Business Connections is a no-contract, pay-as-you-go service designed to give customers a flexible, value-for-money solution to business travel. It offers UK corporate customers a 12% discount every time they rent a car in Europe, USA, Middle East and Africa.

The programme was introduced in response to feedback from Budget’s small business clients who were looking for affordable corporate rates in a clean and accessible rental package.

'Business Connections does just that,' commented Stuart Liddle, head of Budget UK. 'The service was designed to be as straightforward and as flexible as possible, and most significantly, open to all our corporate clients. The launch of this service means that SMEs can benefit from a 12% discount off of retail prices every time they book; there is no minimum number of hires necessary and no membership fees.'

Budget says it's expanded its UK discount structure into other territories to help benefit the many SMEs, particularly in the IT and consultancy industries, who regularly travel to and from Europe.

Mr Liddle continued: 'We understand that for many small business operators the value of a face-to-face relationship with a customer is invaluable, but the pressure to tighten purse strings has never been greater. We hope that by reducing the cost of our daily rentals in the UK, and other territories, we can help businesses retain a crucial link.'