A report from global chauffeur services provider Blacklane looks at how the integration of premium experiences and business travel is essential for productivity
87% of those who find travelling for business stressful claim to lose at least one hour of productive time once they arrive due to the impact of this stress
Over 1 in 3 business owners, C-level executives and senior managers lose over half a day of productivity due to travel stress.
With 85% of UK businesses looking to maintain or increase business travel spend over the next year, the report, launched by global chauffeur services provider Blacklane, reveals how the dynamics of business travel are evolving in relation to wellness and productivity, and how the evolution of premium amenities has the potential to improve professional’s overall productivity.
Blacklane’s report, “Premium meets productivity: the changing face of travel and work” explores how the current approach to global business travel planning causes executives to lose productive work hours as a result of fragmented journeys: 86% of global participants claimed to lose at least one hour of productive time across their trip, rising to 87% in the UK. Of that, over a third (34%) of UK business travellers reported losing between four and eight hours, equating to a full working day. The impact on UK C-level executives is higher, with 38% losing between four and eight hours of productive work time due to travel stress.
In order to enhance work productivity, up to 90% of business travellers are combining work and leisure, and are seeking out more premium experiences, such as travelling with a chauffeur.
Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Founder at Blacklane, said: “This report highlights a significant shift in business travel, where enhancing comfort and ensuring safety is not just a perk, but essential for boosting productivity, especially among executives. Understanding these evolving expectations is crucial for the industry and businesses overall to better meet the needs of today’s executive travellers.”
The Rise of Premium Experiences: A Key To Productivity
Over the past year, the majority (59%) of business travellers in the UK have noticed cuts when it comes to travel budgets. For two thirds (62%) of travellers, these cuts have negatively impacted their productivity and performance when travelling for business. Interestingly, this increases to 74% among business owners and 79% among C-level executives. These results highlight an opportunity for travel planners to reconsider priorities in order to optimise productivity on business trips.
Blacklane has a unique perspective on the UK travel market, with millions of kilometres of chauffeured journeys taking place annually across the country. Early mornings, particularly between 6-8am on Mondays and Fridays, are peak times for travel. With these periods being among the most congested and stressful times to travel, ensuring comfort is essential to reducing stress and boosting productivity.
When it comes to business travellers’ priorities, the most important elements of the journey are arriving on time (38%), travelling in comfort (33%) and convenience (30%). Meanwhile, the most sought-after premium amenities when on-the-move are flying premium or business class (38%), WiFi access to allow work on-the-go (37%) and pre-booked private airport transfers (35%). These experiences when travelling for business would not only reduce stress but nine out of ten (89%) believe they would actively contribute towards their productivity and success when travelling for business.
Where Business Meets Leisure
Bleisure is here to stay after millions of Brits took to the beach to work this summer. In Blacklane’s latest report, 86% highlight they have combined business and leisure while travelling for work. Similarly, during trips dedicated to business, almost all (92%) said that they prioritise time for personal activities and relaxation at some point.
When asked what the attraction of such travel is, almost half (45%) said they wanted to explore the locations they visit for business, while 38% said it makes the business side of a trip more exciting. Importantly, three quarters of respondents (75%) believe “bleisure” travel either makes them more productive or does not have a negative impact on work performance. However, there are signs that a stigma around “bleisure” remains, with one in three (33%) believing strict rules around this type of travel will be implemented by business in the next five years.
Blacklane is dedicated to providing a high quality experience that meets the needs of its guests everywhere and ensures that they arrive better. The company offers a portfolio ranging from airport transfers to City-to-City routes connecting metropolitan areas, Chauffeur-by-the-hour services as well as In-city mobility to address all needs and is one of the safest mobility services globally, showcasing 60% less incidents than taxi services.
Interestingly, Blacklane data shows weekend mornings are also a popular time for Blacklane journeys, with early Saturday and Sunday trips comparable to mid-week demand, highlighting the growing trend of blending business with leisure.
James Dow, Blacklane’s UK general manager, comments: “Poorly planned business travel has a stark impact on the UK’s productivity. Traveller wellbeing needs to be carefully protected. Blacklane is supporting travellers to ensure all stages of a journey are high quality which means comfortable, reliable, memorable and most importantly delivering a successful business trip in all senses.”
For more information on Blacklane’s research and information on their routes, please visit www.blacklane.com.
On this week’s episode of Moving Countries 101, Clare Kay is joined by Gabriella Köves, Hungarian guest who shares her deeply personal journey of moving to Ireland with her husband and children. What began as a tentative 2 to 3-year plan has evolved into 14 years of life in Ireland, where they’ve built a home, formed deep connections with the people and community, all while maintaining strong ties to Hungary.
