Back In Time For Bed (BITFB) has unveiled a new initiative by forming a “board of parents” to support the group’s expansion. This strategic move aims to enhance the support network for parents within the travel industry.
Comprising experienced industry professionals, the board will aid in BITFB’s mission to provide extensive and effective support. Their collective expertise is expected to drive the group’s growth and success.
New Initiative for Parent Support
Back In Time For Bed (BITFB) has taken a significant step to enhance its support network by introducing a “board of parents.” This initiative aims to foster growth and strengthen the community bonds within the organisation. Each appointed member brings a wealth of experience in the travel sector, further enriching the initiative’s potential impact. The board’s main purpose is to assist BITFB in scaling its reach, ensuring that the support provided is both extensive and effective.
Meet the Board Members
The newly formed board comprises Julie Berry, Jemma Bridges, Michael Young-Richards, and Lucy Paterson, all of whom have distinguished backgrounds in the travel industry. Julie Berry, known for her tenure at Thomas Cook, now provides business consulting services in the travel sector. She has three children, including twins who have recently turned 18.
Jemma Bridges, who serves as a key account manager at Club Med, brings two decades of experience and her perspective as a mother of two young children. Michael Young-Richards, with over 25 years in the industry, currently serves as a strategic account manager at Celebrity Cruises and is a father to an adolescent son. Lucy Paterson, a retail partnerships manager at Do Something Different, shares her insights as a mother of three and aims to inspire industry-wide improvements in supporting working parents.
Founders’ Vision and Growth Plans
Vicky Billing and Anna Perrott, the founders of BITFB, have driven the growth of this platform since its inception in February 2023. According to Billing, the response from the community has been overwhelming. The establishment of a new board is viewed as a stepping stone towards further expansion.
Perrott expresses excitement regarding the rapid growth of the BITFB community, highlighting the platform’s increasing necessity among travel professionals. Perrott states, “This is such an exciting time for BITFB. Our community is growing every day.” The founders emphasise the role of the board in guiding and supporting this growth trajectory.
Personal Motivation and Commitment
Lucy Paterson, motivated by her experiences as a parent and industry professional, joined BITFB to bolster support for parents in travel. She remarks on the common challenges faced by parents in the industry and aims to inspire business practices that accommodate family needs.
Paterson states, “I wanted to join BITFB to help support other parents in travel. I have experienced plenty as a mum of three.” Her commitment is to ensure that others receive adequate support, recognising the unique pressures of balancing career and family life.
Broader Impact and Community Engagement
The introduction of parents to the board signifies BITFB’s dedication to holistic support and community engagement. This approach is expected to widen the group’s appeal and efficacy, drawing on parents’ diverse experiences.
The initiative encourages widespread collaboration and networking among members, enhancing the support network for parents within the travel sector. The active involvement of parents in leadership roles reflects a broader industry trend towards family-centric policies and inclusivity.
The board is not only expected to aid in organisational growth but also to set a precedent for other industries. BITFB aims to inspire similar initiatives, fostering a more supportive environment for working parents.
Strengthening Industry Ties
By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals like Berry, Bridges, Young-Richards, and Paterson, BITFB aims to strengthen its ties within the travel industry. This strategy is pivotal for addressing industry-specific challenges faced by parents.
The board members’ collective experience will undoubtedly enhance BITFB’s strategic direction, making it a model of parental support within the sector. Their diverse backgrounds contribute to a rich pool of insights and strategies that BITFB can utilise effectively.
As part of their roles, these professionals are set to innovate and collaborate on new programmes that address the various challenges faced by travel industry parents.
Conclusion
The formation of the new “board of parents” signifies a pivotal moment for BITFB, promising enhanced support and growth for travel industry parents. Through collective expertise and commitment, the board aims to expand BITFB’s reach and influence.
The formation of the new “board of parents” signifies a pivotal moment for BITFB, promising enhanced support and growth for travel industry parents. Through collective expertise and commitment, the board aims to expand BITFB’s reach and influence.
