The brief: We were asked to help a couple moving from the US to Edinburgh find a stylish, unfurnished modern apartment within 5 minutes walk of the city centre. Given that 90% of city centre accommodation in Edinburgh are old traditional tenements this was quite a challenge.
What Scott’s Relocation did: We made contact with our network of estate agents to gather information on suitable available properties, and also got in touch with our “off market” contacts looking for properties not yet available on the open market. We then devised a personalised action plan including orientation tours to help the couple identify priority locations
We arranged viewings for 8 ‘hand picked’ properties in the clients’ preferred locations. While this was happening Liz received a call from one of her contacts about a brand new contemporary property just 5 minutes walk from the assignee’s work place. We included this property in the clients’ itinerary and, to our delight, they immediately fell in love with the property.
Liz then secured the lease, carried out the snagging and ensured that all of the work was completed before the couple’s arrival, made sure that the walked into a warm and welcoming new home.
Testimonial: “I do want you and Maggie to know how impressed Matt and I are with Scott’s Relocation's services. You both really took our needs, tastes and personalities into account and the end result was the perfect flat in an area that really suits us.
The orientation to the city was so useful and really helped me get my bearings here. You guys are hard working, professional and super-accessible. And we appreciate the fact that your services didn't end once we moved in. The ex-pat get togethers are thoughtful and fun - thanks for continuing to reach out”
Schools/Education Advice Case Study
The brief: We were approached by a longstanding client who was managing the potential relocation of a key employee from Singapore to Edinburgh. The client employer was desperately keen to relocate this employee but the employee was nervous about moving from Singapore since he insisted on finding a school where his two teenage children (aged 17 and 14) could continue their education with minimal disruption. The employer had suggested 2 schools but in both cases the education system offered to the employee’s children was very unsuitable for their needs.
What Scott’s Relocation did: Given our knowledge of the education system we immediately knew the education system that the children would be following and were able to suggest 2 excellent private schools located in Edinburgh that followed the same ‘A’ Level curriculum the employee’s children were currently following.
Liz liased with the employee’s family and the schools in order to set up interviews at both schools. The family subsequently choose one where the children were successfully placed and continue to flourish.
Testimonial: “I have found Scotts Re-location to be very professional & friendly – great at keeping me updated - No task to big or to small – would definitely use them again.” Joan Lawlor – FMC Technologies
Temporary Accommodation Case Study
The brief: We were asked by company with international facilities to find accommodation for three students who were coming to Scotland for a six month secondment at the Fife plant. The client asked us to find one property that the three students could share.
What Scott’s Relocation did: Our up to date knowledge of the property market meant that we were able to make this employer aware of the House of Multiple Occupancy legislation introduced by the Civic Government Scotland Act 1982 ( Licencing of Houses of Multiple Occupation) Order 2000, which now bans 3 or more un-related occupants sharing the same residence. We were then able to offer the employer a number of alternative solutions including the one they chose, which was two separate two bedroom apartments very close to each other which solved the transport and socialising issues. The students were also delighted since one of the apartments had a billiards table in the garage!
Family from America case study
The brief: To relocate a family from Louisiana, USA with a young child. The husband was undertaking a high level job in Edinburgh and required cross cultural training to maximize his effectiveness in his dealings with colleagues and clients.
What Scott’s Relocation did: We sourced properties and nurseries and made sure the family was settled quickly in to a house they loved. Maggie conducted a 3 hour briefing in the client’s home, which enabled him to see the differences between the way he worked in the American South and the way he should conduct business in Scotland. We paid particular attention to communication issues. We also discussed more general cultural and practical differences, including how his wife could settle more quickly and adapt to her new life (and new career) in Edinburgh.
Result: Family settled and all property and cultural requirements met.
Banking executive moving to Mumbai for 6 months case study
The brief: To brief a single, woman executive being sent on a 6 month posting to Mumbai India.
What Scott’s Relocation did: Maggie conducted a half day briefing with the employee, at the client’s office. The briefing looked at Indian culture, how it differs from British culture and how this can cause misunderstandings and a failure to communicate effectively, affecting job performance. We also looked at wider issues about living and working abroad, especially as a single woman on the Asian sub continent.
Result: The employee was reassured that she had acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to perform her job effectively. She had a successful stay in Mumbai and was able to help her colleagues to understand the Indian way of conducting business on her return.