The UK's largest independent travel agent
Independence Group opportunities with the UK’s largest independent travel agent SMILE... NOBODY OFFERS YOU MORE
INDEPENDENCE GROUP
PARTNERSHIP PROFIT AND PEOPLE
How Hays Travel started In 1980, with no industry experience and only a desk at the back of his mum’s children’s wear shop in Seaham, County Durham; John Hays got his travel business off the ground. Some 40 years later, Hays Travel is now the UK’s largest independent travel agent and recognised as a Sunday Times’ 100 Best Companies to work for in the UK.
How the Hays Travel Independence Group works
John strongly believed that from equally humble beginnings many other successful businesses can be built. With this in mind, the Independence Group was formed in 1995. It was designed to help independent agents like yourself get the best of both worlds - the support of a large travel industry organisation without compromising your independent status and identity. Whether you are a new or existing retail agency, tour operator, online retailer, telesales operation, or homeworker; the Independence Group has a solution for you. We recognise that each partnership is unique and so requires a tailored package to suit the nature of your business. A key ingredient to the Independence Group’s success is our passion for travel and people; as an independent travel agent with over 40 years of experience, we have real
insight into the business. With a dedicated operations and partnerships team, we can offer a personal service tailored just to you. Alongside this support, we also allow you the space to concentrate on running your own business, allowing you a truly independent status and identity. This means you decide your own marketing, discounting, and racking policies; whilst getting top tour operator and supplier commissions and overrides. As an independent agent, you can
really concentrate on maximising sales and profits with reduced operational costs.
So it really is all about Partnership, Profit and People!
Dame Irene Hays Managing director
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We’re building on a successful past...
1980
1984
1990 First Hays Travel call centre opens
1997 The company diversifies into homeworking
2007 Hays Travel Group hits £300 million turnover
John Hays opens first branch of Hays Travel at the back of his mum’s children’s wear shop in Seaham, Co Durham
Third shop opens in Washington, Tyne and Wear
Hays Travel recognised as one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For in the UK 2006
Hays Travel opens second shop in Sunderland, where the company has its headquarters today 1982
Expansion reaches seven shops in the North East 1987
Hays Travel Independence Group is formed 1995
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2013
2016 Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For again!
2018
2021
Acquisition of Bath Travel, the South of England’s largest independent travel agency
Turnover hits £1 billion
Recruits an additional 100 agents for our growing Tour Operation
Just Go becomes a Hays Travel franchise 2014
Acquisition of the Thomas Cook retail estate 2019
Turnover hits the £500 million mark 2012
Turnover reaches £850 million 2017
Turnover reaches £2 billion 2023
...and you could be part of our future.
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WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN US...
State-of-the-art selling systems Our systems really are a one-stop shop for all your selling needs; whether you act as a retail agent or whether you’re a tour operator, they can offer you the following: • Access to all major supplier partners • Excellent scheduled fares from all major airlines • Access to low-cost carriers • Dedicated cruise search with a fantastic range of products • Wide range of ancillary products • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) allowing you to build your own database • Documentation function which allows you to comply fully with ATOL regulations • Ability to create personalised documentation for your clients, which can be instantly emailed or printed
Membership benefits: • State-of-the-art selling platforms • ABTA and ATOL bonding • Online credit card authorisation with low card charges • Vastly reduced administration costs and increased office efficiency • Excellent commercial terms with tour operators/suppliers • Access to IATA and special fares • Expertise and support from ABTA’s largest independently-owned agency • Unlimited training • The latest low-cost technology and communications network • Low rates with good quality insurance providers • Competitive merchant handling fees • Direct debit functionality • In-branch foreign exchange opportunity • Ability to book all bonded tour operators
No joining fee We do not charge any set-up, joining, or annual membership fees to be part of the Independence Group; you’ll simply pay a monthly management services charge. ABTA and ATOL bonding On joining the Independence Group you’ll be issued with a unique ABTA number, meaning that you’ll receive financial protection and peace of mind for your clients; as well as the added credibility of being part of the UK’s most recognised and respected travel associations. We are responsible for the bonding and membership costs, so you don’t have to worry. However, we’ll expect you to adhere to the ABTA code of conduct at all times. The latest, low-cost, cutting-edge technology The Independence Group offer user-friendly, cost-effective, and innovative travel software systems. Both front and back office systems are supplied at excellent rates, with regular enhancements to keep your business at the cutting edge of the industry.
