All of us on the team are immensely grateful for the extraordinary loyalty of the EuRA Membership that means for the sixth time, we are fully booked for our annual conference. In Malta in April, we have 150 more places than we had available in Zagreb and we were not sure that we would sell out so fast, but we have. The Malta Hilton for those of you who were not with us with us in 2016 is a terrific venue. A large yet still intimate hotel with wonderful grounds and a huge choice of areas to network from the bars and coffee areas, to the conference spaces, out by the pool or on the terrace. It ’s another example of how adaptable and kind the members are that we were able to network so effectively in Zagreb despite smaller spaces and less delegate places available.
It is now EuRA policy to cap the conference numbers at 800. Every year you tell us this is the limit and despite the possibility of selling more spaces and increasing the income from the event, we know all too well that what delegates is great content and effective networking opportunities. This is why we have
planned future events to be capped at that number.
But the conference is not all that EuRA is about! We have been asking members about what they want from the association, the conference, the EGQS and the training in particular and the next few board meetings will be spent developing our programmes to stay aligned to what members most need from their association. If you have opinions on things you would like to see changed please let us know. Either via the surveys or in a personal email. As a board and team we need to be sure that we’re delivering what the majority of members need from EuRA. Times are tough and it ’s more important now than ever that we react to ensure we are as relevant to members as we can be so drop us line!
Get in touch with the team, myself and Tad, your board members. It ’s your association, use it.
Contributions on all aspects of mobility are welcomed for publication in The EuRApean. If you are a member of EuRA and would like to contribute news about your company, please get in touch.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in The EuRApean are not necessarily those of the publisher unless otherwise stated. Published by: EuRA Suite 1 Windrush Court, Abingdon Business Park, Oxfordshire OX14 1SY
Letter from the CEO
Tad Zurlinden
It’s been Autumn conference season once more and I’ve had the privilege of spending time with some of the partners of The Associations for Global Mobility.
The annual Canadian Employee Relocation Council (CEFC) was held in the lovely city of Calgary and it’s always such a pleasure to spend time with this terrific group. Steve Cryne and his team always work tremendously hard at curating a conference programme that is always insightful and timely. I was honoured to take part in the State of the Industry opening session with Steve, Jeremiah Smith the Senior Trade Officer for Global Affairs Canada and Mike Ojo-Thompson Partner Human Capital Consulting at Deloitte and their insights were fascinating and important. We are living in difficult trading conditions globally with policy changes coming thick and fast from the worlds largest economy and the impact this is having on our industry is profound. Talking with our members from all over the world over these past weeks, the only certainty is uncertainty and this leads to insecurity being fed down the supply chain from corporates to suppliers, DSP’s and RMC’s alike. What
this will mean for mobility programmes is unknown but the hesitancy of corporates to continue with expansion and talent management is affecting EuRA members everywhere.
To try and help members weather this storm, we are focussing our Malta Conference Programme on the challenges they face. More on that later!
EuRA has a great relationship with the CERC and we have once again been a major sponsor of the most recent Global Employee Mobility Survey on which we ran a Briefing with Steve Cryne recently. The most startling change from the last survey in 2019 was a 12 point increase in respondents (of whom there were over 10,000) who said no amount of money or benefits would persuade them to move for work at all. This presents an interesting opportunity especially for the RMC’s and our DSP members who are able to influence corporate mobility policies. A reluctant transferee needs far more help to settle in the host location than a willing one. Decreasing mobility budgets in the light on uncertain economic policy and the double whammy of reluctant transferees makes the services our members offer even
more vital, from relocation support, to immigration and temporary living.
I also owe Steve and the team a further debt of thanks as we have once again sourced a terrific Keynote Closing Speaker for Malta from their event! The brilliant and inspiring Michele Cederberg a health and productivity expert will bring her insights to our audience.
Coming back to north America for the IAM and WERC events it was evident that even in tough times our members remain upbeat and resilient. It was a real pleasure to welcome nearly 200 guests to our Salt Lake City Reception which was a terrific evening. There’s a gallery online and some photos in this edition. We now charge for this event as it’s now not just a drinks reception but for the last two years, also a supper. We aim to do the same next year in Chicago, October 28th! It was also excellent to attend the WERC conference and get a reading on how things are in the US.
It was great to welcome many EuRA Members to the ARP Conference in Southampton UK in November. The ARP has been running UK based events since 1986 and this was one of the best and I have to send a huge thank you to the planning committee headed by Jo Web of OrbiRelo for her tireless work. The conference was a great success as we reflected on the state of the industry in the UK and wider world. Also in the UK was the Association of Serviced Apartments conference in London which was also designed to take a close look at the state of our wider industry and their theme “Stronger Together” really brought home how all parts of our diverse mobility ecosystem work best in partnership, a theme we will be delving into in Malta.
So now back to the work of the team and we have some great new initiatives coming up. Dom and Giles Orr our new SC for Education are putting together a Peer to Peer Networking focus group to see if this panel of EuRA Members feel there is value in professionally moderated and guided peer sharing sessions. Giles is an expert in leading this type of educational and sharing environment and the idea is that members sign up to 6 sessions across a year to really look at the issues they face and how others in the group fare with similar challenges. We will have more details in the coming months.
Manpreet Dhami is working on our newest MIM+ module “Supply Chains in Mobility” and when that launches it will be
free to members for the first six weeks. We will be running two MIM drop in sessions in Malta one on Supply Chains and one on Culture. Keep a watch on your Bulletins.
The programme for Malta will be based on the theme “Driving Growth; Diversification, Partnerships and Collaboration” and we’ve had an excellent response to our call for speakers which by the time of publication will have closed. The decisions on the formation of the panel sessions will be taken at the December board meeting and we will be letting successful speakers know in January. I’ve been delighted by the response to sign ups for the Malta event. We are 100% fully booked which given that we have 200 more delegate places than last year is an all time record. Thanks to the team who valiantly dealt with the tsunami of bookings that came in and to our brilliant web designers who built a new system robust enough to cope!
We recently undertook the annual review of the EuRA Global Quality Seal and as part of that process Martina Scharwey our SC for Quality contacted all certified members to ask how satisfied they were with the process. Full details of their responses can be found in the article in this edition but we are always so pleased to see how high the satisfaction rates are for the process and also encouraged to see that even in tough times, more members are taking the opportunity to get certified.
Dom, Carmelina and Giles have been working on the future of our training programmes and the results of the recent member survey on training will for the basis of our training review at the December meeting. We hope to introduce some new initiatives to help members get to Fellowship status as well as looking at how we develop future programmes, what platforms we use and of course topics that will most benefit members. We’re also looking at ramping up our Briefings programme and at introducing short podcasts starting with highlighting our Premium Members starting in the new year.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Malta in the spring and wish you all a great holiday season.
