ON THE GROUND ➔ Evolvi steams ahead NEWS BTS


RAIL booking specialist Evolvi officially launched


the latest release of its software at the Business Travel Show, as well as a smartphone app for clients of its TMC partners. Evolvi-ng (new generation) includes new features such as pre-trip approval, single click suggested fares, enhanced management information, a season ticket calculator and improved multiple bookings functionality. It also does away with the two-hour wait that is usually required of Ticket on Departure fulfilment. Ken Cameron, Evolvi Rail Systems' managing director, says, “This is the most significant evolution of the Evolvi system since it was first launched six years ago. “These developments add


value right across the board, for TMCs, businesses and for


Five minutes with... Cilla Goldberger


PROFILE


Managing Director ABT UK


Cilla is managing director of the UK office of ABT Global, a multinational company with over 300 employees in 20 offices in the USA, Europe and the Middle & Far East. Cilla manages offices in London and Bath and is responsible for seven staff, 20-25,000 transactions annually, and a turnover of approximately £6million.


individuals. It offers ultimate flexibility in collecting tickets – more than any other rail booking and fulfilment provider – and now we are adding a fully functioning app to make life even easier on the moves,“ says Cameron. The new app is available for iPhone and BlackBerry users that are clients of TMCs using


Evolvi technology. It has full “look, book and order“ functionality, says Jon Reeve, Evolvi's director of sales. “This means that all the compliance and cost-centre attribution benefits of Evolvi- ng are automatically defined and integrated into client reports and management information,“ he adds.


GREEN LIGHT FOR HS2 SENDS OUT RIGHT SIGNALS


THE government might have approved plans for the £33billion HS2 high-speed rail network, but its realisation looks set to be a long and bumpy ride. Phase one will run between


London and Birmingham and is scheduled for completion by 2026, followed by a second phase to Manchester and Leeds by 2033. Trains will travel at up to 250mph, cutting the journey time between Birmingham and London to just 49 minutes. A subsequent extension north


would slash the journey time from Manchester to London from over two hours to one hour and eight minutes. “By following in the footsteps


of the 19th century railway pioneers, the government is signalling its commitment to providing 21st century infra- structure and connections, laying the groundwork for long- term, sustainable economic growth,“ says Justine Greening, secretary of state for transport. In a bid to alleviate the fears


of environmental campaigners, she adds, “I have been mindful that we must safeguard the natural environment as far as


possible, both for the benefit of our beautiful countryside today and for future generations.“ Over 22 miles of the first phase will now be enclosed in tunnels – up from 14.5 in the original plan – while more than 55 miles will run through cuttings. Revisions have also halved the number of homes at risk on the proposed route. The Association of Train Operating Companies and the Guild of Travel Management Companies both responded positively to the news. ATOC’s chief executive, Michael Roberts, says, “HS2 is a vote of confidence in the


railways and recognition of the vital role the industry has to play in supporting jobs and driving sustainable economic growth. It will help to alleviate the capacity crunch on many of our major rail corridors.” The GTMC’s Anne Godfrey


says, “We are delighted that the project has got the go ahead and for the complete Y-shaped network to have been approved, linking London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester, and with the all-important link to Heathrow too. It is regarded as the most important infra- structure development for UK business travellers.“


What is your most memorable business travel trip and why? It has to be a trip to the US in 2004 to celebrate ABT Global’s 20th birthday. I was visiting the offices in New Jersey and San Jose when the Boxing Day Tsunami hit Thailand. My excitement and optimism about the future was swiftly brought back to reality by the power of Mother Nature.


What is your worst business travel experience and why? Rushing for a flight connection in Paris. My office said that the plane was delayed so I should run for the gate. However, security said I was too late when I knew the plane was still on the tarmac. It made me realise that no matter how hard we try, we can’t do everything for clients!


What is your favourite destination worldwide and why? Rome – I just love it! It’s a beautiful, exciting and fascinating city that’s totally unique. Around every corner is a surprise, be it the architecture, history, shopping or great restaurants and bars.


What three items do you never leave home without when on business? A good book, eye make-up remover and a sense of humour!


What single thing could be done to improve your business travelling life? I dream of a day when there’s uniformity in travel. When airline classes, hotel room gradings and GDS systems are the same. There’s simply too many differing standards that lead to unnecessary confusion and expense.


What destination would you like to visit next and why? Mexico is definitely on my wish list of places to visit. My colleagues in our Mexico City office keep telling me what an amazing country it is. That, and the fact my two young sons are fascinated by the Aztec culture.


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