Investors in People: UK businesses look to overseas properties as meeting venue solution
- 80% increase in companies holding meetings overseas (ICCA)
- Number of international meetings held in Italy increases 14.62% in a year (ICCA)
- Fractional property provides ideal solution for overseas meetings & employee benefit (Appassionata)
With the end of the financial year looming and the final budget before the General Election having just passed by, UK companies are looking to get their house in order by filing their accounts, tallying up profits and assessing how best to approach the new tax year. As part of this reassessment and future planning often comes how best to build the business and look after staff, an essential part of any success, and this is where a new trend is emerging.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has released data from its members that has revealed a growing number of companies are looking overseas to hold their meetings, recording a 4.80% increase in companies doing this during the period of 2012 to 2013.
A move that brings a whole host of benefits, including facilities that potentially cannot be found within the UK, provision of a central meeting point for delegates around the world, thus improving accessibility, and of course the added bonus of warmer weather and sunnier climes to encourage a relaxed atmosphere ideal for maximising productivity.
Taking this concept one step further, some companies are even choosing to purchase their very own overseas property that can be used as a base for such meetings and also in turn be used as a key incentive for staff.
Fractional ownership company Appassionata, based in the region of Le Marche in Italy, has certainly noticed this growing trend themselves. The company sells fractions in beautiful, traditional Italian properties that have been personally restored to the highest of standards by the family business, properties that have recently come to the attention of businesses looking for an overseas space for company meetings.
Founder of Appassionata, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, explains more,
“Fractional ownership perfectly suits businesses looking to purchase property that can be used both for international meetings and as a staff benefit and we have certainly seen more businesses enquiring about this post-recession. Not only is it a cheaper alternative to whole property ownership but the fact that the fraction provides a certain number of weeks usage a year means that businesses are only paying for the period of time they need.
“Our latest project, the gorgeous townhouse of Casa Tre Archi in the hilltop town of Petritoli, suits this need perfectly as it has a breathtaking roof terrace that is the ideal break-out space for meetings – providing peace and quiet framed by showstopping views of rolling countryside, perfect for grounding yourself and brainstorming. Certainly inspirational – we even have Wi-Fi throughout so staying connected is easy! It is also ideally situated close to restaurants and bars, plus a short drive from the beach, meaning that those visiting as part of an incentive scheme can make the very most of their time here.”
With the area of Le Marche visually inspiring and beautifully tranquil, companies that purchase a fraction can use their designated weeks to incentivise staff, offering them the chance to take time away with family and friends. Purchasing through a fractional vehicle for business purposes also means it can be sold on, therefore becoming a company asset and one which is likely to increase in value. Previous Appassionata projects, Casa Leopardi and Casa Giacomo for example, have seen this kind of growth, with owners who have sold on their fractions making a profit on their original purchase.
As the company has shown, Italy is proving a hot choice for businesses looking to host their meetings overseas. For the past two years the country has taken sixth spot in the ICCA ‘The International Association Meetings Market 2013’ report’s most popular places to hold an international meeting list, registering an increase of 14.62% year-on-year, cementing the country’s place on the world stage as a top business meeting destination.
Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi provides accommodation of three bedrooms and three bathrooms in a luxurious townhouse setting, built into the ancient town walls of Petritoli. With beamed ceilings and traditional terracotta-tiled floors, the property is close to a range of local shops and restaurants and has a small garden as well as the roof terrace. The property is offered as part of a fractional ownership scheme and a share of 1/10th of the property offering five weeks’ exclusive use annually, is available from £65,000.
For more information contact Appassionata on +39 33154 13225 or visit www.appassionata.com