Saturday, April 28, 2012
We've moved our Blogs
Read all our new Blogs over on the Brits In America Network at http://britsinamericanetwork.us/profiles/blog/list?user=31ztzlk8p3usa
Sunday, March 20, 2011
UPak WeShip
Hello everyone. This week our Business Profile Blog highlights the international removals company UPakWeShip. I spoke with British expat and company President Mark Nash about their operation.
Hello Mark, can you tell us a bit about your background and what bought you to America?
Hello. When I was 22 years old I went out to Saudi Arabia working for an American moving company. As much as Jeddah was not exactly paradise I did enjoy the expat lifestyle, the weather, the friendship between other Brits, Aussies, Europeans and Americans all out there in the same boat. After 5 years I returned to England and within 18 months started EuroUSA with a friend on mine, all the while I was wishing to move overseas again. I was hoping to open up an office in France or Belgium but business went in the American direction and our USA operation began in 1994. When it made financial sense I suggested we open up an office in the USA and I’ll volunteer to run it !! In 2000 we realized many shippers would like to save money and pack everything themselves so we developed a self pack budget moving company and opened a division called UPakWeShip. I tell people we are sort of like the Southwest / Ryan Air folks of the moving business.How has UPakWeShip grown over the last 11 years?
We now have 88 terminals in the USA where you can drop off your shipment or we can collect from your door. For small shipments we have baggage rates starting at $560 through to your door anywhere in England and have services right up to a self loading 20 or 40 foot shipping container. For small fragile shipments we recommend our U Crate, which comes in 2 sizes, where you can load small pieces of furniture and other items in the crate lock it with your own padlock and we will ship it right through to your door. We have weekly sailings to England, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and India and bi- weekly to most other places around the world.Have you moved any unusual items or had any strange requests?
Over the years, EuroUSA has moved many shipments for famous film stars, rock stars and sports personalities. A couple of years ago we moved a family from England to Kentucky which involved packing their whole house and loading it into a plane that we had to charter so that the family and 2 dogs could travel with the shipment. I think the whole move was planned around the little dog who just had to fly over with its owner! I have moved an 80 something year old British lady from Washington DC back to England as she was moving over to get married ( for the first time !) Various interesting jobs for the US Government, United Nations, NASA, British Military, some high ranking diplomats, Arab Royal Family etc and as much as its interesting meeting and working with these people, personally you cant beat chatting and helping out Mr & Mrs normal who are often more friendly, more generous and make the whole process more fun.
Is there anything you can't move or have had to refuse to move?
As a company policy we refuse to ship guns of any sort. I suggest not shipping any liquids in case they leak. Certainly no hazardous items, drugs, hard pornography, jewelry (as you cant get insurance) nothing live, like plants, officially no food stuff, also for most countries don’t ship alcohol or cigarettes as you will be charged duty and vat and it will end up cheaper to have just bought them locally.
Where in America are you based?We are based in Charleston SC although we cover the whole country. We used to be in Baltimore but moved the offices south about 4 years ago after we got fed up with the winters, traffic, house prices and 3 of us going through divorces - it was time to move South!! Charleston is in my mind the best city in America, full of charm, character with a European influence and friendly locals.
Can you ever see yourself returning to the UK?
I must say I have nothing against my home Country, I enjoy going back on trips, I consider myself a Brit even though I have citizenship here, I just enjoy living in other places and think it’s a great experience and if I ever feel the need or something goes wrong I can always move back, but in the meantime I’m enjoying it here! To find out about more about UPakWeShip's popular rates and destinations visit their web site or take a look at their Brits In America page. For more information contact them at 1 866 868 6386 or 1 843 225 7217
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Brits In America TV Show
Bulletin - March 15th 2011Are you a Brit living and working in America? Do you fancy starring in your own reality show? This morning we received notification of a new series in the works, the press release is below...
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Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 2011 Newsletter
Newsletter - March 2011
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011
British Sports In The USA
It's an exciting time to be a fan of traditional British sports. This week I have some news about T20 Cricket, The Orlando City Soccer Club and The 6 Nations Rugby Championship.
Cricket is the second most viewed sport in the world. I spoke with Yog Melwani about T20 Cricket and how they are revolutionising cricket in America.
