North East Mobility Forum: Highlights from Our Recent Event

After an introduction by host Huw Thomas, Client Development Manager at K2, Helen Squibb Global Mobility and HR Advisory at K2, opened the forum with a session exploring all things GM policy. Helen set the scene by providing insights and best practices from a K2 perspective, before breaking the attendees into breakout groups to develop their own policy matrices. These matrices were then shared with the wider group, prompting open discussion and knowledge sharing.

Following a coffee break, Davyd Fisher Tax Partner and Paul Brown Associate Director from Grant Thornton, presented a tax update, sharing their expertise in this area and addressing some pain points raised by the wider group.

This was followed by a detailed session delivered by Simon Higson, UK Immigration Leader at K2, on UK immigration. Given recent legislative changes, this was a particularly popular topic that prompted lively discussion, with Simon using his expertise to guide the group through policy changes and their impact on the day-to-day activities of their GM programmes. Simon concluded this session with a “Life in the UK” quiz, providing insights into one of the requirements for UK citizenship applications.

After lunch, the floor was opened to the group to raise any questions, issues, or grievances they currently faced, in what we termed a “GM Therapy” session. This again prompted impassioned discussion, covering topics such as international remote working, employee relocation experiences, and global immigration.

Subsequent feedback suggested that this session was highly valued by the group, and they expressed a keen interest in having similar sessions built into future events.

Following a closing update and wrap-up by Richard Rutledge Executive Business Director and Co-Owner at K2, and Huw Thomas, the group then headed upstairs to Above Bar to continue conversations over drinks in a relaxed social environment.

Huw Thomas from K2 said:

“This is undoubtedly one of the best events we run globally, and its success is down to the strong GM network we have built in the region. It was fantastic to hold another well-attended event, and a massive thank you to all speakers and attendees for contributing so much knowledge and expertise – we can’t wait to start planning the next session in November 2025.”

Katherine Robson Global Mobility Partner at Sage said:

“The North East Mobility Forum has created a much-needed Global Mobility network in the region. It’s become a key part of our year - we wouldn’t miss the chance to connect with the K2 team who we value so much. They always bring in new members and brilliant speakers who share key updates and great insights. It’s a day where people from all areas of global mobility come together in one room. The energy is electric, conversations flow, and you walk away with new skills, fresh perspectives, and a real boost in confidence. Every time, you learn something new.”

Richard Rutledge from K2 said:

“It’s always such a pleasure to host our contacts from Newcastle and the wider region at the NEMF. It’s a very close-knit group, which allows for in-depth and open discussions around the broad range of topics covered. Thank you to Helen, Davyd, Paul, and Simon for speaking, and to Huw for hosting and organising. See you all in November!”

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