Being made redundant can be a difficult and emotional experience. Without the security and structure of your job, the future may seem uncertain. But the the good news is that redundancy doesn’t have to be the end — it can be the start of something new. You have options.
While you could immediately start applying for new roles and sending out CVs, there is an increasing trend to consider a career change after redundancy in the UK or start a business after redundancy. If you look on the positive side, funding your business with your redundancy payout may not be such a bad idea. But how do you decide which business opportunities you should pursue?
Many people find success by launching a business in a field they’re passionate about – but passion alone isn’t enough. Demand matters too. For those interested in travel and ready for a new challenge, investing in a travel franchise offers a compelling route to self-employment options post-redundancy. Read on to find out more.
Why a Travel Franchise Is the Smart Career Move After Redundancy
Google franchise opportunities in the UK and you’ll find many options. So, why choose a travel franchise after redundancy? Here are a few reasons:
- You get to work with a proven business model as opposed to starting from scratch.
- You receive training and support – plus you don’t need any industry experience if you select a franchise such as The Travel Franchise, which specialises in helping people new to travel.
- Choosing a home-based business in the UK means minimal overheads, therefore it’s a low-risk career change. Some franchises like The Travel Franchise allow you to work part time which gives you freedom and flexibility.
- Statistics show that there is growing demand for travel consultants in the UK.
Still not convinced? Why not take a look at what’s included in a Travel Franchise business package? And don’t hesitate to learn more about why franchising is a smart move.
Real redundancy success stories
Wondering if you can launch your own home-based travel franchise in the UK and become your own boss after redundancy? Read the success stories below and you’ll see why it’s possible and totally within reach for you.
- Julie’s story: At 50, Julie turned redundancy into an opportunity by investing her payout into a travel franchise, following her passion for travel. With no prior industry experience, expert training and support enabled her to build a thriving business offering personalised holidays and exceptional service. Her earnings now match her former senior role. Flexible hours, travel perks and personal goals (like seeing gorillas in Uganda) keep her motivated, happier and more fulfilled than ever.
- Marietta’s story: At 59, Marietta turned redundancy into an opportunity by launching her own travel business with The Travel Franchise. Drawing on decades of travel experience, she quickly secured bookings and built a loyal customer base of like-minded adventurers over 50. Now 63, she enjoys the freedom of being her own boss, taking incredible trips and building her dream home in Cyprus. For Marietta, redundancy sparked both independence and a lifestyle she loves.
- Zoe’s story: At 50, Zoe turned redundancy into an opportunity by investing her payout into a travel franchise, leveraging her lifelong passion for travel. Despite extensive industry experience, she embraced new systems and relied on her business development manager’s (BDM’s) support to grow her business. Within two years, Zoe nearly matched her previous salary while enjoying a better work-life balance. Her success stems from exceptional client care, referrals and networking. Zoe has proven that redundancy can lead to fulfilling entrepreneurship.
- Nikki’s story: After being made redundant as a nanny, Nikki turned her love for travel into a thriving business by joining The Travel Franchise. Just six months after starting, she launched her own consultancy. Now enjoying repeat bookings and referrals, Nikki travels the world, from Cape Verde to Las Vegas, while working flexibly from anywhere. She says the career change has boosted her confidence, happiness and income, proving that a passion for travel can become a dream job.
Ready to explore your options? Watch our Discovery videos to learn more!
Using Your Redundancy Pay to Fund a Travel Franchise
Using your redundancy pay to start a business can be a smart move but statistics indicate that over half of new start-ups fail in the first two years. What’s even smarter is making a redundancy payout investment and purchasing a franchise. Under 4% of franchises fail each year according to the BFA.
Here are some factors to think about as you explore the opportunity:
- Startup costs in the UK: The Travel Franchise franchise fee
- Golden rule: Keep around six months’ living costs as a personal safety net
- Business runway: Use a portion of your payout to cover initial operating costs such as monthly fees while homeworking. Also consider the running costs e.g. a phone, laptop and an internet connection.
- Supplemental franchise funding after redundancy: Start up loans (up to £25k)
- Transparency: Does the franchise have a fixed-cost model with no hidden fees
Having a solid financial buffer for a new business and exploring franchise opportunities in the UK are important steps before you make a career change. Remember that some franchises offer free mentoring via Business Development Managers (BDMs) so check which ones offer franchise support for career changers before you sign up.
