The Advantage Travel Partnership has significantly broadened its reach, unveiling over 50 new branches in the past year. This expansion has translated into a substantial increase in member turnover, exceeding £500 million.
- The growth encompasses a diverse array of branches, including high street locations, office-based agents, and homeworking agents, reflecting the flexibility of Advantage’s business model.
- A notable aspect of the expansion is the attractive Advantage Managed Services, which has seen increased popularity due to its operational benefits post-Covid.
- Remarkably, a significant number of new members originate from outside the consortium or are start-ups, illustrating a broadening appeal of the consortium’s offerings.
- Advantage’s remote working strategy has been pivotal, enabling recruitment across the UK and enhancing member support and engagement.
The Advantage Travel Partnership has expanded its network with the addition of over 50 branches in the past year, bringing in more than £500 million in new member turnover. This impressive growth includes a blend of high street premises, homeworking agents, and office-based agents, which highlights the adaptable nature of Advantage’s operational model. This mix not only demonstrates the variety of business models the consortium supports but also indicates a thriving expansion strategy.
Key to this expansion is the Advantage Managed Services (AMS), a strategic model that provides operational support to travel firms, allowing agents to concentrate on sales and customer service. This model has witnessed a 65% increase in turnover from its members compared to pre-Covid levels, garnering interest due to its capacity to alleviate operational burdens. Consequently, AMS now constitutes approximately 25% of Advantage’s overall membership.
Of note is the diverse origin of the new branches. Some are newly established businesses, while others transitioned from other consortia or were previously independent. This variety underscores the growing recognition of the benefits offered by Advantage, thereby strengthening its position within the market. Moreover, the growth spans both business and leisure sectors, blurring traditional distinctions and capitalising on combined market leverage.
In addition to membership growth, Advantage has strategically embraced remote working. This shift has enabled the organisation to recruit talent nationwide, beyond the confines of its London headquarters. By doing so, Advantage has ensured comprehensive support for its burgeoning member base. The employment of remote-working staff across the UK not only diversifies its workforce but enhances its capacity to engage with members locally, thereby fostering stronger relationships.
Recently, Advantage has augmented its team by over 100 staff members to manage its growing membership, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining high service standards. The consortium hosts numerous events annually, both in-person and virtual, to bolster member engagement and community. These initiatives reflect the consortium’s dedication to providing robust support structures and fostering a sense of community among its members.
The Advantage Travel Partnership continues to set a benchmark for growth and flexibility in the travel sector.
