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Promoting the vital role of business travel and events to the wider economy

New Research: Beyond the Boardroom

The Real Faces & Economic Value of Travelling for Work in the UK


Who really travels for work in the UK? It’s time to move beyond the boardroom cliché.

The Beyond the Boardroom white paper uncovers the true diversity of the UK’s mobile workforce — from community nurses and skilled tradespeople to consultants and caterers. Our research reveals a powerful truth: work travel isn’t about luxury flights and corner offices — it’s about the essential journeys that keep the UK running.


Key Findings

>> 62% of work trips are domestic, short-haul, and essential to local economies
>> £800m annual contribution to UK rail from business travellers
>> 72% of travellers use TMCs across all trip types
>> Rail beats cars on productivity (69%) and sustainability (73%)
>> 89% of respondents expect their travel to increase or stay the same


Why this matters

Our research makes a clear case for:

>> Greater investment in sustainable transport, especially rail
>> Broader recognition of the mobile workforce’s value
>> Smarter, integrated travel solutions led by TMCs

This isn't just a report - it's a wake up call for our industry and government.

A Message from our CEO, Clive Wratten 

"We commissioned this report to challenge outdated assumptions and highlight the real people — and real value — behind business travel in the UK. The findings show a clear opportunity for smarter infrastructure, stronger policy, and a more connected mobile workforce. I encourage you to explore the full report and share it widely."

View the White Paper

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"Without hesitation we would like to continue membership.  Having joined BTA, we’ve found the association to be the most pro-active and influential in industry and therefore continuing membership is a no brainer", James Turner, Calder Conferences

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