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THE GTMC COLUMN PAUL WAIT


FLYING OUT OF THE TRAPS


If UK plc is to spread its wings into Europe, APD needs to be eliminated


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new year brings with it new hopes and an air of positivity, and here at the GTMC we are no exception. 2015 was a busy year for all of us, not least those in the travel sector, and as we


review the year gone by and look towards 2016, enabling yet more and even easier business travel remains as big a need as ever. There is a significant amount that remains to be done to encourage new businesses, in particular, to move outside the comfort of European and English-speaking markets in order to better the position of UK plc in the global economy. The government has amended its export target to one of having 100,000 more UK businesses exporting by 2020. That being the case, we must all continue to promote the need to travel to do business. A pivotal way for the government to make this target a


reality is to address the issue of air passenger duty (APD). If I could wave a magic wand over the coming year, I’d like to see the government incentivise business to export to emerging markets in the BRIC and MINT countries by eliminating APD to those destinations. Our research shows that more than half of business travellers would fly more frequently if there was a simplification or reduction of APD; and this increases to almost three quarters (72 per cent) for those aged between 18-29, the business travellers of the future. Leisure travellers saw the benefits of APD reductions in 2015, but the business traveller is still feeling the detrimental effects, which are impacting on the bottom line for UK-based businesses that rely on air travel in order to forge overseas trade links.


The US and European markets are in recovery, and so some might have the opinion of sticking with what they know and working to maximise existing relationships. However, we all need to think more long-term and consider emerging markets as an important aspect of the future.


Whatever else 2016 brings, I have everything crossed for finally seeing some strong, decisive action from the government that truly supports the need to see Britain’s businesses grow and, in turn, secure the country’s economic growth into the new year and beyond.


BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM


Paul Wait is chief executive of the Guild of Travel Management Companies (gtmc.org)


THE ACTE COLUMN CAROLINE ALLEN


Caroline Allen is the regional director of the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (acte.org)


KEEP SAFE FROM CYBERCRIME


Stolen data is big business, so a management strategy is essential


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ncorporating good corporate social responsibility practice was a priority for most corporations before the financial crash of 2007/8, which then shot cost reduction to the top of the agenda. Over recent years though, the green


shoots of recovery have created optimism for companies to invest; and now, with the increasing regularity of global incidents – whether a natural disaster, cyber attack or act of terrorism – risk management is back at the forefront of corporate strategies. A data violation can bring a business to its knees. In 2014, the average total cost for a data breach for a US corporation was US$5.85 million. Last year, US retailer Target announced it had been hit by hackers, who stole data from over 70 million shoppers, and specifically the credit card information of 40 million, much of which was sold on and used illegally. The attack ultimately cost Target US$148 million in costs and compensation. Why should you care? Because your third-party suppliers could put your business at risk and put your job on the line. You need to ensure your suppliers, and your suppliers’ suppliers are all adequately vetted and that you understand the security measures they have in place to avoid a catastrophe that causes irreparable damage to your company. Stolen data has value. According to procurement organisation Sig.org, here’s what your data is worth:


       


Modern dangers will not stop people commuting or travelling for work, but by collaborating internally we can build protective, combined travel and risk management strategies and policies, creating an opportunity for travel managers to demonstrate greater value and extend their role internally. To learn and share ideas of what you can do to navigate this minefield, join us at the next ACTE education forum in London, on Tuesday March 15, where we will partner with Sig.org to bring chief procurement officers, travel managers and the supply chain together.


BBT JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 135


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