Independent agent Nicola Bedford has launched a group for small shop owners like her who want to share ideas, ask for advice and get inspiration.
Nicola has run So, Let’s Travel in Normanton, West Yorkshire, for the past two years and says it can sometimes be lonely running a small business. She put a post on the Travel Gossip Facebook page asking if other shop owners wanted to join a group of like-minded agents and she was inundated with positive responses.
She has set up the Small Shop Owners WhatsApp group and, so far, has around 60 members.
Nicola said: “I just wanted to speak to other travel agents in the same boat as me. I’d seen a couple of people on social media who have their own little shops working on their own so thought how great it would be to get everyone like this or those working in a very small team, all into a group chat to share ideas, tips, advice and inspiration.
“The post had a great response straight away and now the group has around 60 members with new people requesting to join daily.
“There’s a wide range of people in there – people working alone in their own shops, small teams, those thinking about opening or about to open their own shop, or office spaces. People are sharing pictures of their shops, window displays and videos of their interiors. They’re sharing ideas of things that are working well, and they are inspiring others.”
Nicola started her travel career in 2001 but was made redundant from an independent agency during COVID. After that, she became a homeworker with Constant Travel, part of Hays Independence Group, and then set up her branch when a small shop became available in her local town.
She added: “The group will be used for support, general chit chat, advice and inspiration. So far, we’ve discussed shop interiors, window displays, foreign exchange, ‘Fizz Fridays’, uniforms, TV screens in shops and offers people have found. I want people to be inspired, get ideas from the group and run with them. Or if someone is on the fence about doing similar – which I was for months – they can ask all the questions they need so they can decide.
“One agent has been so inspired she’s now in the middle of a refurbishment. Another said she loves the group and no longer feels lonely.
“It can be lonely sometimes, even though you have clients coming in, so it’s nice to speak to others in the same situation.”
Agents who have joined say they are already reaping the benefits.
Claire Smith who runs Coconut Travel in Hartlepool, said: “It’s such a breath of fresh air to have a space where we can openly share ideas, support each other and feel part of a proper community again. Nicola’s done a brilliant job bringing everyone together.
“For me, it’s all about connection – learning from other small shop owners, picking up tips, and being able to chat with people who genuinely understand this industry. It already feels like a welcoming, safe group and I’m excited to see it grow.”
One agent who is about to open her first office in a town centre told Travel Gossip: “I’ve got some great insights and info and love the fact that like-minded people are willing to share their experiences.”
Agent Rachael Coyne said: “We opened a shop Lindley, Huddersfield a year ago. It’s nice we are sharing ideas with other like-minded business owners.”
Donna Grasby, who set up her shop in North Wales in July 2023, said: “I joined the group as it’s nice sharing ideas with other shop owners. There are some things I’d love to do but not sure where to start, however some of the other agents on here may be able to advise and vice versa. One member has already helped with how to open foreign exchange. It’s a fabulous group, as is Nicola for opening it.”
To join, click on the Travel Gossip Facebook group post here for more information.
