Surrey-based corporate travel agency Avocet Travel Management has joined Tzell UK, part of Travel Leaders UK.
The firm, which has an annual turnover of £3 million, says it made the move to underpin its aggressive growth strategy.
Avocet has clients from across a number of industry verticals, including the financial sector, manufacturing and logistics.
Tzell provides agencies with technology, Iata bonding, accounting functions and other services.
Neil Mewes (pictured), founder and managing director of Avocet Travel Management, said joining Tzell will allow him to focus on growing the business in two key areas.
“First of all, a number of new contractors will join our business, bringing their business travel clients under the Avocet business umbrella,” said Mewes.
“We then collectively benefit from working under the Tzell umbrella, which means our customers have access to the best airfares and hotel rates while receiving a specialised, personal service from the team.”
In March it was announced that Tzell UK and Protravel, which are both owned by US-based Travel Leaders Group, would operate as Travel Leaders UK.
Protravel’s business includes some high-end corporate clients, but also has a vibrant leisure and cruise operation from which Mewes is looking to benefit.
“One of the benefits of joining Tzell and Travel Leaders UK is that we will also be able to work with our new partners at Protravel,” he said.
“While my initial focus is on growing the corporate business, the relationship and access to Protravel means we will launch a leisure service for our customers in due course.”
Barry Whittaker, executive director of business development and acquisitions for Travel Leaders UK, said: “Neil understands the tangible benefits and support Avocet will derive the Travel Leaders UK family means he can stay totally focused on growing his business and making sure his team is providing the best possible service to customers.”
As part of Avocet’s expansion strategy it will also provide meetings and events services to its corporate clients.
Tzell UK and Protravel are among the top 50 travel management companies in the UK.