EMPLOYEE RELOCATION SERVICES

Home Search

Finding the right property is essential to the assignee settling quickly into their new role, confident in the knowledge that they have a secure place they can call home.

A home search programme will save the assignee time in finding a property and minimize disruption to their work responsibilities.

You can choose from our 1,2 or 3 day accompanied Home Search packages or for lower budget relocations we offer a more concise unaccompanied Home Search option.

Accompanied Home Search service typically includes:

• Detailed needs analysis call with the assignee and spouse/partner to establish requirements and confirm the budget
• Advice and assistance on suitable areas in terms of budget, security, proximity to office/schools etc.
• Research and set up of the property tour
• Collect the assignee and spouse/partner from the hotel or temporary accommodation
• Accompanied viewing of the selected properties; advice on what to look for, note-taking and photographing the properties
• Assistance in compiling a shortlist
• Discussing and submission of the offer
• Lease negotiations – including any requested repair or redecoration of the property
• Basic lease check or Legal Lease review by a registered professional (additional charge)
• Arrange inventory check-in (additional charge)
• Arrange the handover of keys
• Assistance with utility connection – gas, electricity, water
• Area information pack

Un-accompanied Home Search service typically includes:

• Detailed needs analysis call with the assignee and spouse/partner to establish requirements and confirm the budget
• Advice and assistance on suitable locations in terms of budget, security, proximity to office/schools etc.
• Research and set up of property viewings (to be attended unaccompanied by the assignee)
• Assistance in compiling a shortlist
• Discussing and putting forward the offer
• Lease negotiations – including any requested repair or redecoration of the property
• Basic lease check or Legal Lease review by a registered professional (additional charge)
• Arrange inventory check-in (additional charge)
• Arrange the handover of keys

Education Assistance

Finding the right school is vital to the relocating family and can often be a “deal breaker”. Our aim is to assist the family in finding a school where each child will settle quickly and at the same time will be able to realise their educational potential.

Our services range from in depth consultancy over the telephone to a full international school search. Our expert education consultants have a wide knowledge of education in the host country and will ensure the family are informed and supported throughout the process of identifying the school and securing a place.

We will integrate the search for the right school with the home search to ensure that travel arrangements from home to school and work are compatible with the family’s requirements. 

Our Full School Search Programme includes:

• Initial call to identify the individual children’s and family needs. Guidance will be given around the education offering in the host country and how that might differ from current circumstances
• Tailored advice on all the options suitable for an expatriate family, including international schools, state schools, fee-paying and non-fee paying schools, nursery and preschool options
• Report detailing appropriate schools within the new work location, including performance statistics
• Assessment of the availability of places at preferred schools and arranging school visits as required.
• Pre-visit counselling for parents on the questions they should ask and features to be looking for when visiting the schools.
• Accompanied school visits arranged as required( additional charge may apply)
• Post viewing guided review.
• The consultant will guide and assist the family through the application process.
• Special needs assistance available

Removals Services

A full range of Household goods removals, storage and international shipping services door-to-door, to or from anywhere in the world. Visit our UK Moves or International Moves pages to find out more about the range of services available to your assignees.

Serviced Accommodation

Short term serviced accommodation and temporary housing provide your assignees with a comfortable home on arrival in their host location.

Our serviced accommodation services include:

• Research into the local market to find apartments/properties which meet the required budget and other criteria such as proximity to the office, suitability for a family etc.
• Advice on availability of serviced accommodation and any other short term options
• Presentation of the options including links to information and photographs to Global Mobility/assignee
• Negotiation of rental terms and pricing
• Set up of rental agreement
• Assistance in arranging payment
• Extension and termination of the rental agreement

Airport Meet and Greet

A warm welcome from a personal driver or relocation counsellor.

We will arrange to collect the assignee, family and their luggage form the airport and take them to their hotel or temporary accommodation with preferential fares and assistance with luggage.

Area Orientation & Preview Trips

The preview or orientation programme is particularly useful to assist the assignee and spouse or partner in getting to know their host location.

A well-researched accompanied tour based on a detailed analysis of the needs of the assignee and their family can help them to identify suitable areas they’d like to live and help manage expectations in terms of types of property and budget, to evaluate their commute to work and to help them make well-informed decisions and before or after accepting the assignment.

