Biography For: Clive Bishop

Nomination for the ITT Board of Directors. Clive Bishop – M Inst TT

Dear Member,

I have been in the industry for just about 30 years now and still feeling young as ever!!

My back ground in the industry as been very broad, ranging from independent travel agents, business travel management, multiple agency groups, cruise line sales, MICE markets, car hire, hotel sales, international tour operations in the Middle East which was then followed by over six years of running a B2B group wholesale operation as an equity partner here in the UK. This was then sold out in 2006 and since I have been operating amongst other things a specialist consultancy business, Blue Skies Consultancy Group that works all over the world in the travel and tourism sectors.

I spend most of my time now working on a global basis focusing on the UK and Europe, primarily for Tourism Boards, Tourism Associations and tour operators in developing countries looking to network and develop with key partners in the EU and in the field of “training” with programs that transfer knowledge and processes to companies from all over the world, most of which is geared to how they can work with tour operators and how they treat travel agents clients.

I am also Sales Director for The Australian Travel Company – a social media and information web based company for travel to Australia that brings together many facets of the current social media growth as an informative source for the public looking to travel “down under”.

I realise that for many I am not the most well known figure in the industry as I have not been in the headlines and in most cases have worked behind the scenes to help other companies, but what I may lack in the PR profile, is more than made up by my enthusiasm for the grass roots ITT members and the potential for the institute in the future.

Two of my key drivers if elected will be that of making the whole ITT more accessible to more of the members and not just the higher echelons. That is not to say that there is a not a requirement for flagship events and high profile networking but opening it up as the ITT moves forward to encourage members to be more active and take advantage of any new networking opportunities, both physically and virtual. I will also be looking to work with the ITT training and education representatives to see how “knowledge” can be transferred more both locally and internationally, with more bespoke educationals for ITT members and chances to interact more with overseas suppliers both directly, through tourist boards and through the UK based tour operators.

In addition to my direct travel industry work, I also manage the largest online network group of people in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality industries in the world, with over 11,000 members in a international business network and in my spare time I am usually found kayaking and professionally coaching groups of people of all ages canoeing and kayaking for Nomads Coaching (www.nomadscoaching.co.uk) , oh and if I get chance a bit of fly and sea fishing just to add the relaxing elements in to life.

If elected, watch out next year (2011) as I have put together a team of people, all the wrong side of 45 who will be competing together in a 260 mile non stop race, with the ITT nominated charity Just A Drop being a major benefactor – all event sponsorship allowing !

So if you support me in my nomination by voting for me, then I will endeavour to work with the other directors to open the ITT up more, support the ITT with its brand awareness internationally and you can also feel good by supporting my team and I for our major charity event next year.

Thank you for reading this

Regards Curriculum Vitae for Richard English

Employment record 1962 – 1983. Working in various travel agencies as a consultant and then manager. 1983 – 1985. ABTA National Training Board, training adviser. 1985 – 1992. ABTA National Training Board, manager of direct training unit. 1992 – date. CEO of RETRAINING , a travel industry training consultancy.

Training-related posts held Examiner and other duties for The City and Guilds of London Institute: Chief examiner for 4950 - 012 (COTAC) until the demise of the qualification. Examiner for 4960 - 06 and 07 (COTAM) until the demise of the qualification. Examiner for 4830 - 026 and 027 (CBT) - current appointment.

Publications Distance learning titles published: Travel Geography. Worldwide Surface Transportation. Car Ferry. Staff Management and Training (Retail Staff). Managing and Developing Staff (Business Travel Staff). Office Organisation and Administration (Business Travel Staff). Supervisory Skills (Business Travel Staff). Be Sure About Insurance (A training manual for travel and insurance sales staff written for ABTA). Most of the GTMC Introductory and Consultant primer titles. Books published World Travel Sales Guide (Columbus Press 1996). World Travel Dictionary (Columbus Press 1998, 1999). ITT Guide to Careers in Travel (2003).

