TMC plans expansion of corporate business and entry to leisure market
London, UK (May 21, 2014) – Avocet Travel Management, an independent travel management company (TMC), has joined the Tzell UK, part of Travel Leaders UK. The Surrey-based company has joined Tzell UK to underpin its aggressive growth strategy. The firm, which has an annual turnover of £3 million (over US $5 million), has clients from across a number of industry verticals, including the financial sector, manufacturing and logistics.
Neil Mewes, founder and managing director of Avocet Travel Management, says joining Tzell – which provides agents and agencies with technology, IATA bonding, accounting functions, IT support and other services – will allow him to focus on growing the business in two key areas.
“First of all, a number of new contractors will join our business, bringing their business travel clients under the Avocet business umbrella,” said Mewes. “We then collectively benefit from working under the Tzell umbrella, which means our customers have access to the best airfares and hotel rates while receiving a specialised, personal service from the team.”
In March, it was announced that Tzell UK and Protravel, which are both owned by US-based Travel Leaders Group, would operate under Travel Leaders UK, though each has retained its brand identity. Protravel’s business includes some high-end corporate clientele, but also has a vibrant leisure and cruise operation from which Mewes is looking to benefit.
“One of the benefits of joining Tzell and Travel Leaders UK is that we will also be able to work with our new partners at Protravel,” he said. “While my initial focus is on growing the corporate business, the relationship and access to Protravel means we will launch a leisure service for our customers in due course.”
Barry Whittaker, executive director of business development and acquisitions for Travel Leaders UK, said: “Neil understands the tangible benefits and support Avocet will derive from the Travel Leaders UK family means he can stay totally focused on growing his business and making sure his team is providing the best possible service to customers.”
As part of Avocet’s expansion strategy it will also provide meetings and events services to its corporate clients.
Tzell UK and Protravel are among the top 50 travel management companies in the UK.
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About Tzell Travel Group:
With annual sales approaching US $2 billion in 2013, Tzell Travel Group – as part of Travel Leaders Group – is currently ranked first among the nation’s largest corporate travel management companies, according to Business Travel News. Tzell maintains its headquarters in New York City and has offices in 20 states. Its UK headquarters is in London.
In everything it does, Tzell Travel Group places the highest priority on both its corporate client and its agents. For the individual traveler, Tzell addresses value, convenience, comfort and safety, with its customized quality traveler services. For the corporation, Tzell offers a broad product line of cost containment, meeting services and comprehensive travel management programs.
Tzell focuses on the needs of its agents by providing the best work environment possible and the strongest leadership and support team. These elements combined with excellent air/hotel leisure programmes create the “safe haven” which is a hallmark of the Tzell brand.