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THE arrival of anything new often brings a sense of hope and opportunity, and that is exactly how Garry Lloyd is feeling about the Island’s new government following the recent elections.
But while most people who voted last month will no doubt have a list of issues they hope the new Council of Ministers will address, the managing director of Wayte Travel has no doubt what is top of his list.
“I really hope that the new government will focus on supporting local businesses,” said Garry. “During the campaign, there was a lot of talk about growing and diversifying the economy and supporting industries across the Island, and I really hope that we will now see those words converted into actions.”
As head of the only registered business travel agency in Jersey, Garry is particularly hopeful that any focus on “supporting local” will see both the public and private sector reduce its increasing reliance on overseas agencies.
“Jersey needs a thriving economy, and that economy cannot just have one string to its bow,” he said. “You need a range of businesses contributing, paying taxes and employing local people.”
Indeed, Garry says he would love to “double” Wayte Travel’s existing ten-strong team in the Island but says that can only happen if the company’s business grows.
“There is a lot of talk about the ‘brain drain’ and young people leaving the Island to pursue different career paths,” he said. “We would love to offer more youngsters a career in travel. We have a close relationship with Highlands College and recruited our last two consultants from there. After a comprehensive training programme, they are both now enjoying successful careers in the industry.
“And I would love to offer that opportunity to more young people. All of our team have risen through the ranks from trainees or office juniors and now provide the same white-glove quality of service to our clients that underpins our ethos at Wayte Travel.
“Unfortunately, though, following a number of mergers and acquisitions, particularly within the finance and professional services sectors, many locally based businesses are now having to use the UK-based agencies mandated by their parent companies.
“If we could reverse that trend and increase our market share, we would be able to grow our team, creating more opportunities for youngsters and creating more tax revenue for the Island.”
Stressing the benefits of working with a professional team, Garry said: “While technology is advancing in many areas, no website or AI tool can offer the same expertise that you get from a professional agent.
“Wayte Travel is ranked as one of the top 25 travel management companies in the UK, and our Jersey team is complemented by offices in Stoke-on-Trent, London and the US, employing 60 people in total. We have clients in every continent and our membership of Advantage & Focus Group gives us access to around £7bn worth of buying power, enabling us to unlock many of the best airfares, hotel and car-hire rates in the market.”
In addition to its competitive pricing, Garry says the firm complements its person-first approach with a range of technology including management reporting tools, an app and technology that can track travellers in the event of an incident.
While keen to attract more local clients, Garry says that the outlook for business travel is positive.
“Demand is very high,” he said. “Some people have to travel internally for work purposes, while others appreciate the benefits that come from face-to-face meetings and having direct contact with their clients.
“Business travel is therefore thriving, and I just hope that if the new government pushes a ‘celebrate local’ message, we will see more Jersey-based companies turning to us to manage their requirements.”
