Brilliant Travel’s new leadership team has started a nationwide tour to meet members and strengthen relationships across its network.
First stops in the North East
Director Dan Steabler and Business Development Manager Aileen Rutherford began the tour in the North East, visiting managed partners and independent business owners. Their schedule includes stops at agencies and cruise specialists in the coming weeks.
Steabler took over as director last month following Linda Pyle’s retirement at the end of June. Rutherford joined in July from Jet2holidays, where she spent four years in business development. Before that, she worked in Scotland’s agency sector.
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Their first visit included Home or Away in Easington Lane, where they met shop owner Linda Thompson. They also spoke with Chris Hughes and Sara Marshall from Simply Cruises.
Face-to-face support as a priority
Brilliant Travel emphasized the importance of direct engagement with partners. The tour aims to keep members aligned with the Barrhead Travel Group while addressing their immediate needs and growth strategies.
Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director of Barrhead Travel, praised the new leadership. “Dan and Aileen have the experience, knowledge, and commitment to support our members,” she said. “Brilliant Travel keeps improving, and by providing the best assistance, we can help the network expand.”
Steabler described the tour as an opportunity to learn and adjust. “Meeting members in person is invaluable,” he said. “These visits allow us to exchange ideas and ensure we’re doing everything possible to help partners succeed in a changing market.”
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Rutherford will work with managed partners, collaborating with Rebecca Price, who oversees home-based specialists. Steabler said the team is prepared for the year ahead, highlighting a strong member network.
Tour plans moving forward
The leadership team will continue traveling across the UK without a set end date. Brilliant Travel has not shared a full itinerary, but members can schedule meetings through their usual contacts.
The company is part of Barrhead Travel Group. Brilliant Travel supports high-street agencies, home-based agents, and managed partners.