David Speakman’s Travel Counsellors have finally come of age after being granted a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the highest honour for businesses.
When Speakman started employing home workers a decade ago, they were seen by many as a bit of a joke.
This was surely the domain of mothers who just wanted to earn pin money or people who wanted to put their career on hold.
Even when the company was listed as one of the fastest growing in the country, with a value of around £30 million, it didn’t stop people from turning their nose up at them.
But the Queen’s Award gives them the royal stamp of approval.
Speakman’s Travel Counsellors are employing decent agents, many of whom are fed up of working on the high street.
They want the flexibility to work their own hours and they don’t want to have to stick rigidly to selling what head office tells them to.
And most importantly, they want to earn decent money. Highly motivated Travel Counsellors can earn more than they could hope for in the branch of their local multiple.
It’s no wonder that some bright travel agents have joined Travel Counsellors.
Home working isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But it’s not a social club for poor performers, either.
Read previous comments by Jeremy:
17-April-2003 Comment by J.Skidmore: Domestic operators must help the trade
11-April-2003 Comment by J.Skidmore: Timeshare offers retailers a crumb of comfort
28-March-2003 Comment by J.Skidmore: A ‘good deal’ overcomes the fear of flying
14-Mar-2003 Comment by J.Skidmore: Late booking adding to the woes of operators
07-Mar-2003 Comment by Jeremy Skidmore: Let’s make best use of aviation resources