Letter from the President and Vice President
Simon Robins Business Development Director TTH Curzon
Johanna
Lennartson Managing Director Immersion
Reflecting on 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026: The Continued Evolution of Global Mobility
As we look back on 2025, it ’s clear that the Global Mobility industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, adaptability, and purpose. The past year has been one of both consolidation and innovation, a period in which organisations and professionals across the world have continued to navigate complex challenges while finding new ways to deliver exceptional relocation experiences. From the growing integration of AI and data-driven insights to support relocation management, to the ongoing evolution of hybrid and flexible work models, 2025 has reinforced the industry ’s ability to stay ahead of change. Companies have placed renewed focus on employee wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that relocation is not just a logistical process, but a holistic, human-centred experience. At the heart of this success lies the collaboration, creativity, and commitment of the professionals who make up this dynamic sector. The global mobility community continues to thrive because of the people within it, individuals and organisations dedicated to connecting talent across borders, supporting families in transition, and ensuring that every move contributes to both professional and personal growth.
Looking Forward to 2026
As we turn our focus to 2026, there is a shared sense of optimism and opportunity. The industry stands on the threshold of further transformation, shaped by innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships.
EuRA continues to play a central role in this evolution, providing trusted guidance, shared learning, and a platform that brings together the voices and expertise of our global community. Through ongoing topical webinars, most recently covering areas such as GDPR Certification and Global Employee Mobility Survey, we ensure our members stay informed, inspired, and future-ready.
Soon, we will begin preparations for the much-anticipated EuRA Conference in Malta, curating a programme filled with relevant, thought-provoking and practical sessions that reflect the real-time needs and future aspirations of our industry.
To every member, partner, and professional who has contributed to the strength of our community this year — thank you. Your dedication continues to shape a future where talent mobility empowers opportunity and connection across the world.
Here’s to Driving Growth; Diversification, partnerships and collaboration — the theme we will proudly carry with us into 2026 and onto the stage in Malta.
EuRA Global Quality Seal+ Mentoring Programme
We recently asked all our members who don’t hold the EGQS+ what their biggest barriers to undertaking the programme were. Not surprisingly the number one reason was lack of internal resources to take the time to build the Quality Manual. Over 70% of members said that they would like to undertake the Seal in the next two years and that greater support would be a big help in getting started. So we have asked two seasoned EGQS Holders and past Presidents of EuRA to act as Mentors for the programme. If you are thinking of going for the programme, Åse Löfgren Gunsten and Michèle Bramstoft can now help you to start.
We met up in Copenhagen to design the programme with the aim of providing short no cost online sessions with Åse or Michèle to help give you a structure and deadlines to complete key stages of the programme. The first step however will be to access the training link that Maree will give you. Martina’s training module in the EuRA Academy is a blueprint for how to build your Quality Manual. Åse and Michèle will help to keep you in track.
Their role is not to build your Quality Manual for you, but to set some achievable goals to keep you on track as you build the system. They will set up three online calls at critical stages in the process. The first call will be once you have signed up with Maree at the EuRA Office. The purpose being to help de-mystify the Quality Standard and answer any questions you have. The second will be once you are well underway building your quality manual at a time set out in the first call to keep you on track. The final call will be as you arrange with the Office to have your auditor come on site. The purpose is to provide moral support and help keep you on track. This programme is provided at no cost. If you want greater support in the actual building of the Quality Manual, the auditors are available to provide support but this is charged for directly by them and it will not be the same auditor who undertakes your final audit for the sake of compliance.
Contact details;
Michèle michelebramstoft@outlook.dk
Åse alg@gimab.net
Why Did Our Mentors Certify?
Michèle Bramstoft
Have you ever felt totally lost?
Imagine sitting in a conference workshop. The session topic is about something unknown to you. You listen intently, trying to understand what everyone seems to already know.
That was me in 2007 at the EuRA conference in Berlin. I joined a session to learn about the new quality seal being developed. But oh boy, in addition to feeling lost, I felt dumb. What the heck is a Process Management System? ISO 9001 – what’s that? Quality standard? Shish – what am I doing here?
But you know what? I love to learn and since Copenhagen Relocations was already all about quality, we took a deep dive!! Ok – so it was 3 years later when we started writing our Quality Manual at my dining room table one productive Friday evening. And thank goodness for our friend Google!! Looking back, the EGQS prepared us for growth. As a business matures, it needs, among other things, additional structure. The standard provides it. Practicing the EGQS ‘habits’ inspired us, gave us new ideas about how to run the business. It also won new business for us.
Copenhagen Relocations is grateful to have ‘bitten the EGQS+ bullet’. It’s made us a better company. It makes us proud to flash our EGQS+ credentials.
Åse Löfgren Gunsten
I first undertook the EGQS+ back in 2008 for two very different reasons. Firstly to ensure the highest standards no matter where we delivered services and secondly as a marketing tool. At the time I had three offices and was told by my teams that service delivery varied between Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm. I gathered the three office leaderships teams and we sat down to pick out the very best practices across the network. This was then incorporated into our Quality Manual and improved service delivery and company culture. As owner and CEO getting to grips with things like annual risk assessments was unquestionably a great leadership tool. As a marketing tool the EGQS+ is hard to beat. 50% of our work came from RMC’s and they recognised the value of working with a provider with a consistently high level of quality no matter where the service was delivered. I admit that going through the process was daunting. You need time set aside to get the Seal completed - it is not something that can be done over a few weekends. But we realised we already had what the Seal asked of us in our heads, we just needed to
2025 EGQS Update Dom Tidey
Change Summary
As part of the Information and Cyber Security requirement we have added compliance with the EU Artificial Intelligence Act where applicable. This means members must analyse the risks of the use of internal and external AI tools, ensure clients are aware when they are interacting with an AI tool, define and implement AI principles and guidelines and train employees on this and create risk awareness.
The company shall identify, analyse and evaluate opportunities that can enhance its ability to continuously improve services and increase client and customer satisfaction. Measures to address these opportunities shall be defined, evaluated and implemented.
We have added minimum requirements to the section on strategy in terms of detailing a corporate strategy to include a clearly defined vision for the future and the core purpose of the organisation based on alignment with core values, and based on comprehensive environmental analysis. A definition of strategic objectives is now required in line with realistic and achievable planned resources available.
A full change index will be available in January.
Each year we hold an EGQS Update to ensure the Quality Standard that underpins the process remains relevant to members. The business world is constantly changing and a quality assurance process must change and adapt to reflect the needs of both the EuRA members and their clients. We also track any changes to ISO9001 and ISO 27001 and then discuss whether we need to adapt the EGQS Quality Standard accordingly. Our Project Director Martina Scharwey is an experienced ISO9001 auditor and makes excellent suggestions as to how we keep the Seal as relevant as possible.
A summary of this years changes is on the left but these were some of the discussions that took place.
Firstly we ask all the qualified members to give their opinions as to their ideas for improvement.
“As a certified provider we find the current framework to be comprehensive and very effective in supporting the delivery of consistent, high quality relocation services. So far we have not encountered any major gaps and believe the Standard already addresses the key areas of our operations.”
“The EGQS 2025 Standard covers all the main relevant topics in our industry.”
“In today ’s increasingly complex fastchanging world, it ’s important that the Standard also supports adaptability, innovation and practical relevance.”
We also ask for any ideas for improvement.
“A guide to calculating our carbon footprint would be very helpful.” It ’s important to know we have developed a carbon calculator in partnership with
the Coalition for Associations in Global Mobility.
“A stronger focus on streamlining and facilitation in order traduce the burden of administrative work while of course maintaining the highest possible standards.” In response we are reviewing and updating all of the policy framework documents that underpin the Seal and which are freely available for adoption by certified members.
