Partners2Success: The Podcast

You asked… we delivered!It’s finally Lloyd’s turn in the hot seat — and who better to do the interviewing than our very first podcast guest, Don Bircham, Owner of Hays Travel Mold!In this final episode of the series, we’re going out with a bang:🔸 Lloyd shares his story (yes, accents and all!)🔸 Our exciting new initiative to help travel agents grow on the high street🔸 Don takes a trip down memory lane - from episode one to today🔸 And… the surprising story of why he got pulled over outside Holiday House  Packed with laughs, insights, and feel-good moments - it’s the perfect send-off for the season.Don’t miss it!

In the penultimate episode of Season 1, Lloyd is joined by Dame Irene Hays, Owner of Hays Travel, for a truly special conversation recorded at the ITT Conference in Sardinia.Dame Irene shares the inspiring story of how Hays Travel was founded in 1980 with her late husband John, starting with just one shop, two members of staff, and first-year sales of only £812. Fast forward to today, the business has grown to over 509 stores, 4,700 staff, and a £3.2 billion turnover.

Holidays by Design share the inspiring journey of turning a dream into reality. Listen to how they found their fate on the sunny side of the street and how they hit the ground running despite unexpected challenges - including some opening day drama.Hear all about their fast-paced decision making and the story behind how Holidays by Design got its name!

Lloyd is joined by Claire Evans who discusses her inspiring 26 years in the travel industry, whose career journey has taken her from her time at Britannia to Chief Operating Officer at The Midcounties Co-operative.Plus, Claire lets us in on her once-a-year spontaneous trips, that have taken her from climbing Machu Picchu to seeing gorillas in Uganda!Listen now...

Lloyd chats with Karl Douglas and Kelly Cheesman, Directors and Co-Owners of Beverley Travel. They discuss how their ambitious vision led them to be crowned UK & Ireland’s No.1 Agency in TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2023 and how they continue to go above and beyond for their customers through their exclusive VIP club.

Lloyd is joined by Jade who is back from maternity leave, so there's no better time to tune into the podcast to hear her incredible journey! Tune in to hear about...How Jade met Lloyd 10 years agoStarting out as an apprentice at Co-operative travelStepping into the role of Customer Service ManagerHer passion for learning and love of holidaysTransitioning from on the road to office based work during COVIDEnjoyment of project work and new challenges Listen now!

Lloyd is joined by long time friends Andy Nelson and Craig Weatherill, the dynamic duo behind two of the most respected independent agencies in the travel industry - Admiral & Craig Travel.What began with a spark of inspiration from Andy's dad in Tenerife has grown into a 23 year journey of friendship, business and high street success. Tune in to hear about...Andy's leap from civil engineering to launching his first travel agency in Altrincham in 2001Their journey learning the travel industry from scratch to building a thriving business togetherThe story behind their five stores and why the high street is important for footfallWhy educational trips are a must for their teamThe role branding and product quality play in long-term successPlus, the story behind the infamous life-size cut out of Lloyd!

Lloyd is joined by Dave and Nicola Palmer, owners of Perfect Getaways. From launching two retail locations on the same day to introducing an innovative all-inclusive bar concept for customers, they share their inspiring journey of building a thriving travel business.You won't want to miss it...

This week on the podcast, Lloyd sits down with Amanda Matthews, Owner and Managing Director of Designer Travel. Tune in to hear all about the highs and lows of specialising in the luxury travel market and the importance of taking chances and stepping outside your comfort zone. Plus, the “karaoke queen” gives Jess Glynn a run for her money by closing the podcast with a special farewell song!You won't want to miss it...

In our latest podcast episode, Lloyd is joined by Tim, Owner of Barton-Knott Travel, a multi-award-winning travel expert who runs one of the UK’s leading independent travel agencies. From taking fan clubs on tour (can you guess who's?) to opening his first travel agency within Next, Tim shares valuable insights on the importance of having Jet2holidays branding in store, marketing strategies, and his attention to detail.You won't want to miss his unforgettable Palma trip story - one of Lloyd's favourite memories from his many trips over the years!Tune in now for a dose of inspiration and practical tips to inspire you...

