Lord Digby Jones headlines World Travel Market’s new Business Day

Lord Jones will help Britain’s struggling small- and medium-sized travel businesses (SMEs) as the country remains gripped by the longest slow-down on record.

“Experts are predicting that up to 20 travel companies will go to the wall by the end of the year in the UK alone – far more than usual - with three going bust in just one month this summer,” said Fiona Jeffery, chairman of World Travel Market.

“As we face the challenges of the future for SMEs in the UK and Europe, it is essential that we do everything possible to help travel companies address the problems, maintain market share and bottom line. We have brought together first-rate business speakers whose advice and guidance is much valued.

“World Travel Market’s Business Day is practical, independent, and un-missable for senior and middle management.”

Highlight of the Business Day is a speech by Lord Jones at 11:00 am on “Talk Business’” (London ExCeL, Platinum Suite 4), a free keynote interactive session chaired by Michael East, managing director, Eastcastle Management Group.

Reviewing the problems that face businesses, Lord Jones will then be joined by a panel of senior executives to discuss how SMEs can survive and grow in such a difficult economic climate. Senior executives joining Lord Jones on the panel include:

- Former Hoseasons Chief Executive Richard Carrick, - Travel Counsellors Managing Director Steve Byrne, - Getabed.co.uk Managing Director Matt Stewart, and - Barclary Commercial Head of Travel Chris Lee.

The panel will examine what trading issues are particular to the travel sector and what should be done and is being done by companies to ride the downturn and take real advantage of current trading.

Lord Jones was Director-General of British business organization Confedation of British Industry between 2000 and 2006.

He was knighted in 2005 for his service to business, and became the first and only director-general to serve a second consecutive term as the Director-General of the CBI.

On leaving the CBI, Lord Jones took up the unpaid role of UK Skills Envoy before become Lord Jones of Birmingham when accepting the role of Minister of State for UK Trade&Investment.

Business Advice Clinic Free one-to-one advice from industry experts 11:00 - 13:00 - Meridian Club Lounge - North Hall AF700

During these free 15-minute, one-to-one sessions, visitors will have the chance to quiz experts on the areas pertinent to their business.

A high-profile team of travel professionals from all sectors including technology, gay marketing, spa&wellness, adventure travel, and responsible tourism will be prepared to give hints and advice on dealing with challenges faced by today’s industry.