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COMPETITIVE COMMERCIAL TERMS
Good quality travel insurance with low nett rates We have a number of different options for our members to sell travel insurance to their customers. Our travel insurance is provided by a market-leading supplier at extremely competitive rates, whilst fully compliant with the FCA.
Access to published fares reservation system Members have access to scheduled,
consolidated, and Hays special fares from all the world’s leading airlines through our own in-house flights department, Hays Flights. Office efficiency and vastly reduced administration costs We like to make sure we’re supporting you in developing your business and increasing sales. One way of doing this is to provide smooth, efficient, and automated administration. Our supplier payments team pay and reconcile all payments to tour operators and insurance providers on your behalf; which vastly reduces your internal administration costs and increases office efficiency, allowing you to maintain a high level of service for your clients. You only take responsibility for the client’s administration; such as sending tickets and confirmations and ensuring payments are made on time. Our selling systems platform houses all client administration facilities.
Excellent commercial terms with tour operators
As an independent organisation; we trade with industry-bonded tour operators large and small, across the whole spectrum; including car hire companies, accommodation suppliers, and ancillary product providers. We also offer access to exclusive hotel and transfer rates via our own Hays subsidiaries – Hays Beds and Hays Transfers. Being the UK’s largest independent travel agent, you’ll benefit from our buying power as an Independence Group member.
Our commercial department negotiates to secure the best and most competitive commercial terms with all our suppliers. We enjoy preferred agent status with package tour operators, flight-only operators, accommodation-only suppliers, cruise lines, and ancillary product suppliers. There are also fantastic extra-earning opportunities. Staff incentives, special promotional activity, and tactical offers are communicated immediately and effectively via the Independence Group Hub.
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RUN BY TRAVEL PEOPLE FOR TRAVEL PEOPLE
Finance & Commission Payments Team Our finance team provide support on any financial queries you may have; this could be anything from transactions to commissions. You have access to a number of reporting systems to view your sales and commissions daily; we’re constantly evolving our reporting suites and can offer bespoke reporting for your business. The finance team are also on hand to help you with any cash flow projections and plan ahead for the future.
team. You’ll leave feeling confident about all of our systems and procedures, and there will always be support following your training should you have any further queries or questions. During training, you’ll really get to grips with the systems, administration, and finance, among other things, as well as meeting key head office departments you’ll be speaking to on a daily basis. Operations & Partnerships Team We have a centralised operations team based in our Sunderland head offices. The team are just a phone call or email away and they’ll do everything they can to help with your questions or queries. Whether you are a new or existing member; the team are dedicated to supporting you and building excellent relationships with all of our members.
