A multi-million pound contract could create up to 12 new jobs for Northern Ireland’s travel sector.
Specialist local travel management company Belfast-based Selective Travel has been appointed travel supplier to the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC) framework agreement.
It includes around 250 universities and higher education departments across the UK and has a combined annual spend on corporate travel of some £35m.
In addition, Queen’s University Belfast has separately just appointed Selective Travel as its sole corporate travel supplier. A dedicated universities division within Selective Travel will service this contract, which begins this month.
Keith Graham, financial director from Selective Travel said: “This is great news for the company and we welcome the opportunity to increase our market share in the higher education sector. We very much look forward to working with Queen’s University, Belfast. The team are also thrilled to be an appointed supplier to the SUPC framework.”
Tricia Massey, head of purchasing at QUB said: “I am delighted to welcome Selective Travel Management as a key supplier to Queen’s and look forward to working with the team. I believe that their knowledge and experience of the travel industry, coupled with an enthusiastic approach to handling our diverse – and often unusual – travel requirements will result in the provision of an excellent service to university staff.”
Selective Travel’s appointment by SUPC is the first time a Northern Ireland company has worked for this major consortium.
Commenting on the recent successes, the company’s managing director, Mukesh Sharma said: “These appointments demonstrate the strength of our organisation and our ability to compete against major international travel brands across the UK. It is great news for Northern Ireland.
“We have invested heavily in on-line booking systems and specialist tools for our corporate clients; these are proving to be highly successful in improving efficiency and cost savings for all parties.”
In addition to universities, Selective Travel and its associate companies supply travel to corporate clients throughout the UK & Ireland in all industry sectors. Selective Travel is based on Durham Street in Belfast and employs 20 people.