THREE holiday experts who run their own travel business are celebrating after being included in a prestigious Sunday Times business list.
Experienced Antony Guy, Linda Collier and Edward Pearson operate as part of leading independent travel company Travel Counsellors.
The company was named in The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, which ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.
The independent travel company, which has one of the highest scores in the world for customer loyalty, has been ranked 56th in the list, which highlights those organisations who have experienced substantial international sales growth over the last two years.
Since launching their travel businesses, Antony, Edward and Linda have seen their individual businesses go from strength to strength. They put this success down to the personal service that they provide to their customers.
Antony, who lives in Port Erin, said: ‘I am proud to be part of a company that has been recognised in this way and that has grown because its customers trust the independent, expert, personalised travel advice we provide.
‘We, as Travel Counsellors, take the time to get to know our clients and their needs to find the perfect trip that’s just right for them.
‘My customers really appreciate the fact that I am always there for them should they need me.
‘They can be safe in the knowledge that their money is safe in the Travel Counsellors’ dedicated financial trust fund.’
Well-travelled Manxwoman Linda is based in Onchan and has worked in travel for 30 years.
Edward is based in Douglas and has been a Travel Counsellor for 13 years.
Antony, Edward and Linda can also meet up with clients at a time to suit them, meaning their customers can book their travel arrangements from the comfort of their own home or workplace without having to venture into a high street shop or spend hours searching on the internet.
Travel Counsellors is completely independent, meaning that they are free to recommend the holiday or business trip itinerary that exactly suits their clients’ needs.
Antony added: ‘With access to the latest travel technology we can search through literally hundreds of suppliers to find the very best options for our customers. Through the use of company intranet message boards, webcam and instant message technology I can also share advice and local knowledge with fellow Travel Counsellors in seven countries across the globe, offering my customers a unique level of personal insight into travel destinations worldwide.’
The company, which now has more than 700 Travel Counsellors across the UK, and a further 400 plus in its overseas operations in Ireland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the UAE, has experienced a growth rate of 95 per cent since its first overseas launch in Ireland six years ago. Travel Counsellors’ continued success has also recently been recognised in the Telegraph’s 1,000 Britain’s Brightest Businesses as one of the companies who have weathered the economic storm and set the foundation for recovery in the British Isles.
The company’s turnover at the end of its last financial year (October 31, 2011) was £346 million. Founded in 1994 it currently has more than 1,200 travel consultants who work from home with the support of 200 staff at the company’s UK headquarters in Bolton and overseas offices.
antony.guy@travelcounsellors.com linda.collier@travelcounsellors.com Edward.pearson@travelcounsellors.com