TMC consortium Focus Travel Partnership has launched an innovation group to help create new solutions and processes to allow members to improve their services to clients and meet “future challenges”.
The Focus Innovation Group will be headed by Tony Edge, who was appointed as Focus’ business solutions manager in June and previously held global technology manager and global online manager roles at CWT.
The group will initially identify members’ priorities and challenges before working with providers to “fill the gaps” in these TMCs’ existing tech stacks and processes.
“The ultimate goal is to provide Focus TMC partners with access to an eco-system of end-to-end solutions to rival that of larger TMC competitors,” explained UK-based Focus in a statement.
The innovation group is made up of seven Focus TMC members of different sizes who serve a diverse range of sectors, such as government, education, marine, media and entertainment, charity and group travel.
Abby Penston, the partnership’s CEO, said the new group was “a significant step” in providing members with an ecosystem of solutions to deal with future challenges.
“I am delighted that Tony is spearheading this group and driving our technology and innovation strategy going forwards,” added Penston. “His expertise is already proving to be invaluable since he joined the Focus team as business solutions manager.
“Technology is just one area where we are aiming to innovate. Innovation also means looking at new ways to help our TMC partners overcome other challenges in their business, hence the name of the group.”
Focus was ranked as Europe’s 10th largest TMC network or consortium in BTN Europe’s list of the leading TMCs 2023.