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Business turns to virtual technologies as travel costs are about to soar

London, UK − 15 November 2011: The price of travel across the globe will grow by 4 to 6% next year reveals a recent Industry Forecast report. This includes the costs of accommodation and car rental.* The majority of companies are already considering moving the bulk of their training to the virtual space, according to recent research into cloud based technologies.

The study, conducted jointly by business training provider Redtray and benchmarking organisation Towards Maturity, shows that more than 70% of organisations are already using or piloting live online learning technologies. Another 24% is planning to turn to them in the near future.

The results from the research coincide with the Treasury’s plans for a 3p petrol duty increase next year. Vicky Jones, Managing Director at business training provider Redtray says, “The UK economy is already dealing with high inflation rates and unemployment. The government’s plans to raise fuel tax in the New Year could mean that many organisations will face another setback on their way to recovery.”

She continues, “The evidence suggests that companies see live online learning as a solution to the problems they are confronted with due to high costs or running a business. This not only includes growing travel related expenses but also hiring location costs, time out of the office and vital training expenditure.”

According to the expense management organisation Replicon, there has been a 12% increase in spend on travel between 2010 and 2011 and companies are looking for alternative solutions to the issues they are facing or about to face. Vicky Jones adds, “Virtual technologies are a perfect way to deliver quality training to staff and, at the same time, avoid unnecessary travel.”

*  2012 Industry Forecast Executive Summary

** The report produced collaboratively by business training provider Redtray and benchmarking organisation Towards Maturity collates thoughts, opinions and intentions of over 180 Learning and Development representatives across the UK.

Ends

To download the full report visits the www.cloud4training.com.

About Redtray

Redtray is one of Europe’s leading providers of blended learning solutions and the trusted partner of many FTSE 250 organisations. Its portfolio includes work with NHS, Royal Mail Group, ITV and Heathrow Express.

Established in 2001, Redtray develops innovative and award-winning workforce performance optimisation programmes and delivers them to tens of thousands of staff each year. Using the latest blended learning approaches, Redtray enables organisations to develop the skills of its people so they can deliver on their business goals - whilst increasing the value of training and reducing its cost by half. For more information visit.

Website: www.redtray.co.uk

Also find out more at www.redtray.co.uk/cloudrooms/.

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E: aneta.sokolowska@redtray.co.uk