Time for change

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As a former expat herself, Karen Robson knows only too well the hassles that come with relocating to a new country

RELOCATING to a new country is potentially one of the most difficult things anyone can do and often it is the less obvious details that are ignored in all the activity.

Questions such as, where is the nearest doctor’s surgery or how do I enrol the children in school are two extremely important areas that may be overlooked amid the stresses and strains of the initial move.

As a former expat herself, Cults woman Karen Robson knows only too well the hassles that come with relocating to a new country and has first-hand experience of starting over somewhere new.

After many years living in Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and latterly New Orleans, Karen had to integrate back into the north-east way of life when she returned with her four young children in 2000.

Earlier this year, after having worked for a city relocation firm for more than four years, Karen decided to set up her own business, Aberdeen Relocation.

Using her own personal experiences of moving back into the area, Karen has already helped many people settle in the north-east.

Offering a customised service, Aberdeen Relocation provides clients with a complete package – sourcing and securing accommodation for employees moving to Aberdeen and the surrounding areas while also helping them to settle into their new home.

“I quickly became aware of how much it costs to run an office and how I could make my own company cost effective by being based at home – for the most part I am on the road checking out properties or showing clients around anyway,” explained Karen.

“Relocating to a new country is one of the hardest things anyone can do and having lived abroad both on my own and with a young family, I have first-hand experience of how difficult it can be to find suitable accommodation, never mind gaining access to schools and local amenities.

“From my point of view one of the most important things when relocating is getting the family settled as soon as possible.

“For example as a wife and mother it can sometimes be difficult to become integrated into a new community.

“Once her husband goes off to work and the children are at school the woman is often left wondering what to do next.

“Because I have been in that situation and know how tough it can be I realise that it can be a very isolating experience and how even going out for a coffee with a like-minded person can make all the difference.”

For many families, their first visit to the north-east, or even to Scotland, may well be the day they actually move in to their new home and can often mean a complete culture shock.

Aberdeen Relocation not only sources homes for its clients, but also provides a full orientation of the area, showing expats the location of hospitals, local supermarkets, health clubs and banks.

According to Karen, many of these factors can be overlooked as the enormity of the situation takes over. She added: “My clients are much more than a number on a balance sheet to me, and if I can help in any way I will. I want people to enjoy their time in Aberdeen as much as possible, not go away feeling unhappy about the experience they had during their time spent here.

“On the day they move in I will take them to pick up their keys and show them routes to places of importance like the hospital, the husband and/or wife’s place of work and will even take them to their local supermarket to pick up a few essential items.

“I want them to feel happy and secure and always look to house them in an area where they will be suited to the people and amenities.”

Despite having lived in the north-east since she was a child Karen found it difficult readjusting when she returned after almost 20 years away. Having no idea about the schooling systems and housing procedures, Karen turned to her family for support.

“I had never lived in Aberdeen with children so that side of things was all new to me, I was effectively an ex-pat in my own country and very much had to start from scratch,” she said

“I was lucky that I had my family to point me in the right direction in terms of housing and schools – but for anyone else, this would be a completely new experience.

“That’s where I come in to take the strain for my clients, taking on the lease negotiations, helping them to open a bank account and even accompanying them to the school to enrol their children. It’s all about settling people into their new life as smoothly as possible.”

Aberdeen Relocation also offers a number of different packages to ensure the client’s time is used efficiently when it comes to viewing properties.

In addition, the company also offers a property sourcing service whereby Aberdeen Relocation will source and view many properties before compiling a shortlist for the client’s consideration.

For more information on Aberdeen Relocation and its services call 07779 904079, e-mail karen@aberdeenrelocation. co.uk or visit www.aberdeen relocation.co.uk