Newmarket Holidays has reiterated its strong support for trade partnerships following a recent investment and change in board membership. The organisation is poised to enhance its distribution through travel agents.
The chief executive of Newmarket Holidays has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to maintaining and enhancing partnerships with travel agents. The recent investment from Soho Square Capital reaffirms this commitment. Current shareholders, including Simon Hibbs, Jeremy Griffin, Toni Frei, and CEO Niel Alobaidi, continue to hold the majority stake, while the equity firm takes a significant minority interest in the business.
Under the new structure, significant appointments include Ailsa Pollard as a non-executive director and Geoff Parkin as the chair. Ailsa, formerly of dnata Travel UK & Europe, brings a wealth of experience in supporting trade operations. Alobaidi expressed that this new input is vital for steering considerable growth. “We are poised to bring fresh ideas and inject new energy into our operations,” Alobaidi stated during a recent webcast.
Newmarket Holidays has clarified that agents account for 45% of its sales, while direct sales and newspaper advertising make up the remainder. Alobaidi emphasised that the trade will remain a pivotal aspect of their distribution strategy, assuring, “Strategically, it will continue to be, 100%.” The inclusion of experienced individuals like Ailsa Pollard, who has consistently supported trade, indicates no shift in this approach.
February saw the hiring of Freya Sutcliffe as the retail account manager for the northwest and Wayne Szczambura as the account manager for the northeast. Soon, Hayley Morris will take over trade sales and partnerships, succeeding Richard Forde. Alobaidi expressed confidence in Morris, stating she will deliver new opportunities and innovations, guiding Newmarket to a more dynamic presence in the market.
The engagement with Soho Square Capital is not just financial. It is about bringing a new mindset to the business. This collaboration aims to leverage Soho Square’s consumer space expertise to invigorate Newmarket’s strategies. “It’s about bringing different energy,” Alobaidi explained, aiming to blend Newmarket’s existing success with Soho Square’s dynamic approach.
The company foresees a future where the synergy between the new board members and existing structures will drive vast improvements and innovations. Alobaidi underscores the necessity of new ideas to keep up with industry trends, preparing Newmarket for a robust path forward. This strategic alignment is designed to accelerate growth and ensure sustainability for all stakeholders involved.
The strategic decisions outlined by Newmarket Holidays signify a proactive step toward securing and expanding its market position. With the appointment of experienced board members and a clear emphasis on maintaining strong trade relationships, the operator is set on a path to vibrant growth and enhanced market presence.
Positioned for growth, Newmarket Holidays’ strategic alignments and dedicated trade partnerships aim to secure a sustainable and prosperous future.
