business travel show uk

Corporate Traveller at Business Travel Show 2024

It's nearly that time of year again, Business Travel Show in London! The exhibition is packed with talks to get you thinking about your travel suppliers and processes. Who's it for? Attendees include those that work in: 

• Procurement 
• Travel bookers, PAs and EAs 

You'll be able to meet with our team to ask any burning questions and hear our latest news. Plus, you'll be able to meet with airlines, hotel chains, rail companies, tech providers, car/taxi companies, travel safety companies...the list goes on.  

What to expect from us at Business Travel Show

A word from donna joines.

Travel has had an extraordinary comeback. Small and medium businesses have driven much of that buzz; travelling in their droves to visit customers, secure those deals and catch up with colleagues. For those booking travel or managing the budget, there’s a lot to think about. Costs are still largely on the minds of businesses, as are sustainability, wellbeing and safety. When there is so much at stake, we’re finding more companies turn to a travel specialist to offload their travel concerns and stress, freeing them up to focus on other jobs. At Corporate Traveller we’ve been in the midst of rolling out our technology platform Melon to our customers, but still maintaining that care and attention that business trips need. When it comes to wider corporate travel strategy, we’ve been talking to customers about a whole range of topics including:

• Costs and savings
• Consolidating travel bookings to one corporate travel agency
• Travel policies
• Data and reporting
• Sustainability
• Traveller wellbeing

If any of these have been on your mind, Business Travel Show is a great opportunity to chat through those problems with travel experts. Hopefully we’ll see you there? 

Need to know info

When: Wednesday 19th - Thursday 20th June 2024

Where: ExCel, London

Where to find us: Stand H31. Either turn up or, if you'd like to be more prepared, book an appointment in now. 

Register to AtteND

Book an Appointment

BTN interviews Donna Joines

At Business Travel Show 2022,  our General Manager Donnia Joines was interviewed by Jen Bankard, Senior Director, Content Solutions and Conferences of BTN Group to get the latest scoop on how SME travel is evolving and what's been happening at Corporate Traveller. 

Watch the video for insight on:

• What makes Corporate Traveller unique. 
• How the name Melon came about. 
• Benefits of this technology to SMEs and feedback. 
• The marriage of human touch and technology. 

Request an appointment today!

We just need a few details, then a member of our team will confirm a time with you. , want to come prepared.

What are the benefits of a travel management company? 

Centralise your corporate travel to save time and energy

How 20/20 vision improves your business travel finances

29th June 2023

Business Travel Show London 2023

What to expect?

28 th – 29 th June 2023, | London, UK

Join the largest gathering of key corporate travel decision-makers at the 29th edition of Business Travel Show Europe on 28 – 29 June 

Business Travel Show Europe is the number one platform for the corporate travel industry to meet and do business as you develop your travel programme and meet the ever-evolving needs of your business and travellers.  

In just two days, you can discover what’s new in the industry, uncover the latest technological innovations, meet the widest range of industry suppliers, reconnect with colleagues, and participate in our inspiring conference programme, delivered by the experts at The BTN Group. 

How AI can help you turn challenges into opportunities

War of talent, Sustainability, rising ADR, shift to automation and personalization pose a risk to travel programs as travelers seek solutions outside the legacy systems of managed channel. But where there is shadow there is light. Interesting stats from many sources will provide a new perspective on these challenges. Learn how AI can help you to turn these challenges into opportunity in your existing ecosystem for your hotel program

Sorry, there’s no talk about this topic

Need advice? 01995 606633

Top 10 Travel & Tourism Trade Shows in the UK

Travel and tourism are one of the most successful and innovative sectors of the UK economy. Despite the pandemic, the industry has bounced back and is expected to be worth over £275 billion to the UK economy by 2025.

There’s no shortage of growth opportunities in the travel and tourism sector, which supports nearly 4 million jobs. Leisure spending continues to increase and the outlook for foreign travel and domestic staycations is bright.

Whether you’re a travel industry professional or new to this exciting industry, attending the top travel and tourism trade shows will help you make useful connections and keep you up to speed on all the latest trends.

Business Travel Show Europe

If you specialise in business travel, head for ExCel, London. This is the show if you want to connect with other industry professionals and explore new ways of working.

Attracting bookers, procurement and travel buyers, this show brings together the innovation and knowledge in the corporate travel industry under one roof. Hear from industry leaders, discover the latest business travel trends and find the innovations to improve your corporate traveller’s experience.

Motorhome & Caravan Show

For all the best in camping and leisure vehicles, the Motorhome & Caravan Show at Birmingham’s NEC is the place to be.