Election Statement from Richard English I have been a member of the ITT since taking their professional examinations in the 1960s and have been a Fellow since 1972. I have obtained much value from the Institute and, wanting to repay that debt, I stood for election and became a Director in 2002. In 2004 I was appointed ITT Company Secretary. During my tenure I have attended most Directors’ meetings, served on many Committees and working groups and have represented the Institute at every ITT Conference, every Aspire and every WTM. I was not re-elected as a main board Director in 2006, but I remained a member of the Training and Education Committee and have attended every one of their meetings since then. I wrote the ITT’s popular booklet on careers in the travel industry, still accepted as the definitive work by colleges and students alike. Since my specific interest is in training and development, I am now standing for election in the Training and Education division of the Board, where I believe that my skills will contribute most effectively to the further development of the ITT. I have worked in the travel industry for most of my working life - which is now over half a century. Although I am no Luddite and enthusiastically embrace the latest technological and other developments, I do believe that a voice of experience also has much to contribute. I am an outspoken supporter of the industry and those who work in it and, if re-elected, will continue to help our Institute develop its growing role in training and qualifications, and will promote the interests of the ITT, its members and the travel trade in general. My watchword is reliability and those who know me will know that I am one who “says what he’ll do and does what he says”. Paul Cowley

Background

Paul came into the Travel Industry in 1980 and celebrates 30 years in what is quite possibly the best Industry in the world to work in.

The majority of his career has been with Market Leading specialist tour operators including Yugotours/MedChoice, Balkan Holidays, Jewel in the Crown Holidays, & Sunquest Holidays as well as Unijet/First Choice following their acquisition of Sunquest in 2000. More recently he has had spells as General Manager at the Midconsort Elite Travel Group, Sales & Marketing Director at transfer specialist Resorthoppa before setting up and becoming Managing Director at the Weddings & Honeymoon Specialist, Travel Integrity and online travel retailer, want2go2.com as well as currently being a Director of 3 Independent Specialist Tour Operators.

He has been responsible for bringing established travel companies back into Market Place after difficult trading times and resurrecting profit margins, and for launching new companies and products into recognizable brand names.

He currently owns Brenatash Leisure Services which works alongside a number of travel organizations, providing business solutions and ongoing forward strategies, both within the UK and in Europe.

He is a former ABTA Board Member, and has been a member of and still participates in ABTA’s Membership Committee since 1999 and Code of Conduct Committee since 2000.

The ITT

I have been a Student, an Associate, a Member and now a Fellow of the ITT for the majority of my working career and I have always been an avid supporter and keen advocate of the Institute, its aims and the ways in which it can assist its Members, both personally & professionally.

It has been my privilege to have served the ITT for the past 6 years as a Board Member and during that period I have seen & been involved with a number of initiatives that have brought significant benefits to both the Institute and its members.

There is still more that we can do though, and with your help, I would like to continue in the role as Board Director and to work with you the members to take the ITT forward over the next few years through what will be a difficult period for the Travel Industry as a whole.

I have served as Company Secretary for the past 2 years and through this I am actively involved in looking at the way the ITT works and we are putting down a blue print for the constitution to ensure that the ITT and its Board works through this period of change and to ensure that the Institute remains as the most influential organisation for individuals within the travel industry whilst still retaining value and relevant benefits for you the members, as we shouldn’t forget, many people, like myself, pay for their membership themselves and we all need to see a benefit for our subscription fees.

I have been Chairman of the Regional Committee for the past 4 years, an area that has seen many changes, as when I took up this challenge, EVERY, UK function or event that the ITT held was in the South East of the UK. Now we have a flourishing regional structure with events, Networking Evenings or functions regularly happening.

...... but we can still do more, so with your help I would like to continue to take the ITT forward & to put you the membership at the top of my Agenda and make sure you get Great Value for your membership subscription.

Thank You, Paul Ian Neale.

Ian has worked in travel for over 30 years and has built up a wealth of knowledge and contacts in that time.

He has extensive experience in the Tour Operations and Events areas of the travel sector.

His first appointment was with British Airways Speedbird Holidays in 1976, where he held various reservations and sales positions during his 9 years.

