THE PRODUCT

The wellbeing of people on the move Both corporate and private clients can confidently trust us to save time and expense in every aspect of relocation.

We cut out the frustration factor for everyone concerned and the feeling of anxiety for the newcomer.

The first issues to address are Home and Education.

UK WELCOME can find the best properties to rent or buy at the best price (we are not paid on commission). This claim is based on our knowledge of the market and our constant and determined dedication to the needs of the family.

We assist in finding the correct school at the appropriate level. We check availability of places in advance and make appointments with head teachers. Children can be vulnerable at times of change and their wellbeing is a priority. This should not be overlooked.

We offer support throughout the whole assignment from arrival to departure.

THE SERVICES

We offer our clients loyalty, care and efficiency.

We supply HR Departments and private clients with a reliable source of relocation services to ensure the success of the assignee posting. Busy HR Managers will be relieved of the 'soft side' of the relocation process. The interests of the family are a priority, but always within the directive of the HR Department. From the first briefing to the final checkout, we follow scrupulously the terms of the Contract.

To this end we provide the following

- Employee briefing

  • ascertaining the needs of everybody involved

  • offering advice on the proposed areas

- Preparation of relevant material and information

- Co-ordination and management of itineraries (for property viewings and school appointments)

- Negotiation of offer on chosen property and advice on process through to completion

THE CONTRACT

The Contract can be adapted to suit individual requirements. Our responsibilities will always be clearly defined.

As an outsourced support company we are bound by the Association of Relocation Agents to follow strict professional guidelines.

We maintain close contact with the HR Department throughout the Contract if they wish to be notified of the progress.

The costs will be agreed in advance. The level of services and the budget allocated will determine the cost.

We can offer a choice of fixed price Contracts, which are popular with our corporate clients.

Our full program can be sub-divided into individual services to suit the client's requirements and budget.

QUESTIONNAIRE

This forms the basis of our research before the first meeting. It is an essential part of the preparation and enables us to build up a 'client profile' ahead of the 'ORIENTATION' visit.

FAMILIARISATION

An information pack is sent with a map and description of the area in advance of arrival. It usually contains the following:

-Lists of schools

-Current property prices

-Cost of living

-Local amenities information

-Lists of Finance institutions and banks offering services for customers who are not ordinarily resident in the UK.

-Description and advice on the National Health Service, including dentists, GPs, maternity (if appropriate) and general welfare clinics

-Details on leisure and sports facilities, clubs and associations, with advice on membership

- Transport timetables for trains and buses.

ORIENTATION VISIT

We collect the family from their hotel or the airport for the preliminary meeting, which can be in one of seven languages. (click on List languages)

At this first meeting we outline the services which we have been asked to provide, so that the family knows what to expect.

The family will be accompanied on a detailed tour of the area, viewing the properties within the budget, which are currently on the market. We aim to provide an overview of what is available and eliminate, as far as possible, the element of "strangeness".

We also take this opportunity to talk about culture and different aspects of life in England.

PROPERTIES

Previewing is the key to finding the right property in the shortest time.

Estate Agents in the UK do not operate from a central register and their descriptions of properties can be misleading. We therefore like to preview all suitable properties to ensure they conform to the client's wishes, thus saving valuable time and expense.

The detailed list of previewed properties is then emailed or faxed to the client together with the current market prices. Checks will be made on the transport services, leisure, local schools, security of the area, its friendliness, air pollution level and airport nuisance....

During the homesearch we work on behalf of the client to negotiate the best deal, often requesting the upgrading of properties or an adjustment in the price. We make appointments and accompany the family on viewing the selected properties. If possible, we incorporate this with school visits.

Once the decision has been made we assist with the following:

-Negotiate the terms of the tenancy agreement. -Arrange for the transfer of utilities -Prepare/Check the inventory

-Be in attendance on the moving day for check-in

In the case of purchase, the procedures are the same. We offer advice and information based on the most reliable and official sources on the way properties are bought in the UK and the different steps to follow. We call in surveyors, solicitors, financial advisers and assist with the negotiations.

Where renovations are required we recommend our clients to specialist technicians who are personally known to us.

EDUCATION

Finding the best school at the right level is the first consideration. To this end we offer the following assistance:

-Check availability of places

-Preview and meet with the head

-Report back to the family

-Make appointments

-Accompany the family on school viewings

In case of problems or special difficulties the family will be directed to educational specialists.

For very young children parents can expect to be introduced to playgroups and nursery schools.

All information is given on childminders and nannies agencies to ensure maximum security and peace of mind.

We are with the family every step of the way.

UNIVERSITIES

Higher education is defined as advanced courses higher than A Level or equivalent. They may be part time, full time or sandwich course (a mix of studies and work) Each university has its own entrance requirements and must be contacted for details.

Requests for places are usually presented through an organisation called UCCA short for "Universities Central Council on Admission".

For further information please contact "the Association of Commonwealth Universities" John Foster House, 36 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PF

We advise the prospective student on all the possibilities offered in England and the formalities involved.

LANGUAGE

When for the first time in UK it is very securing to be welcomed in one's own language. Our team of consultants, many themselves relocatees, cover 7 languages and so 7 cultural backgrounds. They are: French, Spanish, German, Deutch, Italian, Swedish and Arabic.

The family is looked after during the length of the contract by its proper consultant who reduces greatly the level of stress, misenterpreting, misunderstanding, mistakes and cultural shock.

Some comments from families who have been helped by UK Welcome (click) Customer Comments

  • "UK Welcome helped to make our transition much smoother" (Ms. P from Barcelona to central London)

  • " How very fortunate we feel to have met such warm, caring and cheerful people as you." (Mr. and Mrs. P and three sons from Texas moving to Cobham)

  • " I feel the service you provided was exceptional and certainly exceed any expectations" (Mr. and Mrs. N from Pennsylvania moving to Welwyn Garden City)

  • " Nous vous remercions pour votre aide precieuse aussi bien sur le plan materiel que moral" (Mr. and Mrs. D and three children from Paris moving to Wimbledon)

CONTACT US

If you wish to contact UK Welcome, please write to:

Jackie Williams or Muriel Watkins-Van Biesen

UK Welcome Limited
20 R.B.M. Willoughby Road
East Twickenham Middlesex TW1 2QJ
United Kingdom

Tel.: + 44 (0) 20 8255 8186 Fax.: + 44 (0) 20 8288 0636

email: info@ukwelcome.com