With a focus on our technology solutions, Product Owner Paul plays a key role in ensuring that our digital products perfectly complement our high-touch, personalised services.
Tell us a little bit about your career to date
My career has always been in the travel industry. I’ve gained invaluable experience across various sectors including airlines, travel agencies, and operations and compliance roles with one of the UK’s largest travel providers. Before joining Travel Counsellors for Business, I held a pivotal position at a top 10 travel management company, where my focus was onboarding clients onto the booking platform to ensure a seamless process.
What brought you to Travel Counsellors?
The opportunity to contribute during the COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal in my decision to join Travel Counsellors for Business. I was drawn by the chance to lead a project aimed at implementing a self-booking tool, which we believed would significantly enhance our ability to meet our clients' diverse travel needs once the turbulence of the pandemic had passed.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me involves collaborating closely with our Travel Counsellors, clients, and internal stakeholders. Together, we ensure that our technology solutions are not only up-to-date, but also of the highest quality. This empowers our Travel Counsellors to deliver the exceptional service they are known for, meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I find most rewarding about my job is simplifying the complex landscape of travel technology and designing solutions that truly impress our clients.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I'm an enthusiastic traveller, enjoying multiple holidays each year.
What challenges do you think businesses are facing when it comes to their travel management programmes?
One of the primary challenges businesses face in managing their travel programmes is fragmentation. This manifests in two key areas: fragmented content, where finding the best airfares and hotel rates can be challenging, and fragmented technology, which complicates the booking process across different platforms.
What do you think sets Travel Counsellors for Business apart from other TMCs?
What sets Travel Counsellors for Business apart from other TMCs is our Travel Counsellors themselves. They are not just professionals but individuals who genuinely care about their clients and go the extra mile with every booking.
What advice would you give to businesses who are looking for a corporate travel provider?
My advice to businesses seeking a corporate travel provider is to prioritise service over technology. While technology is essential, especially for streamlining processes, it’s the human touch and expertise that truly shine when navigating complex travel plans or unforeseen challenges. Look for a provider that excels in both aspects to ensure a seamless travel management experience.
A recent study showed that over a third of travel managers believe that increased stress is making it more difficult for them to deliver high-quality travel programmes. Discover how we can take the weight off your shoulders.
Over the past few weeks, we have been sharing hints, tips, experiences, and insights to help you prepare for RFP season. Even if you’re not ready to go out to tender right now, having the tools and information at your fingertips will prove invaluable when the time comes. The final instalment of our blog series gets down to the nitty-gritty – the Ultimate RFP Checklist.
It might be the quieter summer period, but we’ve still had lots going on here at Travel Counsellors for Business. Catch up on the news and insights we’ve been sharing throughout August.