Thomson Travel Group is consolidating five of its Thomson Breakaway and Crystal International offices into one base in Kingston upon Thames as part of a cost-cutting move.
CITGand Breakaway chairman Ian Smith pledged that all the 425 staff who would be affected by the move would be guaranteed jobs in the new offices. “There will be no duplication of roles. We are expanding the business and there is a job for every single member of staff. So far the reaction has been very positive,” he added.
After months of searching, Smith said the new offices in Kingston had been chosen because of their proximity to CITG’s two locations in Surbiton and one office in Twickenham. It is also close to Breakaway’s headquarters in Richmond. However, the relocation could prove more difficult for 68 staff at CITG’s Jetsave headquarters in East Grinstead.
Smith said the consolidation would improve communication within the group. “There is a lot of flitting between offices,” he said.
The biggest cost savings will be made through merging all the different offices’ accounts, systems and operations into single departments in the new HQ. Separate buying teams will be retained for the CITGand Breakaway products.
A single reservation system for all the brands is planned, although this is expected to take a number of years to develop. Relocation will begin next month and is expected to be completed by Christmas. A period of consultation is taking place with staff about the relocation.
Direct-sell operator Tropical Places will continue to be based in Forest Row and a small office housing Jersey Travel Service will remain in Twickenham.
The relocation follows a restructure of Thomson’s specialist products last July. Breakaway is now responsible for Crystal Cities while CITGhas taken over Thomson’s ski and lakes and mountains products (Travel Weekly July 19).
Thomson acquired CITG for £66.2m in September 1998.