UK businesses are prioritising travel as they seek to boost sales, build new relationships and drive international growth, with over four-fifths (85%) looking to increase or maintain business travel spend over the next year.
This is according to new American Express research, which surveyed both UK business travellers and decision makers in companies of all sizes.
The results are an increase from previous research by Amex in 2022, which showed 42% of UK businesses were planning more travel for employees. The latest results indicate firms continue to see the value they derive from these trips – including strengthening relationships with clients (40%) or helping them develop a better understanding of local markets (28%).
Three-quarters of businesses in the 2024 research say business travel is crucial to their organisation’s growth ambition, while about one third (32%) prioritise business travel as a way of giving employees an opportunity to develop professionally.
Positive impact on career development
Gen Z employees in particular view business travel as a way of boosting their careers and are seeking out more opportunities to take trips.
The research found that almost three-fifths (59%) of the youngest generation in the workforce say they will be travelling more for work in the next 12 months. This is the most of any generation surveyed - with respondents believing these opportunities are significant to their careers by increasing their attractiveness to prospective employers (81%) and enhancing opportunities for promotion at their current firm (83%).
The research revealed that Gen Z are some of the most committed business travellers. Out of all generations surveyed, they are the most likely to strongly agree that they combine business and leisure into a single trip to maximise their productivity and, and as a result, to take fewer flights (44%). They are also the most likely generation to strongly agree that they can effectively prioritise their workload during business trips (54%).
At the same time, younger generations are more likely to consider sustainability in their business travel trips compared to other age groups; almost half (48%) of Gen Z say they are actively working with their employer on this. Steps taken include greater use of public transport (67%), choosing to stay at accommodation with environmental credentials (43%), or staying at destinations for longer to accommodate more meetings (52%).
Backing Business Travel
The research reinforces the fact businesses continue to see the value in travel as way of driving growth and boosting employee engagement, and plan to invest more in this area.
At American Express, our focus is on supporting firms of all sizes as their strategies evolve – through our Business and Corporate Cards that make travel more rewarding and expense management more seamless.
Our Corporate Card solutions can help drive consistent standards, maximise control and deliver efficiency, utilising billing options that fit specific business needs.
For small business owners, our range of Business Cards offer a suite of travel-related benefits, including access to airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive worldwide travel insurance, hotel benefits and expense management tools.
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