Travel Counsellors affirms its ongoing support for Holidaysplease, a year post-acquisition.
- The number of agents trading under Holidaysplease has decreased significantly.
- Original leadership, including Charles and Richard Dixon, have departed.
- Steve Byrne emphasises the importance of retaining talent within the Travel Counsellors group.
- Future growth is anticipated, with both organic expansion and potential acquisitions.
In a reaffirmation of its commitment, Travel Counsellors has pledged sustained support for Holidaysplease, a year after acquiring the Birmingham-based enterprise. Despite this commitment, the number of agents trading under the Holidaysplease brand has noticeably reduced. Initially counting nearly 100 agents, the brand now has approximately 30 agents actively trading.
Substantial changes have occurred in the operational structure of Holidaysplease. Former directors Charles Duncombe, Richard Dixon, and Sonia Dixon have departed from the company earlier this month. This transition coincided with the shift of about 55 agents to the Travel Counsellors brand, while around 10 agents exited the business entirely. Presently, The Holiday Franchise Company includes 50 agencies, supported by 40 staff members, enhancing the brand’s operational framework.
Steve Byrne, the chief executive of Travel Counsellors, underscored the pivotal role of talent retention within the organisation. He stated that 90%, equating to nearly 90 of the original Holidaysplease agents, remain under the Travel Counsellors umbrella. His comment, “We bought it because of the people,” highlights the emphasis on human capital as a cornerstone of the acquisition strategy.
Mr. Byrne expressed satisfaction with the year’s progress, acknowledging the acquisition as a long-term investment strategy. He further mentioned the importance of retaining existing talent, asserting that whether these agents trade under the Holidaysplease or Travel Counsellors brands is secondary to their integration within the Travel Counsellors community. The focus remains on ensuring agents are adequately supported and content in their roles.
The acquisition has allowed the group to cater to agents seeking generated sales leads, which were previously unavailable under Travel Counsellors, and to those intending to establish their own branded agencies with The Holiday Franchise Company. Byrne is optimistic about the future, forecasting continued growth and recruitment within the business. He also acknowledged that future expansions may include further acquisitions, aiming to meet recruiters’ needs with appropriate solutions.
Travel Counsellors maintains a steady course towards growth and innovation, upholding its dedication to integrating and supporting valuable talent.