Twenty20 Cricket Association, LLC (T20CA) is a US-based entity organizing and promoting the most exciting format of Cricket, Twenty20 Cricket. There is a growing hunger in America for organized T20 Cricket. T20CA is satisfying that hunger by propelling a nation wide change of direction in US Cricket - for all ages.
The T20CA League is an American T20 Night Cricket League, which consists of two divisions, currently with a total of ten teams. These teams will compete in the T20CA Championship. Each team will play the other teams in their respective divisions. Then the top two teams from each division will qualify for the playoffs. The winners of the playoffs will advance to the finals, while the other two teams will play for third place. The tournament will be played over three months. The T20CA Championship will be held in Orlando, Florida, in 2011. This night cricket tournament will provide a sporting event alternative to the American public, comparable to other mainstream sports. As interest grows, T20CA will also develop a Women's T20 Cricket League.
We invite you to show your spirit and support as fans of T20CA! Join us as we make National Sports History with T20 Cricket.
407.49.GO.T20 (407.494.6820) www.T20CA.com
Like and share our facebook page - T20CA
This weekend sees The Orlando City Soccer Club play their first game against Philadelphia Union at The Citrus Bowl. You can read more about the behind the scenes preperation for the launch of the club here on our Social Network.
England vs. 2010 Champion France (in London)
Saturday, February 26, 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT - Pre-show 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
Calcutta Cup - England versus Scotland (in London)
Sunday, March 13, 11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT - Pre-show 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT
Millennium Trophy - Ireland versus England (in Dublin)
Saturday, March 19, 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT - Pre-show 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Brits In America Network
Hello everyone. Our Brits In America Social Network has been online a couple of weeks now, it's a place to meet fellow Brits living in the USA, or to find advice and help if you are looking to make a move across the pond. If you've not checked it out then visit www.BritsInAmericaNetwork.us .
Here's just a sample of some of the things going on... Chasing The Dream
Follow Steve Woodward's journey from the UK to the USA, via the visa application process, finding the right business premises, renting/buying a house, finding medical insurance, car insurance, driving test and licence and everything else inbetween. Steve simply wants a better life for his family and wants to get out to Florida before England disappears beyond the U bend. Read his latest post here
Top Gear vs Top Gear
A vital debate about the important issue of the day, ie which is better UK Top Gear or US Top Gear. Have your say here
Fans Of Disney
Are you mad for the mouse? Join our Fans Of Disney Group here and tell us what you love.
Orlando City Soccer Club
Steve Crane is documenting the launch of the new Central Florida Soccer Team, he's got behind the scenes access and has just spent the weekend at the clubs open tryouts. Find out how he got on here
Strange US Laws
Read our collection of our 20 favorite strange US laws. Find out where your horse must wear tail lights, where a cat can legally be labelled a 'bad cat' and where a man with a mustache may not kiss a woman. Read all 20 here
What do you miss and what do you like?
Expats, have your say here on what you miss from the UK and what you love in the States.
On the Brits In America Network you can join in any of the discussions, post your own Blog, join any of the many groups or start your own, upload photos and videos, post a status update, add one of the many Apps to your home page, create an event, ask a question, add a profile pictrure, check out our t-shirts, take part in a live chat or arrange to talk face to face in our video chat room. Join now at www.BritsInAmericaNetwork.us
Friday, January 28, 2011
Smitten By Britain
Hello everyone. At Brits In America we meet a lot of Brits who love the USA so this week I thought it would be a nice idea to talk to an American with a love of Britain. So I spoke with Melissa Stoey who produces the excellent Smitten By Britain website. Melissa has an insatiable appetite for all things British. She lived in England twenty years ago and her love for Blighty has never left her. She is also the mum of a Briton which makes her as pleased as Punch.
Hello Melissa. Where abouts in America do you live?
Pennsylvania
If you could live anywhere in Britain, where would it be and why?
This question is so unfair for a true Britophile like me because there are so many places to love.
At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter to me as long as I am there. The great thing about Britain is it is so accessible I would never be too far away from another great place to see.
I just want to be there, period.
City/Town/Countryside: Which do you prefer?
Even though I live in a rural area I am a city girl at heart and I love Britain's cities. Naturally I have been to London many times, as well as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Cambridge, Oxford, Bath, and Nottingham, but I'm very much looking forward to seeing York, Newcastle, Chester and Manchester in 2012.
