About 15% of Holidaysplease homeworkers have become travel counsellors and more will switch in the coming months, according to director Richard Dixon.
Holidaysplease, which comprises approximately 100 self-employed homeworkers, was acquired by Travel Counsellors in March and has been retained as a separate agency brand.
Dixon said there was no set target or expectation for agents to move within the two sister businesses, which are already working together in certain areas as “one community”.
More: Holidaysplease agents ‘likely to stay’ after Travel Counsellors acquisition [March 23]
Travel Counsellors prioritises Holidaysplease integration over further deals [March 23]
Travel Counsellors acquires Holidaysplease [March 23]
“It is business as usual, but with the backing of a bigger business,” he said, while admitting the number who had moved across so far to work for Travel Counsellors was “a few more than expected”.
He said: “It’s interesting that a fair number have made that decision, and quickly. Some have been with Holidaysplease quite some time and have mature businesses, and some have been with us 12 to 18 months.”
Agents can earn more with Travel Counsellors, which offers homeworkers a 60% share of commission in comparison with 50% split with Holidaysplease.
Dixon said there were further Holidaysplease agents interested in moving across, particularly once the summer was over.
He said: “A lot of people want to focus on their business through the summer, but want to move across come September and October. I am certain more will do so.”
Agent Felicity Benn was one of the first to switch from Holidaysplease. She said feedback on Travel Counsellors’ consumer app had been particularly well received by clients.
“My customers have supported the move, with many of my regulars already booked for holidays through Travel Counsellors,” she said, adding: “Everything was moved across for us, ready to use and training loaded ready for us to complete.”
Dixon stressed no agents had left Holidaysplease because of the acquisition but said some had left for personal or other reasons. He added that the homeworking firm continued to recruit new agents as normal. “Recruitment for Holidaysplease carries on,” he said.
He added both businesses were continuing to enjoy the benefits of the acquisition. Some Travel Counsellors homeworkers joined Holidaysplease agents on its ‘reward’ trip to Mauritius while Holidaysplease agents have joined training on TC Takeover Days, and eight Holidaysplease agents have been recognised as equivalent to ‘gold status’ travel counsellors.
More: Holidaysplease agents ‘likely to stay’ after Travel Counsellors acquisition [March 23]
Travel Counsellors prioritises Holidaysplease integration over further deals [March 23]
Travel Counsellors acquires Holidaysplease [March 23]