Gateway Magazine - Issue 4

GATEWAY The magazine of Corporate Traveller Issue 4 • Autumn 2018

EAT BETTER,

WORK SMARTER HOW GOOD FOOD CAN BOOST BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Hot topic:

WELLBEING

5 clever travel

HACKS

Destination Zone:

ABU DHABI

W ELCO M E & CO N T EN T S The hidden cost of business travel – the effect on employees’ mental and physical health – is a hot topic and one that travel managers need to take seriously.

I N T HI S I S S UE

As frequent travellers, we owe it to ourselves to look after our own wellbeing and that includes eating properly while on business.

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News: What’s happening in the world of business travel

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Hot Topic: Wellbeing

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Get Ahead: Eat better, work better

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Destination Zone: Abu Dhabi

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Traveller Hacks: New products and tips for frequent travellers

Finding good food in Abu Dhabi shouldn’t be a problem for anyone travelling there on business. Just consult our Destination Zone guide, which has been put together with input from Matt Lane of Etihad Airways, who knows the place well.

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Interview with a Travel Booker: Domino Printing’s Karen Quinlan tells all

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Corporate Traveller news

As usual, we’ve also got all the latest news from CT’s regional UK offices.

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Charity update and quiz

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Village Voices: What’s happening at Corporate Traveller’s UK regional offices

In this issue, nutritional therapist Jeannette Hyde outlines the latest thinking on how food affects performance and mood. She also shares some valuable tips on how to eat well on the road.

Until next time: Safe travels and happy travel booking!

Lisa James

Editor editorgatewaymagazine@corptraveller.co.uk

CONTACT D E TA I LS Editor:

Lisa James

Designed by: Popi, Unit 11 West Point Business Park, Aylesford, ME20 6XJ www.popi.co.uk Contact:

Corporate Traveller, 11th Floor, CI Tower, High Street, New Malden, KT3 4TE corptraveller.co.uk

Email us at:

gatewaymagazine@corptraveller.co.uk

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N E W S & D E V E LO P M E N T S LOND ON LOS E S I T S S TAT US AS TOP GLOBA L F I NA NCE CE NT R E

INVESTI GAT I ON CONT I NUES INTO BA DATA BREACH

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ritish Airways is to cover financial losses and pay for a 12-month credit-rating monitoring service for all customers hit by its recent data breach.

Up to 380,000 passengers’ details may have been compromised between August 21 and September 5 in the cyber attack.

BA disclosed details of the breach the following day, September 6, and assured customers the breach had been resolved and its website was working normally.

An urgent investigation was launched into how hackers targeted customers making bookings or changes to bookings on the airline’s website and mobile app.

CEO Alex Cruz described the data breach as a ‘sophisticated, malicious criminal attack’ and said the airline had been alerted to the attack by a ‘partner’.

BA has not commented on claims by cyber-security firm RiskIQ that it has found the malicious script that caused the data breach.

The airline said: “As this is a criminal investigation, we are unable to comment on speculation.”

Passengers may also have a case for claiming for ‘inconvenience, distress and misuse’, according to SPG Law, a law firm that is seeking compensation on behalf of many affected customers.

The law firm said each passenger should also be able to claim non-material damage of about £1,250. Security analysts say the breach could see BA paying out £475 million.

BA has advised passengers to reset their passwords for its website and to choose a unique password not used on other online accounts.

ew York has overtaken London as the world’s top financial centre, according to statistics from a City think tank.

The 24th Z/Yen Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) said there was some evidence London had been knocked by uncertainty over Brexit.

Rivals within the EU for financial services business currently in the UK were among the cities making the greatest strides, according to the report, although Asian centres showed a steady rise.

The report reveals: “Zurich, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Milan moved up the rankings significantly.

“These centres may be the main beneficiaries of the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

“Surprisingly, despite some evident success in attracting new business, Dublin, Munich, Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Stockholm fell in the rankings, reflecting respondents’ views of their future prospects,” the study added.

Both New York and London saw an overall score dip. The top-10 is compiled twice a year from published international statistics and survey responses.

THE TOP-10 FINANCIAL CENTRES (PREVIOUS POSITION IN BRACKETS)

1. New York (2)

6. Tokyo (5)

2. London (1)

7. Sydney (9)

3. Hong Kong (3) 8. Beijing (11) 4. Singapore (4)

9. Zurich (16)

5. Shanghai (6)

10. Frankfurt (20)

CUT AND RUN

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ime-pressed business travellers heading to the Continent can now nip in for a quick hair cut at the Eurostar London St Pancras departure lounge.

Chop-Chop, the ultimate salon experience for those on the go, has taken up residence in the London lounge for a trial period until at least mid-October.

Clients can choose from a menu of 24 styles for a flat fee of £20.

Chop-Chop is the latest enhancement for Eurostar at London St Pancras and follows the recent addition of eGates to speed-up the security process and the opening of a World Duty Free shop.

Meanwhile, Eurostar has launched new on-board experiences for meeting and incentive groups, hosted by an expert speaker. Themes are in-keeping with Eurostar destinations, ranging from food and drink, to arts and culture.

Examples include a gin, whiskey, wine or cheese-tasting experience; fashion and beauty, arts or sports.

