Did you know that today marks the day of “Be Heard in Business Day”?
March 7th gives small businesses a chance to share their own experience and challenges they face when they are up against much larger companies, often with huge marketing budgets. Having a voice as a small business is challenging, especially in a competitive industry such as travel. Where do you start? How do you get your messages across to customers? The truth is, if you do what you love and believe in it then you will succeed, and our story is certainly a shining example of this.
It all started back in 2009 in a small converted garage at the home of Company Director Phil Evans, where he had a vision for a new exciting venture and felt that there was a clear gap in the market for a travel company specialising in ‘Dynamic Cruise Packages’… And he was right! Because 8 years on, Cruise Nation is now selling to a number of countries, has a team of over 60 call centre staff and homeworkers and have recently moved to its new Global HQ based in Swansea, South Wales.
As the business rapidly grew, Cruise Nation moved into their first office based in Fforestfach, South Wales and employed an initial small team of 4. Phil – who dealt with the sourcing of product and overall management of the business, Steve – who dealt with the financial side of the business, 1 sales employee and 1 customer service employee.
Over the course of the first year the business grew leaps and bounds and employed for Web, Marketing and increased the Sales and Customer Service teams. With this increase in employees, the business moved into a larger office to accommodate.
From there the business continued to grow and employ for Product, Commercial, Concierge and Admin, as well as increasing the number of employees in the current departments of Web, Sales and Customer Services. We have also proudly won various awards from ‘Best Travel Agents’ to ‘Best Website’ and lots more …………. Which has been hugely appreciated to be recognised for the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.
In 2016 Cruise Nation held their ‘History in The Making’ event at Margam Country Park and hosted some of the biggest names in the industry. It was at this event that Phil shared the story of Cruise Nation so far and announced exciting plans for the future growth of Cruise Nation – an In-House TV and Production Studio, A bespoke new uniform which was designed by Phil himself and produced at a local manufacturing firm, A Walk-In Interactive Cruise Store, Ground Handling and Resort Service, A Homeworking Division and Global Expansion!
Being an independent business in this day and age can be tough, but Phil believes that the main factor of your business being successful is by keeping your staff happy, and communication is key in an independent business!
Phil has always strived to make his staff feel like family as he wants them to have the same commitment and passion for the business as he does, and he believes that this will ensure the business’ continued growth.
We at Cruise Nation would like to say a HUGE well done to all business owners out there! We certainly encourage working together in the future, as we believe that independent business’ and brand collaboration is key for us moving forward.
So, if you think that your business could work with Cruise Nation and do amazing things, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our marketing team. All ideas are welcome – small, big, crazy or even beyond imagination, we look forward to you contacting us soon!
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