It seems like a lifetime ago that London was awarded the Olympic Games back in 2005, but here we are, seven years later, just days away from the opening ceremony at East London’s Olympic Stadium.
For the relocation industry, assignee moves during the London Olympic Games need to be monitored and managed carefully and as we’ve mentioned one or two (hundred) times before… advance planning is key. That’s why Cartus published its first relocation Olympic Special in October 2010 and have been issuing updated communications regularly ever since.
If, like us, you have been planning for the London Olympics for a while, it doesn’t mean it’s now a sprint finish to the end of the logistical challenges. If anything, this is where the hard work really starts as the UK capital begins preparations to welcome hundreds of thousands of spectators, athletes, officials, marketing partners and media contingents.
Here are 10 Tips for Dealing with the London Olympics for companies based in London or moving their employees into and out of the city this summer…
1. Remember that although the London Olympics officially begins on 27 July, London has already put on its ‘hosting hat’ and will continue this right through to 17 September 2012, when the last of the Paralympic visitors leaves.
2. Update your assignees with as much information as possible. Visit our dedicated London Olympics website, to download communication materials.
3. If a move is not business-critical, then we recommend you reschedule it until after the Olympics are over.
4. Consider offering a temporary flexible working option during the London Olympics, either allowing employees to arrive to work later or work remotely.
5. The Olympic Delivery Authority recommends businesses follow the four R’s:
Reduce non-essential trips and minimise disruption to your employees.
Retime essential journeys to avoid busy periods.
Re-route essential journeys to avoid busy areas.
Revise mode of transport if your usual commute includes the London transport network; e.g., walk or cycle.
6. Allow plenty of extra time for (or avoid, if you can) driving in Central London from mid-July until the end of the Games.
7. Avoid travelling in specific areas on days when road sporting events are taking place, e.g., marathon, road cycling.
8. Outbound UK moves should be given the same careful planning as inbound relocations.
9. Consider rescheduling home finding and school searches in the London area until after the Olympics have concluded.
10. Should you have a large assignee population moving to London in the coming months, ensure you keep in regular contact with your Cartus representative.
As you would expect, Cartus’ office in London will be open as normal throughout the London Olympics and our destination services teams plan where possible to continue to take assignees on viewings and orientation tours. These tours, however, may take longer to conduct due to the potential logistical challenges over the Olympic period. Affected clients and assignees will be kept fully updated and informed.
Despite the potential disruption, “Games fever” has definitely hit London and the whole country is looking forward to welcoming the world’s best sportsmen and women to what promises to be a spectacular 30th Olympiad!
Email this contributor at daniel.natoli@cartus.com.
