Tony Byrne hails merits of training for older workers
Andrew McQuarrie
Retired travel industry sales rep Tony Byrne has urged businesses to consider arranging apprenticeships for staff of any age after completing his course two years ago at 65. Byrne finished a junior content
producer apprenticeship through AS Training in August 2023 and recently attended the graduation ceremony at Gold Medal’s office in Leyland, Lancashire. “The whole day was fantastic,” he
said. “I got the opportunity to speak to former colleagues, but it was also great to see other apprentices. I was so pleased about their achievements. They were an amazing bunch.” Byrne retired from his role with
Typically Holidays in 2023 after a career spanning more than 45 years, during which time he was known by nicknames including Tony Tagliatelle, Tony Titan and Tony Tourama. He embarked on the content
producer apprenticeship as a 63-year-old in 2021 with the idea that he could help Typically with marketing and social media. Byrne, who lives in Bury,
Greater Manchester, and was the operator’s sales manager for the north of England, said:
“Everything I was learning, I used in the business straight away.” At the end of his apprenticeship,
he created a presentation consisting of more than 60 slides to share his newly acquired knowledge with colleagues. He believes more travel
businesses should encourage their staff to complete apprenticeships, regardless of their age. “If I can do it in my 60s, what’s
stopping somebody in their 30s or 40s using their time to do it?” he said. “Small and medium-sized
companies should encourage their staff to think about what else they can bring to their business,” he added. “There should be no issue about
Virgin Trains given green light to
operate through Channel Tunnel Virgin Trains has been given the go-ahead by the rail regulator to challenge Eurostar’s monopoly on passenger services through the Channel Tunnel from 2030. The company will gain shared access to a key maintenance depot in London. Virgin Trains plans to carry six million passengers a year on the route, invest £700 million and create 400 jobs in the UK.
8 6 NOVEMBER 2025
Tony Byrne at his graduation
learning a new skill. There’s a skills shortage in the industry because of people leaving during Covid.” Byrne, who paused his learning for
eight months while receiving treatment for cancer, said the experience of completing the apprenticeship has shaped his view on how the industry can strengthen further. “This [apprenticeship route] is
the future,” he said. “Having so many apprentices coming through will help to keep travel businesses buoyant.” Reflecting on finishing his course,
he added: “The sense of achievement in being a more mature apprentice was probably as great or greater than for the younger ones.”
Dertour axes excursions to see marine animals in captivity
Kuoni parent company Dertour Group has removed excursions involving marine animals in captivity from its portfolio. The UK arm of the company comprises 11 specialist businesses. Dertour confirmed it had made the decision after a “comprehensive review” of animal-related products over recent months.
Tech specialist Inspiretec bought by Juniper Group
Technology solutions provider Inspiretec has been acquired by travel tech investment firm Juniper Group for an undisclosed sum. Cardiff-based Inspiretec has
more than 25 years’ experience delivering software solutions for tour operators and agencies, with customers including Abercrombie & Kent, Gold Medal and If Only. Company founder and chief
executive Simon Powell, who started his career working in the family travel agency business, said: “I’m immensely proud that Inspiretec is now part of the Juniper Group, an organisation that truly understands travel technology. “This partnership allows us to
further enhance our platform by integrating additional products and services from across the group.” Inspiretec’s platform aims to
simplify its customers’ operations and boost revenues by managing content, customer data and sales processes. Additional add-on modules include a self-service portal, quotation tools and a white-label website platform. Juniper Group chief executive
Jaime Sastre said the tie-up would “further enhance and enrich Inspiretec customers’ end-to-end travel distribution experience”. He added: “I have great
confidence in the value and expertise they bring to the group.”
The Travel Village moves HQ as part of ‘strategic growth plan’
The Travel Village Group has moved into larger premises in Blackpool as part of a “strategic growth plan”. The admin, care and finance teams will join commercial, marketing, e-commerce, content and product under the same roof to “strengthen interdepartmental collaboration”. Chief executive Phil Nuttall said it was “a major step forward” in the business’s long-term strategy.
travelweekly.co.uk
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