Gabriella’s story is a testament to the power of family unity. From the outset, she and her husband approached every major decision collaboratively. When her husband first applied for jobs across Europe, securing a position in Ireland marked the start of their new chapter. She remained in Hungary with their children for six months, ensuring that the job was the right fit before the whole family moved. Though they faced the challenges of separation—missing small moments like bedtime stories—the experience strengthened their bond, reaffirming their commitment to staying together as a family.
Moving to a new country came with its complexities. While on the surface, their life seemed “shiny” and full of promise, Gabriella candidly reflects on the need for adaptation. It’s the everyday things, like missing a trusted hairdresser or familiar routines, that often go unnoticed yet require adjustment.
Hungarian parliament building at sunset, Budapest, Hungary
Their family unit, including their three children—two born in Hungary and the youngest in Ireland—has grown even stronger through this journey. The children have seamlessly integrated into Irish life while staying connected to their Hungarian heritage through frequent visits and holidays in Hungary. Supported by their teachers and close-knit school friendships in County Limerick, they’ve thrived, embodying a beautiful blend of both cultures. Decisions, such as buying their home in Ireland and an apartment in Spain, were made collectively, showcasing the strength of their teamwork.
Looking ahead, the couple continues to use their initial 2 to 3-year plan as a guide for making life decisions. They’re now considering a potential move to Spain, eager to explore new cultures and opportunities while leveraging the freedom of EU citizenship and the flexibility of remote work.
The beach near the family’s Spanish apartment
Despite the success they’ve found in Ireland, her husband remains on a quest for that elusive missing piece, the same drive that led them to leave Hungary. He has found a creative outlet in developing a game that brings together people of all ages—a passion project that not only fulfills him but also aligns with their shared value of fostering connection.
This episode sheds light on the unseen complexities of moving abroad and the delicate balance required to support each other in marriage through such transitions. Through Gabriella’s reflections as a mother and partner, she demonstrates the significant contributions each person makes to the success of an international move.
Listen to the full episode of Moving Countries 101 to hear Gabriella’s story of balancing life across three homes—Hungary, Ireland, and Spain—and how her family stays connected across borders while embracing their sense of belonging in Ireland.
About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:
Moving Countries 101 explores the journeys of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe, sharing their stories of relocation, adaptation, and travel. Hosted by Clare Kay, whose own global travel adds a unique perspective, the podcast seeks to inspire and inform those looking to embrace world travel or a global lifestyle. Moving Countries 101 offers insights into the challenges, rewards, and opportunities that come with living and traveling abroad.
Tune in to Moving Countries 101 for real stories, unique observations, and expert insights on navigating international moves and global travel.
Podcast Links:
You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:
In a compelling new episode of Moving Countries 101, host Clare Kay engages in a thoughtful conversation with a guest, Jennifer He, who candidly shares her journey from Shanghai, China, to Toronto, Canada. This episode delves into the challenges, choices, and personal growth that accompany such a significant life change, offering listeners an inspiring look at what it takes to thrive in a new country.
Growing up in a multicultural neighbourhood in Shanghai, Jennifer was no stranger to diversity. However, she longed for a deeper immersion into an English-speaking culture. Although initially enrolled in a U.S. university, she ultimately chose Canada as her destination, drawn by the opportunity for permanent residency and guided by her mother’s advice to prioritize her marriage by staying with her husband.
Her arrival in Canada, however, presented unexpected challenges. Searching for work proved to be a stark contrast to the ease with which Jennifer and her husband had previously secured jobs in China. Despite these obstacles, the guest remained resilient, offering a profound insight into judgment—remarking that when people judge others, it often reveals more about the person making the judgment than the one being judged. This perspective has shaped her approach to challenges, focusing on hope and resilience rather than dwelling on others’ opinions.
This resilience contrasted with a friend’s assumption that her move to Canada would be a slice of heaven. For Jennifer, the true challenge was not in the move itself but in her ability to adapt and flourish in a foreign land.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Jennifer shares how women in Shanghai tend to assert their independence, and she herself is not shy about having her say. This cultural influence not only shaped her decisions in China but also empowered her to navigate the complexities of life in Canada.
The episode also touches on Jennifer’s temporary return to China, motivated not by the challenges of living abroad, but by new opportunities that arose. Her reflections emphasize that the difficulties of life are universal, no matter where one lives, and that the true test lies in how we respond to them.
