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Our expert in-house capability provides accurate, up-to-date and incisive research to deliver swift, precise outcomes. Targeted individuals are engaged with care and professionalism and the client opportunity presented in a clear and well-prepared format.

Our News

Our expert in-house capability provides accurate, up-to-date and incisive research to deliver swift, precise outcomes. Targeted individuals are engaged with care and professionalism and the client opportunity presented in a clear and well-prepared format.

A Q&A with advisor Jeannette Linfoot

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Image of Jeannette Linfoot

We recently announced a new partnership with former Saga, TUI and First Choice executive, Jeannette Linfoot. Jeannette will take an advisory position alongside Howgate Sable director, Nick Irving, where they will continue to strengthen our travel and leisure practice, delivering the best possible outcomes to our clients.

Jeannette is a CEO turned entrepreneur with an impressive multi-million pound business portfolio. She is also an active mentor for the UK Hospitality Mentoring Programme and runs her own highly successful podcast; Brave, Bold Brilliant – on which Nick has appeared as a guest!

She sat down with Nick to share some more insight into what makes her tick.

Tell us about your new role here at Howgate Sable

Jeannette Linfoot: I’ll be supporting strategy and helping the team continue to serve clients to the highest standard. I have 30 years’ experience in the travel and leisure sector and I know as well as anybody how it works and what its pressure points are – so I’m looking forward to working alongside Nick to drive innovation here and help travel and tourism businesses find the talent that’s going to accelerate their business development.

Tell us about your other businesses and projects

JL: Since stepping away from the corporate world, I’ve turned my attention to multiple businesses. My mentoring consultancy offers bespoke advice to companies and individuals across multiple sectors who want to scale up and grow their business and careers. I’m a member of the Travel Board of Advisors, and my real estate investment company is expanding into luxury holiday homes in addition to the existing residential portfolio.. There’s a huge mix of responsibilities, but I’ve found it grants me freedom to work on projects I’m truly passionate about which is incredibly rewarding.

I’m passionate about growth, international expansion, technology and taking a modern disruptive approach to business. Using social media has really paid off for me; it’s led to exciting opportunities including launching my podcast; ‘Brave, Bold, Brilliant’ which explores what it takes to become successful and unlock your inner potential, and is now in the top 1.5% of all podcasts in the world.

How has the travel and tourism industry changed since you started working in it?

JL: The most obvious change is the decline in bricks and mortar travel agencies. This led to rapid, wide scale adoption of digital technologies which, I think, the travel and tourism industry has handled brilliantly. Digital has turned the industry on its head with the power in the hands of the consumer now. The businesses that thrived are the early adopters. The landscape is now digital first and there are some big competitors out there, but there’s certainly lots of opportunity for growth.

Covid-19 and Brexit resulted in a few turbulent years for the sector. We saw staycations rise in popularity but as seen from the headlines, the summer just gone saw a return to international travel on a large scale – this is encouraging and again the businesses that were flexible and quick to react performed the best.

What drew you to working with Howgate Sable?

JL: I’ve enjoyed a long working relationship with Nick Irving and have always been impressed with the quality of work that the Howgate Sable team delivers. I always take any opportunity to work with excellent people from various companies in the sector, helping to pinpoint the talent needed to drive those businesses forwards.

Finally, what’s your best piece of advice for people seeking to grow their career in the travel and tourism industry?

JL: I’m a big believer that your support network can be a major driving force of success. For those pursuing a career in travel and tourism, my best advice is to surround yourself with mentors, coaches and peer groups as much as possible. Success is about learning to ignore the naysayers. Connecting with like-minded, positive people who support you and your goals will open a lot of doors.

Get in touch with Jeannette or Nick for a chat about our work in the travel and tourism sector.

The EMI Practice at Howgate Sable really took the time to understand our situation and find exceptional candidates who could fulfil challenging international leadership assignments for a truly global company with a history that spans well over 200 years.

It was a first class experience and positive outcome on many levels.

 

Barry McDonnell – Director of Manufacturing at De La Rue International

I have worked with the Howgate Sable team on several occasions whilst hiring mission-critical executives. Partnership is the byword for this organisation – they act as an extension of my team and work hard to support me not only in the technical solution, but in the sense of a deep understanding of my specific requirements. Delivery is the key measure of our talent partners and Howgate Sable have always achieved what was asked of them.

Jesper Berg – SVP HR, ABB

Having worked with Howgate Sable as a client and as a candidate I can confidently say their ability to deliver on complex searches is second to none. They not only have a detailed knowledge of the marketplace but also understand the importance of cultural fit. 

Bridget Lea – O2

I was particularly impressed with Howgate Sable’s knowledge and network in the aviation sector, the quality of the candidates provided at shortlist and the availability of Nick and the team to provide us with advice and guidance on candidates when required. Nick was particularly effective in understanding our needs as a Company and being flexible in adapting requirements and plans.

Paul Hutchings – Thomas Cook Group Airlines

I have recently worked with Nick from Howgate Sable to recruit a new Head of Aircraft Operations for Thomson Airways. I was particularly impressed by the wide-reaching search undertaken and the quality of the candidates put forward. The skills match to the brief was excellent and I am delighted with the individual we selected.

Dawn Wilson – Thomson Airways

From their initial call to me the Aviation practice team at Howgate Sable demonstrated a significant difference. Straightforward and to the point, the extent of their network and deep insight into the industry was immediately evident. The added value I have received as a candidate is tangible. An almost instant rapport quickly developed into a focused business relationship which is open, honest, respectful and above all trustworthy.

Carl Gissing