Having worked at numerous TMCs previously, Louise brings a wealth of valuable experience into her role as Senior Business Development Manager.
Tell us a bit about your career to date – what were you doing before you joined Travel Counsellors for Business?
I’ve been in travel sales for over 15 years and have worked within some differing TMCs which has allowed me to see what I believe is a rounded picture of our industry. I began my career at ClickTravel (TravelPerk), where the technology and UK business was the driver. My next move was to a global TMC called CWT. I was part of their UK and Ireland team, managing global opportunities. During the pandemic, I then moved to a SASS company selling finance technology. Although this was out of my comfort zone, it gave me a true insight into the whole end-to-end process of travel and expense. And now, here I am at Travel Counsellors!
What brought you to Travel Counsellors for Business?
I clicked on a job listing on LinkedIn a while ago, and although it wasn’t the right time for me at that point, I was put in touch with Mel Quinn (Travel Counsellors’ Director of Corporate Trave), and the rest is history! When I began to research the company, the values and culture for me were an absolute, complete fit.
What does a typical day look like for you?
In this role, there is no typical day and that’s what I love! It could be that I’m meeting or speaking with prospective clients, demoing our technology, creating proposals, delivering presentations, or supporting colleagues.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
My main enjoyment is creating relationships with clients and colleagues alike. I could only sell something that I believed in, and what Travel Counsellors has to offer is truly amazing. There is, in my opinion, nothing like it in the marketplace and I’m very proud to be part of our team.
What do you enjoy doing away from work?
I have three boys at home, so life can be very busy with sport and the like. But when I do get some free time, I like to spend it walking my Boxer dog in the forest, watching rugby or basketball, reading, or doing a spot of gardening. I enjoy anything where I can relax and chill.
What challenges do you think businesses are facing when it comes to their travel management programmes?
Each business will ultimately have their own challenges, but we still have to be aware of cost to a business and maybe cost of change. Technology is always a challenge; travellers think that is the best option for them and they should have all the bells and whistles, but actually, when that tech doesn’t work, it’s a case of ‘what then?’. Also, the industry as a whole changes regularly, so keeping up with the knowledge side of the market can be a challenge in itself. Use the experience of your TMC and its people.
What do you think sets Travel Counsellors for Business apart from other TMCs?
There is so much. Firstly for me, we’re happy and proud to stay in our ‘swim lane’. And what I mean by that is we know what we’re good at. We don’t try to be something we aren’t. We stand by our values. They aren’t just there to look good – instead, the whole company lives and breathes them. We are care-led and not tech-led. The service our Travel Counsellors give our clients is second to none and is nothing that I’ve experienced before in the travel industry.
What advice would you give to businesses who are looking for a corporate travel provider?
My first bit of advice would be to have a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve, but be open-minded as well. It's very easy to say, but for me, culture is the most important part of working with a supplier. Yes, cost is always going to play a big part, but you cannot underestimate the support element you get from a travel provider in an emergency situation, when making that complex trip, or just by easing the workload for you.
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