Crisis Management

Client: Various
Date: May 2010

Brief

The volcanic ash cloud caused large scale disruption to international travel and closed airspace around Europe. We had several client events taking place when it started, 6 events were cancelled in the days that followed and 3 events went ahead – with alternative travel options sourced with very short notice.

Solution

We advised on the risks involved and best way to proceed, any action was dependant on the client's requirements. Our office was manned throughout the weekend, with 24 hour support, and we utilised our strong relationships with travel and ground partners.

Where events did go ahead we ran them with contingency plans, relocating our staff from other parts of the world if necessary where project teams were trapped in the UK. And all events, whether going ahead or not, had communications plans put in place to support the process.

As a result the clients' financial impact was not significant and we worked with both clients and suppliers to reschedule wherever possible.

Client Verdict

"Banks Sadler’s travel manager Rick is always very helpful but he really went above and beyond the call of duty to help our guys stranded in Lisbon due to the volcanic ash issue. Continually Rick has been monitoring the situation and booking and re-booking tickets as things have changed. I think if he could have swam the Channel and carried them home he would have done. He must be exhausted with all the hours he has worked but not a word of complaint.” “Rick has been on the phone to us 24 hours a day literally working miracles to get our groups home. He spent the whole night sorting out a Studylink group last night and was still in the office before the rest of us."