TTG 30 under 30 alumni Craig Goodridge was about to take the plunge and become a full time homeworker in early 2020, but had his plans scuppered by the pandemic.
"I started out with Tui as a flight attendant for 10ish years and then I joined Independent Travel Experts as a homeworker for about six and a half years while still working a full time job," he told TTG.
"Before the pandemic I wanted to go full time as a homeworker but I thought I would wait it out a bit because of the situation."
But earlier this year Goodridge left his role as a business analyst for Sky Bet to focus on his homeworking company, Craig Goodridge Travel.
Since then, he has used the extra freedom to reach out to industry peers and attend more trade events – which inspired him to begin his hunt for a retail premises.
After searching for a suitable location in his hometown of Sheffield, Goodridge realised a traditional high street outlet was not the right fit for his business due to the high rent prices.
"I had to be more creative," he said. "I looked in my local market outlet and they were great, they were keen to have me as they had no other business like mine in the centre."
After securing a plot in the Moor Market in Sheffield, Goodridge said he was "excited to get started – albeit a bit nervous".
The store, which will open on 29 July, will focus initially on Jet2 package holidays and cruise. "But I expect to diversify my product range," Goodridge continued.
"It’s an elderly demographic who I know are keen on coach breaks and domestic holidays, so I think there’s an opportunity there to grow."
In a further bid to boost his high street stature, Goodridge will look to take on a number of staff in September once the business is up and running.
"I will be looking to take on some staff, maybe some apprentices and work experiences who are in a local travel and tourism course and who are passionate about the industry," he explained.
"I can have more units in the market so I can expand my current premises, as the high street is very expensive so it’s all about thinking of other ways of doing things and getting out there, but I definitely want to continue building."