Throughout their conversation, Clare Kay skillfully draws out insights that resonate with anyone who has faced—or is considering—a significant move. Jennifer’s reflections, particularly regarding marriage and her approach to personal development in work, offer a profound look at how she has shaped her life. Adopting an attitude of “says who?” she overcomes doubt and pursues a life shaped by choice rather than circumstance.
Moving Countries 101 continues to deliver engaging stories that go beyond the logistics of relocation. This episode, in particular, is an inspiring listen for anyone at a crossroads, offering valuable lessons in how to navigate the uncertainties of life with confidence.
Tune in to this episode to hear how one woman’s journey across continents has not only defined her life but also her approach to business and personal growth.
About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:
Moving Countries 101 is a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives and experiences of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe. Hosted by Clare Kay, the podcast aims to inspire and inform listeners and viewers about the challenges and rewards of living a life in different countries.
It’s a must-follow for anyone who is interested in or is planning on living and working overseas.
Podcast Links:
You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:
Moving Countries 101, hosted by Clare Kay, has released a captivating new episode this week featuring Ilian Evtimov, a former professional basketball player passionate about travel and helping people overcome perceived obstacles to create their ideal lives.
In this episode, Clare and Ilian delve into the formative experiences that shaped Ilian’s journey from a young boy in Bulgaria to a professional athlete with a global footprint. Growing up with a father who was one of the first Bulgarian basketball players to play overseas, Ilian’s early move to France sparked a lifestyle intertwining sports and global living. By age 15, he pursued his basketball dreams in the United States, navigating language barriers and cultural adjustments with determination.
Listeners will hear how Ilian’s commitment to basketball led him from high school in Long Island and North Carolina to a successful college career and professional teams across Europe. Despite the demands of a professional basketball career, Ilian maintained a forward-thinking mindset, securing a master’s degree and investing in real estate.
Ilian’s passion for travel and enriching experiences with his four children has led to frequent family trips, from Abu Dhabi to a Caribbean cruise. His current ventures extend beyond sports and real estate. He is actively involved in personal development, leadership, and helping others achieve their dreams.
His work with Travel Advantage, a platform offering access to discounted hotel rates and travel deals, is a testament to his dedication to making travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. For those interested in learning more about Ilian Evtimov’s incredible journey, his insights on achieving success, and the benefits of discounted travel through Travel Advantage, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow the link in the podcast description or scan the QR code on the screen to access a 1-2 night hotel stay at discounted prices.
About Moving Countries 101 Podcast:
Moving Countries 101 is a podcast dedicated to exploring the lives and experiences of individuals who have made significant moves across the globe. Hosted by Clare Kay, the podcast aims to inspire and inform listeners and viewers about the challenges and rewards of living a life in different countries.
It’s a must-follow for anyone who is interested in or is planning on living and working overseas.
Podcast Links:
You can listen/watch and follow this week’s podcast here:
Leading currency provider also nominated as Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money
Top travel money provider eurochange has teamed up with the British Travel Awards as a ‘Voter Prize Draw’ partner and sponsor of the Forex category.
The foreign exchange specialist, which has been nominated in the Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money, will add £500 worth of currency into the prize chest at this year’s prestigious travel industry awards.
Last year, the British Travel Awards attracted over 400,000 voters, with over 1.6 million votes cast in total – a record number, with eurochange winning Bronze in the Best Retailer for Travel Money category.
The 2024 awards will feature 82 award categories, covering a comprehensive range of holiday experiences and leisure travel services, with public voting opening on 24 June.
The results of all award categories are determined solely by the number of consumer votes cast, making the Voter Prize Draw a key element of the proceedings.
Charles Stewart, MD of eurochange, said: “We are delighted to not only be part of these prestigious awards, which represent the very best of the British travel industry, but also to become an award sponsor for the first time.
“The British Travel Awards are voted for by the public, and as a business which prides itself on offering a seamless foreign currency experience to holiday makers, we are especially happy to be a Voter Prize Draw partner. Likewise, being named sponsor of the Forex category is an exciting move for us, highlighting eurochange as a true frontrunner in the travel money sector.
Lorraine Barnes Burton, director of events and partnerships at the British Travel Awards, added: “We are thrilled eurochange is a key partner in our 2024 prize draw. The popularity and prestige of the BTAs get bigger and bigger every year and key to this is our consumer voters. We wish all nominees and voters the best of luck when the public voting opens on 24 June.”
Written by Matthew Biboud-Lubeck, Vice President EMEA, Amperity
The digital world has permanently changed the relationship between travel brands and their customers. Travellers are providing brands with more and more data in exchange for unique, personalised experiences. Yet despite this, the traditional loyalty program model appears to be failing to meet the demands of the next generation of travellers.
