The announcement that Tenerity Travel is winding down has led to significant staffing changes, as eight experienced employees transition to Gold Medal.
- Established as Affinion International Travel, Tenerity provided travel services to exclusive groups, reporting modest profits amidst a larger turnover.
- The closure affects both staff and the local community, marking the end of a longstanding travel agency in Northamptonshire.
- Gold Medal’s managing director, Simon Applebaum, offered opportunities to Tenerity staff, ensuring continuity for skilled individuals amidst industry changes.
- Five former Tenerity employees have already commenced roles at Gold Medal, with others joining shortly.
In an unfolding development within the travel industry, Tenerity Travel has begun winding down its operations, resulting in a notable shift of personnel to Gold Medal. Tenerity, initially operating under the name Affinion International Travel since 2008, catered to closed-member groups such as NatWest customers. Financially, the company reported a profit of £35,000 on a turnover of £3.64 million for the year ending December 2022, supported by an average workforce of 79 employees.
The impending closure of Tenerity signifies a considerable loss for Northamptonshire, not only affecting the employees but also the community at large, as the region bids farewell to a longstanding travel entity. Despite this, proactive measures have been taken by Gold Medal’s managing director, Simon Applebaum. A former employee of Affinion himself, Applebaum has reached out to those impacted by the closure, extending job offers to talented staff facing redundancy.
Applebaum expressed his sentiments on the closure, stating, “The closure of Tenerity is really sad. It’s sad for those people affected, it’s sad for Northamptonshire to lose a longstanding travel business, and it always hits home when a former employer shuts its doors.” As part of his efforts, he conducted a presentation for Tenerity staff introducing potential career paths within dnata Travel Group, successfully integrating eight seasoned agents into Gold Medal.
Among the new recruits, five have already undertaken their new roles as homeworkers, aligning seamlessly with Gold Medal’s operational ethos. One of these recruits, Carla Butcher, a new sales consultant, conveyed her enthusiasm, noting the strong working relationship she had with Gold Medal in the past and expressing optimism about continuing her career alongside former colleagues.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that last month saw Sarah Lavender, Tenerity’s operations manager, transition to Red Sea Holidays to lead its trade relations team. This strategic dispersal of skilled employees within the industry showcases a cohesive effort to preserve valuable expertise and uphold professional standards during this transitional phase.
The integration of Tenerity staff into Gold Medal highlights adaptive strategies in a changing travel landscape.
