More than 10% of business people who travel away on business are taking their partners with them in an attempt to maintain their work / life balance, according to the UK Conference Market survey commissioned by the Meetings industry Association (MIA)(1)-

"With people in the UK working longer hours than their European counterparts, any added time away from home can really put pressure a relationship. Taking your partner with you could really help your home life," commented Jane Evans, Chief Executive of the MIA.

The survey also shows that 9.5% of business people are extending their stays away from home on what are known as 'business extenders'.

"This could be a reflection of the numbers of business people who are taking their partners with them and making a weekend of it, especially if the business trip is abroad and in a desired location," said Joss Croft, Head of Business and Events at VisitBritain.

Michael J. Cooper, former associate president of BP Korea, said: "I was often away from home on business and when ever possible I would take my wife. We would often extend our stay to take time to see a city for example, I probably would not have done this if I have been on my own; I would have been trying to catch the next flight home."

Matthew Roots, Marketing Manager for Commidea, said: "More often than not it is my wife who is staying away from home, her company understand the pressure this can cause on home life and when possible invite me to travel with her, particularly if she is abroad."

The results of the survey were launched today (19th October) during National Meetings Week (15-19 October), which raises awareness of the significant contribution the meetings and events industry makes to the UK economy each year.