A Suffolk travel agency is expanding by reopening a branch with new apprentices and a notable hire.
- Travel Stop’s Claydon branch operates six days a week, while others have limited opening due to staffing.
- The agency has recruited two apprentices and a former cruise executive to support operations.
- Ellen Boardley and Olivia Wilkins began their apprenticeships after successful personal experiences with the agency.
- Stuart Mcquaker, a former cruise executive, aids the Hadleigh branch’s operations and strategic partnerships.
A Suffolk travel agency, Travel Stop, is enhancing its workforce by bringing in apprentices and experienced professionals to facilitate branch reopening. This move is crucial as the agency looks to navigate post-pandemic challenges that previously restricted store operations.
The Claydon branch of Travel Stop is open six days a week, marking a significant return to normalcy, while Hadleigh and Elmswell branches continue under restricted schedules. Such limitations are primarily due to staffing shortfalls experienced during the pandemic period.
To address these challenges, Travel Stop has embraced a recruitment strategy focusing on apprenticeships. Within the last 18 months, the agency has welcomed two apprentices, Ellen Boardley and Olivia Wilkins. Boardley, noted for her adeptness in handling complex bookings like her family’s trip to Walt Disney World, has been particularly impactful, setting high standards as highlighted by agency owner Bridget Keevil.
Olivia Wilkins joined last September after demonstrating a strong passion for travel and interest in the industry post-A-levels. The apprentices have quickly bonded, with Boardley taking on a mentorship role, evidencing the supportive work culture at the agency.
Additionally, to further bolster its operational capabilities, Travel Stop appointed Stuart Mcquaker, founder of Tradewind Voyages, as a part-time projects manager. His role involves leveraging local contacts to drive customer enquiries and organise tour operator presentations, thus reinforcing the agency’s presence in Hadleigh.
Mcquaker’s contributions have already led to the Hadleigh branch expanding its opening days from one to three weekly. This strategic approach, aimed at increasing the branch’s operational days, is expected to extend to other branches, with the ultimate goal of restoring full weekly operations across all branches.
Travel Stop’s strategic staffing enhancements mark a promising step towards full operational recovery.
