Advantage helps agents prepare to re-open

Advantage is helping members prepare to re-open shops and offices from next Monday when lockdown restrictions are eased.

It’s providing both business and leisure travel agents with guidance, marketing assets and access to suppliers for safety equipment, including PPE.

Around 60% of members are planning to reopen on June 15, but for many that will mean a close door policy or an appointment-based system, said Advantage leisure director Kelly Cookes.

"For those not opening, they are planning to do so over the next few weeks and continue to support their customers from home. With many staff still on furlough most openings are going to be very low key and some are looking at what other retailers are doing around them.

"The remaining members are waiting to see how the quarantine situation plays out, as once there is clarity around this and the FCO advice is changed, they are likely to see an increase in demand."

She said July 1 was frequently mentioned by members for re-opening. "For those who are reopening, on the whole they are confident in doing so. Members have been preparing for their reopening during the last few weeks and now they have identified processes such as appointment systems as well as the health and safety measures, so they feel that they have the necessary precautions in place to protect staff and customers."

Advantage has created different types of signage and assets for both shops and offices, including digital assets for use on social media, websites and in store/office screensavers, which will promote members’ reopening to clients and the steps they have taken to ensure the safety of their customers and staff.

In-store signage such as door stickers, floor stickers and posters have also been created to remind clients about hygiene procedures and social distancing measures that are in place.

Assets have been created for use by both leisure and business travel agents, with options to suit different brand styles and wording to cover whether an agent is fully opening their business or operating a closed-door policy.

To protect both staff and customers, Advantage has compiled a list of preferred suppliers, and negotiated discounted rates for relevant PPE equipment, including protective screens, hand sanitiser stands and signage.

Advantage is also sharing government advice and guidance to members to ensure they are following the latest Covid-19 safe working regulations.

Cookes said: "We know that with government restrictions slowly lifting, our members are keen to get their businesses back up and running, whilst keeping their staff and customers safe. We have created these guidelines and assets to ensure that our members have the practical support in place so that they can reopen their retail units and offices with confidence."

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