London business travel guide

Debbie Carling, Corporate Travel Management’s (CTM) CEO, Europe has worked in the travel industry for over 30 years in several key strategic and senior roles. She has been the CEO of Europe for CTM since July 2016.

Debbie has lived and worked in London for most of her life, and has also been working in business travel for more than 30 years making her a walking, talking London business travel guide.

Read on to learn Debbie’s local tips for doing business in one of the world’s most bustling cities – London.

What makes London a great place for business travel?

London is a fantastic place to conduct business, firstly because it is the most connected city in the world. From the five major airports that service the capital, London receives direct flights from over 365 locations globally. London’s history itself stems from growth, trade and business, meaning that you are never short of choice for business hotels, meeting spaces and venues. There is truly something for every occasion and budget.

London is a city of history and tradition – what are the most important cultural dos and don’ts for international business travellers?

Whilst London is indeed a city of tradition, it is also one of multiculturalism and tolerance. There are still a few tips that will come in handy when in and around town. British people queue or wait in line which is not practised in every culture. A sure way to upset a Brit is to push in or walk to the front of them, so best to avoid it. Also, smoking in public areas is banned in the UK, so if you need to light up look for the nearest designated smoking area. But perhaps the number one piece of advice I can offer to you when making your way across London is to keep your eyes open; it’s a very busy city, with cars, taxis, trams, buses, bikes and people coming at you from every direction. Oh, and probably best not to use your phone as you’re walking. But do try and sample fish and chips if you can, or pie and mash if you want to be a true Cockney.

In your opinion, which is the best area of London to stay in for business travel, and why?

I guess that depends on why you’re in London and where your meetings are. Will they be in the city, Canary Wharf, the West End or near one of the major exhibition and conference centres?

The great thing about London is that there is no shortage of accommodation and travel is easy so the city is pretty much your oyster in terms of where to stay. Stay in the city of London and you can stroll past St Paul’s on your morning commute. Opt for Kensington, Bayswater or Mayfair near the West End, and you could walk through one of the Royal Parks to your meetings and blow away the cobwebs in a really special setting. Choose Canary Wharf to experience life near (or even on, if you use the Clipper boat service) the Thames.

A huge amount of investment has also been pumped into King’s Cross and St Pancras with it now entering its final phase of development and has been London’s fasted-growing district. It’s the best-connected transport destination in Europe linking six underground lines with two mainline train stations and international high-speed rail. You can also easily access London’s five international airports, all are within an hour away with direct services to Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton. And if you want to be super hip, head east and stay near Shoreditch which offers great bars, restaurants and hotels all within walking distance of the city of London.

Best places to conduct a working lunch/dinner in the city?

It largely depends on where you’re staying. If you’re in the city, you could try Sushi Samba on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower with its amazing views. The Ivy Asia, St Pauls offers a luxurious and theatrical setting. Great views can also be had at Aqua at The Shard and The Fenchurch restaurant in the Sky Garden (also in the heart of the city). In the centre of town, Chiltern Firehouse is still popular and any of Jason Atherton’s restaurants come highly recommended. Several Ivy Brasseries have sprung up across town (Soho, Covent Garden, Kensington), which are great for business lunches – lovely food, buzzing atmosphere and very reasonably priced.

What is the best way to get from Heathrow to the city?

Heathrow Express is super quick – just 15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington station. There’s also the London underground – the Piccadilly Line runs from all terminals and takes around 60 minutes or you have the new Elizabeth line providing a direct link from Heathrow through central London to areas such as Farringdon and Canary Wharf within 50 minutes.

What are your top tips for conducting business at London Heathrow?

As the busiest airport in Europe, London Heathrow has 33 lounges across four terminals (terminals 2,3,4 and 5). The lounges are a great place to hold informal meetings, catch up on email and relax between and before flights. Outside of the lounges, Heathrow offers all passengers free Wi-Fi, which can be upgraded if you register for pay-as-you-go. Meeting rooms are available with full office facilities at Terminals 2, 4 and 5, with the Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 4 open from 5 am to 10 pm.

A must-have app for navigating ground transport options in the city?

That’s easy, you’ll do well with Citymapper or Moovit and the official TFL (Transport for London) app.

What should every business traveller experience while in London?

If you can, try and squeeze a leisure trip in. London has got the most amazing cultural and sightseeing spots in the world – from the architecturally astounding modern buildings in the City, on the Southbank (The Tate and The Shard) and the new Design Museum in Kensington, to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace – even the beautiful old merchants’ cottages around Spitalifields and Brick Lane. West End is worth a visit if your love the theatre and gastronomy. And also some of the best open spaces – the Royal Parks, Regents Park, Primrose Hill and Hampstead Heath.

What is your top tip for getting the best value out of a business trip to London?

Travel on the tube (London Underground) – it’s quicker and cheaper than taking a cab – and check Time Out London Offers or Open Table before you visit, as they offer great prices for three-course meals at some of the best restaurants in London (and even more affordable if you are lunching) as well as great theatre discounts.

In your experience, what is the most common mistake business travellers make when visiting London?

Whilst Black Cabs are great – the drivers are knowledgeable and helpful and know London like the backs of their hands – but that commute from the airport into town can be incredibly slow and expensive. Take the train or pre-book a fixed-fare chauffeur.

All opinions and recommendations are the interviewee’s own. CTM recommends all travellers conduct their own thorough, independent research into their travel destination(s) before making any travel decisions, and take out adequate travel insurance before travel.