This year’s Northern Ball saw scenes of pride and joy as finalists gathered to celebrate the sort of excellence that makes the industry what it is today.
The Palace Hotel, Manchester, was the setting for the third of this year’s Travel Weekly regional trade balls, where along with fine food, good wine and great company, the industry revelled in the achievements of agents from across the north.
The winners of the Travel Weekly Agent Excellence Awards for the northern region all had very different stories to tell, from defying difficult trading conditions to increase sales and margins, to dedicating themselves to their professions and their customers, despite personal challenges.
Of the three regional awards to date, there is one recurring theme – the incredibly high standard of entries which makes judging such a tough task, explained TWgroup publishing director Simon Ferguson.
“All the shortlisted and winning agents – and so many of the entrants generally – displayed a dedication and professionalism that would put most other industries to shame,” said Ferguson.
“Travel, like so many UK industries, is facing challenging times. But if the standard of performance demonstrated by the entrants in the northern regional awards is anything to go by, I have no doubt we’ll weather the storm.”
Best Manager, Large Agency – More Than 25 Shops
Susan Hall, The Co-operative Travel, Doxford Park, Sunderland.
Susan’s award was collected by Jacqui Fulton (pictured), branch manager, The Co-operative Travel, Kingston Park, Newcastle.
What Susan said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard I had won the award, I was only sorry to have missed what sounded like a fantastic event. Thanks again, I really appreciate it.”
What the judges said: “This manager achieved strong sales figures, high mystery shopper results and ensured her team met all its key performance indicators. Equally impressively, she has a great staff retention record.”
Best Sales Team, Large Agency – More Than 25 Shops
The Co-operative Travel, Kingston Park, Newcastle
The award was collected by branch manager Jacqui Fulton (pictured above).
What she said: “I feel fantastic. Our branch has been open for four years and we work hard. I didn’t expect to win.”
What the judges said: “This team demonstrated why it deserved to win by increasing sales and building relationships through networking with local and international businesses.”
Best Manager, Small Agency – Fewer than 25 Shops
Darren Hilsdon, The Travel Village, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire
Darren’s award was collected by The Travel Village managing director Phil Nuttall (pictured).
What Phil said: “Darren will be over the moon about this. He’ll be really gutted that he’s missed out on the ball as he’s in the middle of buying a house. This will be great for him.”
What the judges said: “This manager has been instrumental in building more than £1.5 million of sales in just five months – a fantastic performance.”
Best Sales Team, Small Agency – Fewer Than 25 Shops
Garstang Travel, Garstang Lancashire
The award was collected by managing director Nicole Eaves.
What she said: “I’m thrilled to win this award. It’s a great achievement for me and my great team. There will be big celebrations.”
What the judges said: “This agency is independent, very successful and proves there is a great future for small players with the will to do well.”
Best Home-working Agent
David Hoyle, Personal Travel Advisors, Future Travel, Linthwaite
What he said: “It’s the second time I’ve won this award. This is for my dad, who I lost last year – and everyone at Future.”
What the judges said: “David faced a challenging change of circumstances and, in turn, successfully adapted his business to meet customer needs.”
Best Call Centre Sales Consultant
Tim Starrs, Apollo Travel, Rotherham, South Yorkshire
What he said: “It’s strange because in eight years I’ve never entered. I’m dumbstruck.”
What the judges said: “This winner exploited his move to a new web department and sold an impressive £660,000 worth of holidays in the first six months of the year.”
Best Business Travel Manager
Michael Crotty, The Co-operative Travel Management, Manchester
What he said: “I wasn’t really expecting it. They all thought it was a bit of a laugh that I’d been nominated.”
What the judges said: “This winner’s management have acknowledged his crucial role in driving excellent sales results to date and increasing margin month on month.”
Best Business Travel Team
The Co-operative Travel Management, Manchester
The award was collected by operations manager Debbie Paxton
What she said: “We are absolutely delighted to win these awards to celebrate the success of our professional team in Manchester.”
What the judges said: “This relatively new team of experienced travel professionals has exceeded profit targets with outstanding levels of customer service.”
Best Cruise Agency
Cumbria Cruises, Barrow-in-Furness, Lancashire
The award was collected by sales manager Denise Henderson.
What she said: “It’s the second year in a row [that we’ve won]. It’s in recognition of the successes of all our sales consultants. I am speechless.”
What the judges said: “A growth in turnover of 71% over five years and 55% repeat business levels helped mark this agency out as a winner.”
Most Innovative Agency
Westoe Travel, South Shields, Tyne and Wear
The award was collected by senior sales consultant Gillian Brett.
What she said: “I thought I was here because my mum was nominated. I’m surprised and chuffed because it’s a family business.”
What the judges said: “This agency is no stranger to awards and continues to show huge initiative in the way it reaches its customer base.”
Event sponsors
- Affordable Car Hire
- Amadeus, Traveltek
- Jet2holidays/Jet2.com
- C&M Travel Recruitment
- Manchester Airport
