York tech start-up Railguard has landed its first client – and it’s a big one.
Capita Travel and Events, the UK’s specialist in travel, meetings and event management, has become the first intermediary to partner with the company.
Railguard is the award-winning start-up business providing ‘delay repay’ compensation claim services for rail travel.
Current legislation makes it possible to claim compensation if your train is delayed or cancelled.
The service will be integrated with Capita Travel and Events’ specialist managed rail service, providing travellers with a seamless experience.
Capita will deliver a user-friendly mobile app and timely communications to motivate travellers into the simple action required to activate the claim.
The service will also reconcile and report delays and successful claims, with monies credited back to the traveller’s organisation.
A growing demand
Around 2.5 per cent of rail spend was eligible for delay repay compensation, according to research by Railguard, based at Mill House on North Street, York.
With planned changes in regulation Railguard anticipates average claim eligibility could see this rise to seven per cent by 2025.
Trevor Elswood, chief commercial officer, Capita Travel and Events, said: “As specialists in UK business rail travel, we recognise the benefits of innovations such as Railguard’s.
“By putting a service and technology wrapper around it, we can provide our customers with opportunities to save money and improve value.
“This is another example of a Capita Travel and Events market-first which benefits our customers, our future growth, and in this case, an innovative new start-up.”
Railguard MD Matt Freckelton said: “We’re really excited to be working with Capita Travel and Events.
“Their name is synonymous with rail in the business travel world, and to work with such a forward thinking company will also help validate our proposition in the eyes of our target market, TMCs.”
Capita Travel and Events will pilot the service with multiple customers over the coming months.