Business travel bookings in the UK are now exceeding pre-pandemic levels with small and medium-sized businesses spearheading that rebound, according to a leading travel management company.
Donna Joines, general manager of Corporate Traveller UK, part of Flight Centre Travel Group, said that British SMEs were playing a “huge role” in economic recovery following the disruption caused by COVID.
SMEs account for 99.9% of all UK businesses and a substantial percentage engage in both domestic and international business travel. The easing of COVID-related travel restrictions globally throughout 2022 offered hope of a return to ‘business as usual’ for many of these companies – but that return is not without its risks.
Travel uncertainty and unplanned costs
Rising fuel costs, staff shortages and increased demand have all contributed to a substantial rise in travel costs and for SMEs – especially those with fewer than 50 employees – these costs represent a much larger share of their overall operating budgets. Their relative size also makes them more susceptible to unplanned costs caused by factors including cancelled, curtailed or delayed flights, government travel advisories, personal liability, lost or damaged baggage, personal security or COVID-19 medical expenses.Business Travel cover designed with SMEs in mind
When battleface launched its dedicated. Business Travel Plan last year it was with these types of travellers in mind. The product is targeted at organisations with travelling employees and contractors across all business sectors including corporate, NGOs, educational Institutions and many others. Amongst the benefits specific to SMEs is the ability to tailor cover and benefits to match specific travel requirements, enabling businesses to avoid needless costs.Supported by battleface
Our business travel and medical expenses policies, underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s, are valid for a period of 12 months from a mutually agreed start date, and cover directors and employees for trips- Outside of their country of residence / international relocation
- With air travel within their country of residence / international relocation
- Within their country of residence / international relocation involving an overnight stay