Speaking at the Hays IG conference in Birmingham on Monday (October 3), Natasha Marson – who became head of the Independence Group last year – said Hays IG had continued to outperform Hays’ retail arm this year, with both divisions exceeding 100% of monthly commission versus target between May and August this year.

Marson, though, said discounting was impacting margin, and advised members not to “sell themselves short”.

Independence Group membership has grown by 9% since March, and Marson revealed the trend of organic interest and enquiries was continuing.

New members include Porthcawl Travel, which joined in June, and Refined Travel, which joined late last month. Picniq Holidays will join the group on 1 November.

Since Hays IG’s last conference in March, the group has launched a new Pyramid internal MI system and seen a 75% reduction in direct debit fees.

A dedicated business development manager, Kelly Green, has joined the team, while members have seen increased commission uplifts. The group has also launched a weekly cruise video and there have been escorted ship visits.

Coming up, Hays IG will launch the Campaigner email marketing tool, provide more educational fam trips, and hold regional meetings for its north, central and south regions.