In 1985, Ian moved to The Travel Business Limited and headed up Special Events and Conferences for a number of the UK’s leading Blue Chip companies.

In 1988, Ian returned to main-stream tour operations with Tradewinds Faraway Holidays as UK Sales Manager.

On leaving Tradewinds, Ian went on to be a co-founder of two niche travel companies, namely Simply Tropix and Worldwide Sales & Marketing Limited.

In 1999, Ian moved to Sir Bob Geldorf’s online travel company, deckchair.com as Commercial Director (this was subsequently sold two years later for £10 million).

In May 2003, Ian joined Western & Oriental where he held, and still holds the position of Group Managing Director. During the 7 years he has been with W&O plc, he has helped float the company on the stock market under AIM, acquired 12 travel companies and continues to build a specialist and luxury travel company.

Ian has a life-time passion for travel and the industry sector as a whole, and is keen to take that enthusiasm and his extensive knowledge and contacts into ITT.

“Should I be elected onto the Board, I would consider it a real honour to represent the leading organisation in this industry, which is dedicated to help with the further development of all its members.

I would like to think that I would add value to the Board in my extensive understanding of both the training and commercial development of ITT in conjunction with other Board members.

As an established Board Director, I am confident that I would make a meaningful contribution to the overall performance of ITT going forward.”

Ian Neale

Ian Neale F inst TT Group Managing Director Western & Oriental plc Welby House 96 Wilton Road London SW1V 1DW ANGELA DAY MANAGING DIRECTOR AFFORDABLE CAR HIRE

Affordable is now one of the largest growing UK independent car rental wholesalers which we started in our garage, where I took on personally the challenge of re-mortgaging the family home, cashing in savings, extending credit on my credit cards and living off beans on toast for the first 18 months!! The business expanded at a phenomenal rate and we soon moved from our garage to a 3000 sq ft premises with a staff of 34. I returned to work just 5 days after having my second son and managed this exciting venture, along with my committed sales team, whilst my husband James was recovering from a serious neck injury. Six years later I am still actively involved in the day to day running of Affordable and have continued to develop the company by encouraging the staff with my strong, inspirational and highly motivating leadership and direction culminating in us becoming the first ever car hire ABTA member which sets us apart from our competitors. With my hands on involvement I have gained the personal satisfaction of seeing that hard work and commitment can reap rewards and I would like to bring that commitment to the ITT board. I feel extremely humble and privileged at being considered to represent the Ground Transportation category for the ITT board. I am extremely passionate and focused in whatever I set my mind to, and, if I am fortunate enough to be elected onto the board of ITT, I know that I may be able to bring to the table my ideas, my entrepreneurial skills and commitment to assist the Institute of Travel and Tourism continue to grow from strength to strength and also feel that my approachable style will be of benefit to liaising with the ITT membership and taking the institute forward in 2010 and beyond. May I take this opportunity to also wish the other candidates within my category the very best of luck. [email protected] Institute of Travel & Tourism Board Elections CV and an Election Address

Jane Dunham – Rail Europe

Over the past 21 years, my career in travel has spanned travel agency, direct sell, transport only and tour operating sectors, working for such high profile companies as Lunn Poly, Portland Holidays, Eurotunnel, Cosmos and First Choice Holidays.

During that time I have amassed a vast knowledge of both the inside workings and issues facing our dynamic sector.

My key achievements include playing a fundamental role in turning a £1.3 million loss into profit for First Choice Ski, within the space of two seasons. Since joining Rail Europe four and a half years ago, I have developed and implemented a clear strategy, which has resulted in an increase in trade sales of 43% to date.

Address

High-speed rail offers an increasingly viable, environmentally sustainable mode of travel, which is reflected in the substantial growth of this industry sector.

If re-elected, I would use my passion and drive to assist the board in bringing industry trends to the forefront and highlighting other impacting issues to ITT members.