The UK’s largest exhibition of all things camping and caravanning, the show attracts seasoned travellers and newcomers to the leisure holiday scene alike. With over 1,000 vehicles on display, plus destination exhibitors from across the UK and Europe, there’s something for everyone who enjoys the motorhome and caravanning lifestyle.

The Luxury Travel Fair

Upmarket travel specialists Condé Nast Traveller host the Luxury Travel Fair at Olympia London. Showcasing the pick of bespoke travel experiences, the fair attracts the elite of the luxury travel scene including travel personalities, agents and experts.

The opportunity to connect with insider know-how and get the lowdown on the next luxury destination hotspots makes this an unmissable show for anyone in the bespoke travel industry.

Destinations: The Travel & Holiday Show

In association with The Times and Sunday Times, this is an essential event for anyone seeking travel inspiration. Bringing together travel operators, brands and tourist boards from across the world, this event brings destinations and expertise together under one roof.

This is the leading consumer event in the travel and tourism sector, so exhibiting at the show puts you in touch with affluent travellers looking to book their journeys for the year ahead.

Travel Tech Show

If you work at the cutting edge where travel and technology collide, this show’s for you. Travel technology leaders meet at ExCel, London to connect with decision-makers and start conversations with over 100 leading travel tech brands.

Meet game-changing suppliers, reconnect with your peers and stay ahead of the trends with a series of hot button focus sessions. With exhibitors from 82 countries, this is the leading travel tech show on the calendar.

British Tourism & Travel Show

Birmingham’s NEC plays host to Britain and Ireland’s leading travel and tourism event. Attracting more exhibitors than any comparable event, the show is packed with travel inspiration.

Featuring a packed programme of speakers from across the industry, the show offers a unique opportunity to increase awareness of your business, grow your professional network and capture new leads.

Inviting you to reconnect, rebuild and innovate, the WTM show at the ExCel gives you the opportunity to position your travel brand as an industry forerunner.

With a focus on sustainable tourism and travel tech, the World Travel Market show has a packed programme of conferences and seminars, with speed networking groups and insight from some of the biggest players in the travel sector.

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show

Start the season at one of the UK’s biggest leisure vehicle shows. Over 350 exhibitors bring all the latest innovations and trends to the Birmingham NEC, showcasing the best in campervans, motorhomes and caravans.

Be the first to spot the latest trends in the leisure vehicle lifestyle, and see over 700 new models from UK and European manufacturers.

Adventure Travel Show

If you operate in the fast-growing and exciting world of adventure travel, head for London’s ExCel for this market leading event.

Showcasing all the best in travel off the beaten track, the event features show talks from prominent personalities, seminars and the Adventure Film Festival.

Discover the hottest new trends and destinations, and connect with the biggest collection of adventure travel companies in the UK.

More than just an exhibition, the Hotel 360 show is an experience.

With plenty of space to exhibit and engage with attendees, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and make connections with other professionals from the hospitality sector in a relaxed atmosphere. Build potential partnerships and learn about the latest developments in the hotel industry

Exhibit in Style at a Travel & Tourism Show in the UK

For businesses in the travel and tourism sector, these trade shows are a great opportunity to showcase your products and services to a wider audience.

If you choose to exhibit at one of these events and require an exhibition stand, Display Wizard can help. We offer a wide variety of display stands from popular self-build solutions such as portable fabric displays and  pop up displays right through to bespoke exhibition stands . 

Get in touch today to see how we can help.

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FCM at Business Travel Show Europe 2023

It's the place to be for all things business travel. Business Travel Show Europe is nearly here again and we're excited to see everyone there!

Come and meet the team on  Stand H31 to get all the latest juice on what we've been working on, demo our latest tech, meet the specialists and ask any big questions to our team. As it's a major exhibition you'll also get a chance to speak to airlines, hotel chains, tech companies, travel safety providers...the list goes on. 

NEED TO KNOW

When: Wednesday 28 th and Thursday 29 th June 2023

Where: ExCel, London

Where to find us: Stand H31. Turn up in your own time or if you’d like to be more prepared, book an appointment in now.

Register Here

Book appointment, not-to-miss conference sessions, breaking new ground: unveiling a new digital innovation with an exclusive fcm showcase.

Speakers: Daniel Senyard, CEO of Shep (a company of FCM) and Michel Rouse, Chief Product Officer, FCM Travel

Generative AI is taking the travel industry by storm but is it travel-manager approved or is it going to disappoint, confuse, or even lie to your travellers? Learn how FCM’s history of investing, partnering, and acquiring technology has positioned it to successfully harness the power of generative AI to innovate customer experience while keeping the “human in the loop”.