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NE W S I N BRI E F

NEW STANSTED-D.C. ROUTE TAKES OFF

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rimera Air’s latest long-haul route from Stansted Airport has taken to the skies with the launch of its new five-flights-a-week service to Washington Dulles Airport.

The direct service to the US capital is operated by one of Primera Air’s brand-new Airbus A321NEO aircraft, which offer a choice of two cabins, full-service premium and low-fare economy, free wifi and onboard charging points.

The new Washington Dulles service joins the airline’s long-haul routes to New York, Boston and the Canadian city of Toronto, which all launched earlier this year.

Stansted Airport aviation manager Mark Souter said: “The launch of Primera Air’s new service to Washington Dulles Airport is a clear reflection of the demand that exists across London and the east of England for convenient and affordable connections to the USA and beyond.”

Pictured are air crew and regional manager Felipe Gomez-Smith celebrating the new route.

NEW BAGGAGE RUL E S

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yanair has blamed turnaround delays on its decision to change its baggage allowance for non-priority customers.

All passengers can bring a small carry-on bag onboard free of charge, so long as it is able to fit under the seat in front.

However, from November 1, only Priority Boarding customers will be entitled to carry a larger, 10kg wheelie bag, up to the gate.

Non-Priority Boarding customers must pay a ‘10kg check-in bag’ charge, which costs £8 at the time of the flight booking, £10 if added online afterwards, £20 at the airport bag drop desk or £25 at the boarding gate.

FOREVA BLOWI NG BUBBLE S

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VA Air has signed a partnership agreement with West Ham United for the 2018-19 season.

Pictured at the ground are the club’s vice-chairman Karren Brady and EVA Air president Clay Sun. The Taiwanese airline flies to over 60 international gateways.

It operates daily flights from Heathrow-Bangkok that continue to Taipei, where passengers can easily connect to major cities in Asia, including 17 hubs in mainland China.

Budget chic Travelodge has launched a £10-million ‘budget chic’ format, called Travelodge Plus, designed for customers looking for more style and choice. The concept includes a new-style Bar Café with extra touches to make it easier to work and relax outside of the room. The new format will first feature at Brighton, Edinburgh, Gatwick Airport, York and the group’s biggest new-build so far, the 395-room City of London.

©Luke Grima

Slimline seats Europe’s third-largest low-cost airline, Norwegian, has installed new slimline seats to transatlantic flights on the first of its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The 30-inch seat pitch is designed for more comfort on longer routes, adding space at knee-level.

Moules-frites Upscale hotel brand Radisson Blu has opened a 109-room property a fiveminute walk from the centre of Bruges, Belgium. It has six meeting rooms over two floors and a specialty restaurant, named the Black Swan, serving fine Belgian cuisine.

Private suites Oman Air has introduced eight first-class private suites on its latest Dreamliner between Heathrow and Muscat. The new aircraft is the first of three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners the airline is adding to its fleet this year.

And finally…

Boeing has unveiled a sleek hypersonic passenger jet capable of transporting passengers from London-New York in just two hours and Europe-Australia in less than five. But it’s unlikely to be launched for at least another 20 years.

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H OT TO P I C : W E L L B E I N G AT W O R K Travelling on business is not all it’s cracked up to be, with recent research showing it can have a devastating effect on health and wellbeing.

Lisa James delves a little deeper Twenty years ago, as a new reporter on a magazine, I was just In fact, recent research shows business travel takes it toll far leaving the office for my first long-haul assignment, when my more than we ever realised, affecting physical and mental health. editor shared his advice on how to get through the long flight and According to a study by Columbia University, the more someone subsequent jetlag. travels on business, the bigger the impact is.

“You’re flying business, so just quaff as much wine as you The study reveals that frequent business travellers are more can, sleep it off, then you’ll be fine,” he told me. likely to suffer from higher blood pressure, On another occasion, I flew in from obesity, anxiety, depression and alcohol Philadelphia, headed straight to the office for dependence. Many business travellers are our morning meeting, spent a coffee-fuelled, Recent research shows more likely to exist on fast food, have a lack but rather unproductive, day at my desk, then business travel takes it of good quality sleep and miss out on doing went out with the team to a corporate evening regular exercise. event. By the time I’d crawled into bed in the toll far more than we ever who drive to meetings risk back wee hours, I couldn’t sleep for all the caffeine. realised, affecting physical andPeople How things have changed. Employee posture problems. Also, someone told and mental health wellbeing is becoming much more important me recently that the average steering wheel and we now know much more about the effects carries more germs than a toilet seat – ugh! of business travel on mind, body and soul.

These findings are consistent with analyses of Family and friends who don’t travel on medical claims data from World Bank employees, which revealed business often think those that do have such an exciting, fun and that the largest increase in claims among business travellers glamorous life. But having to be away during important getwas for psychological disorders related to stress. togethers, not being able to commit to a regular exercise class or The emphasis on better health and wellbeing falls on both being made to feel guilty about not spending enough time with employers and employees, according Columbia University loved ones can be hard. researcher Andrew Rundle.

He said: “At the individual level, employees who travel extensively need to take responsibility for the decisions they make around diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and sleep.”

