Meet New Group Specialist Matthew Ball

Spencer Travel’s Groups and Events Department is growing, and we are thrilled to introduce to you our new Group Specialist Matthew Ball.

Matthew has been in travel for over 20 years. He’s very passionate about the industry, and was initially inspired by his grandfather’s brother who was a check captain before taking on the role of CEO of TAA. Matthew also has a strong background in IT and enjoys combining this knowledge with his passion for travel.

Let’s find out a little more about Matthew.

What do you like about working at Spencer Travel?

“I am lucky to have worked for a broad variety of travel companies, however from the moment I started with Spencer the professionalism along with team support was second to none.

I am in Perth and lucky enough to work with ease from my office, based on the other side of the country.”

What is your favourite holiday destination?

“Hands down without even thinking about it Las Vegas. No, I don’t gamble it’s just a place where you can do anything at anytime. A great city to travel solo, with family and or friends.”

What is your best travel tip?

“Pack noise cancelling headphones, and expect the unexpected when travelling. However with noise cancelling headphones you can tune out of any distractions.”

Welcome to the team Matthew!

5 Tips for Business Success by Penny Spencer, Director of Spencer Travel

Penny Spencer is the founder and Director of Spencer Travel. Established in 1998 Spencer Travel is a multi-award winning company which has been voted Australia’s Best Corporate Travel Agency for the last 3 years in a row and is also a recent recipient of the 2012 City of Sydney Business Award for Tourism. Having worked in the industry for over 28 years and having built her own company from scratch Penny now shares her business and life lessons to aspiring female entrepreneurs.

There is no secret recipe for success. It is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. And it goes without saying – action is the foundation key to all success.

5 Tips for Business Success by Penny Spencer

1.      Love what you do

For me the most important things are being passionate about what you do. Travel was something that always interested me. When I first got on a plane at the age of 6 I knew I wanted to work in something to do with travel. The excitement of going somewhere new, the plane trip, being part of an adventure- I knew this was what I wanted to do when I grew up. Even after years of working in the Industry I can honestly say that I still love everything about what I do. I still have the energy for the industry and for my business. I learn something new every day and I love a challenge. All of that gets me out of bed in the morning – every day is a new experience.

 2.      Always go the extra mile

Despite having climbed the ranks of the industry and having managed many corporate travel agencies throughout my career, opening my own agency presented its own challenges. Whilst I had the passion and knowledge for the industry, figuring out how to run the business was something new for me.

In order to increase my business management skills I joined the NSW Government and ABN Mentoring program in my second year of running the business. It is not enough to just know your industry –you have to know how to run a business in your industry.

Running a business brings its own challenges and I constantly seek new ways to further enhance the growth of the business. I am committed to striking a balance with my husband and two young children and as part of this I work Tuesday to Friday giving me three days for my family. It takes a lot of persistence, stamina, energy and business ability to do what I do.

 3.      Be adaptable

There are numerous obstacles in every business, but I think the biggest obstacle is dealing with change and adapting to it. September 11 was a big obstacle for the travel industry as the phone stopped ringing and didn’t ring again for 6 months or more. You need to adapt to these sorts of obstacles, think of new ways of doing business, communicate with staff and clients and most of all believe in yourself that you can look beyond the obstacle and plan for the future. Read More…

Penny Spencer sets high sights for Spencer Travel

When it comes to Penny Spencer’s plans for Spencer Travel, the sky is literally the limit. Spencer explains how with a bit of hard work, and a clear business plan, Spencer Travel became one of Australia’s few Virgin Galactic space agents.

Penny Spencer’s enthusiasm for travel is clear within moments of stepping into Spencer Travel. Her attitude is reflected in the inviting, colourfully decorated office. Surrounded by the warm colours I’m instantly at home, not that the managing director is at all surprised. In fact my reaction is what she often rouses from customers and staff when they enter the Feng Shui designed space. “The environment is very important,” says Spencer. “Everyone spends so much time in their office space; it should have the right energy, and the right feeling.” Without a single speck of grey, or an uninviting sharp corner in sight, I settle into my chair and listen to how this glowing mother-to-be went from stamping brochures to selling tickets to space.

