Our Team

Please meet your Focus Central team – combined we have over 230 years of business travel and travel technology experience, working for both independent and global TMCs. Everything we do is for the benefit of our TMC Partners.

Steve Banks

Chief Executive Officer

Steve Banks Focus CEO

Location: Nottingham

When and where did you join the travel industry? I joined the travel industry in 1989 with Thomas Cook Travel Management.

What inspired you to join Focus? The existing historical and ongoing value Focus provides to its TMC Partners and the ability to continue to build on that was too good a role to turn down. I really enjoy working with and as part of a team, and the diverse Partners we represent provides a fantastic opportunity for further growth, new proposition areas to develop, as well as a combined voice to the industry, our suppliers and our customers to demonstrate the value and leverage we collectively offer.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Joining!….

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I’m a massive football fan, and normally watch at least one game a week, from non-league to Premier League

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Treat your colleagues, customers and suppliers how you’d like to be treated yourself. Be honest and open, or you tend to get caught out in the end.

Do you have any hidden talents? I’m pretty good at remembering 3 letter airport codes!

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? Louis Armstrong – We Have all the Time in the World

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Seize every opportunity you can. Be naturally curious, and volunteer to learn new things and take responsibility.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Phone, comfortable shoes, sun cream for my head!

Dani Ives

Commercial Manager

Our team. Focus - Dani Ives

Location: South East London

When and where did you join the travel industry? I started at Instone Marine Travel, Brentwood, Essex in 2009 as a junior consultant and making tea!

What inspired you to join Focus? I had worked with Focus for a number of years before joining, so I had a good understanding of it’s ethos, and I loved the community within the partnership.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Getting the first ever Shining Star award at The Business Travel people Awards, I was nominated for Rising Star however the judges felt that I’d already risen so created a new category which is still ongoing and I have since been invited to be on the judging panel.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I only drink earl grey tea, with milk.

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Learn from others strengths and never say no, I have worked in nearly every department in Focus now and its helped to give me so much knowledge and experience.

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? She’s Electric, Oasis

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t be the smartest person in the room.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? A full skincare routine, my own shampoo/conditioner/shower gel, flip flops or slippers!

Tony Edge

Business Solutions Manager

Tony Edge

Location: Cheshire

When and where did you join the travel industry? In 2010 as a junior online support agent for CWT in Warrington.

What inspired you to join Focus? It’s an exciting time to join particularly in the Innovation and Tech space, there is so much potential. I like the business model of the partnership, and I’m keen to be part of a forward-thinking team where ideas and innovation are taken seriously.

What has been an important lesson that you have learned in your career so far? To be honest, honest about limitations, honest about progress, and most importantly be honest with yourself! Put time into you for your own self development.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I’m actually afraid of flying. And I’m a youth rugby coach, which I talk about a lot!

If you had to choose one song as your ‘theme tune’ what would it be? Anything by Oasis.

What is your favourite destination? Toronto. Australia is on my bucket list.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Control your own destiny, and don’t try to please everybody.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Phone, flip flops, headphones.

Hazel Dawson

Commercial Manager

Hazel Dawson

Location: Whyteleafe, Surrey

When and where did you join the travel industry? Officially in 1988 when I became a Tour Guide with Contiki 18-30 coach touring holidays and later joined the corporate travel industry in 1994 as a PA. 

What inspired you to join Focus? I brought a TMC into Focus many years ago and had a huge respect for Ken McLeod and his team at the time.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? The amazing relationships that we have built with our supplier partners.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I was “made in Hong Kong”.

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Mutual respect is a must!

Do you have any hidden talents? I am an Excel ‘queen’ .. I love numbers

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be?  “Music” by John Miles

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t send an immediate email response if you are angry – sleep on it before writing the reply.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Phone with book, photos and music. A wrap to sleep under or snuggle up to. And a charm that says “Travel Safe – Adventure Awaits”

Joanne Emerson

Marketing, PR & Events Manager

Our team. Focus - Joanne Emerson

Location: Sussex

When and where did you join the travel industry? 1994 as a trainee with Thomas Cook. Then onto Amex, Fleet Street Travel, and Uniglobe in Brighton & London. I also had a break from the industry working for The National Trust and in the Legal sector.

What inspired you to join Focus? I was inspired by the not-for-profit business model of Focus and the fact that everything we do is for our TMC Partners. During my interview, Abby & Dani were enthusiastic and welcoming and their passion for Focus shone through, I knew then that I wanted to be part of this amazing team and assist the partnership with it’s growth and goals.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Helping to organise and attend my first conference – Focus Champs 2023 which was on my birthday! It was a great success and rewarding to bring our partners and suppliers together for an action-packed 3 days.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I flew with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she broke tradition and travelled on a commercial flight to New Zealand, the plane was installed with a study, dining area and bedroom. I still have the commemorative pen and letter!

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? To be aware of my ‘unconscious bias’s’ – we all have them.

Do you have any hidden talents? I am a master at ‘name that tune’!

