Andy Cassidy is a travel manager at fashion retailer Net-A-Porter group. He is a hosted buyer at next month’s Business Travel Show.
He spoke to BBT about improving travel policy, the importance of technology and relationships with suppliers.
1. What will be your key issues/biggest challenges in 2016?
The Net-A-Porter group recently merged with YOOX group to become the world’s leading online luxury fashion retailer, and my main challenge will be to combine two travel programmes into one, with a shared policy and procedure, and drive efficiencies by identifying synergies and through best practice for greater scale.
2. What are your top tips for improving policy compliance?
Make the travellers’ experience as positive as possible within the limits of the policy (and budget), both during the booking process and on the trip itself. It’s easier to influence behaviour if travellers feel well looked after, have rapport with and trust their travel bookers.
3. How do you see technology’s role in your programme?
Technology exists to support our relationships with both travellers and suppliers – not to replace them.
4. In your role, is it more effective to focus on supplier management/relations, or traveller management? (And why?)
I prefer to focus on the relationship with our travellers. We manage our travellers by providing exceptional service, and since they are my team’s ‘customers’ they are at the centre of every decision. Of course a huge part of that is working with the right suppliers that help us balance the objectives of the company with the needs and preferences of the traveller, as well as represent the brand. However, suppliers may come and go as strategies evolve or priorities change – but the travellers will always be there.
5. What are you hoping to get out of the Business Travel Show?
It’s always a great opportunity to network with peers outside of the office environment so we can share ideas and learn from one another.
The Business Travel Show will be held on February 24-25 at London’s Olympia Grand.
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