Former Travelcare directors to set up new business within Hays Travel
Three former directors of Travelcare are setting up a ‘multi-channel travel business’ as part of the Hays Travel Independence Group.
Former Travelcare MD Amanda Williams, head of tour operating Peter Dawson and head of retail Karen Pocock will open the new business, called Designer Travel, within the next four to six weeks.
The three said they decided to set up their own business following the merger of the Co-operative Group with United Cooperatives last year.
“Designer Travel will be a multi channel travel business, fusing an upmarket retail concept with a national chain of business associates,” said Williams.
“We are aiming to attract customers who value expertise and high quality service as opposed to just price. The key for us is our people, it’s vital that they choose to share our vision and in turn, our success.
“We wanted to set up with the backing of a forward thinking, entrepreneurial organisation who would give us the support and help we need to grow. There was no doubt in our minds that the Hays Travel Independence Group was the right consortium for the job.
“We feel confident that we’re working with people who really believe in what we’re trying to do.”
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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