I lead by example and am a firm believer in adopting a hands-on approach. I have been lucky enough to sit on the ITT Board of Directors for the past four years. I strongly believe, I still have a lot to offer ITT and would love to continue adding value to the board and our incredible industry. Lawrence Assock F.Inst.TT

‘People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing’ A warm hello to you, our fellow member of the institute and hope 2010 has been good to you so far. I have been lucky enough to serve you all as a Board Director for the last four years and I sincerely hope that following the election I’ll have the pleasure of continuing this experience enabling me to continue to contribute to the excellent work of the Institute.

Throughout my 29 years within the travel industry I have worked for major and niche companies and throughout these years I have prided myself on honesty, respect and high quality to both the people within the industry and the customers that buy our products and services. It’s these principles that continue to drive me to ensure that whatever the task I’m working with I give it 110%.

Since I have been on the board I have seen ITT grow from strength to strength and as a board we have the interest of our members as our number one priority. We’ve seen in the last few years some fantastic speakers at our network event at the House of Commons, very successful conferences delivery high quality sessions on important topics that affect our industry, all are thought provoking and excellent networking opportunities; we have also see new events such as ITT’s Question Time and increase networking events. ITT continues to carry on important work in Education and Training ensuring future leaders receive relevant, up to date and high quality development. Finally, with our university Chair appointed in 2007 providing industry specific research that will help shape professional practice, ITT has delivered at high standards for its members and we will continue to do so.

We have started work on reviewing the Articles of Association in order to make them more relevant to us all and coming soon, a brand new website that will be more dynamic, informative and user friendly. There is still more that the Board wants to bring to the membership, which I am very passionate about and I really would relish the opportunity to be part of the team to deliver these initiatives to you over the next two years.

For example here are just some of the many ideas I would like to help drive forward in the next term:

 Members having more of an input on improvement initiatives and would like to see within our new website the opportunity to contact the directors through the website/members forum/blog.  The institute to become the hub for members to connect to management courses for those looking at improving their careers, preferential membership rates to institutes such as IoD (Institute of Directors).  Look into new event ideas and venues that will bring value to the membership.  More unique and exclusive members offers that are outside of the existing offers that can be obtained by working in the travel industry.  Personally I would like to strengthen our membership and network opportunities by courting the Corporate Business Travel companies, more tourist boards along with all companies that operate within our industry and to really let ITT live up to its name – Institute of Travel and Tourism.

If elected, I, along with the other Directors will always welcome new ideas and thoroughly research all suggestions. I am dedicated to ensuring that all member ideas are effectively addressed and considered at Board level and implemented where practicable, and most important an unforgettable experience.

I have been very dedicated in my position as a Board Director over the last four year and one of a few that have a 100% attendance at board meeting, hopefully this will indicate my passion for the Institute as I hope I continue to make a difference for the benefit of you our members.

I will be at a number of ITT’s events including the conference before the voting deadline and will be very happy to meet up with anyone who would wish to know more about what we can do for you and those not attending I’m very happy for you contact me directly.

It is time for you the membership to have your say by casting your vote and choose the people you want to take care of your interest. With your support, I genuinely hope I can look forward to another term on the ITT Board to represent you and be your voice during which looks set to be an exciting time for the ITT.

Lawrence Assock F.Inst.TT ITT Board Director MIKE GREENACRE Managing Director The Co-operative Travel Group Profile

I’ve worked in the travel industry since 1987, when I managed the 12 branch network that was Normid Coop. In the past 23 years I have led the growth in our business to become one of the largest travel distribution companies in the UK. This has been achieved through a clear strategy of diversification to a multi channel format which covers Retail shops; Homeworking, Call Centres, Business Travel and Consortia (The Freedom Travel Group). This broad experience has equipped me to be able to empathise with staff at all levels and have an excellent knowledge of all the industry issues from every perspective.

I have excellent contacts within both the industry and through the political office of the Cooperative Movement. I am a member of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow and Board Director of the Institute of Travel and Tourism.

I have also served on the ABTA Board as a Director for the past 3 years, helping to oversee the integration of the FTO and have worked tirelessly for changes to APD, Consumer protection and lobbying Government to respect the huge contribution that the Travel Industry makes to the economy.

