About Us
We’re a team of French and English bilingual relocation specialists who are proud to call France home
Our Mission
French Connections HCB strive to provide the most reliable and efficient relocation and admin services, without compromising on quality. We also aim to prove our expertise, fair prices and customer care, so that we continue our business relationship for many years, beyond the first service we complete.
Core Values
- Be experts and always up to date on relevant French admin procedures and rule changes
- Perform all work with the highest level of excellence in mind
- Responsive and clear communication to customers
Our Trusted Partners
Meet The Team
Depending on what you need help with, you’ll meet one or more of our friendly team on a phone call, a video chat or in person. Here’s a little bit about each of us, just so you can put a face to the name.
Richard Hammond
Richard has his own portfolio of businesses and properties in France and has assisted many families in settling here, both in terms of setting up businesses and buying or renting houses. Richard was born and grew up in the Gers and knows the processes inside out. His own personal experience is a great plus when it comes to helping you navigate administrative complexities or negotiate with estate agents. Richard has also built a strong team of trusted partners around him, including builders, renovation experts, pool companies, quantity surveyors, notaries, bank managers and insurance brokers. That means he can offer the very best and most competitive services to all French Connections HCB clients.
Simon Verity
Simon first qualified as a Financial Advisor in the UK in 1991 and has been giving cross-border financial advice to British clients in France for the last 18 years. During this time, he has built up considerable knowledge of tax efficient French investments and inheritance planning. In 2018, Simon achieved the Chartered Insurance Institute Financial Advisers Certificate and in addition passed the CII Mortgage Advice and Equity Release exams, thus holds the latest UK financial planning qualifications. He also holds the French Insurance Qualification IAS Niveau 1. Clients always comment on Simon’s approach to financial planning, where his calm and professional demeanour gives them confidence in his advice. His understanding of the French financial system makes him an essential person to consult when considering your financial future in France.
Juliette Harancot
Juliette grew up in Bordeaux where she was inspired from a very young age by its architecture and history. Building styles and trends have always intrigued her, so she's a natural fit to lead our property research team on behalf of clients looking for their dream home. If you are looking for a property to buy or rent, Juliette will be your eyes and ears on the ground and will focus all her skills in finding your perfect home. When you are ready to visit, she will line up appointments and can accompany you in person or via video link if required. There is another practical side to Juliette that comes in very handy: she can see beyond the existing structure of a building towards the possibilities it holds, which makes her uniquely qualified to advise you. A talented painter and graphic artist, Juliette also offers to re-look any one room free of charge in the property you buy.
Annabelle Thore
Annabelle is the newest member of our admin team. Born and living in the Gers region of France, she graduated with a degree in Business and went on to earn a professional trading licence in French food and wine in Bordeaux. After 7 years honing her administrative skills, she joined the French Connections HCB family because she felt at home with the dynamic way the team works together to solve problems for clients all over the world. Widely travelled in the UK and US, Annabelle has had plenty of opportunity to perfect her English, which is greatly appreciated by many of our clients.
