Triton chiefs given a rough ride

Wednesday, 08 May, 2006 0

Triton leaders faced a tough session from members and suppliers who demanded answers to questions about the newly-formed group, in a lively session at the conference.

One agent wanted new technology installed as soon as possible and for it to be simple and available over the Internet. Global managing director Andrew Botterill apologised for the delay and promised it would be browser-based.

“But it’s not too late,” insisted Botterill. “This is a marathon and not a sprint and will be a massive help for independents.”

He said Triton had spent ‘seven figures’ on technology and promised the technical support would soon be improved.

Another agent complained that it had worked with certain companies for years, only to find out that it now had to gain authorisation before selling that operator.

Botterill said he didn’t want the system to be prohibitive but added, “we can’t do deals with suppliers and then tell agents to use whoever they want. That’s just not productive.”

One member wanted to know why, when it turned over 70 million pounds, it earned the same commission as an agent which turned over one million pounds.

“Going forward, you will get better rewards depending on performance,” promised Triton director John McEwan.

Another agent attacked the decision by some suppliers to use costly 0870 telephone numbers and to offer discounts on the web, but Global founder George Begg defended them.

“I’ve got to stand up for the suppliers here,” said Begg. “They’re having a tough time and they’ve got to do what they can to improve revenues. They’re showing their support by sponsoring this event.

A Hoseasons employee said it wanted to work with Triton as 50 per cent of its business went through independents, but it asked what Triton was going to do for them.

“There are lots of tough questions from suppliers,” said Botterill. “We have a culture where we’ve got to add value. The proposition is good because we can increase business for the supplier, but everyone has to subscribe to it.”

Report by Jeremy Skidmore (www.jeremyskidmore.com)