Agency owners blast ‘unfair’ support scheme
Juliet Dennis
Two Surrey agents refused grant aid by their local council have hit out at the “unfair” government lockdown support scheme as Abta continues to lobby over the issue. The Travellers Boutique in
Cobham and Greenstar Travel in Claygate both applied to Elmbridge Borough Council for the Local Restrictions Support Scheme grant as the second lockdown began. Most agents have been given
grants, but Abta said it remained a “postcode lottery”. Margaret Ridler, owner of family-
run The Travellers Boutique, said Elmbridge council classed agents in the same category as accountants and solicitors. “We wouldn’t be so upset if all agents were in the same boat but this is inconsistent and unfair,” she said. “I was banking on this £2,000
grant for rent. We’ve also had two bereavements among close family members and this added stress has made it unbelievably difficult. “Our business will survive but this
makes it more difficult. In April we got the retail grant and now we’re not classed as retail owners. Why has it changed?” Agents were initially listed by the
government as among non-essential shops that must close in November, but were then removed. Greenstar owner Martyn Fisher
said: “I’m very cross about not receiving the grant but more cross the government changed its guidance.” The Travellers Boutique also
applied for an Additional Restrictions Grant and Ridler contacted her local MP Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, but to no avail. Elmbridge council insisted ‘travel
services companies’ were not forced to shut but said grants would be made available “as quickly as possible” if government advice changed. Other agents this week said they
Former Thomas Cook boss
Andrew Windsor dies at 56 Former Thomas Cook boss Andrew Windsor has died, aged 56. He worked at Cook from 1988- 93 and from 1995-2002, and held senior roles including managing director of UK and Canada distribution businesses. Windsor was also commercial director at
lastminute.com and a consultant for travel and tourism businesses.
6 10 DECEMBER 2020 The Travellers
Boutique was not eligible for the grant
had received grants, including the director of Pole Travel in Greater Manchester. Jill Waite said: “It’s outrageous some haven’t had it.” Abta, which contacted 386
councils – including Elmbridge – before the lockdown to highlight the importance of the grants, said it was helping members apply for alternative grants and has written to Paul Scully, minister for small business, amid concerns many agents have been “left to fall between the cracks”. Abta’s director of public affairs
Luke Petherbridge said: “We urge the government to remove the uncertainty by making clear to local authorities that travel agents qualify.”
Award-winning cruise agency
Cruise Direction ceases trading Cruise specialist agency Cruise Direction has ceased trading as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The Global Travel Group member also traded as Holiday Direction and won multiple awards after being founded by owner and managing director Paul Frost in 2016. It appointed administrators on November 26.
Inghams, Ski Total and Flexiski
cancel all ski trips until February Inghams, Ski Total and Flexiski have extended ski holiday cancellations until February. Parent Hotelplan UK stressed its Swiss owners had ensured its future was secure. Customers with affected trips will be offered alternatives or refunds. Chief executive Joe Ponte was hopeful of a February return but said “we do not have a clear picture of when” resorts will reopen.
travelweekly.co.uk
Andy Freeth aims to increase trade sales in new role
Andy Freeth hopes to increase the number of holidays JG Travel Group sells through travel agents when he becomes chief executive. The former chief executive of
luxury operator If Only will join the domestic group travel specialist on January 1 to lead the next phase of its development. Freeth said distribution via the
trade would be fundamental to its growth strategy and is confident he can “nudge higher” the 15% of sales made through agents. He wants to educate the trade on
its brands, which include National Holidays, acquired after the failure of Specialist Leisure Group this year, as well as Just Go, Omega Holidays and Albion Journeys. Current chief executive and
chairman, Luis Arteaga, will remain as chairman and said he had been “impressed” by many agents since bringing Claire Dutton on board as trade sales manager in August. He said: “We have the opportunity to increase our size three or four-fold.”
Freeth joins JG Travel Group in January
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