Sector:  Leisure Service
No.of Employees:  28
Region: Northern Ireland

Summary
Knock Travel is a Belfast and Bangor based leisure and corporate travel firm.  It has risen to the challenges of the modern travel industry by incorporating the latest technology plus responsible behaviour into its corporate ethos.

Background
The company was set up in 1990 by Doreen McKenzie.  With an initial team of four staff and a turnover of under £1 million, Knock Travel now employs 21 staff with a turnover of £7 million, in spite of intense competition.  The company now ranks amongst the top six corporate travel firms in Northern Ireland.

Responsible business objectives 
"We have always been leaders in our field of expertise: our customers, suppliers and staff recognise that as a company we have strong ethical principles, which are reflected in everything we do."  Doreen McKenzie, Proprietor, Knock Travel.

How they do it

• Personal development plans for all staff.  All staff receive an induction, ABTA and IATA training, plus ongoing training in generic items, such as health and safety.  Staff then choose from a flow chart of further training options. 
• Supporting the local economy.  The company uses local traders for all its business needs: it has an account with the local florist and buys prizes for staff from the neighbouring beauty salon.
• Green policies.  'Switch-Off' policy: a checklist for all electric applications reduces waste, with notices around the office as reminders.  A committee is given responsibility for coming up with new ideas - the COW, Cup Our Waste, Committee.
• Empowerment of employees.  New or junior level employees are selected as representatives on the COW Committee, encouraging them to engage in influencing senior level figures via a bottom-up approach. 
• 'Work Well' scheme.  Encourages healthy eating and work lifestyle amongst employees.  Questionnaires provide feedback to the company with suggested areas for improvement. 
• Sponsorship of local sports clubs.
• Charitable contributions. 
• Pro-active disability measures.  Installation of special pens for arthritic persons, kits to cut out background noise for those hard of hearing and magnifying equipment for partially-sighted customers.

 What impact it has

• A happy workforce.  Personal development results in job satisfaction.  The COW Committee also gives employees a voice.

• A healthy workforce.  On discovery of high stress levels within the company, Knock Travel brought in a stress management trainer and masseur to offer advice.

• Stimulation of the local economy.  Through use of local traders.

• Contribution of £14,000 to RNIB.  As a result of sponsored abseil and raffle.

• Creation of environment friendly to disabled customers and employees.

Business Benefits

• Competent and productive workforce. Employees are equipped with the skills necessary to perform.
• Support for local traders is returned. Local traders return the support they receive.  Mutually beneficial partnerships drive business for both parties.
• Cost reduction.  Measures to cut waste of electricity and water save money.
• Recognition for responsible behaviour.  Awarded: Federation of Small Businesses Award 2004; Best Customer Service Award 2005; Green Supplier of the Year 2000.
• Media and PR coverage.  Awards and community involvement increase profile and consumer awareness, attracting more business.
• Recruitment benefits.  A pleasant working environment and the acquisition of awards make Knock Travel a desirable company to work for. 
• Improved staff retention.  Investment in staff development creates job satisfaction, resulting in lower rates of staff turnover.  Awards also boost staff morale.
• Consumer loyalty.  Recognition from consumers for the company's input into the community drives business and produces greater customer loyalty.