2026: The Year of the Collab
Let’s be honest - in this industry, you could be out at an event every night of the week. Between conferences, events, roundtables, webinars and informal meet ups, there is no shortage of opportunities to connect. And while that’s a brilliant thing, it can also feel… overwhelming.
Because behind every event is the same intention. To bring people together, to share knowledge, and to move our industry forward. But what if we could do that better?
At The ARP, we’ve been thinking a lot about this. Not just how we create great events and content for our members, but how we can collaborate more with other industry bodies, networking groups and charities to make things simpler, more meaningful, and ultimately more impactful for everyone. The truth is, we’re all working towards the same goals: stronger networks, better-informed professionals, and a more recognised and respected industry. So instead of competing for time, attention and attendance, there’s a real opportunity to work together more intentionally.
But collaboration isn’t just about filling rooms or busy calendars. At its best, it creates space for real learning. For different perspectives to be shared, for ideas to be challenged, and for relationships to form that last beyond a single event. When we collaborate across organisations, we open the door to wider conversations and deeper insight. That’s where the real value lies. What’s often forgotten is just how connected our industries already are.
Take ASAP, the Association of Serviced Apartment Professionals. It actually started in the very same office as The ARP, founded by the same like-minded people with a shared ambition to bring structure, standards and community to a growing sector. Over time, it became clear that the serviced apartment space needed to branch out as a specialised field in its own right, but its roots are firmly intertwined with The ARP. It’s a great reminder that while our sectors have evolved, they were never designed to exist in isolation.
“Collaboration is where the real magic of this industry happens. It’s not just about who you know - it’s about what you can learn from each other, how you challenge each other, and how, together, we can raise the standard for everyone. When we collaborate, we don’t just build stronger networks - we build a stronger industry.”
Jo Webb, Head of OrbiRelo - Ariosi, The ARP Communications & Events Committee Chair & Executive Board Member
The same can be said for BAR, the British Association of Removers, which has been shaping the removals industry for over 125 years. Its history reflects an industry built on adaptation, with many removal companies originally evolving from furniture makers, carriers, hauliers, and even funeral directors. Over time, these businesses grew, specialised, and helped establish the professional standards we see today.
Across all of this, there’s a common thread: industries don’t grow in silos, they grow together. Today, The ARP is actively looking to collaborate more closely with organisations like ASAP, BAR and Relocate the Profit, bringing together different parts of our wider ecosystem. Because pushing our industry forward doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when we collaborate.
“Successful moves are like a great orchestral performance. They depend on a large number of people and organisations working together in precise harmony to ensure the best result. BAR is pleased to be working with colleagues from across all parts of the relocation industry to ensure the best performance possible, every time.”
Andrew Large, Director General - British Association of Removers
Relocate the Profit is a brilliant example of what true collaboration can look like at its best. It was built on a simple but powerful idea, that everyone involved in relocation, from RMCs and DSPs to household goods shippers, immigration specialists and tax providers, should be working together, not on opposite sides. It’s about joining hands as one industry, one community, and recognising that we achieve far more when we operate as a team.
But it goes even further than that. At its heart, Relocate the Profit is about finding ways to give back. To contribute to a better world where we can, and to use our collective strength to make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. It’s a reminder that collaboration isn’t just good for business - it can be a force for good.
As our industry continues to evolve, the challenges we face are becoming more complex. Policy changes, shifting client expectations, and the need for innovation and sustainability are all shaping the landscape we operate in. No single organisation has all the answers. But together, we are far better equipped to respond, adapt and lead.
“When we created Relocate the Profit, it wasn’t because there was a gap for industry peers to come together, it was about recognising the incredible people already in our network and asking what we could achieve collectively. To date, this brilliant industry has raised over £35,000, helping young girls in Tanzania gain access to the education they deserve.”
Ben Jones, Client Success Director – Simply London and Co-Founder – Relocate The Profit
At The ARP, we’re proud to be part of an industry that values connection. But with so much happening, there’s an opportunity, and a responsibility, to make that connection more intentional. Because in the end, it’s not about how many events we attend. It’s about what we take away, what we share, and how we use that to move our industry forward.
Want to see collaboration in action? Check out the upcoming events pages for more details and to register for the planned collab events in 2026.
Jo Webb, Head of OrbiRelo - Ariosi, The ARP Communications & Events Committee Chair & Executive Board Member