of the service level that they provide"

Over 50 companies were shortlisted

Over 50 companies entered the Awards in 2021 from all around the globe including India, Singapore, Malaysia, USA, France, Germany, Australia and the UK.“The mobility industry and those across international management have seized the opportunity to innovate and adapt their services, and improve their talent management, wellbeing and engagement. They have pushed the boundary in technology and are embracing new working practices. This is a sector that is resilient, agile and passionate about putting people at the heart of what they do and driving growth in economies around the world”, said Fiona Murchie, Managing Editor, Relocate and Relocate Global on running the Awards now in their 14^th year.See the details of our 13 winners for 2021 here:

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations go to:

Heart Relocation

Frasers Hospitality

Supercity Aparthotels

Topia

NetExpat

Safe Passage Across Networks

Elite Woodhams Relocation

IKAN Relocation Services India 

International School Ho Chi Minh City

Santa Fe Relocation in partnership with E.on

Fragomen for The Fragomen Immigration School

Santa Fe Relocation

'Powered by Purpose' by Sarah Rozenthuler

Highly Commended

Week2Week Serviced ApartmentsSynergy Global HousingAltoVitaEnjoy EducationPerchPeekRelo JapanThe International School of LondonGlobally Grounded and Sea Change Mentoring

Sponsors thrilled to be involved

Billy Hughes, UK Area Manager, The Ascott Limited spoke for global organisation as a sponsor.“I am pleased to present the award on behalf of The Ascott Limited for the category of Destination Service Provider of the Year. This award recognises the important of delivering a superior and expertise experience in the delivery of destination services to ensure that individuals, and their whole family, feel settled and happy in their new home.”Commenting on attending the live filming and ceremony he said,“It’s so good to be networking today with colleagues and friends. It marks a big step forward to normality.”Alastair Hunt, Santa Fe Relocation, Sponsor of the Best Serviced Apartment Provider – Regional/Global category said, “I’d like to thank all of our partners who help deliver excellence for our assignees all over the world. We understand the importance of having a good, serviced apartment provider and the support they give us in our industry.”Mike Herbert, Director of Admissions & Market Growth, International School Ho Chi Minh City, Sponsor of the Excellence in Education Consultancy/Support Award was thrilled to present the Award virtually from Vietnam to Dr Douglas Ota, Chair of Safe Passage Across Networks for The Nest.  Dr Ota accepted the Award from The Netherlands reflecting the truly international nature of the awards and enthusiasm to take part from around the world.Simon Johnson also attended the Virtual Awards Ceremony filmed live in Kent, in his capacity as Chair of the Association of Relocation Professionals (ARP). He is CEO of Icon Relocation.Commenting on the impact of COVID for ARP members he said, “ It is a very mixed bag. The interesting thing is that a lot of innovation has come out of it”.“One of the key innovations has been virtual house hunts and the aspects around that. Before it used to be that you have someone sitting in a hotel. The agents do the first sweep then we would go around ourselves and then we would go and filter them down to one or two properties. That way really minimises the risk of Covid. But of course, while you’re doing that, our clients are being productive too, especially in the busy rental market. It saves time. Why don’t we keep doing that? It actually works. For some people, we can still take them out for the day and show them ten properties, or we can do it this way.“Obviously technology is everywhere too. It doesn’t change the service. It just makes it easier and brings things alive.”He explained the ARP have an all-party parliamentary group set up and MPs are debating relocation.He went on to say, “Relocation matters – it is a multi-billion-pound business and we are trying to get the government to recognise that. The government wants the world’s top talent to come to us, so why not make it easy?”We are grateful to our Supporters: EuRA, FOCUS, AoEC, ASAP and ARPSee the photographs on Facebook.See the Virtual Awards Ceremony reply here.

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