Posted 15 November 2017
We're honoured to announce that we've been recognised once again for our outstanding level of personal service, claiming the Customer Focus Award at the 2017 National Business Awards.
Held at London's Grosvenor House Hotel, the National Business Awards recognises and rewards excellence across the UK. Now in its 16th year, the event is attended by more than 1,200 business leaders across the country, with a judging panel including the likes of IBM, Unilever and the Princes Trust.
The Customer Focus Award was designed to recognise those companies that strive to innovate around customer experience and exceed existing industry standards. The judging panel considered how our customer service strategy contributed to our improved financial performance, as well as the ongoing operational performance and leadership.
Steve Byrne, our CEO, said: "This award is testament to the quality of the people at Travel Counsellors and the care we show our customers, and reflects the success of the business model created 23 years ago. Travel Counsellors' highly relational model is based on empowering our 1,700 travel business owners to create lasting relationships with their customers, building trust and caring for them more than anyone else.
"We invest heavily in technology to enhance the really personalised experience they provide, rather than replace it. We are constantly innovating and looking at what we can do next to support our people even further in doing this. So, we are delighted to have been recognised for our commitment to doing the right thing for our customers with such a prestigious award."
The judging panel at the National Business Awards said: "Travel Counsellors is a great UK success story that, based on the powerhouse of its tremendous Customer Focus, is now going global. They really understand the business sense and financial dynamics that by brilliantly looking after their own Travel Counsellors they in turn brilliantly deliver great service for their customers - the ultimate win-win."
This rounds off an exceptional year for us, in which we achieved record sales figures, both in the UK and internationally. This international growth also saw us secure a place in the 2017 Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200, the sixth time that we have been included on the list.
Lisa Hillyard, Travel Counsellor for 19 years
"To be part of the Travel Counsellors 'family' and to be there on this prestigious awards night in London was magnificent. The business leaders of today, and the future, were in the room bringing the best of British business together. To be able to showcase Travel Counsellors in a business world was incredible. I am so honoured to have been asked to join the directors at London Grosvenor House Hotel for the Lloyds National Business Awards and without doubt, our category of Customer Focus is our business to a tee!"
Jayne Beasley, Travel Counsellor for 6 years
It was such a fabulous evening! I'm still smiling now! For me it was special for Travel Counsellors to be recognised for our outstanding customer focus on the serious national business stage. Winning this prestigious award in a very tough category shows me how far we have come as an organisation and I believe this is down to hard work and commitment in all areas of our business. I felt very honoured to have the opportunity to share this special recognition with Steve, Rob, Victoria and Karina as well as fellow Travel Counsellors!"
Bob Peters, Travel Counsellor for 1 year
"I was honoured to attend the Lloyds National Business Awards last night with my fellow Travel Counsellors. Coming off the back of an exceptional Conference weekend and feeling emotionally drained by Monday, this was just the tonic I needed. This award is such a huge stepping stone for Travel Counsellors as it truly brings us global brand recognition. This has been brought about by many factors but our customer service and our philosophy of care is paramount to our success not only now but in a future without limits."
Guy Johnson, Travel Counsellor for 8 years
"It was a real honour to be at the Business Awards show. To spend the evening with the CEO of Travel Counsellors, other directors and Travel Counsellors was incredible. To even be nominated for an award was a privilege, but to win it was incredible. We all work hard to give our customers are truly unique experience, and to be recognised for the hard work, day in and day out is wonderful. The sense of expectation around our table was palpable, and when we actually won, we all erupted with shouts and whoops - all the adjoining tables spun around to see what the fuss was! I was so glad to be a part of the evening."
Kashan Ashwell, Corporate Travel Counsellor for 7 years
"Having been invited to attend the awards ceremony with our CEO, Steve Byrne, and a few of my colleagues, was such an honour. Customer Service is at the heart of everything we do at Travel Counsellors, so winning the award was a tremendous credit to the work we do. I am so proud to be part of this amazing, personal, professional, forward thinking and customer focussed team!”
Watch our short video to hear our Travel Counsellors talk about the unique relationships they build with their clients, so they can create travel experiences like no other!
