RateHawk is on the brink of securing key agency partnerships, reinforcing its commercial efforts in the UK and Ireland.
- Chantal Tomlinson, recently appointed as the head of business development, is spearheading the recruitment drive to boost the team.
- RateHawk distinguishes itself with an expansive support team, underscoring its commitment to nurturing business relationships.
- The company’s unique manual pre-check service for bookings sets it apart in the accommodation sector.
- RateHawk’s technology-driven platform enhances ease of booking, offering a wide range of accommodation options.
RateHawk is approaching a pivotal moment in its expansion strategy as it prepares to formalise significant commercial agreements with various agency groups and consortia in the UK and Ireland. This move is anticipated to strengthen its foothold in the region’s travel trade sector, facilitated by Chantal Tomlinson, the company’s newly appointed head of business development. With a background rooted in Flexible Autos and Holiday Autos, Tomlinson is poised to make impactful strides in growing RateHawk’s presence.
Tomlinson has assembled a robust team of 18 professionals in the UK, inclusive of marketing and strategic business development manager Laura Harrison, five sales managers, five account managers, and three junior sales managers. This extensive team reflects RateHawk’s unique approach in structuring their business model around comprehensive agent support, a notable contrast to typical operations in the bed bank sector.
She emphasised, “We’re quite unique in the way we structure our business. We have sales managers who sign up new agents and get them activated. Then once they’ve done one paid booking, an account manager will take them over and nurture them.” This nurturing approach is designed to solidify relationships with partners, which is a core aspect of RateHawk’s operational philosophy.
Additionally, RateHawk offers a distinctive manual pre-check service on properties prior to booking departures, which is a unique feature in the marketplace. This bespoke service is aimed at ensuring peace of mind for agents and clients, contrasting the automated systems favoured by competitors. With round-the-clock support, this service particularly appeals to homeworkers, providing a personal touch to each booking confirmed through the platform.
RateHawk’s platform boasts a comprehensive inventory ranging from B&Bs to five-star hotels, aligning with a growing confidence in dynamic packaging post-pandemic. Laura Harrison noted a resurgence in the accommodation-only bookings, propelled by the platform’s user-friendly booking capabilities both on their website and via API access. This technological integration reaffirms RateHawk’s identity as more than just a traditional bed bank; it is a sophisticated tech platform.
The company’s strategic objectives go beyond immediate commercial success. Tomlinson articulated ambitions to elevate brand awareness within the trade sector. By broadening their network of partners and aiming for expanded revenue streams and market share, RateHawk is positioning itself as a formidable entity within the accommodation services industry.
RateHawk’s strategic initiatives and unique service offerings are set to significantly enhance its competitive standing in the UK travel market.
