Jackie Cook, bored with selling holidays in a contact centre, but with more than thirty years industry experience,
joined Travel Counsellors six years ago. And Shirley, her close friend and colleague, made the transition from globetrotter
to home-based consultant just two years later. After meeting on a ship visit at Harwich they’ve formed a bond typical within
Travel Counsellors 800 strong network across the UK and overseas.
Community
Mother of one Jackie helped with advice and support in the early months, and the couple have enjoyed further ship visits and
company conferences. They now cover for each other during holidays, share knowledge when they’re working, and of course,
enjoy each other’s company whenever possible. They’re confident they made the right decision to join the Queen’s Award winning company.
Head Office Support
Market Harborough based Jackie says: ”Head office support is so important. They do our ticketing and invoicing, and this takes
pressure of us. We couldn’t function without them, they’re exceptional.”
Shirley, mum of three year old Alex, lives in St Neots in Cambridgeshire agrees, adding that: “They’re so approachable and
supportive and give us such confidence at the end of the day.” But it’s IT support that puts a smile on Jackie’s face.
“I’m not the most technical of people. But if I do have a problem they are so patient, so knowledgeable and so good at
explaining things.”
“That’s right,” says Shirley. “And when new technology is introduced to push us even further ahead of the opposition, the
training is excellent. Incredibly detailed, but presented and explained in a way that anybody would understand.”
Training
The girls also have available an incredible 130 training programmes and the recently introduced franchise agreement which allows
them to employ staff, build value in their business and potentially sell it on. And if that wasn’t enough, both Shirley and
Jackie are looking forward to the Travel Counsellors annual conference, three days on board Voyager of the Seas sailing out of
Barcelona in November.