The launch of the Innovation Group (which supersedes the former Technology Steering Group) marks the start of a new era for Focus as the consortium approaches its 25th anniversary in 2024 and consolidates its forward-thinking approach to supporting TMC Partners with future-proofing their business.
Focus Travel Partnership, UK’s consortium of independent SME travel management companies, has established the Focus Innovation Group. The aim of the group is to drive delivery of business solutions and processes that support the future needs of the consortium’s TMC Partners and provide a best-in-class experience to their corporate customers.
The Innovation Group is led by Tony Edge, who was recently appointed in June 2023 as Focus Travel Partnership’s Business Solutions Manager. He brings extensive business travel technology and innovation experience to Focus, having held diverse technical, support and implementation roles at CWT over the last ten years, including Global Technology Manager, and Global Online Manager.
The first phase of the group’s strategy is to identify TMC Partners’ priorities and challenges, and map options for solving these pain-points. Focus then plans to work with relevant cutting-edge provider to fill the gaps in TMC Partners’ existing tech stacks and operational processes. The ultimate goal is to provide Focus TMC Partners with access to an eco-system of end-to-end solutions to rival that of larger TMC competitors.
The group initially consists of seven Focus TMC Partners of different business sizes, specialising in diverse client industry sectors, including government, education, marine, media & entertainment, charity and group travel.
“We are excited to launch the Focus Innovation Group as this is a significant step in the growth and direction of the consortium to provide our TMC Partners with a bespoke ecosystem of solutions that will help them get ahead of any future challenges,” said Abby Penston, CEO, Focus. “I am delighted that Tony is spearheading this group and driving our technology and innovation strategy going forwards. His expertise is already proving to be invaluable since he joined the Focus team as Business Solutions Manager.
“Technology is just one area where we are aiming to innovate; innovation also means looking at new ways to help our TMC Partners overcome other challenges in their business, hence the name of the group. We want to ensure Focus is looking at ‘what’s next’ and pioneering a forward-thinking approach to deliver an unrivalled proposition to our TMC Partners,” said Penston.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
