Simon Dines Email & Phone Number

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

From September 2020 to June 2022, I was responsible for managing Trailfinders company-wide Covid response. Overseeing policy and procedures that balanced ongoing sales with our award winning commitment to customer service.I was appointed to manage the Trailfinders operation in Scotland, overseeing a management team of 10 and 40+ sales staff. I opened two new travel centres in Edinburgh (April 2007) and Aberdeen (May 2007) to compliment the existing travel centre in Glasgow. Responsible for all areas of sales, recruitment and advertising, more than doubling annual turnover since appointment, with significant productivity gains through ongoing sales performance coaching. Co-ordinating marketing strategy to promote and expand the Trailfinders brand in Scotland.Trailfinders was founded in 1970 by former SAS officer Mike Gooley with a staff of four. The company remains privately owned but today has a staff of over 1000 and has made travel arrangements for over 12.5 million clients.40+ travel centres are staffed by the most expert travel consultants in the industry. On hand 7 days a week we are located throughout the UK and Ireland. With a worldwide reputation, we have the widest range of flights, tours, hotels, cruises, car & motorhome hire across the globe. From budget to luxury our prices are amongst the lowest you will find anywhere.As the pioneers of tailormade travel we believe there's no substitute for one-on-one, bespoke service. Our travel consultants have between them travelled to over 96% of the world's countries. As a result the service and advice they offer is second to none.

Harrods, London

Chosen by the board to open the Trailfinders travel centre in Harrods department store. Full responsibility for all front and back office areas; managing a hand picked team of sales consultants selling all product types; promoting the Trailfinders brand in a luxury retail environment; and liaising closely with the Harrods senior management team to ensure all aspects of the operation performed to required standards.

Airline Product Cell, Kensington, London

Key liaison contact for airlines. Responsibility for negotiation and implementation of commercial agreements; co-ordinating airline marketing and advertising strategies; implementation and review of systems for maximising sales revenue; and distribution of airline contracts to sales floor. Airlines representative for crisis management.

Kensington, London

Senior management role at company's flagship travel centre, running sales team of 5 managers and over 50 sales consultants. Responsibility for sales performance, promotions, office management and assessing and implementing new call training system.

London City

Part of opening team of company's premier travel centre in the City of London. Responsibility for sales performance, recruitment and staff management.