Thomson and First Choice staff urged to ‘help each other out’

Travel agents who were once rivals on the high street are being encouraged to help each other out as bosses begin the enormous task of integrating the First Choice and Thomson businesses.

Sales consultants from both multiples are expected to be asked to give product knowledge lessons on in-house tour operators to their counterparts in neighbouring shops that are now also part of TUI Travel.

First Choice and Thomson agents are likely to sell more of each other’s products than before as a result of the merger.

Distribution managing director Derek Jones said: “In terms of product we are keen to improve knowledge of product on both sides. We need to get that knowledge transferred across and the best way is probably at a local level.

“We have encouraged interaction between staff at all levels from day one.”

The company has started reviewing shop staff pay and concessions as well as back-office systems, with a view to integrating the retail estate, although both brands will remain.

Already some agents have switched jobs between First Choice and Thomson shops as the merger of the two businesses has opened up a range of new promotion and relocation opportunities.

First Choice retail managing director Cheryl Powell said: “The merger opens up opportunities for staff and we will offer continuity of service. In addition, we are reviewing grading and concession schemes so we can bring them in line.”

Meanwhile, T-shirts are to be designed for all shop managers to wear at the TUI Travel conference in Kos in November to hammer home the message that they are now part of one company.

The head office for distribution and its senior management structure is set to be announced within weeks.