Join Daniel Senyard (founder of a startup FCM acquired) for an illuminating discussion on how FCM’s tech-forward approach is leading the way by utilising generative AI to make travel managers better communicators, more efficient, more data savvy, all while optimising support in the back office and more.

Wednesday 28th June, 11.30am 

Why is everything with travel so hard? L et's explore some common sense solutions.

Speakers: Jo Lloyd,  Global Head of Account Management and Consulting,  Nichola Rimmer, Global Category Manager Travel & Events, JTI,  Pascal Struyve, Manager Travel Services EMEA, Baker McKenzie,  Ike Ihenacho, Director of Travel, Expense, Meetings & Fleet, Kimberly Clark

Why does it feel like there’s always something to stress about when managing corporate travel programmes? We thought we knew everything that pained travel managers about their day-to-day, but it was time to dig deeper. Now, FCM is bringing the conversation to you live at the Business Travel Show in London.

We partnered with BTN to survey hundreds of travel managers from around the globe to answer this: What’s bugging you? The answers may surprise you. In this live, main-stage panel, experts from FCM and an esteemed line-up of Travel Managers will discuss the survey data and provide insights. Nothing’s off the table. 

Wednesday 28th June, 3.30pm 

I’ve been set an emissions reduction target – now what?

Speaker: Glenn Thorsen, Global Sustainability Lead, FCM Consulting

Whether Science Based Targets or other initiatives, companies committing to reduce their carbon footprint, including from business travel, is now the norm rather than the exception. This session provides a roadmap for when your company asks you to step forward with your plan for cutting travel emissions.

Thursday 29 th June, 12.20pm  

What to expect from us 

Let's hear from Andy Hegley, Managing Director UK and Ireland

Business Travel Show Europe is always a great opportunity to catch up with our customers and partners, and make some new connections.

With the energy around the corporate travel industry right now, the exhibition comes at an ideal time to talk about key topics and challenges we’re facing, and how we can tackle them together.

Why not demo FCM Platform, and learn how it can not only assist your plans for distribution, sustainability and wellbeing, but your entire travel programme? Or we could talk about the unique ways our teams are supporting and energising travel on a daily basis, from our travel consultants and account managers to the Meetings & Events team and FCM Consulting.   

The FCM team and our specialists will be on hand at the conference to answer any questions you have about the above, or anything else related to business travel! See you there. 

Join Matthew Heymans from FCM UK at this year's Business Travel Show Europe!

It's the place to be for all things business travel. Business Travel Show Europe is nearly here again and we're excited to see everyone there! Matthew Heymans, Head of Sales UK & Ireland and Enterprise Sales Director of FCM Travel shares more of what you can expect from us at the show.  

Receive your own airline sustainability scorecard

In addition to being an FCM star of the stage, Glenn will be on stand offering a personalised airline sustainability scorecard for your organisation. The opportunity is part of  FCM Consulting’s brand new partnership with CAPA – Centre for Aviation  , which pairs the team’s unique methodology with the CAPA Envest Global Sustainability Benchmarking Report. At BTS Europe, we’re giving you the opportunity to learn how your air travel programme and preferred airlines score on various sustainability metrics. Simply click below, answer the questions, and FCM Consulting’s Sustainability Lead Glenn Thorsen will organise a time to meet you at the show to talk through your scorecard and offer advice.

Request an appointment. We'll check diaries and get back to you.

 19 – 20 June 2024  •  ExCeL London

• REGISTER NOW
• EXHIBITOR ENQUIRY

• Ezone login

Want to stay ahead of the curve in the travel industry?

Register today to discover, connect, and transform with us.

REGISTER NOW     EXHIBITOR ENQUIRY

Travel is a blend of people, places, and unforgettable experiences, and it's travel technology that weaves this magic. TravelTech Show is where it all comes together. 

Dive into Europe's go-to event for discovering fresh suppliers and industry shifts. Beyond an expo, it’s a pulse check on travel's latest innovations and trusted names. Backed by the Phocuswright family, it's your map to pivotal updates and connections. Explore, learn, and get inspired with us!

Wednesday, 19 June 2024 09:30 - 17:30

Thursday, 20 June 2024 09:30 - 17:00

Visitor registration opens at 09:00

Exhibitor registration opens at 08:30

ExCeL London

Royal Victoria Dock 1 Western Gateway Royal Docks London E16 1XL

Attending TravelTech Show 2024 will allow you to...

STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Buckle up for a journey into the future with our trend-setting conference programme.       

WHAT WERE THE SESSIONS IN 2023?