As McKinsey points out, reaching the top tier of a loyalty program, traditionally, was a facet of many travellers’ personal identities. Now, many loyalty program members now seem more inclined to play the field. According to its 2023 survey on travel loyalty, younger generations are more likely to consider and transact with multiple travel players. Gen Zers and millennials consider about 1.7 times as many brands as do baby boomers and the Silent Generation and transact with about 1.3 times as many brands.
Faced with fierce competition and a rapidly changing landscape, travel brands must innovate and win back their customers’ allegiances – or risk getting left behind at the terminal.
The game is changing for travel loyalty
For many travellers today, loyalty means much more than having a membership number or collecting points. To reap the most benefits from a loyalty program, members often feel obligated to commit to one brand. The reality of their lives and personal preferences are often very different.
Going all in with a brand makes sense for a traditional road warrior or a family whose primary vacation preference is going to Disneyland Paris four times a year. But those types of behaviours are increasingly becoming outliers. A majority of travellers want something different – different experiences for different travel occasions with different travel companions in different types of destinations.
Consumers’ expectations for loyalty are changing in a number of ways. They now expect brands to streamline reward interactions, allowing them to earn and redeem rewards quickly and easily, while also offering a variety of reward options to choose from – not to mention exclusive, differentiated benefits in exchange for their spending.
Loyalty that takes flight
For a peek into the balance travel brands are trying to strike, look no further than the recent updates to airline loyalty programs. These changes intend to recalibrate rewards so that elite members will feel truly special. But the flipside of that choice may be that lower-tier members feel devalued, and therefore, may not be as loyal to the brand.
Some experts predict that the future of loyalty might not look like an allegiance to a single brand at all. Instead, it will look more closely like a ‘choose your benefit’ or an à la carte service, offering flexibility as a perk. Loyalty members who traditionally remained loyal to one carrier in efforts to gain status and earn upgrades along with other perks may no longer see a reason to spend thousands of dollars to reach the “exclusive” next tier.
This seems to be the case with many younger travellers. A recent Morning Consult study found that just under half (46%) of Gen Z travellers said that it was “absolutely certain” or “very likely” they would patronise hotel brands in whose loyalty programs they were already enrolled. Moreover, 33 per cent said that they don’t trust these brands, despite being members of the programs.
These trends underscore the opportunity for travel brands to benefit by taking an open-minded approach to customer acquisition and retention. This would see them focus less on increasing loyalty membership for its own sake and more on earning travellers’ trust and winning their loyalty on a more personal level.
Loyalty programs are paying more attention to the less frequent leisure traveller, which requires staying top of mind through lifestyle marketing. Members still expect miles and points, but they also want recognition and experiences. This requires an intimate understanding of who they are.
Out with old and in with the AI-powered new
The old way of attempting personalisation was just “guessing” at it. Brands would make broad assumptions. For example, if guests were in one demographic, then they might like what a brand has to offer other people in that cohort. In practice today, personalisation means building a customer data strategy based on a unified, cohesive view of every traveller who comes through their purchasing funnel.
By leveraging new AI-powered technologies, travel brands will be able to create clear, holistic customer data strategies that enable them to build more direct, personal relationships with all of their customers, including those who are already in their loyalty programs and otherwise. Successful efforts to do so will lead to more bookings, additional cross-selling opportunities and higher lifetime value.
Of course, leveraging AI is relatively simple in concept but much more complex in execution. AI is only as good as the data it’s learning from. And it’s only as useful as the decision-making power that it’s given. The vast majority of consumers have accepted the fact that by virtue of being online, they are giving up personal data. The flip side is that now they expect companies to use that data to help improve their experience. The rise of AI in the public consciousness has only accelerated these preferences.
Travellers to brands: “Do whatever it takes to make my trip better”
Travellers no longer fear AI. They want companies to work faster and smarter to use it to the customer’s advantage. According to a 2022 survey of travellers worldwide, nearly 75 per cent said they were either “very” or “somewhat” interested in AI that would analyse their data as a means to provide more personalised offers and customer service.
Among those, approximately 30 per cent said they’re happy with whatever it takes to make their trip better. Perhaps more tellingly, about 45 per cent said they were interested, but with the caveat that they are given the opportunity to consent for its use with the explicit purpose of using that data to present better offers and advertisements or provide more personalised service.
Personalisation must be a holistic experience throughout the entire customer journey from online booking to customer service. However, the siloed nature of data and the lack of trust in its accuracy make it challenging to provide seamless personalisation at each touchpoint. Bridging these gaps requires a comprehensive understanding of the customer journey and the ability to infuse data into the personalisation process.