We ask whether there are aspects of the Seal that are less relevant now than in the past. We had a unanimous response of no!
“Each aspect/requirement are relevant to us.”
“At this stage we don’t find any aspects of the EGQS 2025 Standard to be less relevant to our operations. The requirements are well aligned with the scope of relocation services we deliver and have been practical to implement.”
“Some of the KPI targets in the Standard feel overly rigid and may not reflect the flexibility needed in modern, digital or client specific service models. More adaptable, real-time metrics could be more relevant.” This is a great point but it ’s very complex to implement measurement of real time metrics as this could overwhelm DSP’s that have not implemented digital workflows.
The changes we make each year to the Standard are made as a direct result of these suggestions from members and over the years we have worked hard to ensure that the Standard reflects the needs of our certified companies. All verified members and those looking to qualify will be sent the new standard in January and we will be running a Briefing to outline the changes. Martina will also update the MIM Module accordingly.
EuRA Global Quality Seal+ You Can Do It With Support at Zero Cost!
Mentors
Our brilliant mentors will help you to schedule your timeline. Help you to start, set deadlines for completion of the chapters of your Quality Manual.
When broken into sections, and supported by the mentors, it ’s not nearly as daunting as it may seem! And don’t forget 80+ EuRA Members have done it!
There is no charge!
Partnerships
Members with the Seal work preferentially with other Seal holders when giving outbound work. They know they can reassure their clients of an independently verified benchmark of service delivery.
Premium Membership
All EuRA Members holding the Seal become Premium Members.
This gives access to highly discounted training licences, early booking for events and specific events for Premium Members only.
We are also looking at delivering extra conference sessions just for Premium Members.
Training
Martina Scharwey our Strategic Consultant and Project Manager has developed a step by step training programme.
Follow her training and your Quality Manual writes itself! Well not entirely you still have to make sure it ’s accurate to your business!
There is no charge!
Staff Development
Over and again successfully qualified members have told us what a difference the Seal makes to the whole team. Everyone knows what they ’re doing and what their benchmarks are for successfully delivering the best services.
Support
At any time during the certification or recertification process, you can rely on the EuRA team for support.
Contact Dom Tidey if you have any questions, if he doesn’t know the answer he will reach out to Martina and our auditors to make sure you have the support that you need.
There is no charge!
EuRA Global Quality Seal+
What our Members are Saying
As part of the annual EGQS Review, we ask Certified Members the question “”What are the benefits of being an EGQS Holder that adds value to you?” These are some of the responses…
Most RFPs require us to provide proof of certain aspects of the EGQS+ standard. Having this all together, audited, in one program, makes it a lot easier to complete such processes.
Stuart McAlister Inter Relocation
KPI and evaluations that match perfectly well with our expectations and needs.
Nadine Rouge Executive Relocations
The EGQS is one of the most prominent and relevant industry standards. Being an EGQS holder gives us a clear edge over non-holders as it strengthens client and customer trust in our services. It also guides and motivates us to consistently maintain the highest quality standards by adhering to well-defined processes.
It makes us better as a company; high quality through established and maintained processes; it makes us think about opportunities and threats and how to embrace them!
Kati Kägi Prime Relocation
Potential partners and clients reach out to us based on the EGQS certification.
Cynthia Myrnes Relocation AS
Being an EGQS holder adds significant value to us in several ways:
• Credibility and trust – It provides assurance to our clients and partners that we operate to the highest professional and ethical standards
• Consistency in service delivery – The framework helps us maintain structured processes, which supports reliability and quality across all relocation services
• Continuous improvement – The standard encourages us to regularly review and enhance our operations, ensuring we stay aligned with best practices
• Competitive advantage – Holding the certification differentiates us in the market and strengthens our reputation as a trusted relocation partner
• Global recognition – As the EuRA GQS is internationally acknowledged, it supports our ability to work seamlessly with global clients and partners
• Overall, the certification not only validates the quality of our services but also reinforces our commitment to excellence
Salamiah Abd Latip Pathfinder Relocation Services
Newly Certified and Re-certified Members Congratulations to our newly certified and, re-certified EuRA Global Quality Seal Members
Training and Mentoring
Free to all members. This module of five components covers everything you need to know about setting up a process management system. You’ll learn how to build your Quality Manual and how to implement all the required policies to ensure you’re completely compliant for the future. Following these three (free to EuRA Members) modules will simplify the process, led by a true expert in quality management.
When we asked members earlier this year, 65% said they wanted to undertake the process but 70% said the main barrier to undergoing certification was lack of internal resources and time. We have just implemented a Mentoring programme to help members get started and stay on track.
In the coming months and in Malta we will be delivering live clinics with certified members and our SC Martina Scharwey as well as peer to peer help on LinkedIn. If you have an idea that would help you to get started please let us know, we want to give members as much assistance as possible to join the ranks of our Premium Members.
New EuRA GDPR Certification
WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON OFFERING MEMBERS A COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PROVE TO CLIENTS THAT THEY ARE GDPR COMPLIANT AND WE HAVE SUCCEEDED!
Thanks to our SC for Legal Gordon Kerr, we now have a process you can access to ensure you are to just compliant but with a certificate to prove it.
We have just run a Briefing with our first certified member and Andrew Hopgood of CAPWW and Gordon will run through the whole processclick here to watch
The process is easy to start and begins with contacting Maree Barnes in the EuRA Office - maree@eura-relocation.com
The stages are:
• Understanding and recording your data flows (clients and employees)
• Measuring your compliance against the GDPR Principles
• Reviewing your documents and processes
• Conclusions and recommendations
“All Things Legal… December 2025”
In this edition, I bring you an eclectic mix of some recent court decisions which could be relevant to your business … or may just amuse you!
• TikTok fined €530m for illegal data transfers to China
• Welcome to Brazil!
• Rats ate my tax receipts!
• The insider threat to your data
• Cole Palmer v Chateau Palmer
If there is a particular legal topic that you would like me to cover in a future edition of The EuRApean, please let me know.
By Gordon Kerr
TikTok fined €530m for illegal data transfers to China
Irish Data Protection Commission.
So, what exactly did TikTok do wrong? ….. and why such a high fine?
Relocation companies which make regular, or even occasional, transfers of personal data to China should be checking their GDPR compliance in light of the enormous fine of €530m handed out to TikTok by the
The starting point is the GDPR requirement that international data transfers from the EU/UK to third countries are only permissible if they are legally
protected. That legal protection can take the form of an “adequacy ruling” issued to a small number of countries by the EU (see article below). China has not received an adequacy ruling, which means that companies transferring data to China, must comply with strict transfer rules under the GDPR. It ’s worth noting that in this case the data transfers which took place were simply the remote accessing of the data by TikTok staff in China.
TikTok were held to have failed to comply with the GDPR in two respects:
1) they failed to ensure that the transferred data received similar protection to that afforded to personal data in the EU, and 2) their Privacy Policy did not make clear to customers that data would be transferred to China.
As for the size of the fine, national data protection authorities have the power to
impose fines of up to €20m or four per cent of an entity's total worldwide annual turnover, whichever is the greater. This makes large, global organisations very tempting targets!
