Sara Rigby will bring more than 15 years’ experience to the role, and will be tasked with increasing The Travel Franchise’s current rate of recruitment by a quarter. The business currently takes on around 15 new franchisees a month.

Dorset-based Not Just Travel was founded in 2001 and went on to set up its franchisee operation in 2010. It now has more than 650 travel consultants on its books, working from home.

“It’s an exciting time to be joining the company,” said Rigby. “With the speed at which it is growing and the number of ideas that need implementing, my focus is clear, and I’m keen to start making a difference to the business.

“I’m really looking forward to implementing new campaigns and strategies in order to drive recruitment sales and achieve our goal of increasing the number of new franchisees we bring on each month by 25%.”

Rigby’s appointment marks the first time The Travel Franchise has taken on its own marketing lead. Previously, the marketing team has looked after both sides of the business.

It now has separate, dedicated teams for Not Just Travel, focusing on growing holiday sales, and The Travel Franchise, focusing on recruiting more franchisees and homeworkers.

Steve Witt and Paul Harrison, co-founders of The Travel Franchise and Not Just Travel, added: “We’re delighted Sara has joined our team. She’s got so much experience. She has moved from Australia to work for us, showing the high regard our companies are held in around the world.

“Our aim has always been to shake up the industry and do something never seen before. In creating the two new teams, we will be able to expand even further.”