I'm proud to announce my new travel venture "Personal Travel Concierge", part of the Integrity Travel Group. To coin a phrase, "You can take the man out of travel but you can't take travel out of the man." After acquiring The Travel Bureau in July 2023, it's the next logical step to build a new travel business for independent travel agent professionals.

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It wasn't the travel that was the attraction, it wasn't even the business, though I enjoy creating businesses that serve others. The attraction was the people—staff, independent business owners and customers that I enjoy mentoring and supporting, and hopefully inspiring them to be successful.

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I will lead the new venture as Chairman. Charlotte Welborn and Amanda Rowley are joint Managing Directors, and we are recruiting other senior experienced staff that will bring to the business a wealth of expertise and understanding that will be the foundation of a very special company. We will be based in Bolton and our new offices are now being given the final touches. It will reflect our beliefs and values with its innovation and ambience.

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To those who would like to join us: as a Personal Travel Concierge (PTC) you will be self-employed and you will run your own business. We intend to be the very best for you and for our mutual customers. We will be small enough so you will feel connected to us, but expert and big enough to support you as you would want to be supported.

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So whilst it's a new business, we are not starting from scratch as I did in 1994, with inadequate funds and learning as we progressed. The knowledge and expertise we have gained over the last 30 years will help in our aim to be the most professional and inspirational home for your business.

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We are looking for the very best travel agents to be the foundation of this new business. Every business owner that joins in the first six months will be able to join on special terms. We are looking for experienced and successful business owners who are looking for the ultimate home to operate their own business—travel agent professionals who want a home that will support their success.

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We intend to offer not only an excellent commission split but opportunities to travel with like-minded professionals. You will have access to the Tprofile suite of programmes that will provide you with the tools to wow your customers. We also plan that 10% of our profits will be ring-fenced for children and youth charities as part of the Gabriel Trust (Speakman family charity that has donated to children and youth charities over the last ten years).

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So join us—we are at your service and we want to serve you. We are more than a platform for your travel business; with us you will find a professional, innovative and caring home. Come and join our family of travel professionals.