From the perspective of relocation companies, while any fine will be less stratospheric, there is a similar need to be vigilant in this complicated area of compliance. Even intra-group transfers must be GDPRcompliant. If you have any concerns about international transfers I will be happy to point you in the right direction.
which will allow personal data to flow to and from Brazil without the need for Standard Contractual Clauses or other cumbersome data protection measures.
Brazil joins a relatively small list of countries which, according to the European Commission, provide an adequate level of data protection that is comparable to that of the EU. These “adequate” countries currently
Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Uruguay and the UK.
transfers to the United US Data receiving company is
Mukuna claimed expenses totalling £61,200 for a variety of items which he asserted were essential for his work and his health. Unfortunately (he claimed), his receipts for these items had been stored in the loft of his house … where they had been eaten during a recent rodent infestation!
When the UK tax authority (HMRC) decided to investigate the claims, they were distinctly unimpressed and not only disallowed the expenses but also added a penalty of £10,900 for submitting deliberately inaccurate tax returns. Mukuna demanded his day in court, but all to no avail. The court took the view that the onus is squarely on the taxpayer to produce receipts for expenses. No excuses allowed!
One other intriguing element to this case is that much of
While TikTok plans to appeal against this China ruling, things are brighter in Brazil ….
Welcome to Brazil!
If your business ever transfers personal data from the EU/UK to Brazil, then good news is on its way.
The European Commission is completing the final formalities, called an “adequacy decision”,
Importantly, major data processing countries, such as China (see above) and India do not have “adequacy” clearance from the EU, so full GDPR compliance rules on foreign data transfers must be followed.
Rats ate my tax receipts!
“The dog ate my homework” has been the classic excuse trotted out by generations of schoolchildren. But it ’s never been a defence used in court in a tax fraud case … until now!
Moses Mukuna was employed as a bus driver by the UK bus group, Arriva. In his Tax Returns, over several years,
Mukuna’s claim was for masks, viral gels and other personal protection equipment purchased up to twelve months before the world became aware of the Covid-19 virus. This could have been incredible
foresight, but the court was dismissive.
Game, set and match to HMRC … and a reminder to us all to look after our business tax receipts!
The insider threat to your data
A British Gas employee faces imprisonment after selling the personal data of customers to a marketing company for £45,000. The employee had legitimate access to customer data as part of his job of verifying customer information. He saw an opportunity to make some money on the side and his crime only came to light when his employer started receiving customer complaints about “cold calls”.
While the incident is an embarrassment for British Gas, it seems unlikely that they will be prosecuted, under the GDPR, for this data breach. They were quick to report the incident and had strong data security systems in place. More generally, an employer is unlikely to be held legally responsible for the completely rogue actions of an employee.
This case is to access this personal data and was able to transfer large amounts of data without being noticed right away.
The main takeaway from this case is that managing insider risk needs to be built into privacy programmes from the ground up. No matter how good your external defences are, they are unlikely to stop a trusted employee from abusing their access should they decide to do so.
Cole Palmer v Chateau Palmer
Our business names are important and the law provides us with protection against any third party who tries to use our name or who may confuse the public by adopting a similar name.
That is the context for a fascinating legal battle between Cole Palmer, a 23year-old English international
footballer, and Château Palmer, a 220-year-old wine estate near Bordeaux. Apparently a bottle of Chateau Palmer can set you back £750!
Mr Palmer ran into legal problems when he tried to register the name “Cold Palmer” (a reference to his unique goal celebration!) for a wide range of branded products including wine. Chateau Palmer successfully objected to the use of the brand name Cold Palmer for a wine, leaving the footballer to limit his new branding to a range of less controversial products, including snacks, mobile phone covers, toys, Christmas crackers and teddy bears. This essentially means nobody can use Palmer’s “Cold” nickname for these categories of products without his permission.
This trend was pioneered in the world of football by Eric Cantona, the legendary French footballer who, in 1997, registered the chant “Ooh, ahh Cantona” as a trademark.
I’m not aware of any similar disputes currently taking place in the world of relocation, but if you are planning to launch a new relocation business, please choose your business name wisely!
If you need advice on these or any other legal issues affecting your business, please feel free to contact me.
MIM Update November 2025
The four modules in the Fixed Syllabus Programme are now updated and re-branded and back live in the Academy.
Free To Access
For the rest of the year members can access the Coaching Approaches in Mobility (CAM) Programme B, free of charge. Programme A was free until September and now the next in the series will be free until December 31st. There are three components in Programme B which is ,one of four parts of the course, A,B,C & D all of which are available in the EuRA Academy.
The three components are:
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Feedback and Challenge
• Learning Styles
The coupon code for free access to the module and the quiz are on the website. Remember you need to be logged in to access that page. The Programme is worth 50 credits towards you MIM certifications at all levels.
Coming Soon
each module now costs €50. Access to the quiz also costs €50 so each module will cost a total of €100 to qualify.
However we are developing a licence scheme for members to access the Academy which will reduce those costs, so if you have several team members that you would like to put through the programme, please just contact us and we can work out a year long licence at a discounted rate. Full details to follow.
So if you are planning to put your team through MIM and or MIM+ and CAM Certifications, contact us so we can create a licence for you to enable your teams to participate at lower costs.
Martina Scharwey our Consultant for Quality has updated the “Introduction to the EuRA Global Quality Seal” which is 100% free for all members to certify and gain 50 credits towards MIM and MIM+ certification.
All the amazing content in the Academy is accessible for just €50 for modules and €50 for Quizzes. Nonmembers pay €250 to access a Module and a Quiz.
Our current MIM+ Programme consists of:
• Legal Compliance in Mobility
• Achieving Business Growth
• You are Your Brand
• Collaboration in the Next Normal
• Coaching Approaches in Mobility four modules
Supply Chains in Mobility is in development and will tie in with our Supply Chain workshop in Zagreb. We will be launching that live and free to access from January. We will also be looking at developing training to help members use our Carbon Calculator which we hope to launch with the Coalition for Greener Mobility Partners later this year.
Licensing
From 2023, we have been charging a nominal amount to access the Modules themselves. Access to
• Sustainability in Mobility
• Sustainability; A Company Wide Approach
• Introduction to the EGQS
• Anti-Money Laundering
• Duty of Care
Coaching Approaches in Mobility
This unique training course looks at the application of coaching skills when working with people with a particular emphasis on working across cultures. It is an invaluable
tool for all of us who work across the spectrum of mobility. The course consists of:
Programme A
• The Grow Model
• Questioning and Listening Skills
• Transactional Analysis P1
Programme B
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Giving Feedback and Challenging Supportively
• Learning Styles
Programme C
• Handling Change
• Emotional Intelligence
• Positive Focus Programme D
• Transactional Analysis P2
• How Not to Start an Argument
• Cultural Competences and Personal Development
Programme B is free to all members until December 31st
Coming soon
• Supply Chains in Mobility
The Maddalena Michieli Scholarship Fund
In 2022 we launched the Maddalena Michieli Scholarship Fund to help individuals to join the industry. Throughout her professional life Maddalena placed a great emphasis on the enabling her teams through training and we are delighted that we have had ten people successfully graduate from the Academy thanks to the programme.
Full details are on the Education Page of the website.
