What does it mean to you to win a 2024 Business Travel People Award?
It really was a great honour for us to be nominated for such a prestigious award. With Key Travel, we are already fortunate enough to be working within a niche sector where we are passionate about helping those who do good do more, but going on to win in this category is especially motivating for us. Being a back-office team, we are not used to this level of external recognition.
How did you feel when your team’s name was called?
The industry as a whole has persevered through so much in recent years, due in large part to the hard work and dedication of many of the people in that very hall with us. Given all this, actually hearing Key Travel get called up by the presenter for the last award of the night was such a surreal experience. One that went ‘above and beyond’ our team’s own expectations.
What was the reaction of your family, friends and colleagues when you won the award?
There was probably a spike in noise complaints from our loved one’s neighbours. We were especially thrilled to share the news with two members of the team who admirably agreed to stay behind in Manchester to ensure continuity of work. The whole department is abuzz with a celebratory mood and we take great pride in representing the drive of our whole organisation.
How do you think winning the award will impact your profile in the wider industry?
Our greatest strength is how well we work together and use our complementary skills and experience to help our partners succeed. Each of us have moments to shine, to be sure, but our hope is that Key Travel will be seen as a TMC that promotes collective effort. We are also excited by the possibility that other back-office teams will be inspired by this win, knowing that their efforts can be recognised alongside their more prominently customer-facing peers.
What advice would you give to anyone considering entering the awards?
I would encourage everyone to consider either putting themselves or their colleagues forward. Even if you do not end up taking home the award, it is a joyous feeling knowing that your managers support you in this way and wish to highlight your achievements.
Where will you be keeping your award?
We have reached a mature co-parenting arrangement among the team! Truthfully, the awards sits with us at our desks in pride of place. A unifying talisman to help get us through the tougher days.
