WORDS ROB GILL T


HE SLOGAN “KEEP CALM & CARRY ON” was a motivational poster produced at the onset of the Second World War, but it could equally apply to the way UK companies and organisations are facing up


to the uncertainties of Brexit (although, thankfully, this is a more peaceful process). The UK is officially due to leave the


European Union at 11pm on 29 March 2019. While both the UK government and EU officials are clearly keen to strike a deal, most experienced EU-watchers expect negotiations to go down to the wire, which means the continuing spectre of a “no deal” or “cliff-edge” Brexit where the UK crashes out of the EU without any “transition period”. A Reuters poll of economists put the odds of this happening at one in four. The government has produced a raft of


papers detailing what could happen in a “no deal” scenario, and has admitted there could be “disruption to some flights” and other travel services. Ryanair has continued to warn that flights between the UK and Europe could be grounded for “days or weeks” after 29 March.


While most organisations seem to be making some preparations and contingency plans for a “no deal” Brexit in 2019, there are plenty of other factors set to shape business travel next year – from fears of global trade wars, stoked by the US, to the advance of technology and the implementation of new business strategies from suppliers.


MEETINGS & EVENTS The good news is that, despite Brexit, London is expected to remain the top destination in Europe for meetings and events in 2019, according to Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT), although this comes with some inevitable caveats. Ian Cummings, vice-president, EMEA, at CWT Meetings & Events, says: “Border


66 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 buyingbusinesstravel.com


THE ROAD AHEAD


The big Brexit cloud is hovering over the corporate travel landscape for 2019


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