In today's fast-paced business environment, managing corporate travel efficiently is crucial for the success of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Choosing the right Travel Management Company (TMC) can significantly impact your company's travel experience and bottom line. At Travel Counsellors for Business, I understand the unique needs of SMEs and offer a personalised service that sets us apart.
In an increasingly transactional digital world, businesses often find themselves pushed towards impersonal online platforms or paying for services that they simply do not need. Some will choose to look after their own travel services, taking on the role of researching, booking and organising travel in-house, often costing them time, stress and money. But what if there's another way?
Here's a comprehensive guide on how your SME can choose the best TMC to meet your specific needs.
Why Use a Travel Management Company for your Business?
Expertise and Experience
TMCs bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. Managing corporate travel involves navigating complex logistics, understanding industry nuances, and staying updated with ever-changing travel regulations and policies. TMCs have dedicated professionals who specialise in these areas, ensuring your travel plans are efficient, compliant, and cost-effective.
Cost Savings
While it might seem like handling travel arrangements in-house could save money, it often leads to hidden costs. TMCs have access to negotiated rates with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies, translating to significant savings. Additionally, they help enforce travel policies, reducing unnecessary expenditures and improving budget management.
Time Efficiency
Booking travel involves numerous details, from finding the best deals to managing changes and cancellations. TMCs streamline this process, saving your employees valuable time that can be better spent on core business activities. Their 24/7 support ensures that any issues are resolved promptly, minimising disruptions.
Risk Management
In today's world, traveller safety is paramount. TMCs offer comprehensive risk management services, including real-time travel alerts, crisis management, and assistance during emergencies. This proactive approach ensures your employees are safe and informed at all times.
Choosing the Right TMC for Your Business
1. Understand Your Business Travel Needs
Before you start evaluating TMCs, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your business travel requirements. Consider the following questions:
How frequently do your employees travel?
What are the most common destinations?
What types of travel services do you need (flights, hotels, car rentals, etc.)?
Do you require travel policies and compliance management?
What is your travel budget?
What Management Information do you need (financial, environmental etc)?
How do you currently review your business travel?
2. Prioritise Personal Service
One of the standout features of Travel Counsellors for Business is our commitment to personal service. Unlike larger, digital-based TMCs, you have a dedicated travel expert who understands your business, your preferences and requirements. Through our Manchester based head-office, we offer around the clock emergency assistance, so your business is covered 24/7. This personal touch ensures that your travel needs are met promptly and efficiently, reducing stress and enhancing the overall travel experience.
3. Evaluate Technology and Tools
In today's digital age, a TMC's technology capabilities are important to compliment the service you are being offered. Look for a TMC that offers:
An online booking platform
Mobile apps for on-the-go access
Real-time travel alerts and updates
Comprehensive reporting and analytics
At Travel Counsellors for Business, our advanced technology solutions are designed to make travel management seamless and hassle-free. Our tools provide you with the flexibility and control you need to manage your travel efficiently.
4. Consider Cost Savings and Value
While cost is a significant factor, it's essential to look beyond just the price tag. A good TMC can provide value through:
Negotiated rates with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies
Travel policy enforcement to reduce unnecessary spending
Expense management and reporting
Carbon emission quotes & reporting, to help reduce your carbon footprint
Risk management and traveller safety services
Efficient management of last minute changes
Upfront information about service fees & no hidden costs
Regular reviews to ensure your travel policy is fit for purpose
Our personalised service model at Travel Counsellors for Business means that we work closely with you to find cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality or service.
5. Check References and Reviews
Word-of-mouth recommendations and online reviews can provide valuable insights into a TMC's reliability and service quality. Look for testimonials from other SMEs to gauge their experiences with the TMC. Be aware that some TMCs will have a fixed minimum contract in place, making it difficult to change your mind at a later date.
At Travel Counsellors for Business, we pride ourselves on the positive feedback we receive from our clients, reflecting our commitment to exceptional service. We have an enviable 5-star review with Trust Pilot, named TTG's Top Business Travel Agency 2024. We have won three Queens Awards and two British Travel Awards and were rated first in the UK by MoneySavingExpert for expertise and care during the pandemic.
We are proud of what we do, the care we offer our clients and the value we bring, so we don't ask for a minimum contract, instead we offer regular reviews to ensure that our service is perfectly tailored to your business.
6. Assess Flexibility and Scalability
As your business grows, your travel needs may change. It’s crucial to choose a TMC that can scale with you and adapt to your evolving requirements. Whether you need to manage increased travel volumes or implement new travel policies, Travel Counsellors for Business offers the flexibility and scalability to support your growth.
7. Ensure Comprehensive Support
Travel disruptions can happen at any time, and having reliable support is essential. Our 24/7 support ensures that your travellers have assistance whenever they need it, providing peace of mind and minimising downtime. This is where having me, as your Travel Counsellor comes in handy, you'll have easy access via phone, WhatsApp or email, no waiting in call centre queues, your travellers are my priority.
8. Sustainability
A TMC can help SMEs reduce carbon emissions through sustainable travel policies, carbon offset programs, and eco-friendly transportation and accommodations. TMCs should be able to offer detailed sustainability reports, offer virtual meetings, educate employees on green practices, and partner with sustainable suppliers. By optimising travel itineraries and incentivising sustainable choices, TMCs enable SMEs to meet their business travel needs while achieving sustainability goals. At Travel Counsellors for Business we have access to certified 'Green Leaf' hotels and venues, we can offer rail travel as an alternative to domestic or short haul flights and of course offer carbon reporting.
Why work with me?
Someone recently said 'once you've experienced the TC way, you'll never go back'. This is because of how we make our clients feel. Beyond offering an efficient, well planned and excellent value service, I genuinely care about you and your business. I'm backed by Travel Counsellors for Business, one of the top 12 TMCs in the country, and this is all down to our unparalleled personal care and attention.
With twelve years travel industry experience, five of which spent living and working in South America, across Asia and East and Southern Africa, I understand the benefits that business travel brings and that no two businesses are alike. I'm able to offer you a completely tailored travel management service, so that you can focus what's important to your business.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Travel Management Company is a strategic decision that can enhance your SME’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and traveller satisfaction. At Travel Counsellors for Business, our focus on personal service, advanced technology, and comprehensive support makes us the ideal partner for your corporate travel needs. By understanding your requirements and evaluating potential TMCs based on the criteria outlined, you can make an informed choice that will benefit your business in the long run.
Please get in touch to discuss how I can support your business.
Contact
01728 850024
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