Travelgenix has reported a 17% hike in new clients since the autumn budget last year which it is attributing to companies seeking smarter ways to operate as costs rise.
The travel technology solutions provider said efficiency has become a critical focus for travel businesses of all sizes as measures from last year’s budget come into force, pushing up employment costs and business rates.
From April 2025, employers’ National Insurance contributions will rise by 1.2 percentage points to 15% and the threshold at which firms pay NICs will fall from £9,100 to £5,000 while there will be a 6.7% increase in the national living wage.
The 75% discount on business rates will be replaced by 40% discount, capped at £110,000 per business.
Travelgenix said the increase in clients in the last six months, which represents 57 new travel agencies, showed there was recognition that streamlined processes and automation were “no longer optional” for businesses to increase productivity, remain competitive and meet consumer demand.
Chief executive Andy Speight said: “Consumer confidence in travel remains strong, but businesses, especially smaller and independent ones, are facing increasing financial pressures.
“The ability to operate efficiently has never been more important. We’re seeing a clear demand for technology that helps companies streamline processes, reduce admin, and improve conversion rates. The businesses that embrace smarter solutions now, regardless of their size, will be the ones best positioned for long-term success.”
Agents who are among those to have become Travelgenix clients since the autumn budget said business efficiency was now key.
Travelaire founder Romina Ahmed said the move had saved her agency time and money by pulling in live supplier rates and giving holiday quotes in minutes “instead of hours”.
She stressed: “With the cost of running a business going up, being efficient isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.”
She added: “It means I can focus on what really matters—giving my clients the best service and growing my homeworking team. Being able to turn around complex bookings in just 30 minutes has been a game-changer, making sure our clients get quick, competitive quotes and don’t feel the need to look elsewhere.”
Andy Worthington, director of ski specialist travel agency and tour operator Get Me To The Alps, said current economic pressures had similarly meant he had to change how his business operated.
“With the cost of running a travel business rising—whether it’s higher supplier rates, increased national insurance, or general operational expenses—efficiency is key to staying competitive. We’ve had to streamline processes, reduce manual workloads, and leverage technology to offset these growing costs,” he said.
“Partnering with Travelgenix has allowed us to automate quotes, integrate supplier APIs, and improve our online booking capabilities, all of which have helped us cut overheads and operate more efficiently. These improvements ensure we can continue to grow while delivering great value to our customers.”