Business Development Our business development managers all have extensive travel backgrounds in a number of different roles. We believe that there is nothing better than the personal touch; they’ll be on hand to guide you through your full journey with Hays Independence Group, from the first stages of enquiring right through the set-up and into trading. They’ll understand what business development you require to get the most out of your business, and will tailor this to your unique needs. Bespoke training We provide a full training induction for every member joining our Independence Group. Your training plan will be tailor-made to suit your business requirements. The training will be held in Sunderland, where you’ll get the opportunity to meet our friendly head office
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CONTINUE TO CREATE UNIQUE PACKAGES WITH COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND
Access to Hays Travel Tour Operating (VISTA)
What makes VISTA different? • We pay an extremely competitive commission on ALL items. • You can keep your independence knowing the financial and operational difficulties associated with the Package Travel Directive (PTD) are taken care of by us • Expert reservations and support teams available to agents who understand your business
What else can I expect from VISTA? • Staff incentives • Educational opportunities • Dedicated product team who will source deals based on your customer criteria. • Individual consultation for marketing funds and override earning opportunities
Members of the Independence Group have access to Hays Tour Operating (VISTA). VISTA is Hays Travel’s very own tour operator, allowing you to create unique package holidays for your clients with total peace of mind. Travel elements are bookable in infinite combinations to allow you to create trips that are truly special for your customers. All bookings are fully ATOL protected and come with 24-hour support for your customers. VISTA offers your business: • Short-haul destinations and city breaks • Long-haul destinations • Cruises with fly-cruise options • Fully bookable website with the best available fly-cruise functionality • Access to scheduled and low-cost flights • Net fares and exclusive deals with the largest cruise lines • Full deposit of just £150 per person, with the option to offer £49pp with our direct debit function
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LET’S GROW YOUR BUSINESS TOGETHER
Foreign Exchange Hays Foreign Exchange provides
Annual Conferences In addition to regular contact with
Independence Group members with all of the facilities required to operate a successful currency bureau de change service with no exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Hays Foreign Exchange does not require any upfront security bond from our members and will provide currency stock for you to hold in your branch, hardware and software requirements, plus competitive rates alongside staff training and dedicated foreign exchange helpdesk support. Our recently-reviewed selling structure helps our members sell foreign exchange and retain a healthy profit margin; all whilst remaining extremely competitive against other providers on the market.
your dedicated business development manager; members benefit from our annual conferences, held overseas in the spring and in the UK in the autumn. At our conferences, we get together to share new ideas and best practices. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with other members, key support teams from head office, and our supportive supplier partners. You’ll leave our conferences feeling motivated and full of new ideas to help your business succeed.
We’re here to help you develop your business so that it can reach its true potential. This can only be achieved by recognising how unique you are; we’ll work hard with you to ensure we really understand your objectives. But rest assured - you’ll be controlling your own business! We’re passionate about travel and are equally passionate to see you succeed. We’re confident that together we can reach your business aspirations.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will I have my own ABTA and ATOL number? You’ll receive your own unique ABTA membership number as a managed branch of Hays Travel as part of the membership, as well as trading under the Hays Travel ATOL number. Using Hays Travel’s bonding will save you substantial costs each year. Will Hays Travel Independence Group supply merchant facilities for card payments? Yes. Our merchant acquirer facilities are lodged in the background of our selling platforms and, as a member, you benefit from our low transaction fees. Will training be provided on the Hays Travel Independence Group systems? Yes. We’ll provide a full training induction for you and your staff members prior to your launch date. The training takes place over three days at our head offices in Sunderland. We’re committed to providing top-quality training and support as part of your membership.
Will Hays Travel Independence Group provide equipment or do I need my own? You’re responsible for sourcing your own hardware and we’ll provide you with all the software you need to get you selling holidays! Where do I go from here? If you feel that the Hays Travel Independence Group is right for you, please reach out to us via one of our dedicated business development managers on our website – www.haystravelig.co.uk . We can then arrange a face-to-face or virtual meeting, and provide further information in order to move forward. How long does the application process take? Once your application has been approved; the operations team will work with you to get you trading as quickly as possible. This usually takes six to eight weeks.
Do I need travel experience? Travel experience will definitely factor into helping your business succeed; however, this isn’t a deal breaker for us. Your dedicated business development manager will discuss this in more detail with you at the enquiry stage. Can I work from home? Yes. We do have members who run their own businesses from home. Is there a joining fee? No. There’s no joining fee, set up, or annual membership fee; we understand that starting a new business can be costly and, since our inception, we’ve charged no joining fees.
What if I have a specialist business?
We pride ourselves on tailoring solutions for our members. Many of our members are specialist agents, so this isn’t a problem for us. We understand that times and trends change and we try to cater for all travel businesses.
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IF YOU ARE READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY...
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WE CAN’T WAIT FOR YOU TO JOIN OUR FAMILY
Hays Travel Limited Gilbridge House
Keel Square Sunderland Tyne & Wear SR1 3HA
haystravelig.co.uk
INDEPENDENCE GROUP
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