The Scottish Government

« Previous | Contents | Next »

Listen

Chapter Five Factors that helped relocation

Introduction

5.1 In the main, in-migrants were pleased with their experience of relocating to Scotland. Those who had arranged employment, academic courses, or were well advanced in setting up their own business, prior to moving, generally had a straightforward experience. Those who were motivated to move to Scotland for emotional reasons (e.g. change of lifestyle, chasing the rural dream, in love with the romantic notion of life in Scotland) without arranging prior employment, just hoping that something suitable would turn up, were more likely to experience challenges.

5.2 This chapter considers the factors which helped make the relocation easier for in-migrants, and what encourages them to stay on in Scotland. The final two sections consider the influence of personal characteristics on experiences of relocating and what affects the decision to remain.

5.3 What helped the move to Scotland is analysed under the three following sections:

• Formal support received
  • Support from public bodies for entrepreneurs
  • Support from employers for employees
  • Support from universities for post graduates
  • Relocation agencies
• Living and working
  • Satisfaction with work, studies and business
  • Satisfaction with accommodation
• Settling in
  • Improved lifestyle
  • Existing friends, family and other contacts
  • Making new friends and feeling part of a community
  • The attraction of specific locations in Scotland
  • Scottish cultural attitudes

Formal support received

5.4 The majority of in-migrants, especially those moving from other parts of the UK, did not seek or use any support in terms of relocating to Scotland. Support was not sought or used for two reasons. Firstly, many in-migrants did not know it existed and secondly, many (particularly those coming from the UK) did not think they needed it. However, where it was readily available a number of in-migrants from overseas took advantage of it, and were pleased with the services received. Many returners had a fairly strong support network in Scotland and did not feel that there was much that could be offered to them.

Support from public bodies for entrepreneurs

5.5 Entrepreneurs fell into two groups; those who had been "wooed" by public bodies to relocate and set up their business in Scotland and had organised funding and support before they arrived - typically Pragmatists; and secondly those who only thought of setting up a business post-relocation, often driven by economic necessity in the absence of suitable employment - typically Lifestyle Pursuers.

5.6 Those in the former group tended to be very satisfied and impressed with the support they received. Being contacted by a public body, and the incentives and help they subsequently received, was their main reason for moving to Scotland. One couple from the USA described the funding and support they received from Scottish Enterprise via the Global Entrepreneurs Programme as being the main thing that made Scotland an option as a destination. In particular they welcomed the mentoring they received. Similarly, a partnership of entrepreneurs - one returning from South East England and one originally from South East England - said:

"Scottish Enterprise have been absolutely brilliant…we've had to put a lot less effort in to making all these other contacts than we would have had to if it hadn't been for them."

5.7 Those who only explored the idea of being entrepreneurial post-relocation had mixed experiences of the support they received from public bodies. It was suggested that this varied by locality and the experience/attitude of the advisors they were assigned. One individual who returned to Scotland from overseas to start up a business was dissatisfied with the advice and service she received:

"I went to the local enterprise company…and they weren't very helpful either. They said 'oh I don't think it will work'…I thought 'I'll have to do it myself'." (A returner from overseas)

5.8 More positive aspects mentioned about public business support agencies included the availability of short courses on, for example, applying for funding, writing a business plan, book keeping, and food and hygiene.

5.9 Some respondents, who had found their jobs through the Talent Scotland website, did not mention this in their interview. Rather they stated that they were interested in working in engineering or life sciences in Scotland, and found a job that was suitable. One employee, originally from the UK, mentioned finding a job through the Talent Scotland website whilst working in the USA. He was also a positive example of an individual taking advantage of the Knowledge Transfer Programme ( KTP) provided by the Department for Trade and Industry, facilitating moves from the academic world to business.