Spencer always knew her place was in the travel industry, and desperate to get a start, she began knocking on the doors of suburban travel agencies, offering to work for free. Eventually she was taken on by Adventure World Travel, and before long hired as a Girl Friday to run every errand imaginable. “It was a good leg to get into the industry and understand the business right from the bottom,” says Spencer.

The dream of doing things the Spencer Travel way was in the back of her mind as she climbed the travel industry ladder, and finally, nine years ago, the dream became a reality. Since then, her corporate travel agency has recorded a growth of 500 percent, and an annual turnover of $15 million. It has taken Spencer 17 years to get to where she is, and she now offers her employees the same opportunity to work their way to the top. Read More…

Your Trusted Partner in Bespoke Corporate Travel Management

Need a trusted partner in corporate travel management in this COVID-19 world?

For 20+ years, Spencer Travel has offered tailored corporate travel services with stellar service, value and communication - and a long list of achievements including Employer of the Year 2019 for Women in Travel and Corporate Travel Agency of the Year 2018 for agencies with under 100 million in revenue.

The perks of partnering with Spencer Travel

We don’t only make your corporate business travel easy but we make it exciting by leveraging long-standing partnerships and affiliations to give you exclusive perks.

We align with the world’s best airlines, hotels and venues to grant you the best pricing, special offers and VIP attention.

We partner with Qantas and Virgin Australia and are able to extend discounts of 5-15% on your corporate business travel fares.

Amongst our list of preferred hotel partners are names you love and recognise such as Four Seasons, Shangri-La Group and Hyatt Privé.

When you trust us with your corporate travel management, we ensure you are set up correctly to reap these benefits immediately upon travelling.

Need corporate group travel services for your team?

Taking your team to a meeting, conference or off-site event?

For corporate group travel, we have a dedicated Events & Groups department to ensure seamless, efficient and cost-effective arrangements, no matter your team size.

You’ll have your own consultant from start to finish who will coordinate your group flights and accommodation, food and beverage needs, transfers, any team building events as well as report back on budget management.

Corporate travel insurance through Spencer Travel

And the word we’re all tired of - COVID-19. This new world calls for solid corporate travel insurance. We partner with nib to ensure your corporate business travel is safe through the planning, experiencing and coming home stages.

Our corporate travel insurance services also offer coverage for cancelled flights and trips, lost or stolen luggage, medical and dental emergencies and injuries and illnesses. Read More…

The Best Trips are always Made with Spencer Travel

Take the stress out of traveling post-COVID with Spencer Travel. Founded in 1988 by Penny Spencer, Spencer Travel has established itself as Australia’s preferred corporate travel management company with its impeccable 24/7 customer service and efficient technology used in every process. Being a boutique-sized company, the attention to detail of the award-winning team at Spencer Travel is unparalleled. You can truly count on Spencer Travel to attend to all your travel needs and treat you like a star!

With all this time cooped up during COVID-19, you deserve the best as you return to the joys of travelling and rest assured, you can find that at Spencer Travel. The team is highly experienced in all types of travel, from corporate and business travel services to leisure and entertainment travel. Committed to providing clients with a highly personalised experience every time, you can even browse through the Spencer Travel advisors online to choose the perfect one for you.

Spencer Travel lets you take the hard work out of planning a successful trip and have more time for the good stuff. The team will do their magic in organising the best value airfares and accommodation for your needs and budget, arranging comfortable and reliable transport and booking unforgettable activities so you can make some amazing memories wherever you go! All you need to focus on is having a great trip and we will do the rest.

The experienced Spencer Travel team can even help you with your visa, as we understand that it’s not always easy - or enjoyable! Read More…