My role: I am delighted to return to the UK Holiday Group in the role of Product Development. This is an exciting project that involves expanding the range of holidays available to all of our customers from Ocean cruises and Holidays by Train to Self-Drive experiences and Winter fun in the Sun – plus many more ideas yet to be decided upon!
My experience: I joined the company in 1990 as the Operations Manager and became Operations Director in 1995. I then lead the team of people on a journey that was very challenging but ultimately rewarding as we strived and succeeded in to improving the standards on offer to our customers. Along the way I headed up the Hotel Contracts division and was directly involved in the brochure production process, plus a myriad of other elements of the business too numerous to mention here.
My favourite UK holiday destination: I have been lucky enough through my job to visit pretty much the whole of the UK & Ireland and it has always been a very difficult question to answer when I am asked which is my favourite. I have to say that there are virtually no areas that are not worth a visit of some description. On a personal note I am a big fan of islands that you have to reach by ferry as this always feels like a much bigger adventure than the mainland, so my recommendation would be to try one of these options.
My role: Assisting Andrew with contracting hotels and administration.
My experience: I completed work experience with Grand UK in 1994. Upon finishing my diploma in Travel & Tourism I joined the company in May 1995 with a position in reservations and I have been here ever since. I quickly progressed my career and moved from the Reservations team to the Contracts Department where I assisted in the daily administration and formed strong working relationships with external hoteliers and suppliers. In 2011 I secured a position within the Hotel Group Division of the business, further continuing to develop relations and help the business thrive. I Recently, I have returned to my roots in contracting, directly assisting Andrew with contracting hotels and administration. The time I spent in the hotel division has been a huge help for this role going forward as I already have strong relationships with the companies we use.
My favourite UK holiday destination: The Lake District with its beautiful scenery, lakes and mountains. There is something for everyone, including cruises on the lakes, quaint market towns, my favourites being Ambleside and Keswick, and walking in the Lake District National Park.