The business support perspective

5.10 In the interview with a representative from a business incubator that supports new start-ups, it was reported that most new businesses that contacted the centre and received help were from England - many of whom were starting up satellite offices. It was estimated that around ten per cent were from outwith the UK, and that around ten per cent were from Scotland. Hardly any returning Scots had contacted the centre. The business incubator representative stated that people coming from England were very surprised by the level of advisory support they received:

"English companies think it's a bit of an outpost…they're a bit surprised by how sophisticated the network is…one of the things that is commented on…when I'm down south working in the incubation network…is that the companies up here definitely get a much, much higher level of…advisory support." (Scottish business incubator rep)

Support from employers for employees

5.11 A small proportion of in-migrants moving from overseas received a substantial degree of help to relocate from their employer. This tended to be for employees of multi-national private companies and large public bodies. These in-migrants were more likely to be Pragmatists or World Citizens. Typically support included a financial package to help with relocation costs and guidance to help find out about location, schools, accommodation etc. Temporary accommodation was sometimes also offered. Individuals who had been provided support were very positive about it:

"Just imagine if you don't know anything about a country where you're going to be relocated to and you start doing research on your own, you don't know where to start but if you have something like [in-house relocation agency] and some brief material it helps you a lot and it helps in your planning." (An employee from India)

5.12 Those who actively sought employment in Scotland specifically, for example Lifestyle Pursuers, were less likely to receive financial help and other support/advice; whereas those who were less attracted by the idea of living in Scotland per se were more likely to receive a relocation package to encourage them to move. For returners in multi-nationals where help and support was offered, there was a feeling that it was not as comprehensive when the relocation was requested rather than offered. One returner had received extensive help from his employer in his move away from Scotland which he was not keen on, but not his move back which he initiated. Some multi-nationals were perceived to be helpful only up to a point, leaving some in-migrants with the feeling that dealing with the challenge of moving is part of demonstrating they are capable of taking on a senior role.

5.13 Attention was paid by some employers to helping the employee's family settle in as well. One multi-national offered a service specifically designed to help ensure that partners of employees felt comfortable with the move. The reasoning behind this was that because the company work culture is very much the same everywhere in the world, this offers a comfort and familiarity factor for their employees, who then have fewer issues with settling in to a new place than their partners (see 5.14 for course content).

The Employers' Perspective

5.14 The three employers interviewed in this study had varying recruitment strategies and skill requirements, and different approaches to the support they offered to their employees. Examples given included:

• An employer in the transport sector actively recruited drivers from a recent EU accession state by going there and directly advertising and interviewing. It was seen as advantageous to the company to do this, as retention of overseas employees was significantly better than that of UK employees. The employer provided the following support to in-migrant employers:

Pre-relocation

During relocation

• • Met employee upon arrival
  • Took employee to accommodation which was available to them for 6 months, the first 2 of which were free
  • Provided information on where to buy groceries etc.
  • Provided contact numbers for a company 'Integration Officer' who dealt with any settling in problems
  • Made it clear that they were treated the same as employees from the UK
• An employer in the oil and gas sector, had a workforce whose careers placed them in different countries for a few years at a time, which meant that their employees were accustomed to relocating. This employer was active in helping the partner of the employee settle into life in Scotland, as it was identified that partners had a more difficult time settling in, as their own careers were often disturbed by the move. To this end, the employer ran a course for the partners of the employees to help them settle in. The course included inter-cultural training to help people understand: their own culture; how cultures differ; and the culture of Scotland; as well as offering practical advice on the locality. Key points of cultural differences included preparing people for the prevailing sense of pessimism often found in Scotland, and the culture of socialising around alcohol that often comes as a surprise to those from overseas.
• An employer in the public health sector reported that they provided new employees with a standard relocation package and accommodation. The HR department also provided information on the local area via the local Council.

Support from universities for post graduates

5.15 Post graduate students received a certain amount of support to get settled into their new location. There were a variety of sources that provided help including university staff, student run societies, church organisations, other students, and helpful local people.

5.16 There were a few examples of people who had come from outwith the EU who were more comfortable seeking and receiving support from people from their own country, even when they did not know them pre-relocation. This was either done through making contacts through extended friend networks, or by contacting the student association for their home country. Where these contacts had been made, the networks established were heavily relied on for support.

