SectionAWARDS Re:locate heading winner
Best Property Provider or Solution SilverDoor
T
he judges described serviced apartment agent SilverDoor’s submission as “outstanding: a strong, succinct, fact-based, rich entry, with good case studies – impressive and comprehensive”. Among the factors they highlighted were the company’s independence – as it does not own any of the apartments it represents, its advice is unbiased – the quality of its training, its investment in a bespoke system to streamline administration, its apprentice programme, and its status as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies to Work For 2012. SilverDoor represents more than 70,000 apartments in 300 cities and 60 countries worldwide. PR and marketing manager Engi Bally believes that the variety of areas and specifications offered allows the company to provide relocating professionals with exactly what they need, in the areas in which they need it. “All members of staff visit apartments regularly, in the UK and abroad,” she says. “Our account managers can offer comprehensive advice that takes into account transport facilities, schools, shopping facilities and other information that is extremely valuable for someone relocating to a new area.” The new administration system was introduced earlier this year. As Engi Bally explains, it brings together all parts of the booking process, from the property database to reservation confirmations. Account managers can immediately see a client’s preferences, including what kind of accommodation and facilities they prefer, the payment processes most convenient for them, and the longitude and latitude of areas of interest to them, such as their place of work. Sponsor
48 | Re:locate | Summer 2013
Coming 17th in the Best Small Companies ranking is certainly an impressive achievement. Says Engi Bally, “We work hard to create a positive working environment, which we achieve through regular staff events in and outside the office, extensive staff benefits, and excellent facilities, which we think enhance our understanding of each other on a personal as well as a professional level, allowing us to work better as a team.” The apprenticeship scheme was introduced to provide support to SilverDoor’s busiest departments. Engi Bally says, “We’re growing rapidly, and we know that it’s paramount that we adapt the company structure to this growth whenever needed. This ensures that all staff have the resources they need, and that we make the most of their unique skills.” Believing that with growth comes responsibility to the wider community, SilverDoor has appointed young people’s charity Catch22 as its charity of the year – a collaboration which grew from Re:locate‘s initiative to get the relocation sector involved with nationwide charity project The Jubilee Hour. This allows the company to give back to the wider community, and provides employees with opportunities to learn new skills in their spare time. Collecting the trophy, SilverDoor’s MD, Marcus Angell, said, “Winning this award is a great honour. It recognises our efforts to continuously offer our clients an excellent service and represent apartments in countries and cities demanded by relocating employees and business travellers.” www.silverdoor.co.uk
Shortlisted BridgeStreet Residences Serviced Apartments Suites
Go Native
Chiltern Relocation
The Apartment Service
SACO The Serviced Apartment Company