TUI boss out for summer

TUI UK has moved to allay any negative speculation after managing director Chris Mottershead embarked on an “extended family break” of more than seven weeks.

It is unusual for an MD to take a long sabbatical during the peak summer season.

But the company said the break had been planned since Mottershead started at TUI UK two-and-a-half years ago after coming straight from his

previous job with Airtours in Canada.

A spokesman said: “Before there are any rumours we are letting people know this time off has been planned since Chris started.

“Obviously it is high season but the day-to-day trading is run by planning and trading director Dave Burling and all board directors are clear on the strategy.”

The company has no policy to stop staff taking time off during the peak summer season but it is left to each department within TUI.

Mottershead is due back on September 6.

Meanwhile, TUI-owned Coventry Airport is to have its application for a permanent passenger terminal heard by Warwick District Council in September, 18 months after the airport first submitted its planning application.

The airport accused the council of dragging its feet over the delay, but WDC said it is still waiting for information to help it access the application.

The airport has also forced the council to withdraw claims it needs to apply for planning permission for its interim terminal following a planning inspectorate report last week.

The airport only needs to provide an environmental survey to the planning inspectorate.