Highlights from the Global Workforce Colloquium

The Expat Academy GWC, hosted in London on 17th March, was our third iteration of this annual event which brings together GM professionals and industry experts to discuss the latest trends and developments in Global Mobility. This event was a veritable melting pot of ideas, insights, and innovations, with sessions led by industry leaders such as Mercer, Magrath Sheldrick, BDO, EQUUS Software, Global Expat Pay, The Cozm, Grant Thornton, and Gerson Relocation. Here’s a glimpse into the inspiring sessions that took place.

What Does it Mean to be Strategic? with Mercer

The day kicked off with Mercer challenging the traditional views of Global Mobility by emphasising the strategic role GM can play within organisations. They highlighted the importance of understanding the "why" behind GM initiatives, using Apple's industry-disrupting approach as a prime example.

Attendees encouraged to evaluate whether their GM teams possess the necessary skills to execute their strategic vision. Since the pandemic, Global Mobility requirements have transformed dramatically with remote working and increased business travel, creating opportunities for GM professionals to expand their strategic influence.

The session also noted how shifting political landscapes, including the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, might impact Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, requiring GM teams to adapt accordingly.

As we look forward, Mercer emphasised the need for GM professionals to position themselves as strategic partners rather than administrative facilitators, creating mobility programmes that deliver genuine value aligned with organisational objectives.

Compliance Overview with Magrath Sheldrick and BDO

This session with Magrath Sheldrick and BDO provided a comprehensive overview of the latest compliance updates, focusing on immigration and tax changes across the UK, USA, and globally. Magrath Sheldrick led the immigration update, addressing complexities such as digitalisation, sponsor license issues, and the interplay between tax and immigration laws. Meanwhile, BDO provided the tax update, highlighting the evolving international workforce and the intricacies of remote working arrangements .

The Future of Technology is Now with EQUUS Software, Global Expat Pay, and The Cozm

The future is now, as EQUUS Software, Global Expat Pay, and The Cozm demonstrated how technology is revolutionising global mobility. EQUUS showcased how automation can free up valuable time for strategic activities, while Global Expat Pay highlighted the role of data-driven mobility in enhancing compliance and productivity. The Cozm shared a compelling case study demonstrating the mind-blowing role of artificial intelligence in filing A1/ CoC applications and EU Posted Worker Notifications at scale and at speed, proving that technology can significantly streamline operations .

Adventure into New Territories with Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton took us on an adventurous journey through the "Compliance Island," navigating the challenges of Permanent Establishment, immigration, and tax compliance. This fun and interactive session highlighted the need for a holistic approach to GM compliance, emphasising that thorough planning is key to achieving cost-effective compliance .

Do You Really Need a Policy? with Gerson Relocation

Gerson Relocation led an engaging interactive workshop on the necessity of flexible, employee-centric mobility policies. They discussed the pitfalls of rigid policies and the benefits of adopting a more adaptable approach that considers diverse family structures and personalisation. The session concluded with a call to move away from one-size-fits-all models towards more inclusive and flexible policies .

Commercialising Global Mobility

The day wrapped up with a fireside chat moderated by Expat Academy’s Greg Smith, featuring insights from Claire Bourke of Houlihan Lokey and Carla Campbell Smith of Squarepoint Capital. They discussed how to transform GM from a cost centre to a value driver, sharing strategies for demonstrating the commercial impact of GM initiatives. This session underscored the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration in showcasing GM's value to business leaders .

Join Us for Cirque Du Mobility!

A heartfelt thank you to all our expert speakers from Mercer, Magrath Sheldrick, BDO, EQUUS Software, Global Expat Pay, The Cozm, Grant Thornton, and Gerson Relocation for their invaluable contributions.

The Global Workforce Colloquium was a testament to the dynamic nature of global mobility and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends. However, more than that, it demonstrated the power of a Global Mobility community which comes together to share, learn and have fun. We invite you to join us at future events as continue to host virtual and in-person network huddles throughout 2025 exploring exciting developments GM. Moreover, don't miss THE Global Mobility event of the year - Cirque Du Mobility on 22nd September 2025.