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Listen and ask questions.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? My children when possible, sunglasses, infinite travel snacks.

Anne Marie Crawford

Business Development Manager 

Location: Staffordshire              

When and where did you join the travel industry? Marriott Hotels Heathrow was my main introduction into Corporate Travel in the early 1990s.

What inspired you to join Focus? Abby Penston introduced me to Focus during the pandemic, and explained to me what a fantastic job the Focus Central team do. I arranged some online seminars around Sales and Account Management, and this then led to me running different projects that have continued to enhance the offering of Focus to our Partners and help grow and develop following the difficult times we all went through.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Attending all the amazing conferences and meeting our wonderful TMC Partners, highlight was at Focus Champs being asked to participate in the Tech Panel which was thoroughly enjoyable. And the Crystal Maze challenge of course!

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I collect teddy bears!

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Listen very carefully and ask lots of questions to fully understand a situation.

Do you have any hidden talents? I have a very good sense of direction.

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? Don’t stop me now – Queen.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Stay inquisitive and travel lots!

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Practical – Purse, phone, and passport Fun – a bear, a book and a family photo.

Laura Currie

Business and Fares Support Executive

Our team. Focus - Laura Currie

Location: Kent

When and where did you join the travel industry? I started at Amex in 1997 in the fares team, auditing PNRs to achieve cheaper fares.

What inspired you to join Focus? It was all down to Hazel Dawson.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Winning the Partners Award and being nominated for the ITM Service Excellence Award. It isn’t all about these awards and I’m a humble person, just helping people that need it is a highlight for me.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I used to be a gymnast when I was young and wonder if that was really me all these years later! I also learnt business Spanish and went to night school, I don’t get to use it much and may have forgotten a fair bit.

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? To keep calm when things all around seem to be in turmoil, which helps me to think clearly.

Do you have any hidden talents? I am a Yoga instructor and I teach a couple of classes a week.

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? Anything by James.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Rome wasn’t built in a day.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Toothbrush, yoga mat, walking boots.

Barry Higgott

Technical Support Executive

Barry Higgott

Location: Northumberland              

When and where did you join the travel industry? I started working for British Rail in 1990,  initially in the ticket office before moving into Corporate Travel with Turista in 1995.

What inspired you to join Focus? I had a strong understanding of Focus and its values before joining the company, as I had been a member of the Tech Panel for over 5 years and a Focus Champion for over 10 years while working at a partner TMC. This gave me a good understanding of Focus and its values before joining.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Successful implementing Amadeus Cytric across several of our TMC Partners. This has been a great learning experience together with our Partners and it’s been very rewarding to see positive outcomes and successes with the system.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I won “Northumbria in Bloom” for the floral display at Hexham Railway Station with my colleague John.

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I think I’ve ever received is to “treat others the way you want to be treated yourself”.

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Phone, charger, and my toothbrush.

Lisa Moseling

Commercial Support Executive

Our team - Lisa Moseling

Location: Surrey

When and where did you join the travel industry? I worked for Going Places and completed an apprenticeship back in the day, then went to work for CWT/HRG who were taken over by Amex GBT. I have been in the industry for 17 years now.

What inspired you to join Focus? I was looking for a change and to elevate my career in the travel industry, Focus offered an exciting opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down. I have heard many good things about Focus over the years and I love the fact that we operate as a non-profit business model.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Working with an incredible team with a wealth of knowledge.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I love Starbucks, and my favourite destination is Australia.

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? To take every opportunity offered, even if you don’t think will help now, it can in the future. This industry is fantastic for having the opportunity to visit new places, do as much as you can and see as much as possible.

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? Bon Jovi – ‘Its my life’

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Its never a problem … only a challenge!

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip?  Choosing three is hard as I struggle to travel light! Phone/purse, my daily toiletries (makeup, skin care etc) and passport.

Victoria Shorrocks

Implementation & Support Executive

Victoria Shorrocks Focus

Location: Wigan

When and where did you join the travel industry? In 1998 I joined Shearings Holidays seasonal coach crew in Lake Como for 3 summers and then joined Tui when they took over Britannia Airways and Thomson Holidays/Lunn Poly in 2001. This was the start of my journey working in travel and I am still learning – it gets in your blood.

What inspired you to join Focus? I had been working in the business travel tech landscape for 8 years and wanted the opportunity to work with a successful, creative and dynamic team who embrace change and value people. People are at the heart of Focus.

What is your career highlight with Focus so far? Meeting so many great talented people and gaining valuable insight into their unique businesses, also being part of a fantastic team.

Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I love a good fun adrenaline activity like zip-wiring, theme parks, sky-diving, bungee jumping.

What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Always be an active listener and do not rush – by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? Billy Ocean – When the Goin Gets Tough (I also love the movie Jewel of the Nile).

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Accept people for who they are and respect opinions and values that are not always your own (you may learn something).

What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? A good book, SPF moisturiser & sunglasses.