Lloyd is joined by Tricia Handley-Hughes, Managing Director of InteleTravel UK, to discuss leadership and lessons learned from a career spanning over 40 years in travel and hospitality.When Lloyd featured on the InteleTravel podcast that Tricia helped set up, it sparked the idea to start our own - and now she’s here to share her insights!Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll hear about:✅ Which job transformed Tricia’s outlook on leadership✅ Why there are so many Burger King's in airports!✅ Stories of Simon in Sorrento in a hair net, covered in flour, at their 2024 conference✅ Balancing focus and discipline in the face of negativity✅ Networking tips for homeworkers and building a supportive community✅ Kilt-wearing comparisons✅ Why it’s crucial to sit back and reflect before hitting that keyboard!Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

What does it take to rapidly grow a travel agency in just five years? Lloyd sits down with Iain Kirkbright, co-owner of Sunlounger Travel, to uncover the strategies, innovations, and passions driving his success. Here's a sneak peek into this episode’s conversation...✅ The secret to scaling and adapting in a fast-changing industry✅ How a Jet2holidays Digital Display Advertising Screen has boosted business✅ The game-changing impact of the "Appoint an Apprentice" scheme✅ A deep dive into Iain’s passion for cars!Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

"Give the fans what they need, Lloyd!" - and that's exactly what we've done!In this week's podcast, Lloyd sits down with Simon Marshall, National Sales Manager at Jet2holidays. With over 12 years of working together, they’ve got plenty to chat about! Here's a sneak peek at what’s in store...✅ Was Simon really the youngest travel agency manager ever? Can you beat his record?✅ Conference memories galore - from magic acts with Tony Mann from Idle Travel to fangirling over Sinitta!✅ The legendary mobile travel agent trailers and how many attempts it took Simon to pass his HGV course...✅ Facing fears along the way!Tune in now and don't forget to subscribe to our channel so that you don't miss an episode!

Lloyd is joined by James Malyon, Director of Digital at Jet2holidays, for an insightful discussion on the new era of technology and its impact on our travel agent partners.Following his highly praised presentation at the Jet2TimeMachine Conference, we couldn’t wait to have him on the show! They dive into:✅ The power of website speed and its effect on conversion rates✅ How his team enhances the customer journey at every touchpoint✅ Why embracing technology is essential for success✅ The importance of resilience and humility in navigating change✅ Unlocking value by empowering others to reach their full potentialListen now and don’t forget to subscribe!

Lloyd welcomes Joe Biggs, the UK’s top Jet2holidays homeworker, to Holiday House for this week's episode of Partners2Success: The Podcast.From his days as cabin crew to becoming a leading travel agent, Joe shares his incredible journey and passion for the industry. They also explore how award wins and engaging marketing strategies fuel demand in travel.Stay in the know - hit follow now and never miss an episode!

Lloyd is joined (once again!) by Mark Johnson, Director at Polka Dot Travel. After a Groundhog Day moment with a failed first recording, they’re back and ready to dive into Mark’s journey in the travel industry.They also discuss the importance of high street presence and reveal why a strong team and customer service is the heartbeat of travel.Don’t miss out—subscribe now and never miss an episode!

