The luxury travel agency currently has shared plans to expand its team of affiliates within the UK, as part of a long-term strategy to solidify an interantional presence.
With affiliates based in several spots across the country (including Kent, Jersey and Dorset), Swords hopes to reach a wider client-base by taking on five more agents.
“We’ve always said that we want 20 sales partners,” Mark Swords, co-owner of Swords Travel, told TTG Luxury. “So we’re looking to take on five more affiliates to reach that number.”
Applicants, who must have a minimum of £500k in annual sales, will initially receive commission on a 70/30 basis. Once they reach £1 million, this breakdown will increase to 80/20.
“Ultimately, we want someone that is motivated and fully-committed,” Mark explained, before adding the role is not suitable for a person who wants to work part-time.
It’s also essential that they’re compatible with the “relaxed” vibe of the Swords Travel team: “We’re more like a friendship circle and we all get on really well.”
As for Swords Travel’s plans for international growth, Mark confirmed that the intention to expand globally remains strong.
“We’d like to have 20 affiliates in Australia and 20 in the US,” he said. “It’s all about pacing though; we need to make sure the structure’s built here in the UK so that it can easily replicate itself very well in other destinations.”
Mark also said that he believes the expansion of its team will be crucial to the success of this plan: “I think the very reason we need these five more people is so that it frees us up to continue that growth.”
As well as its “highly-competitive” commission structure, affiliates will have access to the group’s established systems, operational support, and its in-house tour operator, Signature by Swords.
They will also be welcome to work from Swords Travel’s boutique agency in Wimbledon and have the opportunity attend Above & Beyond trips, which reward the company’s four top sellers every year.
“We operate as a small, trusted circle, and that’s intentional,” Mark explained. “This isn’t about building a large team; it’s about building the right one.”
He added that the company has spent the past few years “creating a business that feels different”, emphasising the importance of “people, relationships and long-term thinking.” He also said his team always “supports one another, shares knowledge and consistently delivers a high level of service.”