Don’t forget you can mix and match modules to suit your learning needs and gain your credits to get your qualifications.
Below are downloadable guides with everything you need to know;
• Guide to Qualifying with EuRA
• Routes to Qualifying Explained
Salt Lake City Reception
Thanks to everyone who joined us in Salt Lake City for our annual USA Reception. It was a sell out and our venue laid on a terrific supper! Next year, Chicago, October 28th.
For a full gallery click here
Members’ News
Industry Insights from 20 Years in the Relocation Business
2025 has been a big year for EER Middle East – we officially celebrated our 20th anniversary! It is hard to believe how far we’ve come from the small team in 2005 to now providing relocation, immigration and corporate services across the Middle East, from our offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. For those of you we don’t know, we are Marie O’Neill and Aideen Hopkins, the co-owners of EER Middle East. Hello! It isn’t easy to choose from the many successes and challenges EER Middle East has faced over the years, but as we cross the threshold into our third decade, we have certainly grown and changed in ways we couldn’t have imagined. When we took over as the owners in 2021 we had ambitious plans, but even we didn’t expect so many of them to be brought to life so swiftly. Most prominent of these was our move to open offices in Saudi Arabia which we were able to do in 2023. And in our 20th year we were honoured to receive the Cartus Platinum Award for client satisfaction, the Best Destination Service Provider All Star Award from Altair and an NEI Own It Award. Throughout this time we have worked with hundreds of industry partners and relocated thousands of teams and individuals across the hubs of the Middle East. That is why we are so dedicated to using our hard-won knowledge to not only continue to improve our services, but also to share with our treasured industry colleagues, partners and friends.
The Anchor to Successful Relocation?
As we’ve crossed into our 20th year of operations, we have noticed some important shifts in the industry and a growing demand in relocation requests across the Middle East. What stands out most, as we have evolved to meet this need, is how vital cultural awareness is to the success of any relocation process. Once upon a time, relocation outside a familiar ‘sphere’ was fairly uncommon, but in today’s rapidly changing landscape, individuals, families and companies can find themselves settling down in a destination that is world’s away from what they know.
Lastly, thank you to everyone who has been a part of the EER Middle East journey, in both small and large ways, you have shaped the company we have become for the better and we couldn’t have made it without you! We look forward to sharing our news on the next chapter – it promises to be an exciting read!
Marie and Aideen
To read more click here
A New Chapter in Euromove & Relocation’s Journey: Generational Leadership Transition
Euromove & Relocation, a family-owned company founded in 1998 and today one of Hungary’s most respected international moving and relocation providers, is proud to announce a major milestone in its history: a transition in executive leadership.
After more than a quarter of a century leading the company, Adrienne Deák, Founder and Managing Director, is stepping down from her executive position. While she will continue to support Euromove in a Senior Advisory role, this change symbolizes the natural evolution of a family enterprise that has grown into a trusted international brand.
The position of Managing Director is being passed on to Andrea Müller dr, Adrienne’s daughter, who represents the next generation of leadership. Andrea has been an integral part of Euromove’s growth over the past decade, spearheading the expansion of its relocation services, strengthening international partnerships, and ensuring that the company remains ahead of industry trends. Her appointment reflects both continuity and innovation: building on the solid foundation established by Adrienne, while preparing the company for future challenges and opportunities in global mobility.
At the same time, Gábor Csajbók, Andrea’s husband continues in his role as COO (Chief Operating Officer), ensuring the highest operational standards and service delivery, and maintaining the trust Euromove has earned among private clients, multinational corporations, and global partners.
Reflecting on the transition, Adrienne Deák shared:
“When I founded Euromove in 1998, my vision was to create a company where professionalism meets care, and where families and businesses can rely on us during one of life’s most complex transitions – moving home or relocating abroad. …
To read more click here
RSS UK joins the Packimpex group
In response to sustained client growth in the UK, Packimpex is delighted to announce the acquisition of Relocation Support Services Ltd. - RSS. Our key focus is to maintain service excellence and consistency as we merge the operations teams under the leadership of Oliver Dunning, former Managing Director of RSS, over the coming months.
RSS clients and partners can expect the same trusted team and seamless service continuity, while benefitting from improved technology and international teams. Together with Packimpex, the RSS team will experience enhanced resources, broader expertise, and access to one of Europe’s most well-established relocation networks.
“Welcoming RSS marks another important step for Packimpex in the UK. Together, we can offer clients the reassurance of continuity while expanding the depth of services available. Our combined teams will ensure relocations are handled with the same care and quality that both companies are known for.”
Damian Aebischer | Packimpex CEO
For employees of RSS and Packimpex alike, the merger brings opportunities for collaboration and growth. Both businesses share a client-first culture and ethos. This integration bolsters our UK presence while retaining the strengths of both teams.
“We have, for many years, admired RSS as a competitor so we are delighted to bring together the talented teams from both businesses.. By integrating the RSS team into the Packimpex group we are combining two like-minded organisations, each known for reliability and service excellence. This alignment will allow us to grow sustainably while continuing to put people— clients and employees—at the centre of everything we do.”
Rebecca Gonzaga | VP Operations Packimpex UK & Ireland
This cultural alignment comes with continuity in leadership. Oliver Dunning, Managing Director of RSS, will oversee the combined UK operational teams.
“I’m genuinely excited about what this means for our clients and our people. Becoming part of Packimpex gives us the strength of a wider group while keeping the personal, down-to-earth service our clients know and trust. Together, we can build on our shared values and continue delivering the highest level of support.”
Oliver
Dunning |
RSS Managing Director
To read more click here
SIT Spain celebrates its 65th anniversary
At SIT, we believe that just as important as a job well done is nding the balance between effort and enjoyment.
This celebration was an opportunity to thank all the people who have made this journey possible and those who continue to contribute every day.
Thanks to your commitment, passion, and dedication, we have reached this milestone… and we continue moving forward together. Here’s to another 65 years!
Arpin International Group’s GSA Division Earns IATA CNS Membership
Arpin International Group’s General Services Administration (GSA) division is honored to announce that they have secured International Air Transport Association (IATA) CNS membership on July 11, 2025. IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 350 airlines and managing over 80% of the global air traffic. The organization also supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.
“IATA CNS membership allows Arpin to book air freight directly with airlines, allowing the company to effectively eliminate thirdparty involvement in the booking process so we can pass the cost savings on to our customers,” said Vice President of GSA, Matthew Somweber. “Having direct relationships with the airlines opens the door for Arpin to scale its airfreight services and compete on a global level.” Freight forwarders who invest in IATA Cargo Agent
Accreditation earn global recognition from airlines as credible, professional, and financially secure cargo experts—and gain access to a network of airlines, accredited cargo agencies, intermediaries, and CASS Associates offices across 90+ countries and territories. Benefits of IATA Accreditation include:
• Raises the profile of Arpin International Group as an accredited company with cargo-trained professional personnel
• Access to Cargo Account Settlement System (CASS) and its dedicated online platform, CASSLink, to conduct settlement with airlines
• Receive a single invoice aggregating all freight charges from participating airlines in CASS, streamlining the payment process
• Benefit from a consolidated invoicing and settlement workflow, backed by strong data security controls Arpin’s team—driven leaders who exemplify diligence, flexibility, and a steadfast pursuit of excellence—have strengthened our organization, enabling the GSA division to expand and enhance its competitiveness in general cargo, air freight, and charter services. At Arpin, our Air Freight Team brings decades of hands-on experience and a trusted global network to the table, enabling us to successfully manage timesensitive air freight cargo charter flights for both commercial enterprises and U.S. Government operations. From oversized equipment to mission-critical supplies, we specialize in coordinating complex logistics under pressure, across borders, and within strict compliance standards.