Our services include:

• Detailed needs analysis with the assignee and spouse or partner (where applicable).
• Preparation of the tour itinerary
• Collection from the hotel or office (where applicable)
• Accompanied tour with an expert local area consultant
• Tour of neighbourhoods suitable for expatriates
• Viewings of sample properties within the assignee’s budget
• Advice on commuting times and methods
• Location of schools as required
• General healthcare advice and information
• Driving and parking
• Local amenities such as shops, restaurants, sports facilities, places of worship, theatre, cinema etc.
• Expatriate clubs and organisations
• Local area information pack
  
  

Settling In

Accompanied and unaccompanied programmes to assist the assignee and family to settle into the host location.

The procedures and paperwork required to set up personal and family life in a new country vary widely and assistance can greatly ease the transition and reduce frustration at local bureaucracy – especially where there is a language barrier and cultural differences. 

Our settling-in service can assist with:

• Opening a bank account.
• Obtaining and setting up a mobile phone or SIM card.
• Hiring or purchasing a vehicle
• Advice on driving and obtaining a license in the host country.
• Integration programmes for partners.
• Assistance with an appointment for National Insurance registration.
• Assistance for purchase or rental of appliances and furniture or Interior Design services.
• Advice and assistance in setting up utilities, cable TV, telephone and Internet services.
• Registering with local authorities and setting up accounts including council tax.
• Advice and guidance in arranging insurance e.g. contents insurance.
• Registering with local doctor and dentist and guidance regarding host country emergency services.
• Introduction to local shopping, leisure and social facilities.
• Introduction to local domestic service providers including cleaning and gardening.

This list is not exhaustive and we are happy to provide support in any area which the employee requires. With our relocation packages, we typically provide up to 7 hours of settling in support, either face to face or remotely - usually a combination of the two.

Furniture Rental

Flexible, affordable and fast furniture rental options worldwide.

We offer an extensive range of stock to cater for all tastes and budgets to help assignees furnish their home with the essentials (and luxuries where required) to make their move as easy and as smooth as possible.

Furniture rental provides a great, cost effective option for assignees moving to unfurnished or part furnished accommodation before their household goods shipment arrives to allow them to settle in quickly.

Departure Services

At the end of the assignment, we can offer a range of services to assist the assignee's repatriation.

We can help with the closedown of the property in the host location and to support the assignee and family in repatriating or moving on to a new assignment.

Our departure service can assist with:

• Serving notice to the landlord of termination of the lease
• Arranging the Inventory check out 
• Closing down utility accounts
• Negotiation of dilapidation and return of the deposit 
• Assistance with de-registration processes
• Arranging of removal and shipping services
• Cultural training programmes to address repatriation issues or to prepare for a new assignment

Cultural Training

Cultural training programmes minimise “culture shock” and help an individual or family understand and adjust to life in the host location.

We offer bespoke programmes designed to address the precise needs of each assignee – whether that be to focus on business culture or social and everyday life challenges – or both! The programme will help with the emotional journey as well as providing detailed information on local culture and customs.

Cultural training can be provided pre assignment or on arrival – face to face, one to one, in groups or remotely via telephone and or online.

Our cultural training services include:

• Diagnostic consultancy and needs analysis
• Programme design
• Management & delivery of the training programme
• Cultural training programmes to address repatriation issues or to prepare for a new assignment

Language Training

Even if the office uses a common language (usually English) it is highly beneficial for the assignee and their accompanying family to gain at least a basic understanding of the local language.

Language training provides individuals the ability to negotiate daily activities with ease and confidence. Language tuition can be provided both pre assignment and on arrival – often the best way is to start learning before the move and continue in the host country.

We offer one to one or family sessions customised to the specific needs of the participants, including conversational focus, written skills or business and technical language.

Partner / Family assistance programme

A range of support for your partner and family in building their new life in the host location.

Very often it is the accompanying spouse or partner who finds it most difficult to settle into life in the host country. We are available to support them in the following ways. 

