Chillimix is looking to hire three trade sales executives to introduce the brand to high street and homeworking agencies across the UK.

Two will cover the south, one the south-east of England and another the south-west and south Wales, while the third will cover the north of England, as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Speaking to TTG, David McDonald – founder and managing director of Chillimix – said the team would look to help agents increase their understanding of the LGBT+ travel market and how it works.

“Agents will be advised on customers going to local Pride events, how to successfully work with Pride committees, and ultimately how to keep LGBT+ customers safe on holiday,” McDonald said. “We wanted to make sure we had feet on the ground who can help with that as we grow.”

McDonald said the operator was eager to get people out on the road working with key trade partners after receiving “phenomenal feedback” since launching to agents.

“We’ve signed contracts with the majority of the trade already,” he said. “The vacancies [for the roles] are live now, and we’re starting the recruitment process in the hope of getting going imminently.”

Chillimix is currently continuing to grow its supplier list, and has a dedicated product manager to assess any new opportunities.

Trade partnerships manager Nicky Yates, who looks after agents in central England as well as the operator’s key consortia and cruise accounts, will lead the new team.  

McDonald said he wanted agents to be excited about the prospect of working with the brand, and said he hoped to expand the team further but was taking a careful approach in the first instance.

“Travel agents are at the heart of our growth," said McDonald. "There’s no hidden agenda, there’s no risk; we want to show we can confidently work with the trade.

“Fundamentally, we’re looking for people to get excited about the brand and the opportunity to work with us, whether they’re LGBTQ+ or an ally.

"There’s a lot of new opportunity, and it’s a new sphere for many agents who’ve not really had this kind of resource before.”