Former directors of Holidaysplease are set to leave after a successful year of transition following the acquisition by Travel Counsellors.
The leadership change signifies a new chapter for the company aiming at further integration and growth within the travel industry.
Departure of Former Directors
A shift in leadership is set to occur at Holidaysplease, a year on from its acquisition by Travel Counsellors. The transition period, which began after the acquisition on March 13, 2023, saw Charles Duncombe, Richard Dixon and Sonia Dixon stay on to facilitate a seamless integration. Their departure marks the end of their contractual obligations to aid this process.
The three directors were instrumental in building and maintaining Holidaysplease’s reputation as a prominent homeworking travel agency in the UK, and their departure signals a new chapter for the company under the helm of Travel Counsellors.
Impact of the Acquisition
Travel Counsellors, known for its strong community of independent travel consultants, acquired Holidaysplease in what was heralded as a significant move in its near 30-year history. The acquisition was aimed at expanding Travel Counsellors’ reach and integrating the expertise of Holidaysplease’s home-working travel experts.
Matt Harding, franchise sales director at Travel Counsellors, highlighted the seamless integration of the two teams, attributing this success to the foundational work done by the former Holidaysplease directors. He commended their professionalism and expressed gratitude for their guidance and support during the past year.
The integration of Holidaysplease into Travel Counsellors stands as a testament to the strategic vision and collaborative spirit of both organisations.
Legacy of Leadership
During their leadership, Charles Duncombe and Richard Dixon co-founded Holidaysplease in 2002 and grew it significantly, nurturing approximately 100 home-working experts, 50 franchisees, and nearly 50 employees. Their legacy is one of innovation and dedication to excellence.
Duncombe remarked on the fond memories and significant accomplishments throughout his tenure at Holidaysplease, while expressing a desire for the ongoing success of his former colleagues. Sonia Dixon has similarly been a crucial part of the company’s journey.
Duncombe will maintain his engagement with the travel industry as a non-executive director of Latin Routes. His transition reflects a continued commitment to travel, albeit in a different capacity.
The leadership of Duncombe and the Dixons has left an indelible mark on Holidaysplease, propelling it to new heights within the travel sector.
The Role of Remaining Executives
Following the acquisition, Travel Counsellors strategically positioned its own executives to steer the company forward. Steve Byrne, chief executive, and Mat Hanson, chief financial officer, took on director roles within Holidaysplease, marking the start of a new era.
Richard Dixon confirmed the completion of their role as senior executives at Travel Counsellors to support the integration. This temporary leadership arrangement was essential for ensuring continuity and operational stability during the transition period.
The strategic shift in leadership underscores Travel Counsellors’ commitment to maintaining standards and driving future growth.
Acknowledgements and Future Prospects
Both companies have expressed mutual appreciation. Travel Counsellors’ leadership extended heartfelt thanks to Duncombe, the Dixons, and the team for their invaluable contributions over the past year.
The successful acquisition and integration of Holidaysplease is expected to bolster Travel Counsellors’ market position, enabling them to offer enhanced services and support to their extensive network of travel consultants.
A Smooth Transition
The transition was described as ‘seamless and smooth’, largely due to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved. Duncombe noted that there are only a few remaining tasks to complete before the final part of the process concludes.
The process exemplifies effective change management, demonstrating how clear communication and strategic planning can lead to successful business integrations.
Conclusion
The departure of Holidaysplease’s former directors marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history, ushering in a new phase of growth under Travel Counsellors’ direction. Their influence is expected to have long-lasting effects on the organisation’s success.
The leadership transition at Holidaysplease underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in an evolving market.
With strategic positions now in place, the firm is poised for continued success under new leadership.