We can provide support with:

• Confirm whether an accompanying spouse or partner is able to legally undertake paid work in the host location
• Assistance and advice on:
  • How to search and apply for a new job, prepare a CV, contact recruitment agencies
  • Educational opportunities – to study an academic subject or further an interest such as photography, arts and crafts, language skills etc.
  • Volunteering and charity activities
  • Expatriate networks and clubs
  • Local special interest groups such as choirs, drama groups, sports clubs
  • Finding an au pair, nanny or regular babysitter
• Regular calls throughout the assignment to check all is well and provide additional support

Tenancy Management & Lease Renewals

An ongoing support programme throughout the tenancy. Designed to ensure the assignee can feel confident that if any issue arises assistance is at hand including liaison between tenant and landlord, tracking of lease end and renewals as well as ensuring that the tenant fulfils their responsibilities and thus minimizes damage claims at the end of the tenancy.

Services include:

• Liaison between tenant and landlord/managing agent to resolve any maintenance or other issues
• Interim property inspections 
• 3 or 6 monthly calls to the tenant to check all is well and discuss any concerns
• Tracking of the lease end date
• Lease renewal as required, including negotiation of terms
• Monthly property visits

Logistics & Commercial Moving

We provide custom Removals, Storage and Logistics services to support commercial projects.

Our business moving division can assist with a range of commercial solutions such as office moves, retail store expansion or relocation of high value equipment. Visit our Business Moving pages to find out more.

Expense Management

We offer management and payment of ongoing relocation related expenses.

This may include expenses such as rent, school fees, utilities and ad hoc expenses. We provide recording and tracking as well as tax reporting in line with your organisations requirements.

Our expense management service includes:

• Set up of the expense management system and bank account as required
• Receiving and audit of all incoming expenses, querying invoices with suppliers if unusual or incorrect
• Checking ad hoc expenses for compliance with policy, liaising with Global Mobility on any requested exceptions
• Payment of expenses in a timely manner
• Tracking, recording and coding expenses according to your requirements
• Tax reporting as required

Tracking and Reporting

We’ll create a custom account portal for your team to allow you to view real-time information about your assignee relocations and download powerful reports.

We’ll also provide your assignees with their very own Customer Portal to track and manage their individual relocation services online 24/7 if they wish.

Pet Relocation

We know it isn’t always just the human members of a family you have to plan to relocate. We can handle the research, planning and preparation and provide a caring service to make the journey as stress free as possible for you and your pet to make sure the whole family can happily join you in your new home.

Find out more about Bournes Pet Relocation Services.

Service scope can vary depending on the type of pet, its individual requirements and the requirements of the host country however, as an indication of potential services we typically include:

• Consultation: Advice and guidance on owner requirements (e.g. pet passport, vaccinations, microchips etc.)
• Organise and review documentation
• Transport to/from airports
• Trip planning and airline booking services
• IATA travel containers
• Boarding
• Veterinary Health Certificates and Fees
• Customs clearance

Global Mobility Training

Bournes are a training partner to the Expat Academy, helping global mobility professionals build best in class relocation programmes to support their organisations' goals. 

Find out more. 

Vehicle Sourcing

For relocations where shipping a vehicle is not possible, cost effective or not part of an employee’s allowance Bournes offer free of charge assistance with Vehicle Sourcing in a range of countries.

Our service includes negotiating best rates, flexible finance options without a need for local credit history and assistance in arranging insurance. As an alternative to purchase, lease car rental is available in many locations and offers exclusive savings of up to 50% compared to standard corporate rates and is inclusive of insurance.

Currency Transfer

Bournes have teamed up with leading currency experts Moneycorp to help your assignees get more for their money when moving overseas.

They will receive expert guidance on when and how to trade to achieve the best rates of exchange. This helps achieve significant savings vs. their bank without any service fees when transferring savings and making regular payments.

To find out more speak to your Bournes representative or click here to request more information. 

Utility & Services Connection

We've partnered with Please Connect Me to provide a FREE concierge service to help your assignees set up utilities and services, acting as a 'one-stop shop' turning multiple phone calls into one.

• Available in UK, Australia & New Zealand.
• Help with electricity and gas, broadband, phone, pay TV, insurance, mobile phone, council tax and water services.
• Advice & guidance to choose the right services.
• Working with all major providers offering the same or better prices than going direct (save up to £500 through exclusive supplier offers). 
• Advisor remains on hand as first point of contact until services are set up and working.

To take advantage of this fantastic free service, or just to get some more information from the team speak to your Bournes representative or click here to apply online