Join Lloyd as he heads up to the North East for an insightful conversation with Judith Alderson, Commercial & Corporate Director, and David Chambers, Director of Business Development at Dawson & Sanderson.They share the story behind 'The Dawson Family Ethos' and dive into the values that shape their business. Plus, Lloyd and David bond over their shared love for music and swap some of the most bizarre tales from their retail experiences.Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

It’s time for another exclusive insider’s look at Jet2holidays, and we’re excited to welcome David Neill, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director at Jet2holidays, to this week’s episode of Partners2Success: The Podcast. Tune in to hear David share his insights on the importance of planning, the role of charters and special flights, and dive into our sustainability strategy.Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

As National Apprenticeship Week approaches, we’re excited to welcome Michelle Van Sprang, Managing Director of AS Training, to this week’s episode of Partners2Success: The Podcast.Michelle is a driving force behind supporting the next generation of talent entering the travel industry through apprenticeship schemes. Whether you're a business owner considering bringing an apprentice onto your team, or you're exploring whether an apprenticeship is the right path for you—this episode is a must-listen!Subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

We’re excited to welcome Gary Lewis, CEO from The Travel Network Group (TTNG) to this week’s episode of Partners2Success: The Podcast. Lloyd and Gary take a deep dive into the incredible growth of TTNG and the importance of listening in leadership that Gary swears by. Plus, if you want to find out what are the common traits of a successful travel agent - tune in! Subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

We’re thrilled to welcome Lucy Huxley, Editor-in-Chief at Travel Weekly to this week's episode of Partners2Success: The Podcast! They spill the behind-the-scenes secrets from The Globe Awards, including lost trophies, celebrities off-stage and heel struggles! She also shares some of her career highlights and reveals why building trust makes better stories. This is one you won't want to miss—subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

Lloyd and Ash McLoughlin, Business Development Director at Iberostar, UK & Ireland, are here to brighten up your January! Join them as they reminisce about various embarrassing moments over the years, including Lloyd's cameo as Stavros Flatley, Ash's celebrity fails and embarrassing forfeits. Plus, they share insights on why they both decided to launch a podcast, specifically for our travel agent partners - and debate who has the best podcast name. Make sure you don't miss out—subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode!

What better way to start the new year than launching our Peaks Special podcast episode! Lloyd is joined by the guest you've all been waiting for...Alan Cross, Director of Travel Agent Relationships at Jet2holidays. Tune in as they explore all the exciting details of our exclusive travel agent campaign, One Step Beyond, reveal all about The BIG Jet2 Sale, and discuss why this Peaks season is set to be the biggest one yet! Plus, Alan shares his experience flying on the Concorde, delves into the transformation of Jet2holidays over the past 16 years, and offers insights into what it's like working alongside family members.

Santa’s been busy, and he’s dropped something extra special this festive season – Partners2Success: The Podcast - Christmas Special!In case you’ve missed any of our past episodes, we’ve put together a festive roundup of the very best moments. From Zoe Towers, our Head of Product, sharing how we choose new destinations, to Jacqui from Buckley Travel revealing why she bought a sunbed shop during lockdown – this episode is packed with great stories!Thank you to all of our incredible guests that have featured on the podcast in 2024...• Don Bircham, Franchise Owner of Hays Travel Mold• Greig Avinou, Franchise Owner of Barrhead Travel Falkirk• Nathan Turner, DJ and Entrepreneur• Nicola Park, Owner of Seaside Travel• Scott Paterson, Owner of Moorelands Travel• Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Hays Travel• Jonathan Adair, Managing Director of Northern Ireland Travel News• Zoe Towers, Head of Product at Jet2holidays• Jonny Fielding, Owner of JF Travel• Lynda Ross, Head of Retail Operations at Stewart Travel• Jacqui Bowring, Owner of Buckley Travel• Miriam D'souli, HR Director at Jet2holidays• Tony Mann, Owner of Idle TravelEnjoy what you hear? Don't stop there! Catch up on all our full episodes and stay tuned for future ones by subscribing to our channel today!

Our final guest of 2024 is none other than Tony Mann, Owner of Idle Travel. A long-time friend and valued partner of the team since day one, Tony shares the story behind building his successful agency and his vision for its continued success. He also opens up about the close-knit, family-like culture within his team at Idle Travel. Plus, he shares his tales of the travel agent team over the past 15 years! Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to our channel!

