Point2Point Sept 09

Point2Point Issue 10 - September 2009

National Relocation Conference
Challenging Times
Radical Thinking

Our National relocation Conference 2009 will take place in Oxford on September 24th.  This year we will be focussing on the changing market conditions we all face in the fallout from the global economic crisis and looking at where we go from here.  In a series of thought provoking sessions led by industry experts, we will be addressing some complex topics and looking at innovative solutions.
For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, click here.
For booking details, click here.
For a full programme, click here.

OFT Registration Scheme
Anti-Money Laundering Rules

The ARP has been in discussion with the Office of Fair Trading for the last year in order to clarify the rules on mandatory registration to its Anti-Money Laundering Registration Scheme.  Despite our best efforts, they have refused to reclassify Relocation Providers and we still fall under their umbrella classification for Real Estate.  However, registration under the scheme is mandatory. 
For full details of the scheme, click here.
For a registration form, click here.

ARP News
Tad Zurlinden, CE

The summer is traditionally a quieter time for the ARP, but not so this year.  With preparations well underway for the National Relocation Conference on September 24th, plus overseeing the new compliance rules from the OFT, we have been busy.  The programme for the conference is finalised and online, and focuses on how ARP members are responding to the downturn, from small DSP's and Private Acquisitions Suppliers, right up to the global RMC's.  This is an important event in the relocation calendar and is not to be missed!
For the full article, click here.

Member Focus
The Relocation Network

Challenging times, radical thinking.  Going along with this year's conference title is Sharon Hewitt who has guided the formation of a new network of UK relocation professionals.  With a vision to create a group capable of offering truly nationwide coverage, Sharon has combined the collective experience of 21 independent companies to form The Relocation Network UK.  Sharon will be speaking during Session One of the conference.
For full details, click here.

Feature:
The Power of Patience and Persuasion

Helmut Berg was the very first overseas member of the ARP and has a unique perspective on the importance of networks, especially during these uncertain times.  He has pioneered a project amongst the German members of EuRA to gain accurate and important industry data, that is being very successfully used as a marketing tool for all who take part.  Helmut will discuss these initiatives during the second session of the conference.
To read the full article, click here.

Feature:
Grey Thatch

Mind surfing through the issues which might interest ARP readers I came across coverage about the pressures affecting the British commercial agency sector. It’s certainly a dog eat dog world they now have to live in with even the really big hitters of commercial agency busying themselves shuffling their packs of aces, shirkers and jokers.   A case in point is the promotion of Andrew Gould to become the new chief executive for Jones Lang LaSalle in England. It would appear Gould feels quite confident that JLL can hold their own with the other “blue chip” commercial agencies...
For the full article, click here.

News Digest
Annie Panton

Well, the silly season has come round again and it seems to me that the Press are clutching at straws to gain our attention. I’ve been at a loss to write something constructive in view of the situation generally – with businesses struggling to maintain their momentum. But let’s face it, it is holiday time – we just need to get ourselves geared up again by September when everything returns to normal, we hope!Some businesses in the industry are, I believe, taking stock of their situations and using a bit more time to reflect on how things are done and whether changes are a good thing at the present time. And in all honesty, I hear that people are generally busy which is a good sign, in my view.
To read the full article, click here.

Property Update
Camilla Stephens

The Relocation Company explains why ‘short term signals of recovery should be treated with caution’.  The latest Hometrack survey which is based on over 6,000 responses from surveyors and agents working across the country, shows that while there has been no growth in headline prices over the last 3 months, the proportion of asking price being achieved continues to narrow.   This currently stands at 91.5% compared to 88.3% in January 2009.
North/south split emerging …Agents and surveyors reported that house prices increased across 10% of postcodes in July – the vast majority in southern England where a growing scarcity of housing is putting upward pressure on prices...
To read the full article, click here.

Affiliate Member Focus
Lloyds TSB International Banking, Head of Business development UK, Cliff Govander

Lloyds TSB International recently became members of the ARP and EuRA as we truly believe our international products support the needs of the relocation industry. Whatever part of the relocation process your company’s involved in, you’ll want what’s right for your clients and we can help by guiding you both over some of the financial hurdles.
From experience we know that nearly 20%* of Brits who’ve relocated overseas found managing their finances difficult. This includes opening a bank account, organising a mortgage, and keeping track of finances at home. What’s more worrying is that 77% of these respondents took no action to get their finances in order before heading abroad. This is why we want you to know how we can work with you to help add value to your client relationships and alleviate some of the pressure before they leave the UK.
To read the full article, click here.

Events Watch
Autumn

 


Details of all ARP training programmes will be sent out in an Events Bulletin and will be on the website 8 weeks in advance.