DISCOVER NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Picture this: Conversations with over 70 brands that are leading the charge in transforming the travel industry. 

WHO EXHIBITED IN 2023? 

BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS

Connect with like-minded industry colleagues and expand your network with other leading travel professionals. 

NETWORKING IN 2023

Welcome to the TravelTech Show, where travel and technology collide in the most spectacular way. For two whole decades, we've been your go-to event (formerly known as Travel Technology Europe) for all things travel tech. Join us on 19-20 June 2024 as we return to ExCeL for our 21st anniversary celebration.

THE ONLY QUALIFIED LEADING TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY EVENT IN EUROPE

In an industry saturated with events, what makes us genuinely unique is our commitment to ensuring that the buyers meet strict criteria for participation. This vetting process sets the stage for a more focused and productive environment, where exhibitors can engage with a qualified audience and ensure increased return on investment.

PART OF THE PHOCUSWRIGHT FAMILY

As part of the fantastic Phocuswright family we are aligned with the world’s leading travel industry research authority. That means our exclusive content is like a gold mine for buyers. Trust us, it’s very difficult to find this level of expertise elsewhere.

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INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITOR LIST

We bring together a dynamic ensemble of over 70 businesses each year, ranging from tech giants with a global footprint to innovative start-ups and trailblazers who are reshaping the industry. They're all here to guide your brand towards the exciting journey of tech modernization, boosting your business performance along the way.

1-2-1 APPOINTMENTS WITH BUYERS, EXHIBITORS, AND INTERMEDIARIES

Building lasting relationships has never been this easy. Thanks to our official event platform, you can set up meetings and network like a pro. Think of it as your backstage pass to connect with influential buyers and schedule 1-2-1 appointments before you even get on-site! How exciting is that?   

NETWORK WITH LIKE-MINDED INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES

You'll be sharing the space with colleagues from other leading industry events like the Business Travel Show Europe and The Meetings Show , making it the ultimate networking ground. It's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old pals and expand your professional network!

SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR 21 YEARS

Over the course of 21 years, we have consistently been at the forefront of gathering the brightest minds in the tech and travel industries. We're delighted to celebrate 21 years of bringing together visionaries, experts, and trailblazers who continue to shape the future of travel technology

A FULLY VETTED BUYER AUDIENCE

You won't just meet anyone. You'll be mingling with decision-makers who are not only willing to invest in tech but come with the purchasing ability to do so, as well. Your innovative solutions? That's exactly what they're looking for.

AUDIENCE BREAKDOWN

THOUGHT-PROVOKING CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

 At TravelTech Show, it's all about igniting inspiration through a wide range of sessions. You'll hear from experts covering a wide range of topics , from cutting-edge innovation and financial strategies to a complete overhaul of the travel industry.

LOOK AT THE 2023 PROGRAMME

Want to know more about what was on at TravelTech Show 2023? 

DIVE INTO OUR 2023 FLASHBACK

• "The TravelTech Show is the future of an entire industry. It’s where it’s going, reflecting on where it’s been, how we can grow and build, take the market forward and really see what the future of travel looks like." Charlotte Redding Chief Product Officer, Octopus Travel Matrix
• "It’s been amazing, it’s brought together a whole lot of suppliers." Anu Okunowo Travel Experience Director, All Things Travel
• "You’ve got all the major players in one place." Malcolm Lindop CEO, New Concept Travel
• "Really if you’re not here you’re missing out on an important sector of the business." Harry Chen Weinstein Founding Partner, One Travel Ventures | Travel Tech Nation
• "It’s the best place to see the new technologies." Koksal Abdurrahmanoglu Founder and CEO, Istanbul Tourist Pass
• "To have the face-to-face meetings with people that you do business with or would like to do business with, it’s all important." Charlotte Lamp Davies Founder, A Bright Approach

Why is it a must for you to visit the TravelTech Show 2024

TELL ME MORE

Why can't you miss out on exhibiting at the TravelTech Show 2024

CONVINCE ME

Subscribe to PhocusWire today

PhocusWire covers, analyzes and debates the most important industry developments.

Read some of the latest news from PhocusWire:

Preparing travel for the future of AI search

New booking.com survey finds travelers feel weary, disillusioned about sustainability, ai dominates travel industry investment, 5 things to know about the u.k. travel market in 2024 and beyond, search marketing for travel in the age of ai.