Your Redundancy Toolkit: Transferable Skills for Travel Success
Ask yourself if you have transferable skills after redundancy that apply to The Travel Franchise. The good news is that the most important travel consultancy skills you need are a passion for travel and an ability to network. Additionally, your existing skills from previous roles can be a major advantage for you. Take a look below:
| Your Existing Skills | How to Apply Your Skills to The Travel Franchise |
| Project management | Crafting complex itineraries. |
| Customer service | Delivering five-star client experiences. |
| Sales and negotiation | Securing exclusive deals and maximising commissions. |
| Financial planning | Business budgeting and profit forecasting. |
How to Build a Simple Business Plan for Your Travel Franchise
Some consultants focus on a travel niche in the UK such as cruising, adventure travel or family holidays. It’s a good idea to write a business plan, keeping in mind your interests and skillset. If you’re wondering how to get started, the following steps should help you create your self-employment plan.
Here are your actionable steps:
- Choose your niche: Luxury, cruises, adventure travel, solo travel, etc.
- Identify your ideal clients: Focus on demographics and travel preferences.
- Create your marketing strategy: You can rely on social media or you might target gyms or other local businesses.
- Build your financial forecast: Determine realistic time frames for when you can earn and build commissions. Do you want to work alone, or will you eventually employ staff and even open a shop?
- Systems setup: The Travel Franchise provides you with everything you need to begin. This includes a customer relationship management (CRM) system and booking tools, along with start-up guides and one-on-one mentoring. However, you will need a laptop, internet and mobile phone.
In short, you can receive all the help you need to create your business plan for The Travel Franchise and launch your travel business with speed and simplicity but there are a few essentials that you need from the outset.
Why The Travel Franchise Is Your Ideal Partner After Redundancy
Finding the best franchise after redundancy in the UK will require some due diligence. But if you’re interested in travel, The Travel Franchise stands out as the number one franchise for people new to the industry. The travel business opportunity offers exceptional training and support for travel franchisees as well as a proven business model. Apart from everything that’s included in the package, you also get:
- A business in a box
- Award-winning training programme with no experience required
- Low-cost packages: The Lite package starts from £2,995, while the most popular Elite package comes with the Money-Back Challenge (MBC) and two free mentorship retreats abroad, allowing you to earn your full franchise fee back.
- A high-support model with a personal Business Development Manager (BDM)
- Marketing tools, booking systems, admin (ticketing) done for you,online training and knowledge Hub
- Exclusive supplier deals and brand trust
- A strong track record of helping career changers
- A community of fellow travel agents, your dedicated BDM and more
Your Next Steps to Launch a Travel Franchise
Wondering how to start a business in travel? The Travel Franchise makes it easy for you. Embark on the road to your own travel franchise startup in a few simple steps:
- Attend a free Discovery Session or watch the short series of Discovery videos with The Travel Franchise
- Review your finances
- Assess your fit
- Get your questions answered by the team – Lauren and Ivrie – at a free franchise consultation
Frequently Asked Questions About Redundancy and Starting a Travel Franchise
Do I need travel industry experience?
No. No prior travel experience is required. The Travel Franchise’s comprehensive training programme plus award-winning support ensures you are fully prepared for your travel business.
How much of my redundancy pay will I need to invest?
The amount of redundancy pay you will need for your Travel Franchise investment will depend on the type of package you choose. The Travel Franchise startup costs begin at £2,995 for the Lite package.
Can I run this part-time initially?
Absolutely! Many of The Travel Franchise travel agents choose this business due to the flexible work model. You can begin with a part-time franchise and choose to scale up to a full-time franchise whenever you feel ready.
Is there an age limit?
No, there is no age limit in starting with The Travel Franchise. In fact, many of the travel agents the brand works with are those making a career change over 50, 60, etc.
How quickly can I start earning money?
The earning timeline for your commissions will depend on when your clients travel – you are paid commission when they depart for their holiday. Also remember, you’ll need to undergo five days of virtual training and then with a sound business runway plan and full support, you can start booking dream holidays.
What support does The Travel Franchise provide?
With The Travel Franchise, you get full franchise support, including marketing tools, mentoring from your dedicated Business Development Manager, access to 450+ suppliers, a trusted industry brand, your own dedicated website and so much more. They also have a large Operations Support team who does all the admin such as ticketing and amendments.
Don’t Let Redundancy Define You – Let it Launch You
Redundancy isn’t the end of your career. It’s a springboard to a new beginning.
With your transferable skills, redundancy payout and the proven support of The Travel Franchise, you have everything you need to create a new career after redundancy that offers freedom, flexibility and purpose.
By choosing to start a travel business in the UK, you’re investing in yourself and building a future that’s entirely in your control. You’ve got the experience, the resources and now the opportunity. Don’t delay.
Watch the short series of Discovery videos today to learn how you can own a franchise in the UK and create the lifestyle you deserve.