To read more click here
Arpin International Movers Showcases Its ESG Leadership, Winning The 2025 Cartus Global Citizenship Award
Arpin International Movers is honored to have won the 2025 Cartus Global Citizenship Award. Cartus announced Arpin’s achievement at its 25th Annual Global Network Conference, which brought together 475 network members from over 165 companies.
The theme of this year’s event, ‘Mobility, Agility, and Possibility,’ underscores Cartus’ commitment to innovation and highlights its company-wide commitment to reducing near-term emissions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) — one of only two relocation management companies to make this pledge.
Arpin Strong, the company’s 501(c)(3) non-profit, exemplifies the spirit of global citizenship through its unwavering commitment to volunteerism, DE&I, and sustainability.
Established in 2013 by Arpin employees in response to the Boston Marathon bombing, Arpin Strong has since evolved from a grassroots initiative into a globally impactful charity. Since its founding, the organization has raised and donated over $2.38 million to more than 400 charities worldwide.
“For over a decade, Arpin Strong has made compassion, equity, and environmental protection not only part of its story but also part of its ethos, said Director of Marketing and ESG, Karen Bannon. “We are honored to be recognized by Cartus as a moving company that is a true leader in sustainability. And we bring the same commitment to the families we relocate worldwide by serving them with empathy, while preserving the planet’s natural resources and supporting the communities where our customers live and work.”
In the past year alone, Arpin Strong has mobilized efforts in over a dozen impactful initiatives. It supported agricultural and educational programs in Haiti, trained 382 participants in East African organizations in trauma-informed care, funded the construction of an eco-sanctuary, greenhouses, solar irrigation systems, and food preservation equipment in the Philippines, and responded to natural disasters worldwide. These efforts pair with educational and economic empowerment programs, such as training Malawian women in sewing, soap manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, and underwriting the construction of a community center equipped with modern technology to serve as a hub for fellowship and prosperity. Internally, employee participation remains at the heart of Arpin Strong, grounding its ambitions in tangible community action. We …
Arpin Group Marks Its 125th Anniversary By Giving Back
Arpin is thrilled to announce its milestone 125th anniversary. To commemorate this historic occasion, Arpin is giving back by donating $125,000.00 to charity—underscoring its commitment to maximizing the company’s positive contributions to the world and emphasizing its ethos to give back more than we take.
Since its founding in 1900 by the Arpin family, the company has remained a privately held, familyowned, and operated business. From humble beginnings delivering coal and ice with a single horse and cart, the company has grown from a small, local operation to a trusted, globally recognized transportation brand with offices in the USA, EMEA, and APAC regions, achieving milestones that have shaped the industry and impacted the communities where our customers live and work.
“We salute and give honor to the generations before us. Including many of our global employees who have been with us for decades. Though 125 years in existence, we do not feel old. In fact, today, as we focus more than ever on delivering value and having a positive impact on our world, Arpin is more nimble and innovative than ever,” said company President, Peter Arpin.
Ongoing celebrations include the presentation of a Certificate of Special Recognition by the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, Daniel J. McKee, in commemoration of serving thousands of families, providing hundreds of jobs, and helping fuel the state’s economy, while expanding Rhode Island’s footprint on the international stage. Moreover, internally, the company will undertake several employee appreciation initiatives to recognize the role of its employees in the company’s success.
Through its commitment to providing a customerfocused service approach, innovative and flexible programs, and investment in the communities, Arpin has created a solid platform for success— earning recognition as the top choice for domestic and international moving.
With an eye towards the future, the fifth generation is charting its path forward by continuing to build on its legacy while leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of the global mobility industry, furthering strategic partnerships, and investing in its greatest strength—its employees.
To read more click here
Crown Worldwide celebrates global impact through “Giving Back Together” initiative
30th October 2025: Crown Worldwide Group is proud to report the remarkable global impact of its Giving Back Together initiative, a cornerstone of the company’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Rooted in the legacy of Founder and Chairman Jim Thompson, the initiative reflects Crown’s enduring commitment to the communities in which it operates, championing the values of compassion, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Since its inception, Crown has credited much of its success to the communities it serves. Jim Thompson’s philosophy of giving back has inspired generations of Crown employees to engage meaningfully with local causes. In 2024, employees contributed thousands of hours of volunteer work, supported by the company’s policy of providing 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually. In total, the Giving Back Together initiative has generated nearly 4500 volunteer hours worldwide, with teams and individuals across the company participating in over 50 local community volunteering activities.
To mark its 60th year, Crown launched the Giving Back Together initiative, a global volunteering campaign aligned with two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education and Climate Action. The initiative took the form of a “Diamond Relay,” with each Crown office around the world dedicating a week to dedicate their fundraising and volunteering efforts before passing the baton on. Global highlights of Giving Back
• Vietnam: Country Manager Jamie Rossall cycled over 340km in three days to raise funds for the Saigon Children’s Charity, supporting school construction, vocational training, and special needs education. The Vietnam team also hosted a fundraising auction to support local education initiatives.
• Malaysia: Crown Malaysia raised funds for Buku Jalanan Chow Kit, an NGO supporting stateless and underprivileged children. The funds will help refurbish shelters and improve access to education and healthcare.
• India: In Kolkata, the Information Management team donated school supplies, clothing, and refreshments to students at Seoraphuli Netaji Vidya Mandir Primary School, fostering joy and learning.
also supported Dubai Cares through fundraising events that benefit education programs in developing countries.
• United Kingdom: The Enfield office hosted a “Wear Your PJs to Work” fundraiser for the Waverley Association for Special People, supporting inclusive education. Team members also volunteered with RedSTART, delivering financial literacy education to primary school students.
A lasting legacy of impact
The Giving Back Together initiative stands as a practical expression of Crown’s values, underlining its commitment to acting responsibly on a global scale. From Asia Pacific to the Middle East to Europe, and the USA, Crown teams are united by a shared purpose: to uplift communities, empower future generations, and protect the planet. While the social impact has been extensive, the deeper impact has been internal. The initiative fostered a sense of unity across borders, connecting employees not just to their communities, but to each other. It became a shared experience that reinforced Crown’s values and strengthened its culture. The impact is felt not only in communities, but internally, strengthening culture, a sense of purpose, learning and performance.
“As we celebrate 60 years of Crown, we celebrate not just our business achievements, but the positive change we’ve helped create,” said Jennifer Harvey, Crown WORLDWIDE, Group CEO. “Giving back has shaped who we are, and it continues to guide where we’re headed.”
• Middle East: The team partnered with Thrift for Good to promote circular economy practices, collecting preloved items to fund global education projects through Gulf for Good. They
Crown Worldwide Group publishes 2025
Sustainability Report, marking major progress across global ESG initiatives
LONDON, 31st July 2025: Crown Worldwide Group has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, detailing significant progress across its environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and setting out a clear path for future action.