Sign Up to PhocusWire Today

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

19 - 20 June 2024  •  London ExCeL

• Stand Enquiry

• Ezone login
• Get in touch

A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS BUSINESS TRAVEL

Celebrating 30 years on 19-20 June 2024

REGISTER    STAND ENQUIRY

The two-day exhibition and conference have, for 30 years, helped buyers improve, benchmark and establish their travel programmes, and 2024 will be no different!

You can discover what's new in the industry, uncover the latest innovations, meet the broadest range of industry suppliers , learn from the experts and reconnect with colleagues across the show. And have a little fun while you're doing it.

So, what are you waiting for? Celebrate!

#ForTheLoveOfTravel

Level up your travel programme.

Celebrate a win at Business Travel Show Europe by gaining insights on how to improve or enhance your current travel programmes.  

VIEW THE NEW CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Meet your new clients with 700 approved buyers

Putting the right people in the room together creates a perfect place to meet new clients and do business. That calls for a celebration!  

SEE WHO EXHIBITS

Connect with industry leaders

Rub shoulders with pioneers in the industry. Use the time to learn from them and build lasting connections.

VIEW NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday, 19 June 2024 09:30 - 17:30

Thursday, 20 June 2024 09:30 - 17:00

Visitor registration opens at 09:00

Exhibitor registration opens at 08:30

ExCeL London

Royal Victoria Dock 1 Western Gateway Royal Docks London E16 1XL

Serving the industry for 30 years

Part of the BTN Group

What our visitors say about us

• "Business Travel Show Europe is the place to network with other people, new suppliers you haven’t heard about, with others in the business as well to understand what they’re doing against what you are doing to find what is the benchmark. It’s a great place to be."
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the place to be if you are in the business travel industry and looking to find new suppliers and new technologies."
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the place to meet new contacts, find new business relationships and to connect with new vendors"
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the place to learn new improvements and innovations to implement in my business"
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the one stop place for everything you need for business travel"
• "You’ve got everybody here, everybody’s in one place. You’ve got buyers, suppliers, airlines, hotels, travel management companies"
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the place to catch up on industry news, see what’s out there from the technology market, talk to my suppliers and see how they are going to benefit me in the future"
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the place to be if you want to reflect, review and meet suppliers you wouldn’t ever have a chance to meet in person"
• "Business Travel Show Europe is the one and only option to review the business travel industry. You have every single critical supplier, colleague and expert"
• "That interaction you can have, the depth of conversation you can have, the variety of people that are here. There’s an opportunity to speak to so many people in such a short space of time"

200+ exhibitors

A range of international exhibitors fill the show floor covering multiple areas including;

• Credit cards/Payments
• Travel/Meetings technology
• Reporting/Data Management/Analytics

SEE WHO FILLS THE FLOOR

Thought-provoking conference programme.

View this years agenda with over 35 sessions with topics from sustainability to travel policies.

DISCOVER THE TOPICS

VIEW THE 2024 SPEAKERS

Hosted buyer programme.

With a fully vetted buyer audience and a valuable hosted buyer programme , it's your opportunity to meet senior European buyers who are a part of, or own the decision making process in their travel programmes.

CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME

The place to be #fortheloveoftravel

In 2023 Business Travel Show Europe offered visitors the chance to see the latest insights, innovations and the future of the business travel industry.

Explore some of the highlights from the 2023 show, including conference sessions, new industry voices,  inspiring exhibitors and photos from the 2-day event.

Designed with the travel manager in mind, every element of Business Travel Show Europe has been tailored towards the corporate travel community , allowing you to make the most of your time out of the office and tailor your visit to suit your business objectives.

HAVE A LOOK AT 2023 SHOW

See what's on in 2024

FIND OUT MORE

Business Travel Show Europe in photos

Ready to attend?

Register your interest, and we'll let you know when registration is open.

BROWSE THE TICKET TYPES

Thinking about your exhibitor stand?

Don't miss out on the opportunity to showcase your brand to a captive audience that are looking to improve their travel programmes.

SEE THE STAND OPTIONS

Subscribe To Business Travel News Europe Today

Subscribe today and make sure you know what's happening in the industry as it happens.

Here's some of the latest news from Business Travel News Europe:

Navan bolsters leadership team with two appointments, eurostar launches new ‘unified’ classes of travel, saf supplier lanzajet boosted by new microsoft investment, belfast’s europa hotel completes £15m renovation.

Sign up to keep in the loop  

2024 Sponsors & Partners

Money latest: 'Stealth' raid on Britons' inheritance revealed; urgent Aldi recall amid police probe; petrol price spikes

Inheritance tax receipts surged to a record high last year due to the government freezing the threshold at which you start to pay. Read this plus all the latest consumer and personal finance news below - and listen to the latest Ian King Business Podcast as you scroll.

