Agents use Thomas Cook redundancy money to set up on their own
Two agents made redundant by Thomas Cook have invested their redundancy money in setting up a new retail outlet.
Not to be put off, Claire Milby, who has 20 years’ travel industry experience, and Lisa Barnes, with a 27-year track record, are opening Travel the Globe, inside a furniture store in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Claire said: "We both loved working for an independent previously, really enjoy selling the customer the right holiday for them, and building relationships with customers and suppliers so it made sense to set up on our own."
The women, who both worked for Co op Travel before the merger with Thomas Cook, have joined the Advantage Managed Services scheme.
It promises holiday-booking technology, back office function, negotiated commercial terms, marketing material and business advice to agent start-ups and established agencies.
Lisa said: "There is always someone to advise us on any query. The management fee is transparent, no hidden surprises and includes start-up costs and technology."
Ahead of a grand opening on August 23, Claire said: "We will deliver good old fashioned customer service from the initial enquiry to the client picking up their travel documents."
Diane
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