The growth strategy at Fred Olsen Travel hinges on robust recruitment initiatives, according to Steve Williams, the group’s Managing Director. Key developments include an internal training academy, staff expansion, and cultural engagement surveys, all aligning to fortify the company’s market position.
- Steve Williams emphasises recruitment as vital for Fred Olsen Travel’s future growth.
- Fred Olsen Travel reports a 23% increase in full-time staff, enhancing growth plans.
- An in-house training academy and new apprenticeship programmes have been launched.
- A staff survey indicated a 79% response rate, with 89% positive engagement reported.
Fred Olsen Travel Group, under the leadership of Managing Director Steve Williams, is positioning recruitment as the cornerstone of its future growth strategy. Williams outlined the company’s ambitious recruitment goals during a recent retail conference in Buckinghamshire, highlighting the significance of enhancing the workforce to drive expansion.
The company has successfully increased its full-time workforce by 23% year on year, signifying its commitment to investing in human resources and employee development. This workforce expansion aligns with Fred Olsen Travel’s strategic objectives to bolster operational capabilities and improve service delivery.
Another integral part of Fred Olsen Travel’s growth model is the establishment of the Fred Olsen Travel Academy. This in-house training facility is designed to cultivate talent internally, with seven agents currently undergoing training to join the company’s shop network. In parallel, nine apprentices are participating in a new joiner development programme aimed at attracting fresh talent into the travel sector.
The company’s focus on employee engagement is further evidenced by a recent staff survey, which enjoyed a 79% response rate. In this survey, an impressive 89% of employees expressed positive engagement, indicating satisfaction and a shared commitment to Fred Olsen Travel’s vision. Survey questions explored employee willingness to recommend the company as a desirable workplace and assessed their intention to remain with the company for the foreseeable future.
While acknowledging the potential challenges of rapid growth—describing it as potentially ‘scary’ for some staff—Steve Williams remains optimistic. He views this expansion as creating valuable opportunities for employees to advance their careers within Fred Olsen Travel, underscoring a belief in the mutual benefits of corporate growth and personal career development.
Fred Olsen Travel’s future hinges on strategic recruitment and training initiatives, aligning workforce growth with corporate aspirations.