Relocation agencies

5.17 In the main, relocation agencies seemed to be used by employers who had attracted staff to Scotland, not individuals who moved on their own initiative. Large, multi-national employers used services on offer from private relocation agencies (e.g. help with accommodation) or had their own departments who dealt with these aspects. This meant that, most commonly in-migrants in the World Citizen and Pragmatist typologies benefited from this type of help.

5.18 The relocation agency that was interviewed for this study pointed out that returners often needed the most help settling in, in relation to managing their expectations. However, most returners, unless working for large companies, did not seek the help of relocation agencies, or any services for that matter. One returner to rural Scotland said that he was aware that there were organisations in the area that could have helped him, but as he had family around and was aware of how things worked in Scotland, he did not need extra assistance.

Living and working

Satisfaction with work, studies and business

5.19 Analysis of the interviews showed that a positive experience with work, studies or business was crucial in making the move a success. Those who were happy in their current economic situation felt that they had made the right decision in relocating to Scotland; this was often Pragmatists and World Citizens.

5.20 One reason that those who had moved for pragmatic reasons may have settled in better than those pursuing a different lifestyle may be down to expectations. In-migrants who moved for pragmatic reasons were focused on a job, business or course, rather than the actual location. As long as their job, business or course lived up to their expectations - and on the whole it did - then their overall relocation was perceived as a success. Conversely, people who were pursuing a lifestyle tended to have higher expectations, and invested more of themselves in the relocation by taking a risk and sometimes not moving with economic opportunities. Even if the lifestyle was as expected, for most, satisfaction with a job, business or education greatly helped with the relocation.

Satisfaction with accommodation

5.21 Finding somewhere to live that met in-migrants' needs was a crucial first step in moving and starting to put down roots. Pragmatists and World Citizens tended to take a slightly more rational and thoughtful approach to choosing a home, whereas Lifestyle Pursuers were more likely to let their emotional feelings take over in choosing where to live. Indeed, the identification of an appropriate home that reflected their lifestyle dreams was often a major catalyst for Lifestyle Pursuers and Lifestage Returners to decide where to settle. However, this was not always a key factor in the success of the move.

Settling in

Improved lifestyle

5.22 Improved lifestyle was a major factor in encouraging people to stay in Scotland; however, as mentioned in the previous section, this was not always a strong enough factor on its own to retain people. In-migrants who had previously lived and worked in big cities particularly appreciated experiencing a less pressured lifestyle, with the possibility of easier commuting journeys. One of the key aspects of improved lifestyle was the sense that there was more time available to enjoy the wide range of accessible leisure activities; in-migrants mentioned hill walking, fishing, golf, skiing and having easy access to a short walk on the beach. Another key aspect was the sense of safety and security on offer in Scotland, especially for people who had lived in big cities (London in particular). There was also the sense that Scotland was less vulnerable to terrorist attacks than other countries. Cultural activities, plus shopping opportunities, were commented on by some as an advantage of living in the big cities.

5.23 Although Pragmatists and World Citizens were less likely to have mentioned improved lifestyle as a reason to relocate they were often pleasantly surprised to discover how much they appreciated the lifestyle opportunities available to them.

Existing friends, family and other contacts

5.24 The main group of people who already had family or friends connections were the Lifestage Returners; these connections were a key motivator in their return. Having family and friends around was important to them, and something they had missed when away from Scotland. However, although returners appreciated being with them again, renewing these bonds was not always straightforward. A couple who returned to Aberdeen found that they saw less of their siblings and their families than when they had been visiting from abroad. Similarly, an entrepreneur returning to the Highlands discovered that the group of young, free and single people she had left were now settled with partners and children. Overall though, these familiar contacts helped them settle back into life in Scotland.

5.25 For those few who had never lived in Scotland before but had friends or family in the area they relocated to, the feedback was consistently positive. There were several examples of people getting help and support from friends, family and contacts who provided advice and local knowledge or even somewhere to stay for a few days. In addition some fortunate in-migrants, across all typologies, found a new neighbour or colleague to be especially helpful in making their arrival a smooth experience.