“However, to do this, employees will likely need support in the form of education, training, and a corporate culture that emphasises healthy business travel. Employers should provide employees who travel for business with accommodations that have access to physical activity facilities and healthy food options.”

Writing in the Harvard Business Review, he added: “While many workplace health programmes for business travel provide immunisations, information about avoiding food-borne illness, and alerts about civil or political unrest, few focus on a more common threat to health: the stress, sleep interruption, unhealthy eating and drinking, and lack of exercise that are common side effects of being on the road.

“Over the long-term, these issues can add up to chronic disease risks.”

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GOOD FOOD ON THE GO Tyneside-based healthy restaurant chain The Naked Deli has opened an outlet at Newcastle International Airport and plans to expand elsewhere in the country.

The chain offers a health-conscious and clean-eating experience, ideal for travellers looking for fresh, clean food which includes a range of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options.

Newcastle Airport head of commercial Dean Ward said: “It’s really important that we offer something for everyone here at Newcastle International.

“With more and more of our customers becoming increasingly health conscious, I’m confident that The Naked Deli will go down a treat.”

The Naked Deli director Kirstie Kimmins, added: “Many of the airport’s millions of passengers are business travellers and it’s important to ensure that those that live their lives on the go are benefitting from a balanced and nutritious diet.

“This is the first step in us being able to expand into the wider UK market and who knows where from there.”

How employers can help • L ook out for mental health symptoms, which can include impaired performance, uncharacteristic emotional outbursts and poor concentration, as well as sleep issues and loss of interest.

• C arry out regular employee surveys: to identify recurring stressfactors and trends.

• I ncorporate training into the workplace to teach employees how to recognise stress factors in their lives and deal with them in a calm and effective way.

• I ntroduce a wellbeing programme to show employees how to reduce stress, eat healthily and exercise regularly.

• C onsider a third-party programme, such as a confidential counselling service, so staff can talk about issues of concern in and out of the workplace.

• W hen booking accommodation, find options that offer healthier food choices and gyms.

• E ncourage staff to take regular breaks to increase creativity and motivation. If possible, encourage outdoor meetings or suggest staff ‘walk and talk’.

FACTS AND FIGURES • I n the UK alone, 11.5 million working days were lost to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the financial year 2015-16, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE adds stress accounted for 37% of all work-related ill-health cases, and 45% of all working days lost in the same period.

• A survey by US risk management company On Call International reveals 54% of business travellers are less likely to exercise while away; 44% are more likely to eat unhealthy food; 36% say work-related travel makes them more stressed than normal and 36% say they have difficulty sleeping.

• 1 3% of business travellers forget to take their medicine, 16% drink more and 8% are more likely to smoke, the On Call International stats reveal.

• T hose who travel on business for two weeks or more each month report more symptoms of anxiety and depression and are more likely to smoke, be sedentary, and have trouble sleeping than those who travel one to six nights a month, according to Columbia University.

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H OT TO P I C : W E L L B E I N G AT W O R K L AT E S T D E V E LO P M E N T S

NEW WELLBEING AT WORK WEBSITE Corporate Traveller’s chosen UK charity, MIND, has just launched an online gateway to help improve mental wellbeing in the workplace.

MIND worked in collaboration with 11 key programme partners from the world of business, industry and health to develop the gateway, called Mental Health at Work, which is full of useful resources, training and information.

The project was funded by the Royal Foundation, the charitable trust of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Prince William unveiled the web portal earlier this month.

The prince has often spoken of the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health.

The site is open to all businesses from large organisations to small employers with just a few staff. It’s particularly useful to smaller companies that do not have a human resources department.

The Mental Health at Work gateway is primarily aimed at employers, senior management and line managers, however it is accessible to anybody, and employees are likely to find something that could help them to support a colleague, challenge stigma, or learn more about mental health in the workplace.

The resources include podcasts, tips, videos and case studies.

The site says: “Mental Health at Work is a UK wide initiative, supporting people across all workplaces, all sectors, all backgrounds and all regions. This is

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only the beginning and we are looking to grow from here. We have over 100 resources on Mental Health at Work now, but hope that over time we can keep growing “Whether you are hoping to find information about what mental health is and how it might affect you and your colleagues, or whether you are looking to influence a shift in policy or organisational approach, you will be able to access a guided search tool, curated toolkits, blogs and case studies that will help you on your journey to improving your workplace, for the benefit of everybody.”

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• A survey by MIND of more than 44,000 employees showed 48% had experienced poor mental health but only half had talked to their employer about it.

• O ne in four workers is thought to struggle in silence with issues such as anxiety, low mood and stress, costing UK employers between £33bn to £42bn a year.

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• But a third of all employers say they struggle to find the information they need to correctly support the mental health of their employees.

Find the portal at: www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mentalhealth-at-work-gateway/

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Businesses with an existing contract with Air France, KLM and Delta are not eligible for BlueBiz. Blue Credits earned depend on the destination and booking class.

You will receive your welcome bonus within 90 days after your initial flight under the programme, and once the bonus is credited to your account, the credits can be redeemed.

All information correct at time of printing. Subject to change without prior notice.