AI to replace the white-glove treatment
The introduction of AI, in general, and now generative AI, more specifically, has levelled the playing field for travel and hospitality companies. In the pre-internet days, the highest levels of service came from ultra-luxury, up-market brands that could afford to dedicate personal assistance for every individual need – the white-glove treatment, if you will.
Now, at every level of hospitality, from budget to 7-star, brands can communicate on an individual level in ways that their customers feel most comfortable. That’s not only creating better traveller satisfaction, it’s driving innovation faster across the entire industry. As our Head of Generative AI at Amperity Joyce Gordon says, “Brands with a good data foundation will be able to use generative AI and create personalised experiences that will quickly become ubiquitous, and they’ll shape customer expectations.”
She believes we’re going to see a lot of rapid innovation in the GenAI space over the next two years that is likely even faster than previous paradigm shifts we saw with internet, e-commerce and mobile adoption.
In practice, individual travellers don’t understand or experience the health of a company’s data program. They care about:
finding the right information at the right time as they plan their travels
enjoying a seamless travel experience in the moment
And they want to be appreciated by companies they’ve patronised after a stay and in between trips. By using all the data they have at their disposal, especially first-party data, brands have the opportunity to build direct relationships with a much wider base of customers.
“Brands can offer experiences that feel authentic if they use your first-party data,” says Gordon. “For instance, if a brand has purchased all of this third-party data and I’ve never been to their site and now suddenly they know all of these things about me, that feels creepy.
“It’s like the person you go on a date with who has stalked all of your social media. But if I’ve shared this information with you in the past – for bookings and for experiences where I know that information has been used – and if you use it well, it’s almost a relief.”
GenAI: Better data means better results
The conversational capabilities that GenAI enables will be an important game-changer. It’s more natural to provide preferences in a back-and-forth dialogue than checking a bunch of boxes or filling out one-way, predetermined form fields. That said, Gordon warns that the No. 1 issue holding brands back in deploying generative AI-powered agents is in fact that data foundation. A virtual agent powered by ChatGPT might seem cool, but if it doesn’t have any knowledge of the customer at the outset of a conversation, it’s going to feel robotic.
“Better data means better results in the world of generative AI,” Gordon says. “If you’re in a conversation with a chatbot, it’s actually more frustrating if it feels like you’re talking to a human, but it doesn’t have any of the personalisation that a real travel agent would be able to provide.”
In addition to customer service chatbots, which are the most common uses of generative AI today, below are several ways that generative AI will support the travel experience of the future.
5 Ways GenAI Will Support Future Travel Experiences
Personalised booking: Given a generative AI-powered chatbot assistant vs. an open-ended search bar or filtering tool, travellers can react conversationally to suggestions, feeding more data back to the booking engine to create better and more specific recommendations.
Ancillary offerings: Suggest the right add-ons based on real-time interactions and past preferences. Travelling by yourself? Here’s a deal including a massage. Going with your three kids? Pre-purchase those flight snacks.
Automated creative generation: Of all the possible images and descriptive information a brand has on file, generative AI can respond to interactions with the user and serve up the options which will resonate best.
Customer insights and recommendations: Understand patterns of actions customers typically take and give real-time recommendations for when customers want to redeem loyalty points, upgrade, etc.
Simplified technology: The modes of how brands ask questions of their data itself will radically change, becoming more natural language-driven vs. code-based.
The future of travel is here and it’s personalised
Whether or not they admit it – or fully understand what’s happening – travellers are craving personalised, curated information at every turn. In the world of predictive search, social media feed algorithms, e-commerce recommendation engines and now GenAI, the bar has been set extremely high for travel companies to step up and provide similar levels of service to meet the demands of their customers.
The good news for travel brands is that their customers are already willingly sharing detailed information about themselves. No matter how much a person regularly shops at a pet food store, they’re not offering up intimate information about their day-to-day lives from work to family to individual wants and needs in the same way they will to enjoy a travel experience.
With the tools available to aggregate and activate traveller information into a CDP (customer data platform), travel brands can create truly personalised relationships with their customers today. Getting started is easier than it seems. Because there’s so much data out there, there’s a temptation to think big and try to boil the ocean. By starting with what they have, travel companies will realise they have a lot to work with.
They can use customer data to make better business decisions, such as:
Optimising their pricing strategies
Developing new products and services
Targeting their marketing campaigns more effectively
This can lead to increased revenue and profitability.
The most exciting part of building a strong customer data strategy today is its potential for tomorrow. The physical and digital worlds are continuing to blur, and the ability to connect data intake and analysis to reflect this reality will give travel brands a significant advantage in their ability to serve their customers of the future.
