45% growth in Year 3

Year 3 of self-employment done! In December 2016 I gave up my secure management career to set up a travel franchise with Travel Counsellors (TC). The Goal? To quit the rat race and do something fulfilling for myself and my family. With no clients, year 1 really exceeded expectations as my personal network helped get the word out. Year 2 was phenomenal, reaching ‘Gold’ Travel Counsellor status (top 10% of global franchises) and I finished with 45% YOY growth.

This year, the uncertainty of Brexit, Ryanair flight cancellations followed by the collapse of Laterooms and then Thomas Cook made it a tough year for the travel industry. Despite this, I am pleased to report that with your support, year 3 sales have increased by a further 45% on last. Exactly 45% growth 2 years running leaves me with a scary task of trying to make it a hattrick in 2020! 

I have taken a detailed look at where my enquiries come from and referrals remain the lifeblood of my business. For anyone starting a new business, this demonstrates that word of mouth is extremely powerful and can outperform the big boys investing enormous sums in Google pay per click advertising and search engine rankings. The TC model really is simple, operating on the basic principle that if a client has a great experience, they act as brand ambassadors and pass on my details to others. Your support with bookings and referrals is truly humbling, and I am very grateful to you all.

It’s been an exciting year. Here’s hoping that 2019 has left you with many happy memories. Here’s one of mine with the clan!

Read on for my year in review...........

Leisure travel

Here’s a look at where my clients have been this year. Longhaul remains strong for honeymooners and SKI’ers (Spending the Kids Inheritance), with Thailand, Mauritius and South Africa being most popular. Rising in interest has been Japan, Colombia, Croatia and river cruises.

Corporate business

Personal service remains at the heart of the client experience however given the significant growth (118% this year) in corporate sales, my model has evolved to incorporate a team of experienced and trusted TCs which I hope to expand in 2020.

If you can think of a business that might benefit from my service, I would be most grateful of an introduction. My clients are wide ranging from sole traders to SME’s and large enterprises in a mix of industries; media, sports, construction, training & development, retail, IT and travel.  

For testimonials and more info see - https://tctravelmanagement.co.uk/robert.kiernan

The Travel Counsellors Group this year 

Whilst my own personal sales have grown 45% this year, it has been another successful year for the group. Here are some of the numbers and awards:

• Celebrated 25th anniversary
• 97% rate us Excellent on Trust Pilot
• 10% increase in worldwide sales to ￡660m
• 18% increase in corporate sales
• ￡6m spent this year on technology
• Now nearly 2000 Travel Franchises in 7 countries
• Won the award for Top Homeworking Agency by TTG and Travel Weekly
• Winner of Best National Travel Retailer in BTAs
• Finalist in Best Travel Management Company in BTAs

2019 highlights & plans for 2020

Our annual conference was spectacular with over 2000 delegates and star-studded entertainers and speakers – Bear Grylls, Gary Barlow, Paloma Faith, Dara O’Briain, Vernon Kay, Nicola Adams (double-gold medal Olympian) and Chadden Hunter (Planet Earth Producer).

I really hope I can be part of your travel plans for 2020. Personally, I’m looking forward to taking my first cruise in January with Regent (6 star cruising) and a Californian road trip with my fellow TCs in March.

Thank you all so much. Please keep passing on my name. Wishing you all a very happy new year and prosperous 2020!