Meet our Business Development Team – Ricky Gudgeon

As part of our new blog series, we’re shining the spotlight on our incredible Business Development team that works behind the scenes, supporting our new clients and Travel Counsellors and helping us to grow the Travel Counsellors for Business brand – with care at the heart of everything we do.  

First up, meet Ricky Gudgeon, who joined us as a Business Development Manager in November 2024. Having built his corporate travel career at another TMC, Ricky enjoyed a stint working stateside before returning to the UK to bring up his children.  

“The majority of my career has been at Flight Centre Travel Group, where I worked in sales”, Ricky said. “After two years in London, I relocated to the USA, where I spent time working in both New York and Chicago. When I returned to the UK, I had a brief spell in the tech industry while I focused on parenting my two boys. And now I’m in the glorious world of Travel Counsellors!”  

So, what was it that brought Ricky to us? “I’d heard a lot about the reputation of Travel Counsellors”, notes Ricky. “But what truly brought me here was sitting with Mel Quinn (Director of Corporate) and Wayne Durkin (Head of Business Development) and hearing about where the company was going – and most importantly, what role I could play in that journey. It was so exciting to me.”  

Now nine months into his role at Travel Counsellors, a typical day for Ricky consists of finding new business, making calls, and scheduling meetings – as well as speaking to our Travel Counsellors to find out how he can best support them in growing their businesses.  

Over the years, Ricky has built up his expertise across a variety of sectors - however, he’s mainly found himself servicing clients in private equity, finance, architecture, and the arts. “I think the main reason for that is because those sectors have a culture that values service over everything else.”  

Outside of work, Ricky’s a devoted dad with a passion for keeping fit. “I do a lot of triathlons, which mainly helps me to keep up with the kids!” he laughs. I also love writing screenplays and making short films. I’ve always felt the need to do something creative, and filmmaking feeds into that.”  

Ricky’s advice for businesses looking for support with their business travel 

When it comes to the challenges that businesses are facing around business travel, Ricky said: “I think a lot of challenges are largely down to the accessibility of technology. People can very easily go online and checks costs, which drive their decisions. However, I try and get them to see the bigger picture of having a travel provider. 

“It’s important that businesses analyse their travel programme across all departments and across a 12-month period – rather than just comparing on a flight-by-flight basis. At Travel Counsellors for Business, we’ll work with you to customise and optimise your travel programme based on the needs of your organisation and your travellers.”  

As a final note, what does Ricky think sets Travel Counsellors for Business apart from other TMCs? “I think it’s two things: firstly, our people. And secondly, the high-end service that we provide.” 

Discover how Ricky and our Business Development team can transform your business travel programme 

Are you ready to experience a new level of care in business travel? Ricky and the rest of our Business Development Team are here to help you implement a travel policy that truly works.  

Whether you’ve never worked with a TMC before, or aren’t happy with the service you’re receiving from your current provider, we’ll take care of every detail of every trip – freeing up your time to focus on what matters.  Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat about how we can support your organisation.