I continue to have a highly proactive involvement in Training and Education, particularly in developing the “Diploma in Travel and Tourism” through my involvement with “People 1st”

I am also a Trustee and Vice Chair of the Travel Foundation, working hard to ensure that we have a sustainable tourist industry across the globe for generations to come.

I have a great passion for the industry, am happy to embrace change, but will defend the status quo if I do not believe change is for the better. Most importantly I am a good listener and understand that my role as an ITT Director is to represent the whole membership

Experience outside the travel industry: Member of the Management Executive of United Co-operatives 1990 – 2007 Trustee of the Society’s Charitable Foundation 2004 – 2009 Trustee of the Society’s Pension Fund 2007 – 2009 Member of the Society’s Charity Steering Group 2008 – Present

Contact details: The Co-operative Travel Ltd, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AJ. Tel: 01782 309102 Fax No: 01782 833120, Email: [email protected] Neil Herbert

My career in the industry has been varied, spanning many sectors including retail, shipping, airlines, tour operating and ancillaries. Commencing in retail travel with Premier Travel in Cambridge, I then spent time working in FMCG before returning to travel. I have worked with many well known brands in travel such as British Airways, Airtours, Keycamp, Cosmos, Holiday Extras and Holiday Taxis and my enthusiasm for the business that we are all in, is still as strong as it has ever been.

The last 5+ years have seen major changes at the Institute of Travel & Tourism, changes which I am very proud to have been a part of, having spent the last four years on the ITT board. I do however feel that my job is not finished as there are so many challenges, projects, developments and ideas still as ‘works in progress’ that I would like to see through to fruition and completion.

I am currently heading up a committee responsible for completely revamping and updating the ITT website, to give you, the members, a site to be proud of and one that you feel can be a helpful hub for information and a useful tool for your businesses.

The step change from where the Institute was five years ago to where we are today is a huge one. The reputation and profile of the ITT in 2010 is one of a professional body that speaks on behalf of its industry, lobbies government on topical and important issues, runs the most successful conference in the travel calendar, organises unrivalled social networking and business functions and delivers unparalleled training and support to the travel trade. During this time the ITT has grown into a highly respected and professional voice for all who work in our industry.

I am passionate about travel and I am passionate about the ITT. To be given the opportunity to continue to have an input into the shape of the Institute, our Institute, and to be able to continue to make changes for the better for the good of the membership as a whole, is one which I will continue to take very seriously and continue to work very hard to achieve.

If you feel that we are an organisation that are now in better shape than we have ever been, I ask you to re-elect me to the board of the Institute so that I may continue to work on your behalf to make our Institute even better and to finish the job that I have started on the redevelopment of the ITT website.

Thank you

Neil Allan Lambert F.Inst.TT Head of Sales Bourne Leisure Ltd Butlins, Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels

Allan is seeking election to the ITT board and believes that his vast experience from within one of Britain’s most innovative and successful travel businesses will ensure that he actively contributes to the Institutes activities.

Allan believes there is an opportunity to further improve;  Activities that share and showcase best practice throughout the industry.  Creation of a mentoring service or knowledge bank to support entrepreneurs of small travel businesses.  Continued focus on young talent and encouraging graduate entry into the industry.  Increased focus on low cost, regional events improving access to the Institutes activities.

Allan has worked in the travel industry for the last 15 years. After graduating with an honours degree Allan joined the ITT as training and education manager contributing to a number of travel related education committees including the industry NVQ steering group.

Allan is now Head of Sales at Bourne Leisure Ltd where he has worked for the last 12 years. Senior roles within the business have included heading up sales, marketing, operational and commercial teams across both the holidays and Ownership divisions of Bourne.

Bourne Leisure is Britain’s largest privately owned travel business with an asset value over £1bn. Its 15,000 team members welcome circa 4,000,000 holiday guests onto its Parks, Resorts and Hotels. Bourne is a Times Top 10 Company to work for and was voted Travel Company of the Year at the 2009 British Travel Awards.