GET AHEAD B U S I N E S S K N O W- H O W, T I P S A N D M OT I VAT I O N TO H E L P YO U A C H I E V E YO U R G O A L S

EAT YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS Nutritional therapist Jeannette Hyde reveals the latest thinking on how what we eat can affect our performance. She explains to Lisa James how to eat well when travelling on business – and why you should never eat lunch ‘al desko’

© Andrew Crowley

As this issue’s Hot Topic article on wellbeing suggests, frequent business travellers can be more susceptible than most to health issues affecting body and mind. Good nutrition is really important in helping the 21st century corporate traveller stay healthy and happy.

Nutritional therapist Jeannette Hyde explains: “The content of what we eat is really important. Rather than counting calories in and out, or watching our fat content, as we have been told to do in the past, what we need to do is to nourish the trillions of bacteria that scientists have recently discovered in our gut. If we feed them so they flourish, we get all the health benefits, including a good immune system, sharp brain and happy mood.

“It used to be assumed that signals only passed from the brain to the gut.

We now know the signals also pass from gut to brain via the vagus nerve, which means having a healthy gut is important for mood, anxiety, memory and cognition.”

In her book, The Gut Makeover, Jeannette says we can avoid digestive issues, ‘brain fog’, weight gain and even depression by eating a bigger amount and a much wider variety of vegetables, fruit and herbs – and avoiding refined carbs. The book is a gut-friendly adaptation of the original Mediterranean diet.

“Rather than counting calories in and out, or watching our fat content, as we have been told in the past, what we need to do is to nourish the trillions of bacteria that scientists have recently discovered in our gut” Add to that fermented food, such as pickled vegetables (which must be built up gradually so the bacteria can re-adjust) and good probiotic food, such as kefir, made from fermented milk. She says our bodies are not designed to have loads of sugar – but most of us have far too much.

It all might seem a bit daunting, especially for those spending much of their daily life on the road or working long hours in the office. But Jeannette says simple swaps during meal times can make a huge difference.

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GUT INSTINCTS: FIVE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER BODY AND MIND Eat much more veg You may think you eat lots of fruit and veg, but it’s important to get as wide a variety as possible – mostly veg. Go for seven large helpings a day.

suggests it is probably sugar and refined carbohydrates that are doing the damage. So go ahead and enjoy slow-produced cheeses such as parmesan, gruyere and Roquefort. Have a matchbox size with celery, carrot and grapes.

Think polyphenals

Add some live bacteria Good, live bacteria in probiotics make their way to the colon where they flourish. Read labels on yoghurts really well, as not all contain live bacteria. A great source is kefir, which has been a staple part of the Eastern Europe and Turkish diet for years, so if you’re travelling in that part of the world, this is an easy one. Chop up a piece of fruit, add a handful of nuts and perhaps some herbs, then pour on some kefir.

Say cheese Experts used to say saturated fat causes heart disease, which made a lot of people afraid of cheese. Recent research

These are antioxidants found in foods such as extra virgin olive oil, fruit and veg. There’s also a small amount in red wine, but Jeannette suggests limiting this tipple to three times a week, preferably not on consecutive days.

In a pickle Pickles, such as gherkins, kimchi (a staple Korean food) and sauerkraut are good for body and brain. Look for pickles that have the word ‘live bacteria’ on labels. They tend to be found in health food stores. Again, when travelling in Central Europe or the Far East, it shouldn’t be hard to find. Just make, or order, a normal salad and fork some of this good stuff through.

HOW MUCH TO EAT? Everyone is different and what works for one doesn’t work for someone else. For some having two meals a day works really well.

Fasting is good for your microbiome (the bacteria living in our body, mostly in our gut), as it helps the really good bacteria to flourish. Some people benefit from a 12-hour overnight fast. Some people miss breakfast and have an early lunch.

Three meals a day is recommended. If you eat the right stuff, you shouldn’t need to snack in between.

Sit down and chew food really well. You should be able to recognise 20 minutes into eating that you are full up.

Protein makes people feel full up for longer. Fibre resets hunger hormones but it can affect people differently, making some feel really brain sharp and some feel pretty dreadful and lousy.

On the road “People need to get much better digestion when on the road. See each mealtime as an opportunity to get plenty of colour and fibre from veg, herbs and fresh fruit,” says Jeannette.

“See each mealtime as an opportunity to get plenty of colour and fibre from veg, herbs and fresh fruit”

Hotel breakfast At the hotel breakfast buffet, try a simple swap – instead of croissants, have omelette with mushroom, red pepper, spinach and whatever other veggies are available. Follow with yoghurt (preferably live), a piece of fruit, seeds and nuts. Do this and, whatever happens during the rest of the day, you’ve given your body a good start.

Lunch meeting At lunch meetings, it’s tempting to tuck into ‘beige’ sandwiches.

Try to speak to the person in charge of food and encourage them to order open sandwiches with bread at the bottom with a few prawns; and serve bananas and apples. Often they’ve just not thought about it before.

If you need to grab something to eat for lunch, outlets such as Pret A Manger have a good selection of alternatives to sandwiches.

Go for as much colour as you can.

