By Andy Bland, head of business rental UK & Ireland at Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Andy Bland, head of business rental UK & Ireland at Enterprise Mobility

Research has suggested that nearly three-quarters of UK small- and medium-sized businesses expect to see their revenue grow in 2026.

In our experience of working with organisations of all sizes, this often means an increase in business travel overseas, as organisations start to explore international trading and operations. At present, around 18% of Enterprise’s UK customers with up to 250 employees also rent vehicles for business travel abroad.

Managing employees who may have little to no experience of business travel can present a host of new considerations.

How can businesses design a plan to support employees and ensure they have the right mobility when travelling abroad while managing costs, risks and liabilities? What are the considerations for supporting employees new to international business trips, particularly those who are infrequent travellers?

Many first-time business travellers may have concerns about practical logistics – questions that go beyond the simple consideration of potentially driving on a different side of the road. This is where mobility partners can help to supplement in-house business travel expertise to ensure a great employee experience.

Sometimes the simple questions are the most important. For example, can your mobility partner support your employees at and near the locations they’re visiting? The major international hubs are usually well-provisioned with transport operators, so how can your provider support employees branching out to explore roads less travelled, with the right vehicles, presence and support?

Airport rental is increasingly part of a picture that connects with vehicles located near accommodation, and with on-street car sharing options near railway stations and in city locations.

This creates a much wider range of options: does it make sense to encourage employees travelling long-haul to pick up ground transportation after they’ve had a chance to rest and refresh? If public transport – or even walking – is a better option while they’re in town, is it better to pick up a vehicle when they’re ready to move to their next location?

The car itself is another factor. Employees bringing product samples or other materials might need a larger vehicle. A documentary team might need to know interior measurements to ensure bulky padded equipment cases with fragile cameras and lights will fit inside.

Our 2025 On The Move research also found that 54% of people think there is too much technology in new vehicles. Is there someone on hand to explain how the tech in a rental car works to ensure employees feel supported, or information that can be shared in advance to address some of the key questions?

Our experience is that there can be no end to local variations. Car sharing and out-of-hours services are different in every country. An effective mobility agreement should ideally provide clarity of how that service will be delivered in every location.

Clear communications will help to ensure that those travelling have understood the travel policy – not just the what but the why.

Otherwise, an employee may take it on themselves to hire what appears to be the best options available. They may not understand the need to check insurance excesses, how damage will be handled, and if there are add-on charges.

Prearranged mobility options can also make the employee journey immensely better. If there is an opportunity to bypass a counter and head straight to the vehicle, it can be transformational.

Employees will feel more cared for and valued if clear thought has been given to streamlining the business travel experience and, as far as possible, shaping the ground transportation to suit their needs.

Infrequent overseas travelling may need additional support if you don’t have a business on the ground where people are travelling. Working with your mobility partners to create and communicate an effective travel policy can ensure that the employee experience is as positive as possible.