Co-op homeworking division enjoys strong first year

A HOMEWORKING operation set up by Midcounties Co-operative Travel has been hailed a success after its first full year of operation.

The society said the Walsall-managed homeworking division, Personal Travel Agents at Co-op Travel, had exceeded sales expectations and was now making plans for further growth.

Midcounties recruited 65 homeworkers during the year and many are expected to attend its first annual conference, which takes place in Birmingham between April 18-19.

Sheena Darby, Head of Personal Travel Agents, said: “In our first year we have exceeded our budgeted profit and met all of our significant milestones.”

She said the 12 months had seen the creation of a Homeworker Board, which meets quarterly and gives the workers the opportunity to have an input in the way the business is run.

“We have established a five-star administration and homeworker support team, introduced leading technology and we have also held our first annual VIP trip to Madeira for our top sellers,” she added.

“We are delighted with what we have achieved so far; building a happy team where the majority of our new recruits come via referrals from our existing homeworkers.”

She said the society had taken the opportunity to build the business around a proven approach, backed by an independent and strong co-operative brand.

“We have kept it simple and focussed on the key elements that work for homeworkers. As a result we have made a fantastic start and we are gaining further momentum,” she added.