Quotes from winners at the Midlands Agent Excellence Awards

Best Manager – Large Agency

Regional manager Sarah Budgie, collected the award on Sarah’s behalf: “I’m really pleased Suzanne has won this award, she really deserves the credit for all her hard work and commitment.”

What the judges said: “Strong leadership and the ability to maintain morale during a merger marked Suzanne out from the rest.”

Best Sales Team – Large Agency

Suzy Bulmer, senior manager: “I was elated to hear my office had won. I have a loyal and industrious team and I am so proud to receive such an accolade on behalf of Harvey World Travel.”

What the judges said: “The team proved it was customer focused and worked closely to increase revenue and margins.”

Best Manager – Small Agency

She said: “When I heard my name I jumped for joy. It felt like I’d just seen my name in lights. It will always be a night to remember.”

What the judges said: “We were delighted with Karen’s initiative and leadership.”

Best Sales Team – Small Agency

From left are Paul Moss, Emma Hall, Zoe Langton and George Reynolds Paul Moss, managing director: “This is a total surprise, I am amazed our team’s hard work has been recognised.”

What the judges said: “This customer-focused, sales-driven agency had its best year to date.”

Best Business Travel Team

Angela Reasbeck, TSC director: “I was absolutely thrilled to pick up the award on behalf of Section D at the Midlands Travel Trade Ball. The team have worked very hard.”

What the judges said: “This team has worked closely with its clients in focusing on environmental and sustainable travel issues.”

Best Business Manager

She said: “I was really pleased to be nominated, so to win is fantastic. I am completely shocked.”

The judges said: “Amanda put quality control at the heart of her role, resulting in the growth of her company’s customer base and its reputation.”

Best Call Centre Sales Consultant

She said: “I am so happy and astounded to have won such fantastic recognition. I feel very lucky and privileged. It’s thanks to my manager that I am here as she believed in me.”

What the judges said: “Lisa demonstrated the importance of keeping abreast of industry developments and is a multi-tasker.”

Best Homeworking Agent

He said: “ I’m really excited to have won this award and it is the pinnacle of my career in travel so far. I’d like to thank the management at Future Travel for all their support over the last 11 years.”

What the judges said: “Neil has achieved a 41% increase in sales thanks to his emphasis on customer service. He’s shown real initiative in promoting his business locally.”

Best Cruise Agency

Fay Thompson general manager: “It’s fantastic that hard our work and commitment has been recognised.”

What the judges said: “The judges looked for an agency that was training focused and customer-driven.”

Most Innovative Agency

Danny Waine, marketing director: “We were absolutely delighted. Being recognised for our innovation in such a demanding and changing market is excellent news.”

What the judges said: “The winner was the first travel company in the UK to offer civil partnerships overseas. It’s now selling its own packages to the trade and developing a homeworking force.”

Sponsors

“This is the fifth time AA Appointments has sponsored these prestigious awards and each time it just seems to get better. We hope to be part of this great event for many years to come.” 

John Tolmie, managing director, AA Appointments

“Traveltek was delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Midland Travel Trade Ball. It gave us the opportunity to invite customers, old and new, to what has now become the main Midlands travel function of the year.” 

Frank Docherty, sales director, Traveltek

“The Amadeus team really enjoyed the evening. It was well attended with more than 350 guests. A great family atmosphere was present as most of the agents and suppliers know one another.” 

Julian Mills, director of sales, Amadeus UK and Ireland

“Birmingham International Airport was a proud sponsor of the Midlands Agent Excellence Awards. There were some worthy winners again this year, reaffirming the passion and innovation within the travel trade in our area.”

Rachel Briody, Birmingham International Airport

“Emirates is proud to sponsor the event. This night gives us a great opportunity to meet up with our trade partners and to reward those agents who are at the top of their game.”

Phil Courtney, leisure sales executive, Emirates

“Our involvement in the awards is a great opportunity to show our support for all those hard-working, dedicated agents with whom we work so closely throughout the year. It’s been a great success.”

Angela Day, managing director, Affordable Car Hire

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