View from the top
Four homeworking business bosses reveal their views about a sector that’s more competitive than ever before. Juliet Dennis reports
C
ompetition has further intensified between travel homeworking
companies in the past year. This has reduced barriers to entry for would-be homeworkers looking to join the sector but ramped up pressure on companies aiming to grow their business in the current market. Companies cite the increased
importance of training, support and communication in order to attract more recruits as homeworkers face demand from customers for more personal service and expert advice. We speak to the leaders of
four homeworking companies of different sizes, who assess the state of the market and the outlook for the next 12 months.
4
KAREN POCOCK managing director, Designer Travel
Q. How is business going for you? A. We had the most amazing start to 2026, then the Middle East
conflict dampened the long-haul market. For a few months our growth was in single, rather than double, digits. However, the change in the
Foreign Office advice has made a big difference. Our focus on lates has produced some amazing results since Easter. Our turnover exceeds £80 million. We have more than 190 professional travel experts, with an attrition run rate of about 4%.
Q. What do you think are the key factors shaping growth in the sector? A. The market for homeworking agents is saturated, with so many companies thinking
it’s an easy ‘get rich quick’ opportunity. The truth is far more complicated and the amount of resources you need to support a team of homeworkers is larger than most anticipate. We perform well because we have a structure supporting those who need and want help. Customers are looking for an individual who goes the extra mile without thinking and has the product knowledge to understand their requirements.
Q. How do you see the homeworking landscape changing over the
next 12 months? A. Suppliers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to work with companies that produce results, invest in team training and recruit the right people who treat their jobs as a vocation. Doing homeworking ‘right’ isn’t as easy as it looks.
JULY 2026
travelweekly.co.uk
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