Experienced travel agent Michael Needham has set a course on building his own business after moving back to his home town of Peebles.
Michael’s home-based business, Scottish Borders Travel Village, gives him the flexibility to meet people at their convenience, maintaining the ‘ethos of personal service’ that he feels is evident in the town’s high street businesses.
Michael, 39, is experienced in a wide range of holiday options, and specialises in cruises and far flung destinations.
Community is at the heart of Michael’s business and he will be hosting regular travel events in order to share knowledge and give people an insight into interesting holiday options.
The first of these takes place on Thursday, January 30 at the Tontine Hotel at 11am, when representatives of Fred Olsen will talk about cruises from Scottish ports.
Michael said: “I have always enjoyed cruising, and there is a myth that you have got to be at least 70 to enjoy a cruise, but that is just not true, and a lot of the cruise lines are becoming more family orientated.”
He added: “Personal experience is very important, and a lot of travel agents’ ‘cruise experts’ will have only been for a few lunches on board ships when they have been in a port, but I’ve been lucky to have done 12 cruises and can pass on my hints and tips.
“Hopefully this will be the start of a series of similar events, with others possible on Africa and China.”
Michael’s love of travel started when he was young, before a round-the-world trip really sparked his interest in getting involved in the industry over five years ago.
Discussing setting up his own business, Michael said: “I tried something similar with the Co-op in Glasgow, but I felt the community wasn’t there for it, but when I moved back to Peebles I felt everything was right and I have got good backing from The Travel Village.
“I’m self-employed, but their support has been great.
For more information, or to book a free place at the Tontine event, contact Michael on michael@thetravelvillagegroup.com or call 01721 728063.