.png)
After 18 years in the travel industry, Jase Pashley decided it was time to build a business that reflected his own values.In Episode 25 of Your Number 1 Business Podcast, Jase joins Antoine Vidal to discuss the realities of starting a travel business, building visibility in the local community and creating a more personal approach to corporate travel.Jase explains why travel management is about much more than booking a flight or finding a hotel. It is about understanding the client, learning how their business operates and being there when plans suddenly change.
Starting his own business had always been part of Jase’s long-term plan.After working across leisure travel, corporate travel, fares and ticketing, Jase developed a deep understanding of how the industry operates. However, when the values of the company he was working for no longer aligned with his own, his plans to start a business accelerated.Rather than building a travel company centred entirely around technology and automated booking systems, Jase wanted to bring the personal connection back into travel.“People talk to their clients, but do they really know their clients?”For Jase, great service means knowing the individual traveller, understanding the needs of the business and remembering the small details that can make a major difference when plans change.
Technology plays an essential role in modern travel, but Jase believes it should support the customer experience rather than replace it.His focus is on becoming an extension of the businesses he supports. That means understanding their travel policies, preferred airlines, budgets, individual travellers and the unique challenges of their industry.This personalised approach can help businesses achieve greater consistency, improve visibility over travel spending and avoid the confusion of bookings being spread across several different platforms.
One of the biggest myths discussed in the episode is that booking directly online is always the cheapest option.While an airfare or hotel may initially appear less expensive, Jase explains that the real cost often becomes apparent when something needs to be changed.Long call-centre waiting times, hidden fees, restrictive booking conditions and the time spent resolving problems can quickly outweigh the initial saving.Working with an experienced travel professional means having someone available to manage those issues, advocate for the traveller and help find a solution.
Corporate travel management is often associated with large organisations, but Jase explains that smaller businesses can benefit just as much.As a business grows, its travel can quickly become difficult to manage. One employee may book with one airline, another may use a separate accommodation website and someone else may choose an entirely different system.A travel manager can help bring those bookings together, establish consistency and give the business a clearer picture of how much it is spending.
Jase is open about the challenges of starting a business, including quiet periods, cash-flow considerations and the responsibility of staying motivated.The Christmas and New Year period was particularly eye-opening. After years of seeing seasonal slowdowns as an employee, experiencing that quiet period as a business owner felt completely different.However, Jase says the experience reinforced his resilience and taught him to recover quickly from setbacks.“You’re the motivator. You’re the person driving the ship.”One achievement Jase is particularly proud of is building the business without taking on debt. He also reflects on the importance of financial preparation and creating a strong safety net before opening the doors.
For Jase, success is not only measured by revenue.It is also measured by visibility, relationships and recognition within the community.By attending networking events, joining local chambers and becoming more active throughout Ipswich and Springfield, Jase has begun building a reputation as someone who is approachable, experienced and genuinely invested in helping local businesses.“Without visibility, your business can’t grow.”
Jase’s message for anyone considering starting a business is simple: make sure it is something you genuinely love, understand what you are getting into and choose the right time.There will always be more to learn, but waiting forever can create its own regrets.“If you know what you want inside and out, go for it. If you haven’t tried it, you’ll regret it later in life.”
Window or aisle? Aisle.
Early flight or red-eye? Early flight.
Carry-on or checked luggage? Checked
luggage.
Favourite destination? Positano, Italy.
Dream destinations? Canada and Hungary.
One essential travel item? Headphones.
Coffee before a flight? Jase
would rather have a wine.
Business class or more economy trips? More trips.
Jase Pashley is an experienced travel professional with 18 years of industry knowledge across leisure travel, corporate travel, fares and
ticketing.Through his own business, Jase provides personalised travel support with a particular focus on helping small and medium-sized
businesses manage their travel more effectively.His approach is built around honesty, responsiveness and taking the time to understand each
client’s individual needs.
Connect with Jase
Visit Jase’s Website
Hear Jase Pashley’s full story and discover why personal service, resilience and strong relationships remain powerful advantages in
business.
Listen
to Episode 25 Now
Available through Your # 1 Business Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.
Your # 1 Business Podcast shares the real stories behind business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders. Hosted
by Antoine Vidal, each episode explores the decisions, challenges, lessons and personal experiences that shape the people behind the
business.