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G E T A H E A D: E AT YO U R WAY TO S U CC E S S

In a restaurant Again, go for colour. Soups and salads offer a great variety, as do starters and side dishes. Chains such as Giraffe are a good option: Chicken with sweet potato, for example, provides instant good fibre.

At airports Try to eat a proper meal at the airport before boarding, rather than sitting on the plane and eating something that you don’t really want, just for the sake of it. On board, just have water or herbal teas and perhaps some fruit and nuts that you’ve packed yourself.

Juice and smoothies A glass of juice is going to give a big sugar hit. Check labels on shop-bought smoothies. A better option would be pieces of whole fruit and a glass of water on the side.

Social drinking People who drink a lot have probably been feeling below par for a long time and may have cravings, so social events can be a challenge. Think ahead and plan non-alcoholic alternatives, such as sparkling water with lime juice.

Don’t eat ‘al desko’ Eating at one’s desk is a big no-no. Why? Because you’ll be too busy looking at work emails to hear your sympathetic nervous system telling you you’re full up.

Jeanette says: “I work with lots of high-flying female lawyers who eat breakfast and lunch at their desks. They think they’re being more productive, but it’s actually the opposite.

“I get them to commit to not eating at their desks and each time this tiny change has been massive. They tell me when they switch off their phone and chew their food properly, they feel completely different.

“They’re not as stressed. They’re losing weight. And because they do it and they are quite senior, it sets and example to the rest of the team.”

JEANNETTE’S TIP FOR AVOIDING JET-LAG

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Keep hydrated

djust to the timescale of A the place that you are going

Fit in with meal times at your destination as soon as you arrive. Your international clock will adjust quicker.

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Interested in finding out more?

Jeannette Hyde’s book The Gut Makeover, is an easy-to-follow four-week guide to revolutionising heath and losing weight. She’s also written The Gut Makeover Recipe Book. Both are published

by Quercus.

Follow her on Facebook at TheGutMakeover; Twitter: @jeannettehyde Instagram: jeannettehydenutrition www.jeannettehyde.com

D E S T I N AT I O N ZO N E:

ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi may be the largest – and the capital – of the United Arab Emirates’ seven emirates, but for a long time its smaller, more populated, neighbour Dubai was the one getting all the attention. Not anymore, as the ‘authentic Arabia’ as Abu Dhabi likes to be known, is coming out of the shadows as a cultural and commercial centre in its own right. Matt Lane, key account manager – TMC at Abu Dhabi’s national airline Etihad Airways, knows the emirate well and shares his insider’s view on where to go and what to see.

FY I Time difference: GMT+4 Flight time from UK: 7 hours approximately Tipping: Similar to the UK, around 10-15% for meals; round up taxi fares Getting around: Taxis are everywhere. They’re clearly marked, metered, safe and very good value. For those looking to explore further, car hire is inexpensive.

“Abu Dhabi has a diverse international community, which makes for a very rich corporate environment.

Out of respect for the local culture, dress codes are a bit more conservative with traditional business attire being the norm with skirts below the knee and shoulders covered for women. Business cards are still useful and, when meeting Emiratis, it’s advisable and respectful not to shake hands with local women unless they offer their hand first.”

Eating and drinking Cuisine from all over the world is widely available thanks to a diverse expat population. If you’re in the UAE on a Friday (the first day of the local weekend), the tradition is to enjoy a huge brunch with most hotel restaurants offering packages including drinks and spectacular buffets.

Regional specialities Look out for dates, fish (particular the local hammour fish) and – for the more adventurous – dishes with camel’s milk! The food truck and street food culture has also caught on so ask around to locate the latest pop-up dining experiences. Bloody Mary fans should head over to The St Regis bar, as it’s their signature drink served with zaatar, a local herb that gives it a unique twist.

Quick snack or low-key lunch Jones the Grocer is a reliable local chain offering great deli-style snacks and fresh produce.

Eating alone Most restaurants now deliver to hotel rooms (or poolside!) if you’re exhausted after a long day. The Corniche is great for a stroll and has plenty of small cafes, which are popular with families.

Another great evening spot is the collection of restaurants at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri, next to the Shangri-La hotel, with spectacular views across the Grand Canal of the Grand Mosque.

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Wow-factor business lunch or dinner Hakkasan, in the ultra-luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, combines impressive dining in a stunning location. Diners can walk off their gourmet experience in the extensive grounds and opulent interior of the hotel.

W H E R E T O S TAY ?

InterContinental Abu Dhabi With its private beach and marina, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi hotel is an oasis of luxury near the Corniche and world-class shopping malls. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary wifi and breakfast, 400 bonus IHG Rewards Club points per stay.

Sightseeing

Park Inn Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened last year and which is linked to the famous Louvre in Paris, is an amazing space and worth a visit just to admire the architecture. It’s in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District and shows artwork from around the world.

On Yas Island, just 10km from the airport, the Park Inn by Radisson is within easy reach of the city’s central business district, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the beach. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary wifi, 20% off food and beverages, upgrade (subject to availability).

Another iconic building is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is free to visit and rated as one of the top attractions of the world on TripAdvisor.

Bird’s eye view The Observation Deck at Jumeirah Etihad Towers is a great spot for visitors to get their bearings.

