Australian TMC network plots UK expansion
Australia's 1000 Mile Travel Group is plotting expansion in the UK this year by establishing a London headquarters.
The network of independent travel businesses was founded in Australia in 2015 and took its first steps in the UK market in 2017, but its two founders, husband and wife Ben Ross and Nicola Veltman, are now relocating to London.
It has achieved 200% growth in Australia in the last 12 months and is eyeing similar results this year in the UK.
"Having started my corporate travel journey in London 14 years ago it's very exciting to be returning to where it all began," says Veltman.
"There is definitely a gap in the UK market for 1000MTG's mobile model, and we are excited to grow our brand and help travel experts across the UK turn their careers into their own corporate travel businesses."
Ross adds: "With a handful of experts already operating, we are planning to push this as hard as we possibly can as soon as we arrive in the UK.
"If our growth in Australia is anything to go by, we can expect to have 100 UK-based experts in six years.
"While it isn't a numbers game for us, if we can achieve this goal we will be very happy with that level of growth."
Ross continues: "We are being selective with who we say 'yes' to though because it's about setting 1000 Mile UK and our Travel Experts up for success, not numbers."
The group is a member of the Advantage Travel Partnership and has partnered with VIBE as its online booking tool.
1000miletravel.co.uk