Mel Garthwaite returned to the Bournemouth-based homeworking company as Franchise Manager in March 2025, following a brief spell with a travel start-up. She was quickly promoted to Head of Projects, and has now taken on the newly created Head of Operations and Experience role in recognition of her performance and the results she has delivered.

Since rejoining, Garthwaite has introduced a number of initiatives now being rolled out across the business as Not Just Travel continues to invest in supporting its consultants. Her focus on improving the consultant experience, and in turn the experience delivered to customers, has been key to the decision to broaden her role.

Steve Witt, co-founder of Not Just Travel, said: "Mel is the best person for this role in the industry. She combines significant operational expertise with a genuine focus on people, understanding both processes and the individuals who rely on them. She has already brought ideas to the table that we are excited about, and we are looking forward to the next phase of growth with Mel in place."

Garthwaite has more than 27 years' experience in the travel industry. She first joined Not Just Travel in June 2022 as Head of Quality Assurance and Training. The Head of Operations and Experience role is new and encompasses support infrastructure, commercial growth, and the ongoing enhancement of the customer experience.

Garthwaite said: "Operations only work when the people at the centre of them feel supported and valued. My focus has always been on removing friction for our consultants, whether that is response times, clarity of process, or knowing someone is there to support them. There is more we can do, and I am excited about the direction we are heading."

Not Just Travel was named World's Best Lifestyle Franchise at the Global Franchise Awards for two consecutive years. The business operates under its consumer brand Not Just Travel and recruitment arm The Travel Franchise, training people with no prior travel experience to become independent homeworking consultants.