New Work Permit Scheme For UK Migrants

July 30, 2008 – 10:03 am

NEW WORK PERMIT SCHEME FOR UK MIGRANTS

The UK is in the process of revamping its immigration system, this includes the work permit scheme. The primary changes are that:

• Migrants will be required to satisfy a points based immigration process
• Companies will need to be licensed by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) if they wish to apply for work permits
• Work permits will be known as Certificates of Sponsorship
• Companies will be faced with an increased compliance burden.

The changes are being implemented in a phased approach.
• 1st phase was implemented on 29 February 2008
• Full implementation is scheduled to be completed by the second quarter 2009.

To understand “WHAT YOUR COMPANY NEEDS TO DO NOW” please click here

At HCR we can provide a fully complete Sponsorship application ready for your submission, complete with required supporting materials, plus activation of on-line Sponsorship management tool.

For details about our support service please click here

For further information and no obligation contact Natascha Clark on:
e-mail: nclark@hcr.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1256 313839

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Relocation goes green at HCR

July 11, 2008 – 3:52 pm

HCR are very proud to have been granted their ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard certification by Lloyds Register last week, after 9 months of preparation work.

Led by Special Projects Manager, George Dawes, the Environment Project Team reviewed every aspect of our processes and delivery mechanisms in order to seek reductions in our waste and the impact on our environment.

The Business Development Director, Adrian Leach, commented, “achieving this standard was important not only to demonstrate our commitment to minimising our impact on the environment, but also to deliver tangible savings”. “George and the team can already point to savings in fuel and energy, decreased paper usage and increase recycling of consumables. They have set realistic targets and systems for continuous improvement based on processes that meet the standard.”

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for the environmental management of businesses. It prescribes controls for those activities that have an effect on the environment. These include the use of natural resources, handling and treatment of waste and energy consumption.

HCR do not know of any other relocation specialist and rental accommodation provider who has achieved the prescribed standard. They are now working on a sustainable relocation project that will work in conjunction with many of their clients’ own environmental policies.

If you would like to know more about HCR’s commitment to the environment, please contact George at gdawes@hcr.co.uk

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HCR attends Global Workforce Summit - ERC (Worldwide Mobility Association)

June 27, 2008 – 3:26 pm

Natascha Clark, Business Development Manager, HCR (employee relocation specialist) attended the ERC Global Workforce Summit: Focus on Europe, Middle East & Africa on June 18th and 19th 2008 in Belgium, Brussels.

The quality of the conference was very high as were the attendees, who came from all over the world. It provided training seminars and panel discussions about the latest relocation trends. The speakers and presenters were mainly blue chip corporate clients i.e. Nike, Microsoft, Bank of America and Intel etc. They gave factual feedback about how they manage their international relocation and what their expectations are internally and externally

“The knowledge exchanged during these conferences ensures that HCR is informed of big corporations’ international relocation practises. This enables HCR to advise and educate our clients with the latest developments and changes in approach,” enthused Natascha.

She went on to say, “The conference was also a great place for corporates to highlight shortfalls in relocation services. Once issue pointed out was lack of a program to take care of all documentation/paperwork and household set up. A second issue was refurbishing and repairing housing prior to move-out - thus reducing the overall claims of the landlord. I was pleased to confirm that HCR could provide both of these services.”

Corporate clients were represented by their top people: i.e. Managing Directors, Vice Presidents, Directors, CEO’s, Global Relocation Managers, Head of International Assignment etc. from companies such as Novartis, Atos, PepsiCo, Tata Power, Mercer, Eli Lilly, Intel etc.

For further information on HCR’s Global (UK and International) relocation solutions please contact Natascha Clark on:
e-mail: nclark@hcr.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1256 313839

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Energy Performance Certificates compulsory for house sales and new tenancies in Northern Ireland

