p16 comment Gardner 9/12/09 19:16 Page 16
news comment
ttglive.com
Jill Gardner Hays Travel
“Apologies if this sounds trite
but there really is a relaxed,
friendly family feel to our clan
up here in the north east”
I
’ve always thought there’s a certain our team here at Hays that we’re in a position
something which makes Hays Travel to make such a bold expansion move at a time
stand out from the crowd. Something when most in the industry are downsizing. I
distinct about the way our organisa- think this step proves we mean what we say
tion works. And that’s our ethos. Apologies when we talk of optimism for 2010.
if this sounds trite, but there really is a The year gone by has been tough for us all,
relaxed, friendly family-feel to our clan up but for those who have run a tight ship, inno-
here in the north east. vated and made wise decisions there are plenty
One of the nicest things I’ve found so of opportunities in reach as we head into the
far about our acquisition of St Andrew’s new year. Here at Hays, we’re fortunate to have
Travel in the north west is stumbling across good technology and good people on board,
an organisation with a similar ethos. making our balance sheet strong enough to
Assimilating the St Andrew’s team into make the decision to grow our retail estate.
the Hays fold will be a painless task as The expansion into the north west also shows
they already work from the same our commitment to the high street retail travel
principles which we hold dear. agent model, and we’re hoping to recreate
The Bolton-based branches of the level of street presence and brand
St Andrew’s Travel will be rebranded as recognition in the north west as that
Hays Travel, but we will be keeping all which we enjoy in the north east.
the same staff in their jobs. It’s been Diversification into websites,
a delight to discover such an accom- homeworking and the like
plished team, at both management and remains vital if we are to keep
shop floor level, who engender the same up with the opposition and stay
spirit of hard work and fun that we aim relevant in the market, it goes
for across the Hays Travel divisions. without saying. But one thing
I’m also excited about all we can learn we are proud of here at Hays
from them in terms of business. With their is our unfaltering commitment to the retail
three agencies and a dedicated cruise lounge division, stemming from a belief that with good
in the Bolton area, the team has made a huge product and excellent customer service we can
success of its cruise and long haul business. provide clients with exactly the kind of care
By bringing together the St Andrew’s client they need, gaining us more than a quick fix,
database, their staff expertise in this area and gaining us customers for life. Which is what we
our own state-of-the-art dynamic package sell- all need if we’re to succeed in the long game.
ing tool, we should be able to expand our
reach in this high-end market for 2010. Jill Gardner is commercial director at
Of course it’s also testament to John and Hays Travel
16 11.12.2009
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