Globetrotter growth

UTILISING the latest in technology while adhering to a simple, effective philosophy has given corporate travel outfit Globetrotter Corporate Travel a fruitful 30-year run in the competitive business travel management market.

Over that time, Globetrotter managing director John Battley has ensured his company focused on delivering optimum service at the best cost.

It's a practice that has served the company well since it was established in 1979.

Globetrotter has grown from a small suburban agency to one of the largest privately owned travel management companies in the country, with offices in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

And Mr Battley has plans to open another office in Brisbane next year.

Serving a variety of market segments, but with a focus on the mining and oil and gas industries, the company has built its reputation around listening to its clients, understanding what they want and then delivering tailored solutions to them.

The company's core emphasis is on delivering accurate, compliant and cost-effective travel itineraries with a strong customer focus, while developing positive and enduring relationships with clients.

As the end of the financial year approaches, Globetrotter is on target to turn over $50 million, an increase of more than $20 million from the result acieved in the 2005-06 financial year.

Staffing levels have also grown considerably, nearly doubling in number during the past three years to a total of 40 employees across all areas of the business.

This has meant heavy expenditure in payroll to employ these operational and business development staff, and concurrent investment in technology and support services.

In 2008, the company implemented a strategic plan to carry it through 2009 and beyond.

Also last year Globetrotter received a number of accolades, including a gong from Family Business Australia, Business Travel and the Travel Business (BTTB) National Travel Manager of the year award and the company was also a finalist for Best Corporate Agency in the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Awards.

Despite this success, the economic downturn has caused significant changes in the industry, which has forced Globetrotter to quickly adapt to market fluctuations.

The company has redeployed staff to more suitable positions thanks to a lull in the key operational areas of the business.

This strategic move was a win-win for the firm, as staff members were not put out of work but were able to develop valuable new skills.