Team Members
Beverley Platt, Chief Operating Officer
Previous Experience: Before establishing TFT in 1997 I lectured in Travel and Tourism at a college for 8 years having previously worked as a Tour Operator.
About Me: The idea came about whilst lecturing Travel & Tourism at Bury College. I felt that there was a definite gap within the industry for a professional, quality training service. From there TFT came into being and im very proud to see how the company has grown to provide that professional, quality training on a national and international level.
Andy Robinson, Quality Assurance Director
Previous Experience: I joined TFT in 1998 as a trainer assessor, after ten years working for Servisair at Manchester Airport as a Passenger Services Supervisor.
About Me: I am so proud to have been TFT's first employee and it's great being part of such a dedicated yet friendly and fun team. Watching the company grow over the years has been a fantastic experience and because it really is a fantastic place to work I'm sure that growth will continue into the future.
Carl Johnson, Finance Director
Previous Experience: I started my working life as an Office Junior in the finance department of the Co-operative Group food business. Fortunately the Co-operative Group was prepared to fund my finance qualifications so I was working while studying. After a few jobs in food I moved across to Travelcare in 2002 and have been involved in the Travel Industry ever since.
About Me: I started working for TFT in March 2008 and have been amazed by how passionate our staff are about providing the best possible service to our learners. To have so many people completely dedicated to helping our learner’s progress is fantastic and I am grateful that I have been given the opportunity to work for TFT.
Sue Ledgard, Operations Director
Previous Experience: I have always worked in the travel industry in various sectors including Tour Operating, Retail and Business Travel. I then moved to become Sales Representative for a Tour Operator specialising in the USA. I then spent 8 years as a Sales Manager at Qantas Jetabout Holidays before coming to work for TFT when it was just a 3 man band in 2000.
About Me: I am really happy to have worked at TFT since the early days and to have been able to watch it grow into the really successful company it is today. We have great values, great vision and it is a great place to work... I am extremely proud to do so!
Sally Makin, Business Development Director
Previous Experience: Whilst completing a Media & Performance Degree at the University of Salford I started to work at TFT as an Assessor. Once I had gained my A1 Assessing Award, I was more Office based working within the Audit Department and eventually moving into my roles as Key Skills Co-ordinator and Business Development Manager. After spending 5 great years moving quickly up the business ladder I now fill the role as Head of Business Development looking after a dynamic team of Sales and Marketing professionals.
About Me: I'd describe myself as hard working, focused, dynamic and family orientated. Travel is a fantastic industry to work within and Training For Travel is the best place to be. With a great vision and fantastic colleagues, I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Jordan Makin, Sales & Marketing Manager
Previous Experience: After completing my degree in Fashion Styling and Photography, I started my own company as a Landscape Designer. Dealing with the varying range of customers, their challenging and demanding needs, combined with my natural urge and flair to design and create, it set me along the way of fitting in quite well at TFT.
About Me: Growing up, I've always been surrounded by the Travel Industry, and have had the opportunity to travel the majority of the world. This, combined with my degree experience for branding, marketing, selling and creating, TFT is the perfect place for me to be. It is truly a fantastic place to be on a daily basis, and I feel very privileged to be a part of this ever expanding team.
Anne-Marie Sharples, Business Development Manager
Previous Experience: After completing a degree in Media, I worked in customer service and event management where I co-ordinated various events, including a fashion show at The Lowry. I joined TFT in July 2008 in the programme development team before moving into my current role.
About Me: I am very happy to be part of TFT and have settled in really well because it is such a lovely place to work. I have always loved to travel and enjoy the daily challenges of my role. I feel that the knowledge and skills that I gained through my degree and my previous experience have allowed me to get the best out of my role.
Cath O'Neill, Customer Account Manager
Previous Experience: After completing A levels in college I joined The Cooperative Travel where I worked for ten years in a number of various roles ranging from Travel Consultant through to Branch Manager. I then joined Training For Travel and have worked for the past six years as an assessor / trainer and the past year as The Cooperative Travel Account Manager.
About Me: I enjoy being able to share my knowledge and experience of the travel industry and thrive on providing excellent customer relationships. I feel extremely fortunate to have worked for TFT over the past seven years and to continue to be working for Training For Travel in many years to come.