Optimise your customer data initiatives to achieve the goals below:
Build out first-party data collection. Expanding privacy restrictions are making it harder to use data provided by third parties, which comprise a majority of the customer data travel brands have today. Brands that evolve their data strategies and focus on first-party data will have a huge opportunity to provide better service using information they’ve received directly from the customer.
Reach beyond loyalty members. Combining data from loyalty programs with other sources helps to better understand each customer, effectively repositioning “loyalty” around the person instead of the program. By targeting customers with the greatest potential value – in the moment and over a lifetime, regardless of status – brands can start to formulate a more accurate foundation for their customer data and personalisation strategies.
Build a unified view of the traveller. Brands now have the ability to utilise platform technology that breaks down silos and collates data together into a unified view of each customer, which will enable them to develop detailed customer profiles and support personalisation efforts.
Drive personalisation to every customer touchpoint. There is a huge opportunity to use customer data to customise experiences for travellers throughout their journeys – and today’s consumers are clamouring for this. The next frontier will be using AI to learn what customers want and need without asking.
About the author
Matthew Biboud-Lubeck, Vice President EMEA, Amperity
Matthew is the vice president of EMEA where he is responsible for the commercial expansion of Amperity, a leading customer data platform trusted by brands like Reckitt, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Lubeck joined Amperity in 2017 to help launch the company and has served in a number of key roles building sales, customer success, and marketing functions. Matthew established Amperity’s LGBTQ employee resource group (ERG) and is a trusted advisor and customer-centricity change agent to the C-suite across leading consumer brands.
Prior to Amperity, Lubeck spent 10 years with global beauty conglomerates Estee Lauder Group and L’Oréal as Group Head of Customer Data Strategy and Analytics, leading 30 brands across luxury, mass and salon professional divisions to better use data & unlock incredible beauty experiences, establishing L’Oreal as an industry leader. He resides in London with his husband and young daughter.
About Amperity
Amperity delivers the data confidence brands need to unlock growth by truly knowing their customers. With Amperity, brands can build a first-party data foundation to fuel customer acquisition and retention, personalise experiences that build loyalty, and manage privacy compliance. Using patented AI and ML methods, Amperity stitches together all customer interactions to build a unified view that seamlessly connects to marketing and technology tools. More than 400 brands worldwide rely on Amperity to turn data into business value, including Alaska Airlines, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Endeavour Drinks, Planet Fitness, Seattle Sounders FC, Under Armour and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. For more information, visit amperity.com or follow us on Linkedin, X, Facebook and Instagram.
eurochange launches the Travel Money Card, powered by Mastercard®
Just in time for summer travel, leading travel money provider, eurochange, has enhanced its pre-paid offering with a flexible Travel Money Card, powered by Mastercard®.
A secure and simple way to spend abroad, the card can store up to 22 currencies at any time. Complementing eurochange’s cash services, including the market’s widest range of currencies, it gives customers another versatile payment option when travelling internationally.
Working just like other payment cards, but with no link to your bank account for extra security, it allows for making payments or withdrawing cash from millions of ATMs around the world (wherever the Mastercard logo is shown) No sky-high exchange rates, no hassle and no risk of overspending.
Travellers can top up on the go and manage the Travel Money Card via an easy-to-use app, online via the eurochange website, or by popping into one of the UK’s 240 eurochange locations.
Charles Stewart, managing director of eurochange said: “We are delighted to release our enhanced pre-paid offering, the Travel Money Card. Travellers now have another convenient way to spend safely and simply while abroad, alongside cash, while keeping an eye on spending. We’ve made the process as easy as possible too – registering and activating the card takes just minutes.
He added: “We see the cards being a really handy currency tool for those who like to manage their travel money and top up on the go, giving our customers more control and spending power. They even offer a great way to build up a holiday spending budget, with customers able to add funds at any time ahead of travel.”
Customers can order a card at no cost in a few simple steps – by ordering online or by visiting a eurochange branch. Once a card is registered, consumers can start spending immediately.
eurochange Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. T&Cs apply
Manchester takeover: WeRoad continues to dominate Manchester with a new addition to their already existent OOH campaign a giant billboard in the heart of Manchester overlooking Piccadilly Gardens
This is the 2nd campaign in Manchester for WeRoad and will run across 304 sites
WeRoad, the adventure travel brand bringing solo travellers together for once-in-a-lifetime adventures, continues their Manchester-focused out-of-home (OOH) including a ‘get outdoors’ inspired campaign displayed across a giant Piccadilly billboard in the heart of Manchester overlooking the Piccadilly Gardens.
