Moving the world forward

Black Box is a consultancy specialising in travel and transport innovation.

​We partner with businesses and public bodies to create new systems, shift regulations, and shape the future of movement.

With decades-long obsession with the sector, we bring absolute expertise, trusted and impartial advice, and a drive to do things differently. ​

​We’re not here to fix around the edges. We dive deep into the challenge and make  real innovation happen so your organisation – and the sector – moves faster.

Our leadership team

We’re proud to do things differently and see what others have missed.

 

Black Box brings together the sharpest minds in the sector, both by our in-depth specialisms and our proven record of measurable impact. With decades of experience and a true sector obsession, we’re known for our challenger mindset and bold innovation.

Leigh Cowlishaw
Managing Partner

Leigh Cowlishaw

Leigh Cowlishaw is Managing Partner at business travel, meetings and events consultancy Black Box Partnerships (Black Box), and has worked in the travel and meetings industry for almost 25 years.

She’s held roles as director of proposition – accommodation and meetings, business travel, supplier management director, commercial lead and director of account management, which brings a balanced and trusted level of insight and knowledge to the global business travel sector.

Her diverse work experience comprises 8 years at Banks Sadler account managing global and super brands, 6 years at Capita plc (including the travel & technology division, now known as Agiito) and also 6 years as a board member of the HBAA (now known as beam), as well holding the association chair position in 2016.

Leigh is a well-respected and well networked individual who is proud to also hold various voluntary roles including Meetings Show Advisory Board, Wizzme Advisory Board, CHS Advisory Board, judge for the ICE awards and The Meetings Show Tomorrows Talent and past Vice Chair of Eventwell, championing mental health across the industry.

From Leigh’s wealth of experience across the industry, Leigh provides coaching and mentoring for highly effectively leadership and development.

Leigh is a board member of Meeting Needs.

Leigh is a mentor at GBTA ladders.

Leigh is a mental health first aider, accredited by MHFA UK and a Suicide First Aider.

Raj Sachdave
Managing Partner

Raj Sachdave

Raj is Managing Partner at business travel, meetings and events management consultancy Black Box Partnerships (Black Box) and has worked in the travel and meetings industry for almost 20 years.

He’s held roles as procurement lead, commercial director and supplier, which brings a balanced and trusted level of insight to the business travel sphere.

His diverse work experience comprises 8 years across multiple Virgin companies including those in travel (not Galactic unfortunately!), 10 years at Capita plc (including the travel & technology division).

Raj is one of only a handful of experts who holds the industry respected MCIPS qualification.

Raj is a mental health first aider accredited by MHFA UK,  a suicide first aider and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Management.


We are shaping the future of movement

Black Box helps organisations see further, think sharper, and build better – through strategy, transformation, infrastructure, and technology.

We don’t follow a manual. We partner with leaders ready to do more than just adapt and help them lead the change. Our work spans both public and private sectors, but the thread is always the same: trusted, impartial advice, clarity that cuts through the noise, and impact that matters.

Our customers

Trusted by leading organisations across the business travel, meetings, and events sectors,we partner with our customers
to drive meaningful change and deliver measurable results. Their confidence in our insight, expertise, and collaborative
approach reflects our commitment to sustainable growth and lasting impact.

See our customers