June 10, 2008 – 1:10 pm

The Department of Finance and Personnel is introducing Energy Performance
Certificates (EPCs) in Northern Ireland to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings:

o Regardless of the date when an existing dwelling is placed on the market, from 30th June 2008, the relevant person (the seller) has a legal duty to make available free of charge a valid EPC to the prospective buyer or actual buyer a valid EPC at the earliest opportunity (i.e before entering into a contract to sell). This must be given free of charge. (www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk)

o From 30th December 2008 the relevant person (the landlord) of a building which is to be rented out has a legal duty to make available to the prospective tenant or actual tenant a valid EPC at the earliest opportunity (i.e. before entering into a contract to rent). There is no need to obtain an EPC for an existing tenancy. (www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk)

o From 30th September 2008 the relevant person (the builder) of a new building (dwelling and non-dwelling) has the same legal duty as the home seller and landlord above. When the construction of a new building is completed, the builder or person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner. (www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk)

“As an employee relocation specialist sourcing both permanent and temporary rented accommodation for employees we view the the new legislation as a very positive move. Employees will be able to understand the energy efficency of a property (and how to make improvements) prior to purchasing or renting a property in Northern Ireland. The down side for the seller or landlord is that it will increase their costs and take additional time and stress,” stated David Jannetta, Mover Adviser, HCR.

David went on to highlight, “The good news is that HCR will arrange the EPC on an employee or landlord’s behalf.”

For further information on HCR’s Energy Performance Certificate service, please contact David Jannetta on: e-mail: djannetta@hcr.co.uk tel: +44 (0) 1256 313763

Or for relocation solutions please contact Natascha Clark on:
e-mail: nclark@hcr.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1256 313839

For more information on the EPC legislation please visit www.epb.dfpni.gov.uk

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Home Report set to change the Scottish housing market

June 4, 2008 – 2:18 pm

From the 1st December 2008 every Scottish seller will be legally obliged to prepare a Home Report prior to marketing their home. This report will be made available on request to prospective buyers of the home.

The Home Report will include:

1. An in-depth survey containing:
o Condition of home report
o Valuation
o An accessibility audit for people with particular needs

2. A property questionnaire containing information about the home that will be useful to buyers

3. An energy report providing:
o Energy efficiency of the home
o Environmental impact
o Recommendations on ways to improve its energy efficiency

It will not include any searches

Home Information Packs were first introduced into England in August 2007.

“As with Home Information Packs, HCR will arrange the Home Report on a transferee’s behalf. This saves time and reduces their stress allowing the employee to focus on their role at work,” enthuses David Jannetta, Move Adviser, HCR.

For further information on HCR’s Home Report service, please contact David Jannetta on:
e-mail: djannetta@hcr.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1256 313763

Or for relocation solutions please contact Natascha Clark on:
e-mail: nclark@hcr.co.uk or tel: +44 (0) 1256 313839

For more information on the Home Report, please visit www.homereportscotland.gov.uk

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HCR keeps up-to-date with relocation industry at 10th EuRA Conference, Rome, Italy

June 2, 2008 – 8:39 am

HCR has recently participated at the 10th EuRA Conference held in Rome, Italy. It gave relocation, immigration and removal experts the opportunity to network and discuss with other professionals the latest trends and issues within the industry. In addition to this, several training sessions were given and the special guest speakers kept the participants engaged with their motivating and inspirational talks. We networked with service providers from APAC, EMEA and the USA, finding good partners for our UK inbound and UK outbound relocation activities.

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Guaranteed Sale Prices are highly valued component of relocation packages

May 13, 2008 – 3:56 pm

Adrian Leach, HCR Assistant Director Business Development appeared in the Spring 2008 edition of Re:locate magazine in an article titled “Safe as houses?”. In the article journalist Susan Bevan explained why Guaranteed Sale Prices (GSPs) are becoming an increasingly valued component of relocation packages. Guaranteed Sale Price is sometimes referred to as Guaranteed Purchase Price (GPP), Home Buy Out or Guaranteed Value.

Susan confirmed the benefits of a GSP Scheme, “GSP schemes provide relocating employees with a guaranteed sum of money, based on the value of their old home, with funds available when they find a new home to buy. They are in the happy position of a first-time buyer, able to clinch the deal on a new property quickly, unfettered by a house buying chain.”

The article goes onto to cover the features employers and employees involved in a GSP Scheme need to be made aware of.

“In a static or falling market employees are likely to find the offer attractive but for employers there is a greater risk of loss on sale. The right marketing strategy and initial asking price are essential in order to minimise risk”, says Adrian.

It is important to understand that the Sale Price achieved for the property doesn’t necessarily equal the price offered under the GSP Scheme and these expectations should be made to any employer and employee interested in the scheme.

