What do you think? From emerging trends to the latest business principles, Furniture News is setting out to gauge the trade’s feelings on a variety of industry-specific topics. Today, we’re asking our panel: What’s your top business travel tip?
Greg French (Westgarth Furniture): Take carry-on where possible, and don’t get stressed about delays!
Brian Levitt (Brian Levitt Sales Agencies): The cheapest is not necessary the best option!
Jerry Cheshire (bed and mattress expert): Call home every day. They miss you
Jonathan Burrage (Hydeline Furniture): Take time to appreciate the people and places you visit. Their perspectives are often different from your own – embracing them can be both operationally and personally enlightening
Jonathan Staker (Vanquish): Use air mile-rewarding credit cards (such as Virgin Atlantic) to pay for as much as you can in your business. Pay them off every month, of course, don’t get into debt. You can leverage your necessary business spending to get free travel!
Steve Adams (Mattress Online): Using public transport where possible is better for the environment, and you can be more productive. Top tip to keep the accountant happy – look at split-save train tickets, they can save a small fortune!
Mike Murray (Land of Beds): Ensure you book a hotel with a comfortable mattress, and don’t forget to bring your favourite pillow along. Personally, my Hypnos latex pillow has been my faithful companion on numerous journeys, ensuring a good night’s sleep wherever I go!
Paul Little (Airsprung Beds): Always have a plan B
Andrew Kerr (Siren Furniture): Travel always broadens the mind, and we constantly remain open minded to any new initiatives across the supply chain. After being delayed so many times over the years, my top tip is to always pack for an extra day, just in case … and don’t forget your toothbrush!
Nicolle Hockin (Devonshire Living): From experience, don’t buy an all-electric car for business (yet). The infrastructure isn’t ready, and you end up spending more on renting cars, trains, or adding hours to your journey to charge up midway (assuming the charge points are even working, and not already in use)
Gavin Boden (Rhenus Home Delivery (UK)): Plan, plan, plan
Sam Jackson (Bluebone Imports): Carry a battery pack with you in hand luggage, and ensure all your travel documents have been photographed – save them so they are electronically stored and accessible from your phone
Steve Warren (Sleepeezee): Get there early!
Carole Nolan (Gallery Direct): Treat people as you would like to be treated, no matter their status, whether they are a supplier owner, factory worker or customer. And comfy shoes!
This Q&A was published in the September issue of Furniture News.
