Following a record start to the year with sales up 14% on 2024 turnover performance and four new franchisees joining the business, GoCruise & Travel has announced that it is investing in its mentoring programme for new-to-travel franchisees needing a helping hand when starting their own business.

The new mentoring programme includes a year of dedicated support, guidance and coaching for new members in a variety of skills to enable them to build a successful business. Experienced franchisees will offer one-to-one sessions, meetings and events to help broaden their knowledge with the reassurance of having a mentor on hand to discuss ideas and ask questions.

Colin Martin-Weekes, GoCruise & Travel’s Head of Franchise, comments: “As customer demand and expectations grow, educating and supporting our new members will be instrumental to our success. Knowing that there is always someone there who will offer support and advice will not only give our new franchisees confidence and the tools to succeed, but it is also incredibly important for their well-being.”

GoCruise & Travel, part of the Fred. Olsen Travel Group, prides itself on recruiting quality franchisee members whom want to specialise in cruise and grow a substantial business they can be proud of. Franchisees have the option to work from home or have their own travel shop.

Martin-Weekes adds: “With 75 members, we strive for the right fit in our recruitment to ensure the proposition is right for the potential franchisees and the over business model. Pride is a big part of our ethos, and ensuring our new members understand and support this culture plays a big part in the success of the franchise. It’s all about the people and that is what makes a positive difference.”

Mentor Jo-Ann Kennedy says: “As a GoCruise & Travel franchisee for the past  20 years, I bring a wealth of experience and skills to the role of franchisee mentor. I previously handled sales training and coaching  for a large non-travel related PLC. These skills are particularly beneficial when supporting franchisees from a non-sales related background or those who are new-to-travel.”

Mentor Christina Astill adds: “A personal and tailored approach is crucial to the success of building a business. Everyone is different and that’s what makes the mentoring so important. I love spending time with the franchisees, coaching them and supporting them  on the end of the phone. Seeing them achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying.”

GoCruise & Travel is aiming for 11 new franchisee members this year to add to the 21 new members in 2024 which had such a positive impact on growth turnover numbers last year. In addition to new-to-travel, GoCruise & Travel also welcomes those with travel experience, offering bespoke training and development options to suit the level of experience and ability in both the travel and wider business world.