Through two different concepts, both campaigns use WeRoad’s signature witty copy to appeal to its target demographic. The first uses UGC content showcasing real customers to inspire travellers to embrace adventurous group exploration with new-found friends, while their second and larger campaign challenges people to spend more time outdoors this year.
Since WeRoad’s successful UK launch in 2022, the company has created several OOH campaigns in the UK. This will be their second and largest campaign in Manchester, running from June 3rd until 16th, created in collaboration with creative agency DUDE London. WeRoad will be taking over the 492m2 giant billboard in Manchester Piccadilly cheekily announcing that ‘This ad may spend more time outdoors than you this year’ accompanied by a statistic saying that ‘we spend an average of 10 days outdoors a year’ while encouraging the public to ‘beat this billboard’ since the ad will be up for 14 days. This activation is the first in an ongoing collaboration between DUDE and WeRoad in the UK.
In addition, the brand’s second eye-catching “Once in a Lifetime Adventures” OOH advertising campaign will dominate 304 high-visibility locations across the city including bus stops, tram stops, pedestrian walks, roads, and train stations in a combination of static and digital formats; 4 sheet, 6 sheet, 6 digital sheet, and 48 sheet.
The high-impact, citywide marketing blitz cements WeRoad as a major force in the UK travel market after last year’s major London campaign. As the disruptive travel brand scales across Europe, the campaign celebrates WeRoad’s community of thrill-seeking explorers. The vibrant OOH ads showcase the cool user-generated photos from WeRoad’s small-group trips around the globe. Selfie-style shots immerse viewers in destinations like the Pyramids of Giza, the jungles of Sri Lanka, the peaks of Patagonia, and the Sahara Desert. Playful taglines like “Ever hiked through the land of fire?” and “Ever travelled through time?” culminate with the call-to-action: “Have you ever done a WeRoad?”
WeRoad CMO Fabio Bin says, “WeRoad is about getting out and making new connections and new friends IRL (in real life). That’s why we chose Manchester, a vibrant city to communicate our way of travelling and making new friends. In the last few months, we have shown people travelling with us in all the corners of the world via a UGC, OOH campaign featuring real WeRoaders in real situations. However, we are more than just a travel company, we are in the business of making connections. We’re running and sponsoring events, gigs, and meetups throughout the city, where people can meet new people. It’s what happens on our tours: travellers don’t only discover the beauty of a new country, and have amazing experiences, but also return with a bunch of new friends. With this billboard we want to recall that real life is out there: nothing happens if we stay in our comfort zone, nothing happens if we don’t embrace the world. We are saying: go out. Go out of your homes, out of your country, out of your comfort zone, and embrace the word. The magic will happen then.”
Curro Piqueras, Executive Creative Director at DUDE says, ‘’Please don’t let this billboard win. Yes, it might be a giant 492m2 billboard. But you have hands and fingers, with fingertips that, if used in a precise choreography, can be used to book a WeRoad trip and get out of here. A billboard cannot kayak, discover new food, or make new billboard friends along the way. You are very close to winning, which might be your life’s easiest and biggest win. Beat that billboard. We believe in you.”
Beyond OOH ads, the “Once in a Lifetime Adventures” push includes:
WeRoad’s own signature events “WeMeets” in local bars and pubs across the city.
Surprise intimate music concerts in partnership with global music community Sofar Sounds
Summer events in collaboration with Feel Good Club, *The* LGBTQ+ venue in the city
A ‘WeRoad takeover’ at Kampus, one of the coolest hang-out spaces in the city for the summer with live music, activations, drinks and entertainment.
Campaign Credits
Creative development: WeRoad in-house marketing team & DUDE London
Picture: WeRoaders IRL
UK media buying: Justyna Chlopecka, UK Marketing Manager
In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are crucial for success. For companies that rely on a fleet of vehicles, whether for deliveries, sales, or service calls, managing these assets effectively can be a significant challenge. This is where telematics suppliers come into play. Telematics technology can transform fleet management, offering numerous benefits that can enhance productivity, reduce costs and improve sustainability and efficiency while improving overall business operations.
What is Telematics?
Telematics refers to the integration of telecommunications and information technology to provide real-time data on vehicle usage, location, and performance. This technology uses GPS and onboard diagnostics to gather data that can be analysed and used to optimize various aspects of fleet management.
Benefits of Telematics for Businesses
Improved Efficiency and Productivity
Telematics systems provide real-time tracking of vehicles, allowing businesses to monitor routes, driving behaviour, and idle times. This information can be used to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and ensure timely deliveries. By reducing inefficiencies, businesses can improve productivity and provide better service to their customers.
