Mikko Loikkanen

Head of International Services
Niemi Services

Quick Key Points

• As the pandemic looks to continue for at least the first half of 2021, we have decided to go fully virtual!
• When the time is right, we are excited to move back into a centrally-located office space.
• We’ve chosen Amcham member Niemi to help us transition out of our office space on January 25th.
• Niemi has been ranked the most reliable, offering the best customer service, having the best equipment, and most diverse scope of services for 16 consecutive years within the Finnish moving services sector.
• Niemi strongly believes that traditional offices will remain a relevant place of business for companies, yet they will most likely change to serve more diverse purposes.
• Niemi set up an emergency readiness team very early in the beginning of 2020 that regularly monitored and updated the current regulations, instructions, and safety procedures for Covid-19.
• When moving internationally, one simply must be prepared for changes and delays. Regardless of these unknowns it is wisest to contact the moving company as early as possible.

We have received great feedback on our digital way of working through 2020. As the pandemic looks to continue for at least the first half of 2021, the Amcham team has decided to go fully virtual!

When the time is right, we are excited to move back into a centrally-located office space. But for now, the best way for us to spend our resources wisely and provide the best membership experience is to work remotely. We are proud of our ability to move in an agile way, and we will redirect resources into activities that support our mission and create value for you.

We’ve chosen Amcham member Niemi to help us transition out of our office space on January 25th. As a premium service provider for moving and logistics, Niemi has expertise in residential, corporate or international moves, expos and other events, logistics, storage and recycling. Niemi also has extensive experience with moving international talent into and out of Finland. We recently asked Mikko Loikkanen, Head of International Services, about current trends and recommendations regarding logistics during the pandemic and in 2021.

• What trends have you noticed with company offices and moves in Finland during the Covid-19 pandemic? Are there certain types of moves that are happening, or are companies going virtual?

“We strongly believe that traditional offices will remain a relevant place of business for companies in the future as well. The shape and form of offices however will most likely change to become a more diverse place where people come together to meet, interact, and work while also working remotely form home part-time. For some it will mean downsizing and for others it means rearranging existing premises. Still more will grow and require more space. We assist companies in these transformations.

The pandemic struck fast and not everyone was prepared with the right equipment at home. This year we have helped companies more than ever to provide and set-up proper workstations for their employees at home offices.”

• Protecting and training your team for safe moves is key at Niemi. Why is it so safe for your customers when your movers come?

“Very early on in the beginning of 2020, Niemi set up an emergency readiness team that regularly monitored and updated the current regulations, instructions, and safety procedures. We were also swift to acquire protective gear for our operational staff. From this came our own internal and external Covid-19 guidelines that we worked effortlessly to communicate, update and adhere to.

Our main priority has always been the safety of our staff and our customers. Our reputation and trustworthiness in addition to our ability to remain fully operational have obviously been well received by our customers through these difficult times, and it is something that will certainly strengthen our relationships with our clients in the future.”

• Do you have any advice for expats who are handling relocations during 2021 and the near future?

“Now in 2021, people are much better accustomed to the new normal of insecurities and general challenges related to traveling than, say, in March of last year. We regularly hear from our clients that they are unsure of what they would like to take with them since they don’t know what their new home will look like. They often have not been able to make the usual pre-visits in the new destination country.

Additionally, as a result of lockdowns, travel restrictions and delays in processing immigration paperwork, they may even be uncertain of when the move could actually even take place. Turbulence can also come in the shape of global shipping container shortages, port congestions, and inflated air freight costs.

Therefore, it helps to have a company like Niemi as partner to rely on; a reliable company with the necessary resources and flexibility to work on short notice, one that offers short-term storage and an international network that allows us to stay on top of local regulations. When moving internationally, one simply must be prepared for changes and delays. Regardless of these unknowns it is wisest to contact the moving company as early as possible.”

• What is Niemi’s secret for success?

“There is no single secret. It comes down to a lot of hard work and accumulated experience to do things the way we do. Our field of business is labor intensive so it wouldn’t be anything without our great employees and shared “Niemiläisyys” amongst them.

Based on an independent corporate image survey made by Taloustutkimus Oy, Niemi has been ranked e.g. the most reliable, offering the best customer service, having the best equipment, and most diverse scope of services for sixteen consecutive years within the Finnish moving services sector.”

• Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience?

“There really is no project too big or small for Niemi. The value our customers receive when using our services is our 40 years of experience. We truly move it all!”

Stay tuned for updates on the move through our social media channels!