Tuesday 23 April 2024 20:41, UK

• Inflation falling doesn't mean we should cut interest rates, Bank of England economist says
• More Britons paying inheritance tax after chancellor freezes threshold - so how can you beat it?
• Aldi recalls product amid police investigation
• Petrol prices hit 150p a litre for first time since November

Essential reads

• 'More important than a will': What are lasting power of attorneys and how much do they cost?
• Ian King analysis : FTSE highs - why is it happening and what does it mean for UK economy?
• Money Problem : My neighbour's trees are damaging my wall, they think they're bigger than the law - what can I do?
• Should you offer kids cash rewards for good grades? Psychologist's view
• Listen to the Ian King Business Podcast above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts

Tesco is being monitored by the UK's supermarket regulator after it began imposing an "Amazon-style" fulfilment fee on online suppliers, according to The Times. 

The supermarket faced criticism after it imposed the fee, which is linked to processing orders, picking and shipping products, and managing returns. 

Brands and suppliers said the fee could put many of them out of business. 

Tesco argued it made the decision after its own fulfilment costs grew when it expanded its online operations.

The smallest suppliers with contracts of £250,000 or less are exempt, but bigger suppliers pay from 12p per item for branded goods and 5p for own brands.

Carpetright has been hit by a cyberattack which has prevented it from trading across its 400 UK stores for almost a week, according to a report. 

Customers have been unable to place orders in its shops since last Thursday, staff told The Times. 

A spokeswoman added that online customers were "largely unaffected" and would be able to make new orders - but the attack will still be a financial blow for the flooring chain. 

BP is rolling out a new crime logging platform and body-worn cameras to improve safety for its staff members. 

The app-based platform will allow staff to report incidents and get in touch with police, as well as helping BP to identify offenders targeting multiple sites across its business. 

The platform will also send an alert when repeat offenders or vehicles of interest are reported on the platform in the local area. 

The government has announced a UK-wide ban on wet wipes containing plastic in a bid to reduce pollution.

According to the Marine Conservation Society, 11 billion wet wipes are used in the UK each year. Of these, 90% contain plastic. 

Discarded wet wipes frequently litter Britain's beaches and eventually break down into microplastics, which contribute to water pollution and damage ecosystems.

The ban, announced yesterday, should go through parliament this summer.

Read more here ...

Rising private school fees are forcing parents to take out loans, move house or turn to taking money from relatives.

More than 71% of 2,000 people surveyed in the Saltus Wealth Index report said the rising cost of private school tuition was impacting choices regarding their children.

Mike Stimpson, a partner at Saltus, said fees had increased by 6% from 2022-23 and were likely to increase another 5% this September. 

Out of the respondents, 21% said they would have to move their children out of private school.

Private school costs average around £24,000 a year, according to The Good Schools Guide.

Rising cigarette prices are prompting more people to quit smoking.

While health concerns still remained the top reason for quitting in a survey of nearly 6,000 people, a quarter of respondents said it was down to the cost of cigarettes - up from a fifth before the pandemic. 

The average price of a packet of 20 cigarettes is more than £14. 

Highlighting the savings that could be made by quitting smoking could help more people to stop, the University College London study said. 

The FTSE-100 has hit a second all-time closing high in as many days. The index of the UK's biggest 100 listed companies, having earlier hit a new intra-day high of 8,075.52 at just after 8.24am, finished the session up 20.94 points, around 0.26%, at 8044.81.

It's worth noting, though, the Footsie has been a relative laggard this year. The S&P 500, America's top stock index, is up 6.91% so far in 2024, Japan's Nikkei 225 is up 12.81% and Germany's DAX 40 is up by 8.30%. 

The Footsie, by contrast, is up by a mere 4.05% even after the rally of recent sessions. So it can hardly be said to be doing well compared with international peers. On top of those already mentioned, the MIB in Italy is up by 13.24% this year and the CAC 40 in France by 7.46%, for example.

Nonetheless, the Footsie hitting a new record close two days running is notable.

There is no shortage of reasons why. 

The most obvious is the recent weakness in sterling. The pound hit a five-month low against an international basket of currencies on Monday following comments from Sir Dave Ramsden, a deputy governor of the Bank of England, on Friday afternoon in which he pointed to the growing likelihood of interest rate cuts in the near future. 

That has weakened the pound against the US dollar in particular. 

Since three-quarters of earnings of FTSE-100 companies are denominated in other currencies, chiefly the US dollar, a fall in the pound against those currencies makes the future earnings generated by Footsie companies - whose shares are denominated in sterling - cheaper to buy in those currencies.

