New agency opens for trading as part of Advantage Managed Service

The former Wallace Arnold branch in Castleford is now White Rose Travel, owned by ex-staff members Michelle Metcalfe and Natalie Collins.

Metcalfe said: “We are excited to be opening as White Rose Travel and with the support of Advantage, we look forward to seeing what the future holds.”

She added: “This year has been extremely challenging for the industry and the Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that agents should partner with a consortium that can provide the required support and an additional level of assurance in both the good and bad times.”

Since July, seven new branches have signed up for the AMS model, double the usual number. Advantage has also seen an increase in recruitment enquiries since the pandemic and the consortium is currently liaising with “over 40 separate branches, ranging from start-ups to existing businesses”.

AMS holds pipeline monies in a trust account. All AMS members are supported by a dedicated finance contact, receive free technology and net rate merchant fees, plus marketing and Atol options.

Kelly Cookes, Advantage leisure director, said: “During these turbulent times, we believe that many businesses are assessing what they need to be able to move forwards.

“We are excited to have businesses like White Rose Travel choose us as a partner and we look forward to progressing other opportunities. We have seen a huge increase in recruitment enquiries, particularly in the past few months, which we hope is reflective of our support to members prior to, and throughout this pandemic.”