Meet our Relationship Management Team: Michelle Hughes

Another month means time to shine the spotlight on another member of our incredible Relationship Management team – and this time it’s the turn of Michelle Hughes. We caught up with Michelle to find out more about the important work she does, and to get her take on what makes Travel Counsellors an unbeatable community to be a part of.

Hi Michelle! Tell us a bit about what you were doing before you joined Travel Counsellors

I joined Travel Counsellors in May 2024 after working at Holidaysplease for seven years in a similar role, and as a travel agent for six years with them before that. Prior to that, I’ve had a long and varied career in travel.

I started on a Youth Training Scheme at 16, where my main tasks were stamping brochures, writing window cards, and making tea for everyone! I’ve worked in both leisure and corporate travel, and I loved creating amazing itineraries and building relationships with my customers. I also worked as the Midlands BDM for Superbreak Holidays for a few years.

I've tried my hand at a few other career paths, including working as a sales progressor for an estate agents and a call handler at West Midlands Police taking 999 emergency calls, but my passion for travel always brings me back.

What do you love about working at Travel Counsellors?

I love the variety of the work, learning new systems, and taking on daily challenges. You really are never too old to learn something new! I’ve never met a friendlier group of people and I’ve felt welcomed from day one.

Tell us a bit about what you do day to day as a Relationship Manager

Every day is different, however, my main role is having business coaching calls with our Travel Counsellors. These last 30-60 minutes and can cover any agenda based on what the Travel Counsellor has on their mind. Our aim as Relationship Managers is to help them grow their business and to understand their needs. We work from a shared email inbox and take incoming calls from Travel Counsellors too. The enquiries and questions we receive are varied, so no two days are the same. I also make outbound check-in calls, as well as calls to identify if there are training needs. These conversations allow me to gather invaluable feedback.

Why is the support that the Relationship Managers offer so important to Travel Counsellors?

No matter how much experience someone has, no one has all the answers. We offer support in many ways to help Travel Counsellors grow or maintain their business, and we're always on-hand to listen and offer advice when needed.

__What part of your role do you enjoy the most? __

There’s so much variety within this role, but speaking with our business owners is the best part. It’s great to listen to their successes and get to know them as individuals.

What’s been your highlight since joining the Travel Counsellors community?

It has to be working in a wonderful team with my fellow Relationship Managers. They are so professional, friendly, fun, and passionate about everything they do.

__What do you think sets Travel Counsellors apart from other travel franchises on the market? __

The list is endless. From our customer-first ethos, 24/7 duty office, and knowledgeable support colleagues, through to our huge investments in technology, ongoing training and support, and mentorship opportunities. We’re a really forward-thinking business.

Why would you recommend Travel Counsellors to anyone who’s serious about setting up their own travel business?

Travel Counsellors offers the tech and tools to build a really successful business. Not only can you be a travel agent, but also a tour operator - which allows you to be competitive in a very busy market. Compared to other systems out there, Phenix offers so much flexibility with direct contracts, DMCs and bed banks, and it’s continually growing thanks to constant investment.

Being a Travel Counsellor also enables you to have endless earning potential if you’re prepared to put in the hard work. There are so many opportunities to learn and expand your business with takeover days, on-the-road workshops, training events, conferences, incentives, fam trips, and so much more.

Whether you’re a seasoned travel professional or want to turn your passion for new places into a prosperous business venture, Travel Counsellors has all the training and support you need to get set for success. Want to learn more about what we’re all about? Book onto one of our Discovery events to find out how our award-winning franchise model could change your life.