That was certainly behind the big rally seen on Monday -although today sterling rallied on comments from Huw Pill, the Bank's chief economist, which suggests there is more going on. That something is the relative cheapness of the Footsie in comparison with its peers. 

The Footsie currently trades on a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of just 13.22 times - in other words, £1 invested in the index today would be repaid 13.22 years from now. 

That is cheap when set against the DAX in Germany, which trades on a P/E of 14.87 times and the CAC in France, which trades on a P/E of 15.91 times or the SMI in Switzerland, which is on 14.52 times. 

The main US indices, meanwhile, cavort along on P/E ratios of more than 20 times. Only Spain's leading stock index, the IBEX, looks cheaper than the Footsie by comparison.

The conclusion that should emphatically not be drawn is that the Footsie's recent rally is anything to do with the UK's economic outlook, even though the latter is visibly improving. 

The index is chock-full of companies that have little or nothing to do with the UK - such as Fresnillo, a Mexican gold and silver miner; Antofagasta, a Chilean copper and gold miner; and Ashtead Group, a plant and tool hire company which derives £90 in every £100 it earns from the US. 

Even companies thought of as British, such as BP, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Shell and Diageo, the world's biggest scotch whisky and tequila producer, derive the vast majority of their earnings outside the UK. In fact, of the 20 biggest companies in the Footsie, only one - the Lloyds Banking Group - can be said to make most of its income in the UK.

For a better gauge of how corporate Britain is doing, investors are better off looking at the FTSE 250, the next biggest 250 listed companies on the London Stock Exchange and home to household names such as Bellway, Games Workshop and ITV.

Some of these also derive a fair chunk of earnings from outside the UK, such as the cruise operator Carnival, the ingredients producer Tate & Lyle and the catalytic converters group Johnson Matthey. 

But it is also replete with companies that make most or all of their earnings in the UK, such as the property trio British Land, LondonMetric Property and Derwent London, the housebuilder Bellway and everyone's favourite sausage roll emporium Greggs.

In short, the FTSE 250 is a much better guide to sentiment towards UK companies than the FTSE-100. The bad news is that it is only up by a paltry 0.6% this year so far.

Labour has added an amendment to the government's Renters (Reform) Bill that would prevent landlords from selling a property for two years after a tenancy has begun. 

Under the rule, landlords would have to wait two years from the tenancy start date before initiating repossession proceedings. 

The bill aims to reform the private rental sector, and also includes plans to scrap "no fault" evictions, make it illegal for landlords to refuse to rent out to those on benefits or with children, and create a national landlord register. 

It is being debated tomorrow and is in the report stage, meaning MPs can consider further amendments. 

Any amendments will need to be voted through.

Other significant amendments include prevemting tenants from giving notice to quit until they have been in a property for four months. 

As tenants have to give two months' notice, this effectively means they will need to stay in a property for six months. 

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has also added an amendment requiring landlords to pay renters and unspecified relocation fee if if they asked them to leave a property within the first two years of a tenancy.

Recent falls in inflation may have spurred talk of interest rate cuts, but the Bank of England's deputy governor has said this is not necessarily enough reason to slash rates. 

Speaking at the University of Chicago, Huw Pill said it would be better to cut rates too late rather than too early. 

He said little had changed with the inflation and interest rate situation since late March, and that there were "greater risks" associated with going too early. 

Despite optimism among some, Mr Pill said there is still a "reasonable way to go" before inflation has stabilised to the level needed for the UK to meet its 2% inflation target in a sustainable way. 

"This assessment further supports my relatively cautious approach to starting to reduce Bank rate," he said. 

Mr Pill had voted to keep the Bank rate unchanged at 5.25% in the most recent meetings of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee in March. 

Inflation currently stands at 3.2% - the lowest rate since September 2021. 

This is still above the Bank's target of 2%. 

The next Bank rate decision is next week - but markets don't expect a cut then. June is seen as more likely - though Mr Pill's comments cast some doubt on that.

Petrol prices are exceeding 150p per litre for the first time since last November, according to new data.

Figures from the website Fuel Prices Online shows typical pump prices reached 150.1p per litre on Monday.

The average price of a litre of diesel is also at the highest level since November 2023, at 158.3p.

Experts say rising fuel prices in recent weeks can be attributed to an increase in the cost of oil and a weakening of the pound versus the US dollar.

AA fuel price spokesman Luke Bosdet said while inflation was heading downwards, petrol's rebound to 150p a litre left a "big boulder in the road".

He said: "Five days of falling wholesale costs, with the value of oil coming off the boil, offers hope that pump prices may not get much worse in the short-term.

