With days left until Brexit, October is set to be a tumultuous month. For all the latest business travel news UK, we’ve handpicked updates from hotel news to transport updates, affecting those business travelers across the country.
All things Brexit
It’s hard for business travel news UK not to be dominated by the ongoing news of Brexit.
To help better prepare businesses for the UK leaving the EU, the government has this month launched a ‘Get Ready for Brexit’ campaign. Supported with an official website, it provides information and guidance for businesses of all sizes to equip them for the change.
We've also created our own Brexit readiness kit for those in the the construction field. It covers issues that Brexit could bring and tips to prepare. Check it out here.
Most significant for business right now is ensuring that colleagues have the right documentation in order to travel. As of 1 November 2019, all UK passport holders will need to have at least six months on it before expiration for travel within Europe and further afield. Corporate travel managers should update their company guidebook as part of their duty of care.
Business Hotel News
Launched in time for the famous Edinburgh Fringe festival last month, the city opened its doors to one of the latest concept budget hotels. Located in the trendy Haymarket area, Point A Hotel is now open for business. Ideal for cost-conscious business travelers, the property is equipped with helpful facilities from ironing rooms to mood lighting for a better night’s sleep, it provides all the trappings you might find at a higher-end abode. Coupled with superfast WiFi and a hearty continental breakfast, it’s sure to be a popular choice with visitors. Rooms start from a reasonable £79 a night.
Just announced: the Radisson Group has revealed that it will be opening a Radisson Red Hotel in London’s bustling Greenwich area next year. Described as an upscale lifestyle select-service hotel, it will join the ranks of Liverpool and Glasgow with its latest addition. Well located for access to the 02, it will prove popular with leisure tourists too.
In other business travel news UK, the NH Hotel Group which has hotels in London and globally, has teamed up with the Science-Based Targets initiative to reduce its c02 footprint. The organisation has pledged to slash its carbon emissions usage by 20 per cent by 2030. The company revealed that last year, 70 per cent of the energy it consumed came from renewable sources.
Well being at Work
Thanks to the growing dialogue on workplace stress, the benefits are finally paying off.
In a recent study, 45% of event industry professionals believe they’ve seen signs of their employers placing more effort into well being over the past year. The latest research by Stress Matters also unveiled that at least half of company cultures now support well being. For HR managers, there is a useful document which can be downloaded for further information on best practice for workplace mental health.
Roomex also conducted research this summer about the importance of well being at work and its impact on businesses bottom lines. Learn more about our findings in this guide.
Industry Events and Networking
Those interested in business travel news UK, particularly those in the construction trade will find a number of interesting business events this month. Book ending the start and close of October, there’s two key trade events to note.
The first kicks off at the start of the month with UK Construction Week in Birmingham. Dedicated to bringing together all stakeholders within the built environment across design, build, and supply, it’s a great opportunity to network and learn more about industry trends.
Oh- and members from the Roomex team will be there as well! We'd love to meet you if you're attending, at Booth BT221
Meanwhile, for those in corporate travel management, the Business Travel Summit on 30 October, provides a platform to meet like-minded others, as well as discuss the latest challenges facing business travel.
Planes and Trains
It’s not the greatest time for business travel news UK with strike action looming over our national flag carrier and certain train operators.
If you’re planning a work trip to Scotland between 29 September and 1 October, please note that the RMT union has confirmed a strike on the Caledonian Sleeper service.
On the note of strike action, British Airways’ pilots have confirmed its next strike date is 27 September 2019. This may extend into October, although further dates have not yet been announced. If you are flying domestically or abroad, it’s wise to check with the airline in advance online, or by phone on 0800 727 800.
Although information is correct at time of going to press, please check with your carrier before booking or revising travel arrangements, as these are subject to change.
Dress for Success
On a final note Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently unveiled a fashion collection in aid of charity Smart Works. Available in John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Jigsaw, her capsule collection includes work attire for women, ranging from shift dresses to smart bags. For each product sold, another will be donated to the charity to which she is patron.
Smart Works helps to empower and support women in preparation for job success.
Interested in more? Check out our previous article on business travel news UK highlighting the latest trends over summer.