Work it off

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

For those wanting a unique way to work out, it’s possible to walk, run or cycle around the Yas Marina circuit F1 track on Tuesday and Sunday evenings (pre-registration is necessary). Golfers can choose from three courses, one of which is championship level.

On Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, at the centre of Abu Dhabi’s thriving commerce and culture, just 15 minutes from ADNEC and 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. SmartSTAY extras for CT customers: Complimentary wifi and breakfast; 400 bonus IHG Rewards Club points per stay.

To find the best deals and see all available hotels visit www.corptraveller.co.uk/smartstay and check out our smartSTAY range.

Business class travellers flying directly with Etihad Airways have premium lounge access, an onboard lobby, fully lie-flat beds and a ‘dine anytime’ meal service.

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5 GENIUS

TRAVELLER HACKS Check out the latest apps, products and tips designed to make travelling on business easier

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A P P Y DAY S Passengers flying in or out of Newcastle Airport can get exclusive offers and discounts at its catering outlets and shops on its new app, which also gives real-time flight info and destination weather reports.

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Free to download from Apple and Google Play www.newcastleairport.com/nclairport-app

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E T H I C A L CO L L E C T I O N More people are going vegan these days – but there’s more to it than what you put on your plate, such as finding decent alternatives to leather.

Verry Kerry is a collection of colourful and quirky vegan-friendly and ethical accessories sourced in Delhi by Kerry Mounsey. The collection includes a simple and funky unisex laptop/tablet cover, made from thick woven cotton with non-leather trims and finishing, that will keep a 13-inch laptop, iPad or books (and any extra cables and pens) safe while travelling on business. What’s more, it can go in the machine on a cold gentle wash.

Price: £40 www.verrykerry.com

S P E A K E A SY Being able to speak a little of the local lingo makes a difference when travelling on business. Language learning app Memrise won Best App at the 2017 Google Play Awards for its usergenerated learning platform that uses flashcards as memory aids. Its free tier is more than adequate to learn basic phrases and sentences. There’s also an option to upgrade to the Pro version for extra features. www.memrise.com

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IN THE RED Some very clever scientists at Northumbria University have found drinking a glass of tart cherry juice (preferably Montmorency cherries), or eating a handful of them as a bedtime snack, is a natural cure for jet lag. Tart cherries, particularly the Montmorency variety, contain natural melatonin, which aids sleep. Who knew?

S P E N D, S P E N D, S P E N D Looking for ideas on how to spend all those Avios that are stacking up? British Airways has brought out an Executive Club Reward app that has a helpful tool to show how many more points are needed until a member can book reward flights to different destinations as well as view latest Avios deals and check previous transactions.

Free download from the App Store or Google Play

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INTERVIEW WITH A

TR AVEL BOOKER Research and development administrator Karen Quinlan tells us about booking travel for colleagues at global company Domino Printing Tell us about yourself

Do you travel on business yourself?

I am 55 years old and have been working as a PA for 25 years.

Before that, I ran small boutique hotels. I live in the beautiful city of Cambridge.

Unfortunately not. I’m office based.

How long have you been in your job?

Just over two years. I think I had the right attributes for the role: I’m good at multi-tasking and organising people, have a cheery disposition and a can-do attitude.

Tell us about the company Domino Printing is a global manufacturer of industrial printers. We specialise in digital printing and traceability solutions across a range of technologies for sectors as diverse as food, beverage, life sciences, packaging, cleaning, personal care, building and construction.

Our technologies print onto everyday products including cans, household goods, eggs, ready meals, cartons, glass, cases and labels.

How much of your time is spent booking business travel?

It can vary enormously. Recently I have been ultra busy with various conferences and training courses in addition to the usual business trips.

What else does your job entail?

I also organise training courses and conferences; take minutes; am the company’s lead display screen equipment (DSE) assessor and spend a lot of time ensuring financial/KPI data is kept up to date. I carry out workplace inspections and maintain training records.

Who do you book business travel for?

Many people at all levels, from the research and development team to engineers to the COO and directors. Last year I booked over 300 business flights, as well as numerous hotels/transfers without flights.

Where do they travel to?

Domino is a global company, selling to over 120 countries around the world, so it can be anywhere.

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What’s the worst bit about booking business travel?

It has to be the last-minute changes and panics. Sometimes itineraries change and it cannot always be avoided, so it is simply a case of rising to the challenge of finding alternative flights and other travel options.

What would make life easier when booking travel?

Having James and the team at Corporate Traveller always on hand to help us with the complicated itineraries, advising how we can get the best out of proposed itineraries. Ideally, I would like us to move towards an online booking tool for the simpler itineraries, allowing travellers to build their own itineraries via the portal, which could then be electronically authorised. I feel this would not only save us a huge amount of legwork going backwards and forwards but also save on paper.

What advice do you have for someone new to booking travel?

Don’t be afraid to question your traveller, especially if they have not given you all the information.

For example: do they need hold luggage, speedy boarding or fast-track security? What is their seat preference?

Do they have a valid ESTA or visa? Is the airport requested the nearest to their end destination?

