Key Insights and Takeaways
The vibrant city of Newcastle played host to the Autumn 2026 North East Mobility Forum (NEMF), with the Dobson Suite at the Royal Station Hotel providing the perfect backdrop for a day of collaboration, learning, and forward-thinking discussion. As always, the event brought together a diverse group of Global Mobility (GM) and HR professionals from across the region, representing a broad spectrum of industries and experience levels. The atmosphere was one of openness and shared purpose, a hallmark of every K2 Corporate Mobility hosted forum.
Exploring the Employee Experience: Insights from Helen Squibb and Luc Jones
The morning began with a thought-provoking session led by Helen Squibb, supported by a compelling case study from Luc Jones. Together, they delved into the importance of employee experience within the context of global mobility. Their discussion highlighted how a positive employee journey is not just a “nice to have,” but a strategic imperative that drives engagement, retention, and successful assignments. Luc’s real-world example brought these concepts to life, illustrating the tangible impact that thoughtful mobility policies can have on both employees and organisations.
Navigating Tax Complexity: Grant Thornton’s Social Security and Payrolling Update
Next, Davyd Fisher and Paul Brown from Grant Thornton provided a timely update on tax matters, focusing on social security and the payrolling of benefits from an expatriate perspective. Their session was particularly well received, offering practical guidance on the latest developments and compliance requirements. One key takeaway was the updated guidance on NIC income apportionment, a critical area for both global mobility and reward strategies. As one attendee commented:
“The latest guidance on NIC income apportionment is a critical area for both Global Mobility and Reward strategies. Understanding this in detail will help ensure compliance and strengthen our approach to managing cross-border assignments effectively.”
AI & Global Mobility: Opportunities and Barriers
Huw Thomas then took the stage to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and global mobility. His session examined how GM functions are beginning to harness AI to drive efficiencies, streamline processes, and enhance the employee experience. However, Huw also addressed the barriers that remain, ranging from data privacy concerns to the need for upskilling teams. The discussion sparked lively debate among attendees, many of whom shared their own experiences and aspirations for leveraging AI in their organisations.
Global Mobility Therapy: Peer-Led Problem Solving
The event concluded with the ever-popular “Global Mobility Therapy” session, a safe space for attendees to raise issues, queries, and hot topics for group discussion. This collaborative segment underscored the value of peer learning and the strength of the North East mobility community. From policy challenges to practical tips, the session was a testament to the power of shared knowledge and support.
A Community Committed to Progress
As always with NEMF the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the practical value of the insights shared and the opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges.
“Another excellent Global Mobility event hosted by K2! The session was extremely well-organised and, as always, provided valuable insights on key topics shaping our industry. Staying updated on these developments is essential, and this event delivered practical guidance that I can take back to the business. A big thank you to the K2 team for continuing to create such informative and collaborative sessions!”
— Hazel Liebscher, Global Mobility & Benefits Specialist
Looking Ahead
At K2, we are proud to facilitate these conversations and support the ongoing development of the North East’s global mobility community. We look forward to welcoming you to our next event, where we will continue to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our industry.
If you would like to learn more about the North East Mobility Forum or get involved in future sessions, please get in touch with the K2 team. Together, we are driving progress, one conversation at a time.
Thank you to all who joined us for the Autumn NEMF. We look forward to seeing you at future events!
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