"However, road fuel priced above 150p a litre grabs the attention of drivers and will lead some to re-tighten their belts on other spending."

The annual 100 fastest growing UK businesses list has been published, with the country's largest electric vehicle fast charging network in top spot.

Environmentally conscious companies dominate the ORESA Growth Index 2024 - with three of the top 10 companies participating in the clean and renewable energy market.

There was also success for the retail sector, with 24 businesses in the list, while the construction and logistics sectors have also seen signs of recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Topping this year's list is Basingstoke-based green energy business InstaVolt, which had an annual growth rate of 362.55%.

The company is the largest owner-operator of rapid public chargers in the UK, with 1,500 charging points.

In 2022-23, the company's third financial year, its revenues hit £18.6m.

Here's the top 10...

Regional success

While London and the South East dominate the list with 59 companies, Northern Ireland has four - up from zero in the past two years. 

Companies from Yorkshire and Humber and the North East have increased from six to 10 and from zero to one respectively, while the East Midlands has gone down to six from nine in 2023. 

Inheritance tax receipts surged to a record high last year due to the government freezing the threshold at which you start to pay.

Official figures show the government received £7.5bn in inheritance tax (IHT) receipts in the financial year to the end of March - an increase of £400m on the same period the previous year. 

(More widely, total tax receipts were £827.7bn - £39.1bn higher than the same period last year - due in part to inflation and other tax threshold freezes.)

Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died - including all property, possessions and money - and is only charged above the tax-free threshold of £325,000. 

This threshold has been frozen by the chancellor until 2028.

So, with inflation boosting the value of people's estates, more people are being dragged above the threshold.

The standard inheritance tax rate is 40%. 

Jonathan Halberda, specialist financial adviser at Wesleyan Financial Services, says more families "can expect to be caught in its net".

So what can be done to ensure families can keep their wealth? 

Use the inheritance tax spouse exemption

Mr Halberda says if you leave your entire estate to your spouse or civil partner, there will be no inheritance tax to pay - even if its value exceeds £325,000. 

Make a will

Doing this can mean you can distribute assets to take advantage of tax-free allowances. 

"Assets in trusts are no longer in your name and therefore not considered when valuing your estate for inheritance tax," Mr Halberda says. 

Gift giving 

Gifting money or assets to loved ones before you die can avoid inheritance tax, but there are limits on how much you can give away and who to. 

Gifts to charity 

Leaving gifts to registered UK charities in your will is exempt from inheritance tax.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The FTSE 100 has hit another all-time high this morning following its record performance yesterday.

The index, of the 100 most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, soared to 8,071 points shortly after the opening. It marks a new "intraday" (during the day) record.

Later in the morning, the FTSE 100 eased back to 8,060 points, but was still up nearly 0.5% on yesterday. The score is based on a calculation of the total value of the shares on the index.

It comes after the index reported a record-high closing figure of 8,023 yesterday following a fall in the value of the pound. A lower pound makes it cheaper for foreign investors to invest in FTSE companies.

One of the reasons the pound is falling against the dollar is interest rates are expected to stay higher for longer in the US - meaning investors will get better returns on their US investments.

The strong performance this morning raises the prospect we could see another record close at the end of today's trading.

Danni Hewson, from investment platform AJ Bell, said the figures were "psychologically important for investors and for London markets as a whole" as the capital has been lagging behind its rivals, particularly the US, in recent years.

Among the firms doing very well this morning is JD Sports. The retailer's shares are up more than 7% in early trading following reports that it is set to buy US rival Hibbett for $1.08bn (£0.87bn).

On the currency markets, £1 will buy you $1.23 US or €1.15, similar to yesterday's five-month lows for the pound.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil is up almost 1% at nearly $88 (£71) this morning.

Aldi has recalled one of its products and a police investigation has been launched over fears it "may have been tampered with".

The supermarket has pulled its Village Bakery 8 Tortilla Wraps White, citing safety fears over the "possible presence of metal". 

The recall affects items with best before dates up to and including 29 April 2024, and with a pack size of 8x62g.

Anyone who has bought the item is being urged to bring it back to their nearest Aldi. 

Notices have been posted at the stores telling customers not to eat the wraps. 

Aldi said its products go through "rigorous safety and quality checks" and the item was being recalled as a "precautionary measure".

"As there is an active police investigation we are not able to comment any further on this matter at this time," it said. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) also said Signature Flatbreads UK, which makes the wraps, is "working with the relevant food and police agencies to investigate the cause of the contamination".

No other items from the company are affected, it said.

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