The operator has created a new commercial services team of four, featuring two new hires, who will be on hand five days a week to assist agents and reps, based out of its London head office.
Head of trade sales Richard Forde said the move underlined the operator’s commitment to agency sales.
“After a strong start to 2020, thanks in no small part to sustained sales growth with commercial partners, Newmarket has announced their new commercial services team,” said Newmarket.
“Based at the company’s head office in London, the team will be available five days a week to provide dedicated support to travel agents and reps out on the road.”
Commercial director David Sharman said the decision had been driven by “rapid growth” via trade channels over the past 12 months.
“Last year, we had one retail trade sales support team member,” he said. “However, with the rapid growth through 2019 and into 2020, we identified the need to strengthen this support and also add to the responsibilities of the team.
“They now cover all aspects of our trade business service delivery and relationship building with our partners.
“The formation of the team is key in delivering quality service to our partners and supporting our team on the road with all their needs.
Forde added: “2020 has started very promisingly for us, particularly in terms of agency sales. Investing in the new commercial services team shows how much we value this side of the business.
“We hope that with the extra support afforded them by the new team, commercial and agency sales will continue 2020 exactly as they have begun.”
New video hub
Meanwhile, Newmarket has further increased its support for agents with a new online video hub.
The hub, available through the operator’s trade portal, places a range of videos covering Newmarket’s best-selling tours at their disposal, for use on social media.
“This is a great initiative, and we’re confident it will boost what are already very strong trade sales,” said Forde.
“Agents can share videos of our best-selling tours on their social channels, which will act as a useful marketing tool and help grow their sales.
“It will also help agents familiarise themselves with our products, and train new staff members.”