The report, covering 2024, reflects Crown’s continued investment in responsible business practices across its global operations in 43 countries. It also outlines the company’s alignment with leading international frameworks, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Science-based targets and carbon reduction milestones
A key milestone in the report is the Board’s formal endorsement of committing to set Science-Based Targets (SBTi), positioning Crown among a growing group of companies taking credible, data-led action on climate. The business has partnered with carbon accounting platform Normative to map Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions across its global operations, using this data to inform country-level carbon reduction plans for the first time.
Globally, Crown achieved a 16% reduction in total carbon footprint and a 14% reduction in total purchased electricity and heating compared to a 2022 baseline, driven by increased adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades across offices and warehouses.
Circular economy and waste reduction
the UK & Ireland went further, earning Gold and Silver Medals respectively, with New Zealand and UKI ranking in the top 15% of companies worldwide.
The Group also maintains a strong portfolio of ISO certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and ISO 45001, across dozens of sites globally, demonstrating its commitment to quality, environmental management, information security, and occupational health and safety.
Embedding ESG into culture and governance
The report outlines how ESG is being embedded into Crown’s internal culture through a global training framework, with 84% of computer users completing Carbon Awareness training and 76% completing the in-house Carbon Action course. A network of Carbon Champions and certified sustainability trainers is helping to scale knowledge and action across regions.
A key governance milestone in 2024 was the introduction of a Sustainable Procurement Policy, ensuring ESG principles are embedded throughout the procurement process and supply chain. This reflects the company’s broader approach to risk management and its commitment to transparency in ESG reporting. Sustainability is now a regular budget item, and performance management is being used to incentivise ESG goals, with over 4,000 goals set across the business.
The report highlights Crown’s growing focus on circular economy solutions, particularly through its Workspace brand. In 2024 alone, over 27,000 items of office furniture and IT equipment were refurbished at Crown’s Renew Centres, saving an estimated 2,000 tonnes of CO₂e. The company also opened its first Renew Centre in Asia, based in Singapore, expanding its sustainable services footprint.
Crown formally reported on waste generation for the first time in 2024, capturing data from 90% of its global branches. Of the 10,777 tonnes of waste generated, 95% were diverted from landfill through recycling, reuse and energy recovery methods.
Recognition and certifications
Crown’s ESG progress was recognised with a Bronze Medal from EcoVadis, reflecting an 18-point improvement from the previous year and placing it in the top 13% of companies globally in its sector. Regional operations in New Zealand and
To mark its 60th anniversary in FY2024, Crown launched its Giving Back Together initiative, driving standout social impact. The initiative supported 1,431 employees through DEI training, enabled 97 mentoring pairs, and contributed to a 26% rise in Ecovadis global rating for labour and human rights.
Commenting on the report, Joy Lam, Group ESG Director, said:
“This year’s report reflects the momentum we’re building across all areas of ESG. From science-based targets to circular economy innovation, we’re proud of the progress made, but we’re also clear-eyed about the work ahead. Our focus now is on scaling impact, deepening collaboration, and continuing to embed sustainability into every part of our business.”
The full 2025 Sustainability Report is available at https://www.crownworldwide.com/sustainability
TIRA’s Global Momentum: Innovation, Member Excellence, and a Fresh Identity for 2026 It has been a busy six months for remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, excellence, and partnership.
Innovation
One of the benefits of being a TIRA member is the monthly roundtables, which feature guest speakers and spirited members-only discussions on navigating challenges amid constant uncertainty. Members actively listen to their clients and transferees, and in turn, share their deep knowledge to implement programs, technologies, and human-centered solutions.
TIRA, an allied network of independently owned business owners, is laser-focused on:
• Listening: paying close attention to client needs and concerns; oftentimes anticipating what is needed before they recognize the need themselves
• Value: meeting each client where they are at; proactively offering solutions to today and tomorrow’s complex challenges
• Diversification: during these uncertain times, aiming for a diverse client portfolio and delivering excellence that impacts talent mobility and talent acquisition
Our new logo represents what TIRA stands for. Our rebrand reflects a broader 2026 strategy to increase TIRA’s global visibility, unify communication, and leverage the alliance for ongoing global growth.
• Global Reach: Representing the international scope of our alliance and our ability to support clients wherever their journey takes them
• Professionalism and Prestige: Reflecting the reputation our members have earned as leaders in relocation and immigration services
• Interconnectedness: A visual reminder of the strength we gain from working together as an alliance, sharing knowledge, and elevating standards across the industry
• Future Focus: Symbolizing a network that is not only proud of being founded in 1982 but also preparing for the opportunities and challenges ahead
To learn more about our rebrand, please read our blog
Speaking of excellence… TIRA members have recently earned numerous awards. This recognition is a testament to the consistent professionalism and dedication to quality demonstrated by TIRA’s members.
• From NEI Global Relocation: NYC Navigator and EER Middle East awarded the “Own It” award. NYC Navigator is also awarded for Corporate Responsibility
• From Cartus, Commitment to Excellence Award, Platinum level: EER, InterRelocation Group, and IKAN Talent Mobility
• From FEM EMMAS, APAC: IKAN Talent Mobility awarded for Best Use of Technology, DSP of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year – Pooja Sapra
• From SIRVA, DSP of the Year, Silver level: NYC Navigator Partnership
The strength and diversity of our membership is best reflected in the resilience of our talented, longstanding members, as well as our dynamic, new members.
Since June 2025, we have celebrated members’ milestone anniversaries:
• Robert Brezosky at Quest Relocation Group – in business for 31 years
• Mary Smith at Relocation Scotland – in business for 30 years
• Klaus Kremers at Palladium Mobility Group – in business for 20 years
• Brenda E. Levis at NYC Navigator – in business for 20 years
We extend congratulations and a warm welcome to new members, Sofia Bentinck at Anchor Relocation Worldwide in Mexico, and Fahra Rizwari at Noble Properties Asia in Indonesia. As a global network, we are delighted to expand our membership and expertise in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
We invite you to learn more about TIRA and follow us on LinkedIn.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all the members, we wish you and yours a joyous, peaceful, and safe Holiday Season!
IKAN Talent Mobility Introduces AIRA
IKAN Talent Mobility has introduced a cutting-edge AI chatbot, AIRA (Artificial Intelligence Relocation Assistant), tailored for the employee mobility sector. In an industry where complexity, personalization, and timeliness are critical, we have transformed the way we manage and deliver relocation and mobility services. The chatbot, designed to provide instant, 24/7 information across a wide range of services— including immigration, relocation, household goods movement, schooling options, and pet relocation—is a multilingual game-changer for our internal teams, clients, and employees on the move. We have transformed the way we do business.
Operational Efficiency and Global Readiness
A leading benefit of AIRA is its operational efficiency. By automating responses to common questions and alleviating the administrative burden on IKAN’s destination services team, the chatbot allows us to concentrate on higher-value support and tailored guidance. It reduces email volume, speeds up response times, and removes the need for manual effort to supply information and data—significantly enhancing the speed and quality of information delivery.
