Existing ITE homeworker Steve Evans has been appointed homeworker support executive, bringing "many years" travel industry experience to the role across retail and tour operating.

Evans took up a job working for Amazon during the pandemic, a move ITE managing director Gary Gillespie said would resonate with other ITEs who had to take similar steps to make ends meet.

“This role is integral to our success, and that of our homeworkers, both existing and new," said Gillespie. "It follows feedback from our homeworking community on what kind of support they valued most.

"Our homeworkers, like everyone in the industry, have worked tirelessly to look after their customers throughout the pandemic, but with many of them taking on extra jobs to supplement their income, it’s been a stressful time both physically and mentally.

"With the market now returning to pre-pandemic levels, we wanted to provide our homeworkers with dedicated additional support to help regain their confidence, brush up on their skills, and kick-start their businesses."

Gillespie said Evans would provide both group and one-to-one mentoring to ITE homeworkers to ensure their businesses are able to achieve their potential, and will also support them with their wellbeing.

"Steve will continue to trade as an ITE homeworker too which gives him a unique perspective – we are delighted to welcome him into our team," said Gillespie.

Evans said: "After a tough two years working for Amazon to make ends meet, while still keeping my travel business afloat, I was over the moon to be offered this role. I’m looking forward to helping the team achieve their goals."

Gillespie said ITE was recruiting for other roles. “We currently have a central business development resource, but as part of our expansion, we are also recruiting for business development executives who will help create bespoke development plans and provide ongoing social-media and marketing training and advice to every ITE homeworker," he said.

"Additionally, they will take an active role in recruiting new homeworkers as we grow our Independent Travel Experts brand.”