Allan also sits on ABTAs UK Tourism committee and is a TIPTO committee.

Caroline Plant Director of Marketing (Regional Airports Division: East Midlands Airport, Bournemouth Airport and Humberside Airport) CV As Director of Marketing for East Midlands Airport, Bournemouth and Humberside Airport, Caroline heads up a successful and award winning team – who’s reputation as ‘Trade Friendly’ is renowned in the travel industry.

Beginning her career in October 1999 working for Virgin Atlantic, it was there that Caroline was bitten by the Marketing bug and decided that this was the path she wanted to follow. Following a role as Direct Marketing Manager for Monarch, it was undoubtedly her move to the Manchester Airports Group in 2001 that really catapulted her career, establishing her as a successful, award winning and highly skilled marketeer.

Caroline is a born leader, keen to get involved with ITT’s aims and objectives. Caroline is eager to share her award winning background, high professional standards and travel industry values with her fellow ITT members.

Johnny Pollard, F.Inst.TT

[email protected] I have been described by many people in the last 5 years during the rise of On the beach holidays. Many words, phrases and statements have been written, even the odd criticism. But none of them have actually expressed how much I enjoy and love our industry. At the time of writing this there have been many challenges that we have all faced. Who would have thought that a volcano would have caused such major disruption to all of us. Well not me sitting on my balcony in Palma. Three and a half days later I understood what a major effect this was having on all of us, as I arrived back home from what can only be described as ‘the journey from hell’!!! There were other key people from the travel industry in Palma there that fateful weekend, and only the travel industry could have turned a terrible action into a race across Europe with video diaries and blogs the whole way!!! Amazing!! Standing up on the bus from Madrid to Paris for 19 hours, I had a lot of time to plan this statement and try and let you all know what I could do and how I could add to an already fantastic board at the ITT. But the truth is, all the other candidates are equally as good in their relevant fields and would all continue the fantastic work done by ITT for its members and friends. When voting I think that the ITT members should vote with their hearts. Vote for the people who you think will add some character, passion and above all commitment to not just the ITT, but our industry as well.

SIMON THORP

Owner, Simon Thorp Consulting 2009-present Business Development Director, MNC 2008-2009 Head of Sales and Marketing, Como Street Travel 2004-2008 Head of Operations, Tourism & e-Programmes, BESO 2001-2004 Head of Customer Care, Dudley Stationery 1999-2001 Customer Relations Manager, Debonair Airways 1998-1999 Group Customer Relations Manager, BA Holidays 1997-1998 Manager Customer Relations & Quality, Inghams Travel 1988-1997 Customer Relations & Planning Assistant, National Express 1984-1988 Journalist, Freelance & Sharman Newspapers 1981-1984

Fellow of the Institute of Travel and Tourism Fellow of the Tourism Society Member of the Guild of Travel and Tourism Member of British Expertise Member of the Institute of Directors ELECTION STATEMENT

I have been a Fellow of the ITT for many years, having originally joined over 20 years ago. There have been many changes during that time. I ask you to consider my candidature for the privilege of joining the Board for the following reasons:

 I believe I will offer something new to the dynamics of your Board if you elect me.  I have a strong mix of “real life” experience to Board level across several sectors – consulting, media, online travel agencies, charity/education, business services, airlines, tour operating, ground transport and publishing.  I have previously provided, and continue to supply, well received “pro bono” training/advisory services to the ITT to help members develop cost effective marketing and media plans – so I don’t just “talk the talk”.  I want to make a positive difference to training and outreach activity by influencing your ITT’s future from within the Board – not always easy from outside the Board.  I run my own marketing & media consulting business, with lots of experience and a strong network in the travel industry, so I am acutely aware of the challenges and opportunities faced by many members – I am not just a career committee member, nor do I simply see ITT Board membership as a good personal PR exercise.  I believe this experience will be valuable in ensuring the Board delivers the ITT’s declared objective to develop and maintain professional standards for the benefit of members and the industry.

If you wish to question me on my commitment or credentials, then please don’t hesitate to contact me: [email protected]. Thank you for your possible support.