What do you currently do?
I am Joint MD and co-owner of the Travel Bureau, an award-winning travel company, established in 1961. It has considerable expertise in luxury holidays, corporate travel management and bespoke group travel. My main focus is on the corporate side, offering a complete Corporate Travel Management Service, providing independent advice and cost-effective travel solutions backed up with the latest web-based technology. Our client portfolio covers a wide range of industry sectors, public and private, locally and nationally.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
My passion for travel started in my teens when the world seemed a much smaller place. Today, remote locations are far more accessible and the quest for experiential travel continues to grow. But it can be wrought with difficulties: market disruption, weather, industrial action and even acts of terrorism. My inspiration comes from ensuring our corporate clients and leisure customers enjoy the very best travel experience possible, even in the event of adversity.
Things you would have done differently?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but life is more than ifs, buts and ands… learn from mistakes and look to the future. Appreciate the importance of hiring professional expertise, the return on investment is worthwhile. From a personal perspective, I should have delegated more, found my voice earlier and been more confident in my ability and experience.
What defines your business?
Our ability to understand our clients’ objectives and requirements and the value we can add to the relationship, building a meaningful and lasting partnership. Irrespective of financial success; respect, integrity and honesty are our core values.
Who do you admire?
I could espouse a long list of people, from entrepreneurs to sports personalities, all of whom I deeply respect. But the attributes I most admire are integrity, fairness, honesty and principle.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Passion, drive and authenticity will help you achieve your goals.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Understand what you are good at and recognise your shortcomings – nobody’s good at everything, so build a team around you.
Don’t be afraid of failure or change, strive for improvement, continue to innovate and don’t take everything personally!
