CASE STUDY: SPORTFIVE
Driving travel compliance and sustainable cost savings
Business Travel Programme Framework: Consolidation, Cost Management, Compliance
About SPORTFIVE
A global leader in content publishing, production, broadcasting and distribution, SPORTFIVE Singapore office was working with two travel agencies - one responsible for booking multi-segments trips for the executive management team; while the other for direct point-to-point travel for the rest of the travellers. Therefore, there was limited visibility on the company’s total travel spend as data consolidation proved to be challenging.
In 2017, FCM Travel was appointed and tasked to consolidate and streamline SPORTFIVE’s travel programme for all 135 travellers to drive cost savings and efficiency.
Our recommendations
1 Change management
To mitigate the resistance to change, FCM worked closely with the Travel Manager to develop a series of communications to ensure the ease of transition. FCM met with all the Travel Bookers to understand their booking preferences and aligned their expectations with the Service Level Agreement (SLA). FCM also shared useful booking and cost savings tips with the Travel Bookers to enhance their knowledge on managing travel arrangements.
An internal briefing for all travellers was also conducted prior to the implementation of the travel programme to address any doubts. It also provided the opportunity for them to meet with SPORTFIVE’s appointed FCM Account Manager and Travel Consultant.
To ensure no communication gaps were left unfilled, FCM provided regular progress updates on the travel programme consolidation. These were done via ready-to-share templates, which facilitated internal communication within SPORTFIVE. Post-implementation, the Account Manager also established weekly catch-up meetings for four consecutive months to ensure the travel programme was on the right track.
2 Air programme analysis
To drive further savings, FCM conducted an in-depth review of the company’s air programme and made recommendations for alternative airlines that could deliver similar travel experiences for a lower fare. These alternative airlines were recommended based on SPORTFIVE’s top business destinations.
3 Enhanced policy compliance
The dedicated FCM Travel Consultant acts as a custodian of the travel policy and ensures compliance at every stage of the booking process, including mandatory pre-trip approval.
Results
1 Greater Visibility
The monthly reports generated from FCM Reporting & Analytics, provided SPORTFIVE with full visibility of their travel spend. It also enabled the Account Manager to identify timely opportunities and make recommendations for greater travel management efficiency and savings during the quarterly reviews.
2 Air procurement
S$12k savings for a single route
Based on the review of SPORTFIVE’s air programme, FCM identified another airline that provided the same standards as their preferred. S$12K of savings was recorded for a single route. Additionally, FCM also proposed and helped to secure multiple routes based on travellers’ travel pattern. This provided SPORTFIVE’s travellers with more flight options, competitive airfares and helped them to maximise the potential mileage of the alternative airlines.
3 Cost savings
S$60k additional cost savings from tightened policy compliance and access to FCM global fares
Within seven months of implementation, SPORTFIVE saw an overall reduction in travel spend. The consolidation programme designed by FCM allowed SPORTFIVE to reduce their transaction fees to approximately 2% of their total travel spend (compared to the initial 4%). Playing an active role in policy compliance and offering SPORTFIVE access to FCM Global Fares, FCM also delivered additional cost savings close to S$60K during the first seven months.