Former Jet2holidays manager seeks salespeople to join new venture

Former Jet2holidays sales manager Craig Davidson has launched a flexible resourcing provider to the travel industry, called Flexi Reps.

It’s being backed by former If Only CEO Andy Freeth, who becomes non-executive director. Andy’s wife Kelly Freeth, a travel agent with over 20 years’ experience, has joined as Craig’s business partner.

The team said they are initially targeting businesses looking for a trade boost.

They said: "Many brands hard hit in recent months will have let their field sales teams go, the pair feel that over the coming weeks and months brands may need a short burst of agent activity to create a buzz, launch a brochure or get the trade behind a campaign or incentive.

"Paying teams all year is tough to justify while the market slowly recovers but brands will still need a presence and awareness."

Craig added: "We want to help brands raise awareness with cost effective solutions, keep travel industry colleagues busy and support industry recognised charities. In the first 24 months, we pledge to give 10% of all profits to ABTA lifeline. Every year after this we’ll pledge to a new trade charity."

He is on the search for any field salespeople who have recently been made redundant to sign up with their agency and is keen to talk to any businesses wanting flexible trade sales support.

He added: "We know brands will want to have a presence amongst agents but may not be able to justify year-round sales teams in the current climate.

"We aim to be the place to go for companies needing temporary resource. Our flexible resourcing means businesses can tap into high calibre reps who can deliver their USPs at a fraction of the annual cost.

"We can work with tourist boards, hotel groups, cruise companies, tour operators and airlines to generate noise about product launches, incentives, brochure launches or even simply to instil confidence in their new Covid-19 protocols. Customer confidence in travelling is key and travel agents are the best placed to offer consumers advice.

Kelly added "I have met 100s of reps over the years and they really add value to businesses by training agents and raising awareness. I completely understand why brands have had to cut back and, from a travel agents perspective, it’s really sad to see but with our flexible solution we can keep agents trained, informed and connected to brands with short burst activity."

Email: [email protected]

By Lisa James, Deputy Editor (UK)