Travel Counsellors agents’ spouses are being offered training by the company to help them support their partners to grow their businesses.
The scheme is designed to give spouses the tools and skills to act as “ambassadors” for the company.
The first partner training day will take place in May at the company’s head office in Bolton. It will include training on the company’s vision and values as well as practical instruction on its customer management system and marketing tools. There will also be training on gaining referrals and networking.
Sales director Malcolm Hingley said: “Essentially, partners will be acting as an ambassador for their travel counsellor.
“In the past we have always involved our agents’ partners and spouses in activities, such as inviting them along to our annual conference, and the feedback has always been really positive.
“They like to feel part of the company and many have expressed interest in learning more about Travel Counsellors and the skills needed to enable them to market and support their partner’s business.”
Colin Bradnam, husband of Suffolk-based travel counsellor Jennifer Bradnam, was presented with an award for ‘most helpful partner’ at last year’s conference for his support during the ash cloud crisis. He made a 1,146-mile round-trip to pick up customers of his wife who were stranded in Turin.
Jennifer Bradnam said: “When I joined the company it was difficult for Colin to understand how I operated my business. This programme will make Colin feel more involved in building my business and helping to make it a success.”
The launch of the scheme follows Travel Counsellors’ introduction last August of TC Kids, a children’s programme to keep youngsters entertained during school holidays. Children tune in to Travel Counsellors’ TV webcast each week and are given activities to do, leaving agents free to concentrate on their work.