Your top 3 places In Britain?
Again, city girl: London, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Again, city girl: London, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Where is the one place you would not return to?
Last year I would have had a terrible time answering this question, then I spent a night in Hounslow this summer. Safe to say, I won't be returning.
Last year I would have had a terrible time answering this question, then I spent a night in Hounslow this summer. Safe to say, I won't be returning.
Who would be your ideal travel partner?
My husband. He is so easy going and does everything I ask. What more could you want?
My husband. He is so easy going and does everything I ask. What more could you want?
What is your best British travel experience?
To date it would have to be the bus tour we took through Glencoe, Scotland. We used Rabbie's tours and they were superb. The guide was very informative and had a wicked sense of humour. I know it sounds cliche but he played a Scottish soundtrack during our tour that really added to the ambiance. Now just the first few chords of Loch Lomond brings tears to my eyes. Very good memories indeed. I highly recommend Rabbies tours.
To date it would have to be the bus tour we took through Glencoe, Scotland. We used Rabbie's tours and they were superb. The guide was very informative and had a wicked sense of humour. I know it sounds cliche but he played a Scottish soundtrack during our tour that really added to the ambiance. Now just the first few chords of Loch Lomond brings tears to my eyes. Very good memories indeed. I highly recommend Rabbies tours.
What annoys you most when travelling?
People who don't know where they are going and stop dead center right in front of you while you're walking. I had quite a few near misses this summer while touring London.
If you need to stop and look at a map, move over to the side and out of the way of oncoming traffic.
People who don't know where they are going and stop dead center right in front of you while you're walking. I had quite a few near misses this summer while touring London.
If you need to stop and look at a map, move over to the side and out of the way of oncoming traffic.
What would be your one piece of advice for people travelling to Blighty?
This goes for travelling anywhere in the world and that is to blend in as much as possible. Make yourself as much a part of the scenery as you can and don't make it so obvious that you're a tourist. Have respect for the country and culture you are visiting; be sensitive to what is socially acceptable as far as attire, behaviors and manners. And remember the saying "When in Rome..." Get out of your comfort zone, stay away from McDonald's and live like the locals as much as possible.
If you could travel to anywhere in Britain right now, where would it be? This goes for travelling anywhere in the world and that is to blend in as much as possible. Make yourself as much a part of the scenery as you can and don't make it so obvious that you're a tourist. Have respect for the country and culture you are visiting; be sensitive to what is socially acceptable as far as attire, behaviors and manners. And remember the saying "When in Rome..." Get out of your comfort zone, stay away from McDonald's and live like the locals as much as possible.
The northeast, specifically Whitby, York, Durham and Newcastle which are at the top of my list for summer 2012
What can you not travel without?
A camera - without it, what's the point?
What stops you from just moving to the UK?
I'm divorced from my British husband and remarried to an American now so I have no right to live in the UK at the moment, despite having a son with dual citizenship. As you know the UK government has tightened the immigration laws quite a bit in the last few years so my only hope now is to find sponsored employment.
If you did make the move is there anything from America you'd miss?
Other than my family, no there isn't much I would miss. An American sized clothes dryer maybe? I dare anyone to live in the U.S. and not miss their large load, quick drying clothes dryer when they move to the UK. (I'm not bashing the British clothes dryer. I understand why it's small. It's out of necessity. Island living equals small houses, small kitchens and small appliances.)
Honestly, Britain has changed so much in the last twenty years and dare I say it, become more "Americanized", so many of the conveniences I missed the first time around are now part of the culture: cable TV, shops open on Sunday, more fast food restaurants and 24 hour conveniences. I'm not saying these things make one happier but as an American they are the things I grew up with and what I missed most twenty years ago. What I didn't have was the kind of technology we have today. I think Expats have it much easier now when it comes to keeping in touch with their loved ones. They can use email, Facebook and Skype. In 1988, we made expensive monthly calls and actually posted handwritten letters. Imagine that?
www.smittenbybritain.com is the home of the Britophile and is full of all things British. If you're missing 'home' then this is a great site to visit.
Parts of this interview originally appeared on The Blighty Traveller
Parts of this interview originally appeared on The Blighty Traveller
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