The start-ups have been announced for this year's Business Travel Show Launchpad zone. Simpila Health Solutions is one of the start-ups on the list; BTiQ spoke to owner Matthew Holman (pictured) to find out more.
When were you launched?
Simpila Health Solutions was launched in 2016 as a business focused on helping companies, groups and individuals develop their ambitions, working across multiple industries and sectors. Since the middle of 2016 Simpila has been working in the health and wellbeing sector, supporting more people and providing awareness and education around mental health.
How many people are working for the company?
Today there are three people who work for the company with the addition of an associates network of mental health and wellness consultants helping our clients improve awareness and support.
Sum up what your company/product does in one sentence.
We are humans helping humans to navigate through life - we are now launching Simpila Healthy Travel Solutions and want to help travellers be in the best health when travelling for their organisation.
Why is it unique?
In the business travel industry we have a unique perspective on mental health and physical wellbeing, our founder worked in the industry for 20 years before leaving in early 2016 with personal mental health challenges. We want to help those who are struggling with mental health challenges find a pathway to recovery. Our solutions are based upon proactive awareness and support for travellers.
What problem does it solve?
Mental ill health impacts one in four adults every single year. We want to help provide awareness, solutions and support to those who are struggling. When an employee is asked to travel for business, there is normally limited recognition of the areas of wellbeing that are important.
What platforms is it available on/can integrate with?
We are in the process of creating information/awareness and learning modules that buyers and TMCs can offer their travellers. The biggest challenge today is that company culture needs to be adapted to ensure integration of a total programme of health and wellbeing is implemented.
Which companies are using it already?
We are working with a number of travel companies today including Capita Travel & Events, BCD Travel and Amber Road, with many conversations in place with others who are interested. Outside of the travel industry we are working with both private and public sector businesses in a consultancy and training capacity.
What do travel managers like about it?
To date we have not started to work with travel managers, but we are passionate that when we talk about travellers being the most important asset for any business, they feel that they are being supported, pre- during- and post- trip. We are an industry that always talks about having the best people. Now we need to support them better.
Why do travellers like it?
Travellers who feel they are supported when they are struggling are more committed to their organisations, when they are given the opportunity to recover. We know that travel has many areas of anxiety and concerns for travellers today; recently we created a list of over 100 points of anxiety and concern for travellers which we need to consider how to approach in the future.
What are your growth plans?
We want to become the leading travel industry advisor and supporter for mental health and wellbeing. We are determined and passionate about making sure that travellers struggling with stress, mental illness and other health challenges get recognition, support and an employer who recognises that we will all struggle at different moments in our lives.
In the next 12 months we are looking to triple the size of our business and we are currently working with a new investor to make that vision a reality. Together we CAN all make the difference in the lives of others.
Business Travel Show takes place 20-21st February at Olympia, London. European travel buyers with £1m+ travel spend may be eligible for free travel and accommodation and more networking opportunities. Click here for more info