“DON’ T BE AF RAI D TO QUESTI ON YOUR TRAV ELLER, ES PEC I ALLY I F THEY HAV E NOT G I V EN YOU ALL THE I NF ORMATI ON”

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first started?

Everyone has their different quirks and working style. Simply smile through as you learn and you will get there. Keep an overview sheet, summarising all bookings/reference numbers and various contact telephone numbers in case of need (particularly important when working across different time zones).

Provide your traveller with a copy and keep a copy for yourself – this is easier than looking through lots of different confirmations.

Fly JAL double daily between London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda. Experience the ultimate in luxury in First Class; relax in the privacy of our fully-flat Business Class Suite; enjoy complimentary lounge access in JAL Premium Economy Class; or try our Skytrax award-winning JAL Economy Class.

Contact your Corporate Traveller Consultant to book now.

C O R P O R AT E T R A V E L L E R N E W S M O R E S MES S I GN UP WI T H C O R P ORAT E T RAVEL L ER

CA RA’ S T HE FACE OF CT

L C

orporate Traveller’s new technology platform, YOUR.CT, has played a key part in attracting more companies to sign up to its travel management services.

CT’s 2017/18 financial year brought in new clients with a total spend of £89 million.

New clients include Maritime Craft Services and recruitment company Taylor Hopkinson, both managed by CT’s Glasgow office; Freeman Group, based in Coventry and independent fund management company Liontrust, based in Edinburgh, which is using YOUR.CT for online bookings.

YOUR.CT MOBILE, a bespoke app fully integrated with YOUR. CT’s booking platform, has also seen considerable take-up as over 1,500 users have downloaded the app over the last six months, enabling them access to their flight and hotel bookings all in one place while they are on the move.

UK general manager Andy Hegley said: “Corporate Traveller continues to go from strength to strength and we have had an amazing year.

“We have invested heavily in enhancing our technology offering, new products and services, specifically tailored to our clients’ business needs, which has contributed to our growth over the last 12 months.”

ook out for Corporate Traveller’s new promotional video starring our very own business development manager for Scotland, Cara Dzivane.

The 90-second video details CT’s services and USPs, with Cara explaining how the company can help SMEs get the most out of their travel spend.

Cara, who’s been with CT for three years, said: “When the marketing team asked me to be the face of CT, I was honoured.

I absolutely loved making the video. It was such fun.

“It’s a brilliant way to get our message across and we’ll all be using it in all our social media, for presentations and training days.”

CT general manager Andy Hegley said: “Everyone who’s ever met Cara loves her bubbly personality. She’s a natural in front of the camera and is the ideal person to front our new promotional video.”

ON YOUR WAV E LE NGT H

TA ILOR-MADE T RAVEL

T

he team at Corporate Traveller’s newly launched production, sports and creative division has had a busy few months.

Recent tailor-made travel bookings the CT Creative team has worked on include accommodation and flights for 120 crew and contestants on a reality TV show and an orchestra of 40 musicians who needed extra seats for their instruments, which are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Lucy Goldston, expert travel consultant, said: “CT Creative is very client-specific and bespoke. We have to tailor every trip exactly to the client’s needs and it’s always different. It involves lots of time on the phone to the airlines organising batteries and luggage.”

Colleague Charlotte Lindsay added: “Other accounts include expedition clients travelling to South America and Antarctica. We recently did a booking for three people who had 100 pieces of kit.

“That’s a lot of excess baggage!”

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orporate Traveller general manager Andy Hegley took to the airwaves earlier this month to share his business travel knowledge with the nation.

To coincide with Small Business Advice Week, Andy took part in a series of live and recorded phone-in interviews with radio stations across the country, where he talked about issues including travel policy, traveller safety, Brexit and loyalty schemes.

Small Business Advice Week, which took place from September 1-7, is an annual initiative designed to help the country’s 4.5 million SMEs thrive, with insight and guidance from leading experts and businesses across Britain.

FLIGHT CENTRE F O U N DAT I O N U P DAT E Corporate Traveller staff are proving they CAN stand the heat… and have been putting all their fund-raising efforts into helping build a kitchen at a school in South Africa.

One of CT’s parent company Flight Centre Travel Group’s charity initiatives, Flight Centre Foundation, has been to renovate Qhobosheane Primary School in Johannesburg.

So far, the school’s leaky ceiling has been fixed, it’s had new carpets and a lick of paint as well as electrical works carried out and a fence erected around the play area.

The next project is to replace the kitchen – currently a stove and sink in a shipping container – with one more suitable for preparing meals for the school’s 430 pupils. Many of the children get their only daily meal here.

CT staff have contributed to the £40,000 target set by Flight Centre Foundation to complete the project, with activities including sponsored marathon runs, bike rides and bake-offs.

Money raised is matched pound-for-pound by Flight Centre Travel Group and everyone’s sterling efforts mean a new kitchen will soon be open.

More on p22

TA K E O U R Q U I Z

D O YO U T R AV E L S M A R T ?

Q 1 . You need to make more room in your case. Which item can you not bear to leave behind?

