The Group Move
The Brief:
A rapidly-growing US Bank with UK Headquarters in London was establishing a new UK operations centre. With a good supply of high quality, cost-effective housing, a large and diverse labour pool, and the largest and fastest growing financial services sector outside London, Manchester was an ideal choice.
Although there was a plentiful supply of high quality potential employees to fill the new roles in Manchester, there was a need to transfer existing employees from London to Manchester to train the new recruits.
The Bank asked Relocation Support Services for cost effective options to house these employees on a temporary basis, anticipating that the project would last for 12 months and there would be a total of 50 employees relocating.
Our Solution:
For the permanent employees relocating, the process was and is straightforward. We offer either a rental or home search programme, including schooling if necessary. Orientation tours of the City are offered either individually or for groups.
To accommodate the temporary employees, we sourced a number of furnished apartments within the City, negotiated the lease on behalf of the Bank, arranged payments and ensured the apartments were ready for the first wave of employees arriving.
Managing a portfolio which at times is in excess of 100 properties, we co-ordinate the arrivals and departures of the employees, ensuring maximum use of the available properties, thus minimising the accommodation costs for the Bank.
Our team dedicated to this account liaise regularly with the HR Team, ensuring that each employee is contacted in advance of their start date and advised of their accommodation details. Prior to their arrival, we ensure that the property is cleaned, the inventory checked, and a welcome grocery and local information pack in place. Transport is arranged from the airport, then he employee is met by one of our representatives who helps them settle in to their new apartment.
When an employee leaves the property is checked and cleaned in anticipation of the next employee arriving. During the period of the tenancy we ensure that all rent and utility bills are correct and paid. We are the point of contact for the employee should problems arise with their property, and we liaise with the landlords and letting agents to rectify such issues.
Four years and 450 employees later, we are still going strong!