The AI chatbot has successfully automated up to 60-70% of routine inquiries, enabling our destination consultants to focus on the relocation support that requires personalized attention, thereby reducing hours or days of administrative work to mere seconds. By offloading transactional queries to the chatbot, our teams reallocated their focus toward strategic tasks: client engagement, policy, and vendor management, resulting in a 30% increase in satisfaction scores.
AIRA can be integrated with internal mobility portals and thirdparty systems to provide real-time updates on shipment tracking, visa application status, and school search admission progress. This removes bottlenecks associated with manual follow-ups and reduces the risk of communication errors. AIRA ensures consistent and standardized information delivery, improved compliance with local immigration laws and internal mobility policies, reducing potential policy breaches.
intelligence, we have created a tool that is not only functional but also transformative.
“Relocating to India felt overwhelming until I interacted with AIRA. It provided instant answers to everything from visa documents to school options for my kids. I did not have to wait hours or days for responses – the chatbot was always there to guide me, along with my assigned consultant, in through the time zone differences and queries in German.”
Relocating Employee, Germany to India
Real-Time Analytics and Reporting
Data analytics from chatbot interactions empowers IKAN to identify recurring pain points and trends and proactively address them. The analytics empower us to improve onboarding materials, consultations with corporate clients, and RMCs. This pre-empts potential issues and streamlines the relocation process and data-driven decision-making.
The deployment of the AI chatbot presents strong evidence of cost savings, better resource utilization, and improved operational effectiveness. By automating repetitive tasks, enhancing 24/7 service delivery, and enabling strategic redeployment of personnel, IKAN will not only reduce expenses but also elevate service quality — demonstrating the transformative power of AI in a highly service-oriented industry.
AIRA is globally compliant and secure, aligned with major data privacy frameworks, including GDPR, CCPA, and others. This ensures that sensitive employee data is protected while still offering a seamless and intuitive user experience.
“AIRA is a game-changer for our global mobility program. With 24/7 access to up-to-date and accurate relocation and immigration information, our relocating employees will feel more supported and empowered. The AI system significantly reduces our dependence on emails and manual queries and improves employee satisfaction with international moves.”
Global Mobility Manager, Fortune 500 Tech Company
Rohit Kumar and Diwakar Gupta, IKAN’s Co-Founders and Managing Directors, are very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive responses to AIRA from their team, clients, and relocating employees.
Diwakar has pursued his passion for technology for many years. His interest began during the “dot.com” explosion. He has applied his skills to co-create IKAN’s internal technology: i-Track, Virtual Relo. Currently, he and the team are working on three developments, including AIRA, a corporate housing platform, and an updated version of i-Track.
Optimizing the Employee Experience
AIRA also plays a vital role in enhancing the employee experience. Relocating can be a stressful process, filled with uncertainties and fragmented communication. The chatbot is a central, always-available source of information, supporting employees with empathy, consistency, and personalized guidance.
The chatbot offers 24/7 service availability, eliminating the need for our staff to work extended hours to address assignees from different geographies and time zones without inflating headcount or payroll expenses.
We are delighted that AIRA reflects a deep understanding of the niche challenges of the employee mobility industry, including visa timelines, school curricula and admission timelines, cultural issues, and housing information. By addressing these unique pain points with precision and
The chatbot is also highly scalable and multilingual, enabling its seamless use across multiple regions and cultural contexts –ensuring consistent quality regardless of geography.
“Internally, AIRA has transformed the way in which we manage repetitive queries and onboarding. Our team can now focus on complex cases and personalized service, while AIRA oversees the high-volume, routine questions with consistency and accuracy. It’s like having another team member who never takes a break!”
IKAN Operations Head
Future Applications and Expansion
By implementing the AI chatbot, we anticipate a 20% reduction in operational support costs in the first year of deployment, through automation of FAQs, visa process guidance, document checklists, and relocation timelines — services that would otherwise require email threads, phone support, and extended turnaround times. The chatbot can instantly provide the required information, cutting down end-to-end resolution times.
Building on this success, IKAN plans to extend AI chatbot technology to other business verticals: destination services process management, property search, immigration, and corporate housing management. Future iterations of the chatbot will feature predictive analytics to flag potential delays or exceptions before they occur, allowing teams to take pre-emptive action.
Additionally, AIRA can be white labelled for key clients and global partners, allowing their teams to offer a customized version to their relocating employees and assignees, enhancing client experience, and extending IKAN’s value proposition.
We are also exploring voice-enabled chatbot capabilities and deeper integrations with third-party immigration and relocation assignment management systems, further streamlining end-to-end workflows.
AIRA is not merely a technological innovation—it is a catalyst for organizational agility, employee satisfaction, and strategic Employee Mobility Transformation.
Get in touch with us to learn more about AIRA.
Navigating New England
In 2005, Brenda Levis launched NYC Navigator and dreamed that one day she’d expand her company ’s presence back to her New England “roots”.
Before moving to NYC, Brenda was a true New Englander, growing up in New Hampshire and later calling Massachusetts and Rhode Island home. So, expanding into her old stomping grounds felt like the perfect next move. And just like that, New England Navigator was born: an awardwinning, internationally recognized, womanowned Destination Services company with all the warmth and know-how you’d expect.
disruption to helping families plug into their new communities, they ’ve got every detail covered. So… why New England?
Brenda and her New England Navigator Director, Alison Ethier, took everything that makes NYC Navigator special—personalized guidance, white-glove support, and a passion for helping people feel at home—and brought it north. Their mission? Make every move smoother, easier, and a whole lot less stressful. From minimizing
Because it ’s amazing.
Think world-class universities, powerhouse industries in tech, healthcare, and finance, and a thriving culture of innovation. Not to mention the stunning scenery, outdoor recreation, and delicious seafood! Your employees aren’t just relocating— they ’re landing in one of the most dynamic, opportunity-packed regions in the country.
We’d love to collaborate with your mobility team to make every relocation not just successful— but seamless, welcoming, and an exciting adventure.
Partner with New England Navigator and let us help you Recreate Home.
EuRA’s YouTube
A Terrific Resource
We have so much great content on our YouTube channel.
For the past decade all the conference sessions that took place in the main plenary theatres have been recorded and uploaded. All of our incredibly popular Ignite sessions are also online. The links to our Zagreb sessions are on the right.
We have dozens of Briefings going back years covering multiple topics from Legal Guides, Contracts, Mergers & Acquisitions Duty of Care, Sustainability and more.
We also have local guides to our conference locations, some beautiful conference launch films, interviews with members all over the world and a huge memoir of those Covid days when we could only communicate via Zoom!
Please subscribe to our channel. Every subscriber helps to increase global relocation recognition!
The Zagreb Sessions
Conference Opening
EuRA - A Year in Focus
Dealing with Adversity
Addressing Mental Health and Wellness
Immigration Workshop Part 1
Immigration Workshop Part 2
Supply Chain Workshop
Wellbeing Workshop
State of the Industry
AI Won’t Replace Humans...
Ignite
Conference Closing and Reveal
Upcoming Mobility Events
ARP Christmas Lunch
London 5 December
CHPA Connect 26 16-18 February Austin
IMA 2026 3-6 February Bali
International Relocation Congress 2026 27-30 April
Conference 2026 10-13 May Osaka
CERC 2026 14-16 September Fredericton New Brunswick
