Career-changers turning to travel franchising for a fresh start

Redundancies and job losses are pushing employees to rethink their careers, which has led to an uptick in investment in travel franchises

Employment experts are now predicting that the average person should prepare for ‘multiple career changes during their working lives’, according to the latest Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum,

This entails not just a change of job, but an entire change of profession – several times during a person’s working life.

However, some 50% of professionals will be in a portfolio career by 2030, according to the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. This means half of the working population will hold down more than one job at the same time.

The Travel Franchise has confirmed that it is seeing these statistics play out within its franchise model, with 98% of its franchisees having never worked in the travel industry before.

Paul Harrison, co-founder at The Travel Franchise said: “We welcome franchisees from every professional background imaginable, from bankers and fitness instructors, former military personnel and teachers, to NHS workers and musicians.”

“For anyone craving a change of career, then launching your own travel business with the backing of a tried, tested and perfected business brand behind you, is a highly attractive option.”

The majority also join the franchise and run their businesses alongside their existing job in the first year.

“In the face of an increasingly unsettled economic outlook and heightened employment insecurity, more people are embracing a portfolio career that encompasses multiple streams of income via a mix of jobs,” said Harrison.

“Running their travel business at the same time as holding down a job gives them the ‘back up’ they are looking for to boost their income and give them career security. But as working in travel is so exciting, many then choose to make it their full-time career.”

Who are the career-changers taking on franchising?

Former banker Lynette Anderson initially started her business by investing in The Travel Franchise’s entry level Lite package, costing just £2,995 + VAT. Running her travel business alongside her banking job in the City, she secured £30,000 worth of sales in her first month. 

Before long, she’d upgraded her package to the Elite (costing £14,995 + VAT) and soon realised she’d be better off ditching her banking job and focusing on her business full-time.

“Some people take (a travel franchise) on as a sideline or a hobby, but my goal was to make this my career and now I am able to bring in a similar, if not better wage, but have that all important work life balance,” said Lynette.

“I won’t be going back to work in the City! Swapping the rat race for a job in travel that I love means so much more than I ever imagined.”

Sejal Devlia, a former fashion buyer, has also redressed the balance. Having spent years focusing on tailor-made fashion, Sejal now focuses on tailor-making holidays for her clients.

Chris Scoble, a former insurance broker also decided to trade in his commute to London to a stroll to her locally situated office. He’s also taken on a member of staff to help him cope with the demand, giving him even more flexibility.

Greater flexible working days is creating a space for working mothers

For working mothers, the prospect of running their own business and fitting it around their children’s timetable has been particularly appealing. Alison who is a mum of three young daughters living in the remote Shetland Island decided investing in The Travel Franchise would provide the flexibility she needed.

For Helen Gage, having been a stay-at-home mum for more than 20 years, she grabbed the opportunity to start her own career when her youngest started university.

Despite not having any commercial experience at all, Helen brought with her the key qualifications required by The Travel Franchise: an understanding of what makes great customer service and a passion for travel.

Franchise models with training can support investors without industry experience

Harrison added: “Some 98% of our franchisees have never worked in the travel industry before so don’t have any of the technical know-how or industry knowledge – but all that can be learned. That’s why training and ongoing support will always be our top priority here at The Travel Franchise.”

Initial training is delivered via a live, online, five-day programme of intensive, group learning. From then on, a business development manager is on tap to give support, motivation and guidance every step of the way.

“None of our franchisees are alone. They may be their own boss, but we support them as much as they need, when they need it. After all, if they succeed, then so do we,” said Harrison.