Meet Nick Hughes, our Business Development Executive

Tell us a bit about your career to date – what were you doing before you joined Travel Counsellors for Business? 

I’ve worked in the travel industry for 17 years for three different companies in a variety of different roles. I started out on the inbound sales team at a mileage redemption business selling holidays. Outside of the travel industry, I’ve worked on a fish counter, fitted bar and cellar equipment in pubs and clubs, and also worked as a personal trainer. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a jack of all trades, but travel is definitely where I belong.  

What brought you to Travel Counsellors for Business? 

A friend recommended Travel Counsellors to me and I haven’t looked back since.   

What does a typical day look like for you in your role? 

First things first, I’ve got to start my day with a coffee! Typically, you’ll find me working closely with our corporate product owner, vision-setting the future of the corporate platform, building business cases to support the vision, and readying our pieces of work getting them into a state for delivery.  

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

I love the team and the people I work with. They’re a tremendously hard-working and skilled bunch of individuals who I learn so much from each day. I also love seeing the pieces of work being delivered and launched into our platform and watching the positive impact it has on our Travel Counsellors and our clients. It makes it all worthwhile.  

What do you enjoy doing away from work? 

I enjoy playing and watching sports, trying to keep in some sort of shape fitness-wise, and spending time with my son because he just cracks me up with the things he comes out with. Oh, and if the sun is shining, you’ll find me outside topping up my tan!  

What challenges do you think businesses are facing when it comes to their travel management programmes? 

For me, the top three challenges that businesses face when it comes to travel management are: 

• Compliance and policy enforcement  

• Traveller safety and risk management  

• Sustainability and environmental impact  

What do you think sets Travel Counsellors for Business apart from other TMCs? 

This is easy - nobody cares like we do. Some businesses use ‘care’ as a buzzword or as a strapline, but we live and breathe it here at Travel Counsellors.  

What advice would you give to businesses who are looking for a corporate travel provider? 

Look for a TMC that truly cares about your business, your travellers, and your key objectives with your travel programme.  

Travel is so much more than booking flights and getting from A to B. It’s a partnership whereby a  

TMC should be just as invested in your business as you are, enabling you to drive strategic value.