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Spring is in the air and, while this season usually brings a sense of optimism, recent global events have understandably cast a shadow over the international outlook. As the situation continues to evolve, we share some practical advice for business travellers in this edition.
There is some other more positive news to report though, including Scotland’s rail fare freeze, some highly recommended meeting and conference venues, and some food for thought for your next event. So, grab a cuppa and have a read.
Team Inntel
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing significant and wide-reaching disruption to global air travel, and the situation continues to develop rapidly. For businesses with employees travelling – or due to travel – in the coming days and weeks, now is the time to review plans and ensure the right support is in place.
Here’s what we recommend:
For Inntel clients, our team is already reaching out to those with affected bookings. If you haven’t heard from us and believe your travel is impacted, please get in touch directly.
If your organisation doesn’t currently have a managed travel programme in place, situations like this highlight exactly why having dedicated support matters – from proactive monitoring to emergency rebooking and duty of care.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing significant and wide-reaching disruption to global air travel, and the situation continues to develop rapidly. For businesses with employees travelling – or due to travel – in the coming days and weeks, now is the time to review plans and ensure the right support is in place.
Here’s what we recommend:
For Inntel clients, our team is already reaching out to those with affected bookings. If you haven’t heard from us and believe your travel is impacted, please get in touch directly.
If your organisation doesn’t currently have a managed travel programme in place, situations like this highlight exactly why having dedicated support matters – from proactive monitoring to emergency rebooking and duty of care.
From 1st April 2026 refund rules for some rail tickets will change. These updates will apply to the following ticket types:
If you decide not to use one of these tickets, a refund request must be submitted by 23:59 on the day before the ticket becomes valid. After this time, refunds will only be available if your train is delayed or cancelled and you choose not to travel.
These changes form part of updates to the National Rail Conditions of Travel (NRCoT). Advance tickets and Season tickets are not affected, as they operate under separate refund rules. For further details, visit: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/help-and-assistance/compensation-and-refunds/refunds-change/
Important for Inntel clients
For business bookings made through Inntel, we can still request a refund for tickets that have not been collected, even after the day of travel has passed.
To help maximise this flexibility, we recommend travellers collect their tickets as close to departure as possible. If travel plans change at short notice and the ticket has not been collected, this allows us to continue supporting refund requests where possible.
First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that ScotRail fares will be frozen for 12 months from 1st April. The freeze applies to all ScotRail fares, including season tickets and Flexipass, helping to keep rail travel more affordable.
This follows the permanent removal of peak fares, a significant reform that has already reduced some ticket prices by up to 48%.
A positive move to support customers, communities and businesses across Scotland in the year ahead – and another reason to consider rail as a cost-effective and more sustainable option for business travel.
Officially opened earlier this month, The Forum at 40 Leadenhall is a private 200-seat conference suite in the heart of the City. The space features a state-of-the-art auditorium, a light-filled lounge ideal for networking and receptions, a private green room for speakers, and an exclusive-use reception area. Bringing all event elements together under one roof, The Forum offers a seamless, premium setting for conferences, presentations and corporate gatherings.
To find out more, click here.
Just a minute’s stroll from Manchester Piccadilly Station, this city centre venue has recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment. With contemporary design and modern amenities throughout, it offers a stylish and convenient setting for meetings, training seminars, workshops, presentations and more. Each room is well equipped with modern audio-visual technology, high-speed internet and comfortable furnishings supported by inviting breakout areas offering refreshments.
Inntel clients can book this venue in just a few clicks for up to 20 attendees via our Instant Book Meetings platform.
At this year’s International Confex , Inntel’s Head of Supplier Partnerships, Callie Richards, attended the Lime Venue Portfolio Brunch, where the results of their latest Big Event Food Survey were shared. Here are some of Callie’s key takeaways:
“This research really highlighted how much event food shapes the overall delegate experience. One statistic that stood out to me was that 45% of post-event feedback is about food, which shows just how central catering is to how people remember an event. With around 38% of an event budget typically spent on food, it’s clear that what’s on the menu can significantly influence satisfaction, brand perception and even sustainability outcomes.
It was also interesting to see how tastes and expectations are evolving. 67% of organisers say they would consider running fully plant-based events now or within the next five years, and 84% expect demand for low- and no-alcohol options to increase, with the same proportion saying they would consider hosting a low- or no-alcohol event.
Sustainability was another key theme. Lime Venue Portfolio reported a 10.7% reduction in food waste between 2019 and 2025, although plate waste remains a major challenge once food has been served.
When it comes to future trends, the research predicts growing demand for healthier menu options, greater choice for dietary requirements, reduced sugar and fewer ultra-processed foods as organisers continue to adapt to changing delegate expectations.”
Click below for the full survey results:
The Big Event Food Survey Report 2026 | Lime Venue Portfolio
The corporate travel sector has seen significant consolidation in recent years. Mergers, acquisitions and global expansion dominate the headlines, often reinforcing the idea that bigger automatically means better. But is this perception true – does scale really deliver value?
Inntel’s Head of New Business, Kilianne Clegg, explores the shift she’s seeing in procurement conversations, where agility, cultural alignment and accountability are becoming just as important as footprint and buying power.
Click here to read the blog.
We’re excited to share that we currently have three fantastic opportunities to join our award-winning team: Business Travel Consultant, Business Development Manager, and Account Support Executive. If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional service and want to be part of a dynamic and growing team, we’d love to hear from you.
Check out our careers page to learn more about each role and how to apply.