From rigid structures to real results: how Tim built a business around his clients

Feeling frustrated by restrictive processes at work and want to prioritise your clients? Tim Richardson’s advice might be for you: “If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional service but feel limited by traditional structures, Travel Counsellors is worth exploring.”

After years in corporate travel, he’d become an expert in great service and knew how important it was to build trusting relationships with clients. What he wanted was the freedom to deliver that high level of care, without compromise. With Travel Counsellors, Tim realised he could work independently while still being backed by the systems, credibility, and support that corporate travellers expect. “Setting up my own business allows me to put the client relationship back at the centre of everything I do.”

The desire for change

Tim’s career thrived while specialising in complex, high-stakes travel focusing on “C-suite executives and specialist sectors like marine and offshore travel” at a major Travel Management Company. He’d always taken pride in understanding his clients’ businesses and tailoring solutions around their needs. However, over time, it became harder to prioritise client-first service, thanks to more rigid frameworks than he’d previously experienced. “While my previous role gave me fantastic experience, I felt constrained by processes and structures that didn’t always allow me to deliver the level of flexibility and bespoke service my clients deserve.” For Tim, the desire for change wasn’t about leaving corporate travel behind. It was about finding a model that allowed him to deliver the best outcomes for his clients, with the ability to focus on their needs and manage relationships his way.

Starting out with confidence

“Industry contacts and conversations with peers who had already made the move” helped Tim feel confident that Travel Counsellors was the right support system to have behind him when starting his own business. From the beginning, Tim says that “expectations were clear and there was a genuine focus on setting me up for long-term success rather than just getting me up and running quickly.” Through a structured induction, a personal mentor for his first six months, and our ITT-accredited Corporate Training programme, Tim felt supported at every step. “The level of support has been excellent from my mentor, Dom Pokropek. From training and systems to compliance and commercial guidance, there’s always someone available who genuinely wants to help.”

Finding the freedom to thrive

For Tim, Travel Counsellors offers the balance many experienced corporate travel professionals look for. “The technology, buying power and back-office infrastructure are incredibly strong, but you’re still able to build a business that truly reflects your own values and expertise.” Community also makes a tangible difference. “There’s a real sense of collaboration rather than competition, with people openly sharing knowledge and experience.” Looking ahead, Tim is focused on “building something that’s truly mine - growing a client base where I can deliver premium, specialist travel solutions without compromise.” His advice to others who are thinking about starting their own travel business reflects his own journey: “Travel Counsellors offers the freedom to work in the way you believe is best for your clients, without sacrificing the support, technology and credibility that corporate travellers expect.”

Discover if Travel Counsellors is right for you

If you work in corporate travel and are considering what a more flexible, client-led future could look like, a Discovery Day could help you find out if Travel Counsellors is right for you. Secure your place today.