Get a glimpse into life inside the Jet2holidays HR team as this week, Lloyd is joined by our HR Director, Miriam D'souli. Tune in to find out why she believes that women are better leaders than men and why "WE SLAY" is a common phrase used by the HR team here at Jet2holidays. Make sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to our channel!

LIVE from the Jet2TimeMachine Conference in Cyprus, Lloyd is joined by a fantastic line-up of special guests in front of a live audience: Jonny Fielding, Owner of JF Travel; Lynda Ross, Head of Retail Operations at Stewart Travel; and Jacqui Bowring, Owner of Buckley Travel. In keeping with the theme, Lloyd takes them on a journey back in time to explore their paths into the travel industry, the vital role of work-life balance, and the importance of making wise hiring decisions (including why you shouldn't hire staff after a bottle of wine!). Plus, we’ll uncover which guest lives by the motto “do good, get good." We’d love to hear your stories, experiences, and questions, or if you’re interested in being featured on our podcast, reach out to us at [email protected] sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to our channel!

This week, Lloyd is joined by Zoe Towers, Head of Product at Jet2holidays, in a special first for the podcast! Zoe is the very first insider from Jet2holidays to offer an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the company’s Product team and shares her expertise on selecting the perfect destinations that resonate with customers, the importance of package holidays, and much more. Don't miss this must-listen episode packed with unique insights from inside the business! We’d love to hear your stories, experiences, and questions, or if you’re interested in being featured on our podcast, reach out to us at [email protected] sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to our channel!

In this week's episode, Lloyd is joined by Jonathan Adair, Managing Director of Northern Ireland Travel News. Having spotted a gap in the market for a travel newspaper in Belfast nearly 35 years ago, Northern Ireland Travel News are still supporting travel agents as strong as ever and plan to for many years to come. Jonathan digs deep into his passion for Belfast and the benefits of a travel agent in modern travel. Plus, he reflects on challenges within the industry and the key role of events in the travel industry. You won't want to miss it! We’d love to hear your stories, experiences, and questions, or if you’re interested in being featured on our podcast, reach out to us at [email protected] sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to our channel!

In this week's episode, Lloyd sits down with Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Hays Travel, live from the Hays conference at the Ela Excellence Resort in Belek, Türkiye. Jonathon takes us through his journey from a 16-year-old apprentice to leading one of the UK’s largest independent travel agencies. He opens up about the role of hard work, mentorship, and seizing opportunities in his rise through the ranks, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at his leadership approach and the key career lessons he’s learned along the way. Plus, Lloyd has a go on Jonathan's rollerblades – you won't want to miss it! We’d love to hear your stories, experiences, and questions, or if you’re interested in being featured on our podcast, reach out to us at [email protected] sure you never miss an episode by subscribing to our channel!

In this week's episode, Lloyd is joined by Scott Paterson, the owner of Moorelands Travel. Together, they take a journey through Scott's impressive 25-year career in the travel industry, discussing his evolution from apprentice to business owner. Scott also shares insights into the importance of community in building a successful business, and takes us behind the scenes of some of his most memorable work trips over the years. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and a closer look at Scott's remarkable career so far! We’d love to hear your stories, experiences, and questions, or if you’re interested in being featured on our podcast, reach out to us at [email protected].

Join us for an unmissable episode featuring Nicola Park, a key player in the travel industry and the driving force behind Seaside Travel, where she’s been successfully expanding her network of retail shops! Nicola is passionate about creating unforgettable travel experiences, and she’s here to share valuable tips for travel agents. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

We’re excited to kick off our first episode with a fantastic line-up: Don Bircham, Franchise Owner of Hays Travel Mold; Greig Avinou, Franchise Owner of Barrhead Travel Falkirk; and Nathan Turner, DJ and Entrepreneur. Joined by our host, Lloyd Cross, they dive into a variety of topics, including the ins and outs of running a successful business, the highlights of being in the travel industry, and Don's clever negotiation for an early exit from school. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights and inspiration!