Making new friends and feeling part of a community

5.26 Making friends and feeling part of a community was key for some people in terms of helping them feel that they were settled into their new life. Many spoke about the importance of being proactive in getting to know people, making friends, and participating in their community. Pragmatists and World Citizens often entered into established communities, whether it be at work or university, and met friends that way. Lifestyle Pursuers and, to a certain extent, Lifestage Returners often had to make a conscious effort to join in with local activities to make new friends where they were not in a job or at university.

5.27 In the main, children settled well into their new lives and the consensus of opinion was that children are remarkably adaptable. Children of World Citizens in particular, who may have been born overseas, and already lived in different countries, were good at fitting in with new schools and making friends. Parents in the World Citizen typology were good at identifying the need to create opportunities for the whole family to make new friends and get involved in new activities for example golf, going to the dry ski slope, learning a new musical instrument. They also articulated the need to make a new house into a home as quickly as possible for example by unpacking everything quickly, putting up pictures and getting a pet.

5.28 Several people spoke about joining a local church as a way of meeting people, even if they did not consider themselves to be particularly religious. An overseas post graduate student from a Buddhist family, described herself as 'not religious' but attended Bible classes, prompted by new friends, and enjoyed the topics discussed and meeting people through it. An entrepreneur from overseas tried several local churches before finding one she liked. It was an important part of her social life and she became an active member of it, making many friends along the way.

5.29 A few respondents had met partners in Scotland. There were a couple of examples of people who whilst being happy in the country, were interested in exploring other places were it not for being with someone who was more committed to living in Scotland.

The attraction of specific locations in Scotland

5.30 In-migrants tended to have a very clear idea about the specific aspects of Scotland they wanted to experience and, having made their choice, tended to try and make the most of what was on offer. Pragmatists and World Citizens were more likely to find themselves in a city location, and appreciated the diversity of activities on offer:

"Edinburgh has got everything we could wish for as a family, the zoo, the aquarium, the parks, plus we can travel around Scotland as a family, and they are very accustomed to foreign people around here, for example as tourists and students. It feels very cosmopolitan and we feel welcomed." (A post graduate from overseas)

Lifestyle Pursuers and Lifestage Returners tended to have more mixed, individual views about whether they preferred the attractions of a city or rural situation.

5.31 In addition, many newcomers especially from overseas appreciated aspects of Scotland because they reminded them of home. Examples mentioned were Inverness being reminiscent of Ohio (small city surrounded by a rural area), Scotland's green hills being reminiscent of the mountains of northern India, and the Highlands being reminiscent of the wildness of Poland.

Scottish cultural attitudes

5.32 Some in-migrants, especially entrepreneurs, Pragmatists and World Citizens, were very enthusiastic about the sense of optimism and dynamism they felt existed in Scotland. For example they liked being in a country going through a period of change, and felt a sense of excitement about the Scottish Parliament and opportunities for the future. Entrepreneurs in particular talked about being impressed with the initiatives in place to encourage new business, such as Business Gateway, but also felt people were not widely aware of them.

5.33 One in-migrant from the USA was vocal in his affection for Scottish cultural attitudes:

"I like the small city and rural feel of Inverness. The whole area feels Scandinavian, the people are environmentally conscious and optimistic and forward looking." (An entrepreneur from the USA)

This affection also spread to in-migrants in cities. A number of Pragmatists were surprised by their new surroundings, possibly due to not having very defined expectations pre-relocation:

"We thought we would like Edinburgh then we got swayed by Glasgow. The culture, the feel of the place, its "blue collar" spirit, its friendliness, the architecture and the sense of change and progression." (An entrepreneurial couple from the USA)

This couple ended up settling in Glasgow.

Influence of in-migrants' attitudes and personal characteristics on experiences

5.34 A key factor that influenced in-migrants' experiences of relocating related to their attitude to relocating. There was a real sense that those who actively wanted to make the most of their time in Scotland would have the best chance of doing so. In-migrants talked about having a sense of adventure, an interest in different places and people, and a determination to make the most of wherever they found themselves. They were not going to sit back and simply wait for things to happen:

"We are determined to make the most of being here; we want to put down roots." (An employee from Poland)

"Success will be down to my effort, my commitment, my determination. I am grateful to Scotland for the opportunities that I have had and I want to give back as much as possible." (A post graduate in-migrant from England, now an employee)

This 'pioneering' attitude seemed to be especially prevalent amongst young single people, families with pre-school children and career minded people. For example, for younger people (post graduates, first career job) there was the sense of achievement that came with beginning to live a more independent life, of growing up and taking on more responsibility.

