Two sisters who launched a travel business from home four months ago have already turned over £143,000 .
Lesley Robertson, a former estate agent, and her sister Nicole, run a franchise called Not Just Travel in Bristol .
The duo are part of The Travel Franchise group - a franchised travel agency business co-owned by Steve Witt and Paul Harrison.
Before launching the company, the sisters were given training on how to run the business. They are also going on a retreat to Morocco later this year to learn more about running a franchise.
“[The training] has been invaluable,” said Lesley. “It really helps to give you a real boost and gets you motivated.”
She says the pair have worked hard to promote their company everywhere they can. “We have made ourselves available day and night, literally up to midnight at times. We respond to enquiries and messages straight away too, " she added.
Nicole said: “It has been a real learning curve. We are really glad we chose Not Just Travel – it’s a great company to work for. We are really pleased the way the company is moving towards being more corporate.
“My advice to other would-be travel consultants is to be prepared for a lot of hard work and patience. It will be worth it as you get what you put in.”
Franchising contributes an estimated £17billion to the UK economy every year, according to the British Franchising Association's (BFA) 2019 report.
There are now 710,000 people employed in franchising in the UK - up from 589,000 in 2015 - and six in 10 franchised units turn over more than £250,000.
Co-founder Steve Witt says: “Our disruptive travel booking model is helping cash-rich, time-poor customers fulfil their holiday dreams by offering the range of holidays found on the high street, but surpassing them on service.”
The Travel Franchise is taking its Discovery Event on tour around the UK, starting with an event in Bristol on August 19.
Steve and Paul will be offering free advice on how to start out in the travel industry, how to budget, how to find customers and tips to becoming self-employed .
The event is taking place in Bristol from 7pm at the Aztec Hotel and Spa, BS32 4TS. Tickets cost £10 and are refunded on arrival.
To book, visit www.the-travel-franchise.com.
