When times are tight, one of the first things businesses consider are how to cut costs.  Travel is one of them. After numerous amounts of research into the question: ‘Should we cut down on our travel in these difficult times?’  This is what they found.

The National Business Travel Association, a trade group in the United States say that up to 85% of most companies have decreased their travel costs but two reports recently written, one by the National Business Travel Association and one by the U.S. Travel Association, have found a clear link that should travel costs stay the same or even increase, so does the corporate profit.

We quote what Adam Sacks says, Managing Director of Oxford Economics (the company that prepared the US Travel Association report), “not all cuts are smart cuts.”  Adam Sacks has analysed the last 13 years’ worth of Government data whether continuing to travel in difficult times is a wise investment.  People benefit from one-to-one meetings and therefore, whilst cuts must be made, shrewdness is the key.  Deals and relations stall if direct relationships falter due to cutbacks in travel.  The reports found that cuts can be made in other areas of the business, but travel in difficult economic times, should actually remain static or even increase, as this shows that companies are still interested in winning contracts.

The President of the National Business Travel Association says, “Are my competitors going to gain the edge by optimizing their travel?  Answering these questions effectively could mean the difference between surviving and thriving as we climb out of the recession”.  Interesting thought!!!!

Club Class received a call on Monday 11th January 2010 from an extremely delighted gentleman saying how thankful he was to one of our driver’s, namely Dave Parks. Our client was travelling from London Heathrow to Bexhill on Saturday and the driving conditions were difficult to say the least. Our driver handled the icy conditions superbly well and the passengers arrived home safely.

Well done Dave and to all Club Class’ drivers for making our clients journeys run as smoothly as possible in such difficult weather conditions.

As some of you may know Kevin Francis and Jackie Parks attended the CIEH Level 2 Safety in the Workplace course on 10th November 2009. This was a one day course with an exam at the end – organised by Sussex Enterprise.

I am extremely pleased to let you all know that they have both passed and their certificates are proudly framed in the office for us all to view!!

Kevin and Jackie attended this course to assist them in their roles within the Corporate Health and Safety project they are both very much involved in.

Health and Safety is a huge responsibility for us all and this is a real positive step to ensure that Club Class continues to be a safe and responsible place to work and our clients have confidence that they are being driven not only reliably and in comfort but of course safely.

Well done Kevin and Jackie!

Dear Club Class,

On Monday, 21st your driver Ray took my friend Miss K and myself to Dover to catch the ferry.  The conditions on Dover Hill were atrocious (a bus and other traffic had given up) but somehow he made it to the crest of the hill and we reached the Travel Centre at the Harbour.  Even then he didn’t desert us but made sure our Rep was there before he left.

Coincidentally, he brought us home yesterday and was just as efficient.

Kind regards,

M H

PRESS RELEASE

Club Class Chauffeurs GPS donation to

The East Sussex Association of the Blind (“ESAB”)

Club Class Chauffeurs have donated a talking GPS system and mobility kit to The East Sussex Association of Blind and Partially Sighted People (“ESAB”) in lieu of sending Christmas cards this year. Mr Jonathan Dow, Club Class’ Managing Director, said “This initiative has allowed Club Class to use the £350 saving on buying an item for one of the many charities we support. We work closely with ESAB who not only do great work but are also fantastic clients so it is very appropriate that we have been able to support them and their members in this way this year.”

Mary Colato, ESAB’s Chief Executive, said ‘ESAB are thrilled to receive this exciting new piece of equipment. It offers people who are blind or partially sighted another option to address the problems they can have in finding their way around, particularly to new destinations. Our Mobility Training Officer is looking forward to demonstrating the equipment with clients”.

The equipment has many uses including enabling visually impaired passengers to direct drivers. It can then be switched to ‘pedestrian mode’ enabling people to continue their journey on foot from a drop off point, so its very useful in promoting independence. ESAB often use Club Class to collect clients so in the very unlikely instance of their driver getting lost, our blind clients could assist with directions!

Notes

For further information on Club Class Chauffeurs please contact the office directly on 01323 442222 / info@clubclassonline.co.uk / www.clubclassonline.co.uk

For further information on ESAB please contact Mary Colato (Chief Executive) or Amanda Hyatt (Fundraiser), East Sussex Association for the Blind, West End, Herstmonceux, BN27 4NH, 01323 832252, e-mail amanda@eastsussexblind.org

Club Class Chauffers offers exceptional quality vehicles with very personable chauffeurs. We specialise in airport/seaport transfers for both private and corporate companies and run a 24/7 ‘manned’ office with exceptional customer care.

ESAB offers training, information and support services to local people who are blind or partially sighted. ESAB’s aim is to help people maintain their independence and quality of life.

The Kapten GPS with mobility kit is a button or voice activated GPS system. It has been developed for use by people who are visually impaired from an original concept designed for motor cyclists.

Club Class had its usual Christmas party on Tuesday 15th December 2009 to thank all our staff for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. All be it due to the ‘tough year’ this was a more slightly low key event than usual it was no less sincere.

It was fantastic to see so many of you there and those that could not make it – I thank you for keeping the wheels turning!

I am very much looking forward to a more robust 2010. Lots of opportunites that we are exploring and will keep you all up to date with our progress.

Good luck and my best wishes to you all for the New Year

Jonathan