A homeworking company plans to triple its workforce of agents by the autumn, aiming to expand from 100 to 300.
- One Travel Club, part of The Travel Network Group, achieved impressive turnover in its first year and has bold plans for growth.
- The company, focusing on technology and support, seeks to become a leading agency and is actively recruiting new agents.
- With a stringent training process, One Travel Club ensures all agents meet high standards, aiming not to poach from other groups.
- Co-founders Evans and Barrett are committed to a supportive and educational work environment, especially in the post-Covid landscape.
A prominent homeworking company, which began operations a little over a year ago, is taking significant strides towards becoming a major player in the travel industry. The firm, aiming to increase its agent numbers from 100 to 300 by the upcoming autumn season, is focusing on strategic growth and development.
Operating under the One Travel Club brand, the company is integrated within the Travel Trust Association, part of The Travel Network Group. It has already achieved a multimillion-pound gross turnover, a noteworthy feat within its first year. The firm’s focus is not only on numerical growth but also on establishing itself as the primary agency with major suppliers like Jet2holidays in the near future.
Emphasising its commitment to quality, the company is selective in its recruitment process, rejecting three times as many applicants as it admits. Prospective agents must pass a rigorous five-week training curriculum, including a comprehensive three-week course, and adhere to ATOL compliance regulations. This demanding entry process ensures that the agents are well-prepared and competent.
Lee Evans, the Operations and Technology Director, co-founded the company alongside Finance Director Gregg Barrett with the vision to foster a nurturing and supportive environment for agents. “We would never reach out to people directly,” Evans remarked, highlighting their ethical approach to recruitment. Instead, they rely on the appeal of their robust support and technology systems to attract prospective agents.
Not only is the company planning on expanding its agent base, but it is also looking to hire apprentices, a business analyst, and various other roles to support the current team of ten staff. The firm already employs two business development managers who play a crucial role in organising supplier training events, acting as essential support for agents in need of guidance or confidence.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Evans and Barrett designed the agency to prioritise the professional development and support of agents, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel. “After Covid, we aspired to create an environment where agents benefit from comprehensive knowledge and bespoke training,” stated Barrett.
The company has innovatively developed an in-house AI chatbot to assist agents throughout the booking process. Coupled with a dedicated intranet and training academy, these technological advancements ensure agents receive continual support. Additionally, a live chat feature enables agents to have direct conversations with trained headquarters staff or schedule discussions with Evans and Barrett themselves.
Evans emphasises the importance of correct issue rectification during the customer journey, pointing out, “Anyone can sell a holiday, but it is crucial to effectively handle any issues to avoid reputational damage.”
The company’s expansion plan signifies a strategic focus on quality and support, ensuring sustained growth and industry prominence.
