In a tale of resilience and innovation, a Wrexham couple, Ian Pritchard-Jones and Rich Goodwin, transformed redundancy into a new business venture, leveraging their skills from the hospitality industry.
- Facing simultaneous job loss, Pritchard-Jones and Goodwin launched Tailormade Escapes, a travel agency franchise, drawing on their strong backgrounds in customer service and business management.
- Their fervour for travel, especially to destinations like the Greek islands, forms the cornerstone of their new enterprise.
- Training from their associated homeworking group has been pivotal, providing crucial support and strategic insights for their operations.
- They anticipate growth and diversification, aiming to expand their customer base and explore varied holiday offerings.
Upon facing redundancy, Ian Pritchard-Jones and Rich Goodwin channelled their adversity into opportunity by establishing Tailormade Escapes. This strategic move capitalised on their extensive experience in the hospitality sector, equipping them with a versatile skill set suited to the travel industry. Their love for holidays, particularly to places such as the Greek islands, provides a passionate foundation for this new venture.
The couple’s adeptness in customer service, business acumen, and marketing – acquired from years in hospitality – has been instrumental in setting up their agency. ‘All the things you need day to day to run a pub company is also what you need to run any company,’ explains Pritchard-Jones. This statement underscores the transferable nature of their skills, highlighting business fundamentals that transcend industry boundaries.
Training and support from Not Just Travel have been fundamental to Tailormade Escapes’ launch. Comprehensive training sessions and the guidance of a dedicated business development manager have furnished Pritchard-Jones and Goodwin with critical insights. This robust support network has not only facilitated their business setup but continues to contribute to their professional growth.
Their clientele initially consisted of acquaintances and referrals, but the duo plans to broaden their reach. Starting in September, they will experiment with newspaper advertisements and bolster their presence on social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. Mediterranean vacations are proving especially popular, with noteworthy bookings to Mauritius and Barbados.
A significant trend observed by the couple is the increasing tendency for customers to reserve holidays well in advance, particularly cruises. This shift reflects a broader change in consumer behaviour, likely influenced by the post-Covid surge in travel demand. As Goodwin notes, ‘Gone are the days of last-minute deals,’ acknowledging the evolving landscape of travel bookings.
Pritchard-Jones and Goodwin’s venture exemplifies how challenges can prompt innovative business solutions, fostering growth and success.
