More than 250 members, homeworkers and suppliers belonging to Thomas Cook’s consortia of independently owned travel businesses and its homeworking group are set to attend the event which carries the theme of ‘Freedom: The Next Chapter’.

The business sessions are set to open on Sunday with the official renaming of The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors to The Freedom Personal Travel Advisors.

Delegates will also hear a business update on the group’s performance during 2016/17 and new marketing opportunities will be introduced to support members and homeworkers grow their businesses in 2018.

Among its guest speakers, the conference will hear from Mark Durden-Smith, TV presenter, sports pundit and  son of former Wish You Were Here presenter Judith Chalmers.

Jonathan Wall, managing director of accountants Elman Wall will moderator a session called “Are you doing these 10 things in your travel business?” which is aimed at building value for travel business owners.

Kelly Cookes, head of the Freedom Travel Group and The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors since 2014 said: “Freedom is a strong name in the industry, and aligning our brands will provide even more opportunities to benefit both our homeworkers and consortia members.

“We are excited to be focussing on our next chapter as everyone comes together, and are looking forward to welcoming those joining us for the first time as well as those who have been with coming to conference for many years.”