5.35 Some in-migrants were very conscious of what they got out of the whole experience of moving; for example becoming more confident, tolerant and sociable, and progressing from being inward to more outward looking. This added up to a sense of personal growth as a key benefit of relocating:

"Before I moved up here I was a lot more reticent, a lot colder…what are the things that help you relocate? I think the Scottish cultural attitude was one. I had felt myself very welcomed up here and that has kind of rubbed off on me and I have kind of opened up more." (An entrepreneur from London)

Many in-migrants said they were aware that it was necessary to take responsibility for being 'the foreigner' and to make an effort to go more than half way if required to connect with people:

"We are adaptable, well traveled people who like people. We know that what we get back from people is largely dependent on what you give to them. We aim to be friendly and open without being too pushy." (An in-migrant from England)

A few in-migrants also related how they knew some people had not settled in well, and attributed this to them not having the right attitude to the move or inclination to make an effort to get to know people.

How likely are people to remain and what affects this decision

5.36 The key factors in determining whether someone will decide to stay in Scotland or leave were perceived to be:

• the level of contentment with work/career development and the opportunities that were felt to be available
• the future of the economy
• the level of satisfaction with the lifestyle being followed
• the desire for personal growth through the challenge of moving somewhere new
• the lifestage reached by various family members (e.g. children and education commitments, elderly parents and health care arrangements)

These factors interplayed with each other, and for different people carried different weight.

5.37 Despite the relatively high levels of satisfaction with life in Scotland, the general trend was for people to not be committed to staying. Having already relocated once, the in-migrants involved in this study were very open-minded about living in different locations. A few already had plans for their next move; these were often Pragmatists and World Citizens who would be moving on for career development or personal growth and adventure, and/or post graduates who were looking to experience new places. Even those who were perfectly happy talked of moving:

"I am passionate about what I am doing at the moment but in the future I might like to go to Europe - to Austria or Germany perhaps." (An employee from Germany)

5.38 There was some evidence that people from overseas saw their relocation to Scotland as a more temporary move than those who had relocated from within the UK. This fell in line with most Lifestyle Pursuers being from the UK, and as they were seen as chasing a lifestyle rather than an economic opportunity, the move was more long term. Those coming from the UK maybe did not see their move as relocating to another country, and although it was of a shorter distance, it carried more risks.

5.39 Many entrepreneurs who had moved to Scotland for pragmatic reasons were very open-minded about following the best business opportunities. They were prepared to move to places where, for example, funding or favourable tax breaks were available. This was also seen amongst aspiring entrepreneurs:

"In the next few years I want to be able to set up my own bioscience business. It could be in Scotland. I am at a stage in my life where I need support and encouragement; I am at the stage where I will be able to make a difference to my life, to the company that I am working for and to the economy." (A post graduate from England, now an employee)

5.40 Employment opportunities played a significant role in in-migrants thoughts of whether they would settle in Scotland. For some, the nature of their job meant that they expected to be relocated again. For others, they were aware that in order to progress in their field, they may have to look for employment outside Scotland. A few in-migrants had employment in Scotland, but their partners did not, the decision to stay on hinged somewhat on their partner finding suitable work. Particularly for post graduate students, the availability of future employment was an important deciding factor for whether to stay:

"I'll stay if I can find suitable employment or more funding for my research, otherwise I will go abroad to experience a different culture." (A post graduate from England)

5.41 For overseas post graduates, staying on in Scotland was seen to positively contribute to their future employment opportunities in their home country. This was particularly true for some students from parts of Asia, where equivalent academic opportunities did not exist, and the experience of working in the UK was valued highly:

"We'll probably try and get some work experience…it is more important than just having academic qualifications and then we will return…because of family connections." (Post graduates from India)

Even when post graduates were having difficulty finding suitable work, they stayed on in Scotland in jobs that were not that suitable in the hope that they would find something else.