Cost Savings
One of the most significant advantages of telematics is the potential for cost savings. By monitoring fuel consumption and driving behaviour, companies can identify areas where they can reduce fuel usage. Additionally, telematics can help prevent unauthorized use of vehicles, reduce wear and tear, and lower maintenance costs by enabling proactive maintenance schedules.
Enhanced Safety
Telematics systems can monitor driving behaviour, such as speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration. This data can be used to provide feedback to drivers, encouraging safer driving practices. Improved driving behaviour not only reduces the risk of accidents but also lowers insurance premiums and minimizes downtime due to vehicle repairs.
Regulatory Compliance
Many industries face stringent regulations regarding vehicle usage and driver hours. Telematics can simplify compliance by automatically logging driving hours, providing detailed records, and ensuring that vehicles are maintained according to legal standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties and enhances operational transparency.
Environmental Impact
Reducing fuel consumption and optimizing routes not only saves money but also lowers the environmental impact of a fleet. Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability goals by using telematics to make their operations more eco-friendly.
Choosing the Right Telematics Supplier
When considering a telematics supplier, it’s essential to select a provider that offers a comprehensive solution tailored to your business needs. Look for a supplier with a proven track record, robust customer support, and scalable solutions that can grow with your business.
One such provider is Radius, a reliable provider that offers a wide range of telematics solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses with vehicle fleets.
Conclusion
Incorporating telematics into your fleet management strategy can yield significant benefits, from cost savings and improved efficiency to enhanced safety and regulatory compliance. As the business landscape continues to evolve, leveraging advanced technologies like telematics is becoming increasingly important for maintaining a competitive edge. By choosing a reliable telematics supplier, businesses can ensure they are maximizing the potential of their vehicle fleets and driving towards a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable future.
In today’s competitive business environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face the challenge of managing their fleet efficiently without breaking the bank.
Cost-effective fleet management is pivotal for optimising operations, enhancing productivity, and ultimately, driving business growth. Here are some practical strategies that SMEs can implement to achieve this.
Understand Your Fleet’s Needs
The first step towards cost-effective fleet management is understanding the specific needs of your business. Assess the size and scope of your fleet, including the types of vehicles and their purposes.
This evaluation helps in identifying essential requirements and areas where costs can be trimmed without compromising on performance.
Implement Preventive Maintenance
Regular preventive maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and downtime. By keeping vehicles in top condition, businesses can reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of their fleet.
Implementing a scheduled maintenance plan ensures that vehicles are routinely checked and serviced, leading to long-term savings.
Leverage Technology
Incorporating technology, particularly fleet gps trackers, into fleet management can be a game-changer for SMEs. These systems provide real-time data on vehicle location, fuel consumption, driver behaviour, and maintenance needs.
Utilising this data allows businesses to make informed decisions, improve efficiency, and reduce operational costs.
By monitoring driver behaviour, for example, companies can identify and address issues such as excessive idling or speeding, leading to fuel savings and safer driving practices.
Train Your Drivers
Driver training programmes are essential for efficient fleet management. Educating drivers on safe and economical driving techniques can significantly reduce fuel consumption, lower the risk of accidents, and decrease wear and tear on vehicles.
Regular training ensures that drivers are aware of the best practices for vehicle operation and maintenance, contributing to a more cost-effective fleet.
Opt for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
When it comes time to expand or replace vehicles in your fleet, consider fuel efficiency as a primary factor. Fuel-efficient vehicles may have a higher initial cost but can offer substantial savings in the long run through reduced fuel expenses.
Additionally, these vehicles often have a lower environmental impact, which can be beneficial for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability efforts.
Analyse and Optimise Routes
Effective route planning is crucial for reducing unnecessary mileage and saving fuel. By analysing and optimising the routes taken by drivers, SMEs can ensure that vehicles are used in the most efficient manner possible.
Advanced routing software can assist in planning the shortest and quickest routes, taking into account traffic conditions and other variables.
Regularly Review and Adjust
The fleet management process should be dynamic, with regular reviews and adjustments based on performance data and changing business needs.
This proactive approach enables businesses to stay ahead of potential issues and adapt strategies to maintain cost-effectiveness.
Regular analysis of fleet performance and costs can highlight areas for improvement and opportunities for further savings.
In summary, cost-effective fleet management for SMEs involves a combination of understanding fleet needs, regular maintenance, technology utilisation, driver training, investment in fuel-efficient vehicles, strategic route planning, and continuous review.
By adopting these strategies, small and medium-sized enterprises can optimise their fleet operations, reduce costs, and enhance their overall business performance.
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