A travel management company (TMC) is so much more than a corporate travel booking service – it is a long-term strategic partner.
Managing corporate travel effectively is essential for businesses looking to control costs, enhance efficiency, ensure traveller safety and meet sustainability goals. A TMC provides strategic solutions that evolve over time, delivering value at every stage of the partnership.
Reed & Mackay Global Client Partnerships Director Katie Homewood delves into how a tailored approach ensures organisations experience the most valuable benefits from the outset, with continuous enhancements over time.
“We work closely with clients to understand their specific needs, ensuring they realise the most impactful benefits from day one, with continuous improvements over time,” Homewood says.
“Typically, implementation takes around 12 weeks and clients often begin seeing immediate benefits, such as a smoother offline booking experience and increased online adoption. The benefits are unique to the client’s travel programmes, priorities and level of maturity. While some might see immediate cost savings, others may first notice improvements in service quality or compliance.”
Explore these other key long-term benefits TMCs bring to corporate travel programmes.
Cost savings and expense management
From the outset of working with a TMC, businesses gain access to exclusive hotel and airline discounts through the partnerships TMCs have with suppliers. Rate-checking tools ensure businesses secure the lowest fares and access to new distribution capability (NDC) content expands inventory and savings opportunities.
Within three to six months, cost efficiencies become more evident. “From the outset, clients benefit from Reed & Mackay’s exclusive fares, securing initial savings,” Homewood explains. “As the partnership progresses, we refine travel strategies, leverage data insights and implement advanced cost-control measures to drive even greater savings year after year.”
Time efficiency and support systems
TMCs simplify corporate travel, ensuring trips align with busy schedules. With access to an extensive inventory of flights, hotels, and transport options, businesses can secure the most efficient routes and itineraries. “From day one, our dedicated team of expert travel consultants provide high-touch, proactive support to ensure a seamless and stress-free travel experience. And, as partnerships develop, unique travel programmes tailored to client’s requirements lead to increased efficiencies,” Homewood adds.
Duty of care & risk management
Traveller safety is also a priority from day one and TMCs provide expertise and technology to keep travellers safe. As the partnership develops, businesses can refine their risk management strategies to comply with industry regulations. Combining advanced technology with personalised service, a TMC strengthens duty of care. This ensures travellers feel confident, disruptions are minimised where possible, plus it supports long-term business resilience.
Advanced travel technology
TMCs should provide businesses with access to cutting-edge technology designed to enhance efficiency, compliance and traveller experience. “Reed & Mackay clients gain access to our global travel management portal, allowing them to book, review and manage travel in one centralised platform,” Homewood adds. “Additionally, online and mobile booking tools with built-in policy and approval automation streamline processes, ensuring compliance while saving time.
“Our technology delivers proactive business insights through advanced reporting tools. Clients can track spending, optimise travel programmes and drive greater cost efficiencies. Over time, these tools evolve alongside a company’s travel needs, delivering long-term efficiency and strategic value.”
Sustainability and carbon reduction
As organisations work toward their own Net Zero goals, they are increasingly looking to their TMCs for support – both in reducing their carbon footprint and in aligning with a partner committed to sustainability.
As sustainability regulations evolve, businesses need to stay ahead of compliance requirements. Reed & Mackay Global Sustainability Director Chris Truss expects sustainability regulations to increase. “As we approach the UN’s Net Zero 2050 target, organisations across the globe can expect stricter sustainability regulations coming in over the next few years,” Truss says.
Reed & Mackay clients can access real-time CO2 emissions data for all air, rail, car hire and hotel options. This enables them to make informed and responsible travel choices.
A fully integrated, scalable travel programme
Homewood explains how Reed & Mackay’s Client Success Team works closely with each client to align travel strategies with their business objectives, ensuring continuous programme evolution for maximum impact. And, to support continuous improvement, feedback is gathered through multiple channels to ensure businesses drive measurable success and deliver a seamless travel experience for employees.
Mail hello@reedmackay.com to discuss all your corporate travel and event management needs.