5.42 Scotland was also recognised as presenting favourable economic conditions, and whether some in-migrants remained in the country was contingent on such climates being sustained:

"We appreciate the relevance of the "health" of the oil industry in shaping the economic climate of Aberdeen. It is currently in good shape and if this continues we will be all the more likely to stay." (An employee from Poland, not involved in the oil industry)

5.43 It may be expected that Lifestage Returners were the most likely to commit to staying in Scotland post-relocation, due to family ties. However, having enjoyed living abroad already, many were often tempted by the prospect of moving away again. Rather than giving the sense that once they were back in Scotland they would stay forever, there was more of a sense that because they had been away, they knew how rewarding it could be:

"We are happy to be here at present with our children at secondary school but in a way we are taking stock of the situation, this may just be a stepping stone, we might go away again once they are grown up." (A returner from overseas)

"It's going to depend on work opportunities. I really liked living and working in the US and I would go back if the opportunity arose and I could get a visa." (A returner from overseas)

Other in-migrants were also driven by life stage factors:

"We are happy with primary school education for our children but for secondary we may want to return." (An employee from Israel)

5.44 Less positively, a few in-migrants who were not having a satisfactory time living in Scotland were committed to relocating once their contracts had come to an end:

"I would be promoted if I stayed here and I'm not willing to take a promotion and stay, I would rather just go back and stay in my position…I was very open minded to letting it go the way it needed to go…but I've pretty much told them that I'll stick to my two years." (An employee from the USA)

5.45 For many involved in this study, especially those who were highly skilled and had lived in other countries, their attitude to staying on in Scotland was very flexible. The clear majority had had good experiences, and were enthused about doing the same in other destinations. The idea of becoming a World Citizen, and having lived in Scotland as part of this, was very much one that many aspired to. The following quote illustrates this flexibility and aspiration:

"I still want to live in different cities and experience different things …I would consider coming back…Scotland will always be a place that I think of fondly…If I were to keep working and they take me on full time or something else develops that I quite like then I would probably consider staying…it also depends on the person I am seeing…if he wants to move to London then that is probably what we will do. If work takes me to New York or San Francisco that is where I will be." (A post graduate, now an employee from the USA)

Conclusions

5.46 On the whole, people had positive experiences of relocating to Scotland. Given the weight that word of mouth carries in other in-migrants' decisions to relocate (especially those from overseas) this is of great importance.

5.47 Few respondents actively sought the advice and support of public bodies in making their relocation, however those that did, generally had positive experiences.

5.48 Employees that received support from their employers to relocate generally had better experiences. Support was more commonly provided for employees who had not actively pursued a relocation, compared to returners, for example, who wanted to move back to Scotland.

5.49 Universities offered some support to post graduates in their relocation, but this varied widely. Wherever it was available, it was valued. A number of post graduates from overseas heavily relied on support networks of other in-migrants from their home countries.

5.50 A positive experience with work, studies or business was crucial in making the move a success for most in-migrants in this study. Pragmatists and World Citizens were most likely to have had positive experiences in this area.

5.51 Improved lifestyle was a major factor in attracting and encouraging people to stay in Scotland; however, was not a strong enough factor on its own to retain people.

5.52 Another key factor influencing in-migrants' experiences of relocating was their frame of mind and attitude to moving. A positive approach was valued highly in helping people settle in quickly.

5.53 There were many inter related influences in play when people thought about whether they would stay on in Scotland; these included future employment opportunities; the level of satisfaction with the lifestyle they were pursuing; and the lifestage of members of the family.

5.54 Despite overall high levels of satisfaction with relocating to Scotland, most in-migrants were not fully committed to staying on in Scotland on a permanent basis. In fact, the group of in-migrants interviewed had generally enjoyed their relocation so much that they valued the experience of living in another country.

5.55 Most in-migrants had a flexible approach to where they would live in the future, and often saw their experiences of life in Scotland as helping them towards becoming World Citizens.

« Previous | Contents | Next »