A Gym/running gear…in the unlikely event I do a bit of exercise while away

Q 4 . Lunch on-the-go is…

A A sad-looking cheese and pickle sandwich and a bag of crisps from a service station B Lunch is for wimps C A pre-prepared balanced pack-up

B My favourite snacks and sweet treats C My own pillow so I can get a good night’s sleep

Q 2 . Breakfast would be…

A Mega fry-up – it’s my treat for having to work away B Quick coffee on the go C Veggie omelette, yoghurt and a little fruit

Q 3 . What’s your cure for jetlag?

A Night out on the town B Fast food, energy drink and sugary treats to curb those hunger pangs C Water to prevent dehydration and an early night

Q 5 . The night before the big meeting is spent…

A Going to the spa for a pamper B Exploring the area, checking out the bars and restaurants C Ironing my clothes, catching up with emails, preparing for the meeting, then an early night

TOT UP THE SCORES Mostly As Well-intentioned, but your lack of willpower lets you down.

Mostly Bs You’re punishing your poor body and it deserves better!

Mostly Cs Super-organised, with a healthy mind, body and attitude.

VILL AGE VOICES

AIR RAISING

KEEP ON RUNNING

CT members from Loughborough village didn’t let themselves down when they organised a 5k inflatable fun run and raised £440 for MIND. Well done, team!

Newly-promoted assistant team manager at Wimbledon village Anton Kaniecki is well over half way through his mammoth task of running every day in 2018 to raise a total of £1,000 and covering 1,000 miles for MIND. Anton is pictured (front) with some running buddies who’ve been helping to keep him motivated along the way. There’s still time to donate at: justgiving.com/fundraising/ anton-kaniecki

SMOOTHLY DOES IT Deb Knox, Ashlyn Craig and Rosie Elliott from CT’s Vauxhall office are a healthy bunch and raised £50 for MIND by serving up delicious concoctions at their Smoothie Shack.

FRINGE BENEFITS CT customers were treated to a fun night out last month at the Scotland team’s fifth annual Edinburgh Fringe client night.

Account manager Gary Ward said: “We hosted 30 clients from around Scotland. It’s always an informal corporate event as we have a complete mix of guests ranging from travel bookers to managing directors which makes it so special – so much so that a couple of clients haven’t missed this event since it started.

“Pete Firman, the wonderful English comedian/magician entertained us at the Pleasance courtyard for the evening. The clients loved the show and we’ve had some wonderful feedback.”

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B ACK TO SCHOOL Pascalle Perkins and Nicolle Hope, assistant team managers at Wimbledon and Gatwick respectively, flew to Johannesburg recently to help out at Qhobosheane Primary School in Soweto, which is being funded by Flight Centre Foundation.

Pascalle (pictured, with some of the children) said: “Seeing first hand where the money goes was such an amazing and humbling experience. But we still have so much more to do at the school.

“We need to keep up our amazing fundraising efforts.

Keep donating money. And keep giving these children a glimmer of hope that one day things will be great for them.” * Find out more about the school on page 21

Through Corporate Traveller’s regional UK hubs, clients have access to a team of local experts to ensure they get the most from their corporate spend. Each issue, we’ll bring readers a round-up of office news – and ask some of the team a travel-related question.

This issue, we ask:

What’s the best hotel

you’ve ever stayed in?

Cameron Bengert Regional operations manager, Glasgow “It has to be the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The setting is straight from a postcard – a beautiful hotel nestled in between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain. You can ski right to the front door of the hotel, check your skis or board in with the concierge, then grab an après-ski drink. There’s something special about drinking a cold beer in an outdoor hot-tub in the winter, watching people ski down a mountain and wondering how you got so lucky.“

Glasgow

Edinburgh

Rebecca Selby Assistant manager, Loughborough 2

Jemma Quinzi Senior manager, Loughborough

Newcastle

“For me it has to be the Disney Boardwalk Inn Orlando. I love Disney and I loved the whole Disney them of this hotel. It’s in a great location, between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The staff are extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful.“

Leeds

“I love the Mondrian London at Sea Containers on the South Bank. The rooms are a great size and the breakfast selection is amazing. It really caters for all tastes, depending on what you fancy on the day. My favourite thing about the hotel though, has to be the outdoor terrace. It’s a fabulous area to relax and unwind on a summer’s evening, overlooking the River Thames.“

Hull

Manchester Liverpool Loughborough Birmingham

Matt Harris Assistant manager, Woking 10 “The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai is a beautiful hotel with an interesting, yet tragic past. It’s not just a place to stay, but a landmark and symbol of Mumbai in its own right. The service was unlike anywhere else I have visited and the attentive staff couldn’t do enough. Unused to this level of luxury, I was quite surprised when I had a knock at the door and one of the house keeping staff was there offering to close the curtains for me!“

Oxford Bristol

London

Woking Gatwick

Clerkenwell Chancery Lane Vauxhall Wimbledon New Malden Waterloo

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CORPORATE TRAVELLERS CAN MODIFY THEIR BOOKINGS AT NO EXTRA COST

Turkish Airlines Corporate Club rates allow members to reebok or reroute their tickets to suit their ever-changing business schedules and allow them to save a great deal of money.

To become a member and start receiving benefits of Turkish Airlines Corporate Club please visit: corporateclub.turkishairlines.com