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 ago
• Starting out as an apprentice at Co-operative travel
• Stepping into the role of Customer Service Manager
• Her passion for learning and love of holidays
• Transitioning from on the road to office based work during COVID
• Enjoyment 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 2001
• Their journey learning the travel industry from scratch to building a thriving business together
• The story behind their five stores and why the high street is important for footfall
• Why educational trips are a must for their team
• The role branding and product quality play in long-term success

Plus, 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...