Meet the Rep: Funway's Craig Liddle

Describe your typical week

Mondays are admin days so I work from home, mostly catching up on emails, writing reports and calling some of my key accounts for market feedback. Then Tuesdays to Fridays are out on the road visiting my 500 Club members and as many of my other key agent partners as possible, spreading the Funway vibe complete with my signature M&S biscuit rings!

How big is your sales team?

We have four in the Funway sales team. I cover the south of England from Kent to Cornwall, South Wales and Channel Islands; Katie Daniels covers the Midlands and east; Amy Drummond covers Scotland and the north of England and national sales manager Andy Travis heads up the team.

What’s in your car?

Nothing yet – I just bought a new car only the other week. I was driving a 2001 Vauxhall Astra with 120,000 miles on the clock and squeaky breaks but I have just upgraded to a shiny, new Volvo V50. My kids are doing their best to make it feel like the old car already, but I am resisting!

And what’s on the radio?

Sorry to say, but I do like a bit of LBC and when that goes out of range I stick on some Radio 4. Unless I’m on the M25 – then I pick up loads of pirate radio throwing out some racy techno and trance.

What fast food outlet keeps you going on the road?

It’s got to be Greggs... I’m a Scot and I was weaned on pies and sausage rolls as a bairn… Cannae beat a steak bake or three!

What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever done as part of a sales visit?

This is less silly, more embarrassing. I recently bought a trendy, skinny-style hipster suit. I was at a travel show, feeling very smart and youthful, when I bent over to pick up some brochures and I heard an almighty rip. It wasn’t just a little tear either, my trousers literally split in two… I had to walk 200 yards to the car like that, much to the delight of some of the show guests.

Who would be your ideal driving companion on a long journey?

It would have to be either my wife Kelly or either of my kids Maysie (10) and Grace (7) – ideally all three. My job makes me really appreciate family time, as I’m often away overnight, on long journeys or attending fams or conferences. I really cherish the time spent with my girls.

What’s the best question a travel agent has ever asked you?

I have a Scottish accent but live in Surrey, so I was visiting an agent in Hampshire for the first time and she said: “So you’re from Edinburgh, are you driving all the way back there today?”

What’s the most lost you have ever got?

I have no sense of direction whatsoever… I get lost nearly every day, so much so that when I’m in the car with the family and I turn a corner, my wife always says: “Don’t worry girls, daddy is just taking us on one of his long cuts again”.

Which is your favourite destination that your company sells and why?

It was New York but as I have just recently come back from an AMResorts fam trip to Mexico, I think it’s my new favourite place. The beaches totally blew my mind, as did the resorts along Riviera Maya and Cancun. It’s such a beautiful destination with so much to offer and great value, especially if you go all-inclusive. I would recommend Akumal for the beach, the AMResorts property there and swimming with sea turtles.

What key messages do you try to convey in an agent visit?

I am there to not only show agents what products and services Funway can offer, but also to support them and to make the booking, sales and after-sales process easy. I aim to work in partnership, focusing on the same goals to ensure that we succeed together.

What’s your advice for agents who don’t currently sell your product but are keen?

Call me, email me, send a carrier pigeon – whatever! I can provide the training and support you need, we provide point-of-sale, collateral and sales tools, such as our online booking engine, and assistance with marketing.