Hybrid agency start-up aims to 'throw away old homeworker rule book’

A start-up agency has detailed an ambition to create a nationwide homeworking travel partner network.

Auria Travel claims to be “throwing away the homeworker rule book” by removing traditional restrictions and red tape and foster “a culture of fairness, flexibility and agent empowerment” as outlined at a recent induction day in Leicester.

The company aims to create a hybrid model combining a traditional high street and online presence with homeworking. 

Auria Travel opens its first agency in founder Markus Kendall-Young’s Leicestershire hometown of Ashby-de-la-Zouch this month and will simultaneously unveil a nationwide travel partner off-shoot for self-employed agents.  

A statement said: “By blending in-person service with modern flexibility, Auria Travel aims to offer customers personalised, trusted travel planning while empowering experienced travel professionals to build their own businesses under the Auria Travel brand.”

The ideal recruits are described as being “talented travel advisors or entrepreneurs with a minimum of six months’ industry experience and an existing client base, who are eager to grow their business with strong support behind them”. 

Auria Travel was established in May and became a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS).  

The travel partner initiative includes a transparent commission split that grows with sales – agents can earn up to 80% of the commission as their business expands.

Commissions will be paid out six weeks before the client travel date to boost cash flow.

Partners can tailor-make holidays using dynamic packaging with no source fees, forced mark-ups or restrictions on which tour operators or airlines are used.

They will be free to leave at any time, and any commission earned will still be paid out. 

Tools and support include a “market-leading” travel reservations system, a full Microsoft 365 office package with an Auria Travel email, a dedicated phone line, and ongoing marketing backing and mentoring from industry experts to help grow their business. 

Access to fam trips and training events will be allocated on a fair “no cliques” basis, so all partners get equal opportunities to learn and enjoy industry perks. 

Kendall-Young, whose background includes working for Thomas Cook, Hays Travel and Travel Counsellors, in addition to positions in aviation and outside the travel industry in sales and marketing, said: “We’re building something genuinely different here. You could say we’re throwing away the old ‘homeworker rule book’ – offering complete flexibility with no unnecessary red tape and a real commitment to fairness. 

“Our travel partners will be empowered as independent business owners, not just another number. If you’ve felt limited by other homeworking set-ups, we invite you to join us and truly lead the way with Auria Travel.”