HCR provides realistic expectations of property values under its GSP Scheme. HCR are one of the very few companies who can fund GSPs rather than use the employer’s funds. Our policy is to be honest and open - a trusted friend.

A full account of the original article on the Re:locate website can be found at
http://www.relocatemagazine.com/employee-support/safe-as-houses.php.

For further information on how the Guaranteed Sale Price Scheme can help you, please contact Natascha Clark e-mail: nclark@hcr.co.uk tel: 01256 812700

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David Jannetta, Move Adviser, HCR “relocates” his bicycle in aid of St Michael’s Hospice

March 13, 2008 – 11:03 am

David Jannetta (57), a Move Adviser at HCR (the relocation and property company) is taking part in a sponsored cycle ride on Sunday 20th July 2008 in aid of St Michael’s Hospice, Basingstoke. David has participated for the last 4 years, last year he cycled 45 miles and it took him just over 3 hours!

The course starts at 9 am at Down Grange playing fields and meanders around some very challenging hilly roads between Basingstoke and Alresford.

“I enjoy cycling it keeps me young and fit, plus it’s for a really good cause. If anyone would like to join me then they are very welcome,” enthused David.

St. Michael’s Hospice, based in Basingstoke helps people faced with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers by providing a choice of specialist care and support to enable them to attain the highest possible quality of life.

If you would like to sponsor David, please contact him on e-mail: djannetta@hcr.co.uk or phone: 01256 313763.

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HCR sponsors the local community, Basingstoke’s “A Place to be Proud of Awards”

February 14, 2008 – 11:52 am

HCR under the banner of HCR Property Management, provider of a flexible and economical alternative to hotels and serviced accommodation in Basingstoke, is sponsoring the string quartet for the Basingstoke “A Place to be Proud of Awards 2008.”

The awards recognise the contributions made by individuals, groups, organisations, places and initiatives that make Basingstoke borough a diverse, vibrant community and a great place to live and do business. These awards were first launched in 2003 and have gone from strength to strength.

“ HCR are proud to be supporting their local community by sponsoring the string quartet at “A Place to be Proud of Awards”. HCR takes Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously, we like to give something back to the community where our office is based and where the majority of our employees live,” stated Rob Dolbear, Financial Director, HCR.

All short-listed nominees and nominators are invited to the prestigious Awards dinner and ceremony on 13th July held in Festival Place – this year the speaker will be Charlie Dimmock.

HCR employees are being encouraged to submit nominations. Categories include:
· Arts and Culture Award
· Good Citizen Award
· Good Neighbour Award
· Health and Care Award
· Basingstoke Ambassador Award
· School and Education Award
· Young Achiever Award
· Unsung Hero Award
· Judges Special Award

Further details about the awards plus nomination forms can be found at:
www.basingstoke.gov.uk/community/proud/

Further details about HCR Property Management can be found at:
www.hcr.co.uk/rentals

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HCR are seeking more Private Landlords – Advertising Campaign starts

February 13, 2008 – 2:29 pm

HCR is currently launching an Advertising Campaign to seek out Private Landlords who have property that they could let through HCR’s Rental Scheme.

“ Working with HCR can save a Private Landlord up to £2,000 a year. Private Landlords will also get a guaranteed and regular payment from a financially dependable company plus quality and disciplined occupants from corporations and government as tenants. These are only some of the superb benefits that HCR can bring to the table,” enthuses Adrian Leach, Business Development Assistant Director.

HCR guarantees attendance at move in and move out, a reduced voidage with an average of 28 months tenancy, lower registration fees than most agents and a fair and equitable damages policy.

Private Landlords will not be charged unless HCR uses them. HCR will provide a 24/7 emergency property helpline to support the protection of their property and through-life tenancy support by the HCR maintenance team.

With the property rental market forecasting to increase over the next few months and the expansion in employee relocation that HCR is facilitating, HCR is looking to add to its current portfolio of over 6,000 properties it rents out at any one time.

The advertisements will appear in London Loot, Landlord and Housing Matters over the next few months.

To obtain more information Private Landlords are being encouraged to contact Patience on 01256 313735 or e-mail her on LL@hcr.co.uk

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