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Specialise, diversify or both? Strategies to thrive and grow in travel
Chris Thompson outlines the strategic options for future-facing tour operators, discussing pros, cons and possibilities – and the risks of doing nothing.

Chris Thompson
Jul 97 min read


An intro to mystery shopping - The simple tool to help supercharge growth
Ian Finlay on why mystery shopping should be part of every management team’s strategic plan.

Ian Finlay
Jun 265 min read


“Six months after I joined McCabe, war began in the Holy Land” - Martin Adams on a year of challenge, change & resilience
In 2023, the conflict in Israel and Palestine forced a dramatic change of direction for McCabe Pilgrimages. Martin Adams reveals how the business survived and thrived.

The Firebird Partnership
Jun 117 min read


The Firebird Story So Far - As told by the partnership’s founders
Ian Finlay and Stewart Lambert share the Firebird story so far – and their plans for what comes next.

The Firebird Partnership
Apr 27 min read


Employee ownership trusts (EOTs) - A long-term view
Employee ownership trusts are on the rise, but what are the long-term implications for vendors and employees?

Stewart Lambert
Mar 136 min read


Breaking down “bad” accounting - Expert tips to improve accountancy (& why it matters)
Firebird director Brian Hayes on how a good grasp of the figures adds significant value, enhances products & processes, and builds growth.

Brian Hayes
Mar 56 min read


Notes from the travel sector 2025 - Tour operators talk January trading and trends
Founders, CEOs and MDs in travel dig into the details of January trading for 2025.

The Firebird Partnership
Feb 76 min read


“There are exciting times ahead” - Matt Purser on a new journey for Africa & Beyond
Firebird's Matt Purser reveals an exclusive update from the specialist tour operator Africa & Beyond.

Matt Purser and Ian Finlay
Jan 314 min read


Ski sector 2025 - What’s happening now & what lies ahead?
Chris Thompson presents the latest insights from across the ski sector, with a round-up of trends, successes and challenges.

Chris Thompson
Dec 16, 20247 min read


M&A update winter 2024 - The latest sale and buyer trends in travel
Stewart Lambert with the latest on what’s happening in travel M&A, including current trends in sales and buyers.

Stewart Lambert
Dec 11, 20244 min read


A travel insider’s guide to diversification - How to prepare and launch new products in a changing market
Creating a new product is always the sexy thing everyone wants to do... but is it the always the best next step for new growth?

Safia Bhutta
Aug 28, 20246 min read


“We’re one of the best kept secrets in the holiday sector” - MD Sam Hubert on taking Football Escapes to the next level
Sam Hubert, MD of Football Escapes, on achieving new growth for the footballing holiday specialists.

Sam Hubert
Aug 7, 20246 min read


Top lessons from an MD: 3. Company missions are crucial for driving success
Using a well-defined mission to drive success and employee engagement.

Chris Thompson
Aug 1, 20245 min read


Top lessons from an MD: 2. High engagement sparks high performance
How to fire up your business's performance by focusing on team engagement.

Chris Thompson
Jul 22, 20245 min read


Top lessons from an MD: 1. Enhance leadership, enhance work culture
Chris Thompson on the links between leadership and work culture.

Chris Thompson
Jul 11, 20245 min read


Ski sector 2024 - The latest challenges and opportunities for the industry
Chris Thompson talks conditions, climate and trends for ski enthusiasts, travel owners and MDs.

Chris Thompson
Mar 8, 20247 min read


M&A Update 2024 - What’s happening in travel now?
An insider take on the trends and transactions happening at the start of 2024.

Stewart Lambert
Feb 8, 20244 min read


AI and the travel sector - Part 2: What small and medium businesses need to do now
Data specialist Mark Bush explains what MDs and owners need to do now to make the most of AI.

Mark Bush
Jan 26, 20246 min read


AI and the travel sector - Part 1: What small and medium businesses need to know
What’s the reality of AI (artificial intelligence) in the travel sector today – and how can businesses take full advantage of it?

Mark Bush
Jan 24, 20244 min read


“Do we need to update our company systems?” - The when, why and how for owners and MDs in travel
When's the right time to update a cross-company system like email, reservations, or CRM? Safia Bhutta explores the topic for owners and MDs.

Safia Bhutta
Jan 10, 20245 min read
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