Our Team
Please meet your Focus Central team – combined we have over 240 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.
Paul Spencer
Managing Director
Location: Berkshire
When and where did you join the travel industry? In the mid-90’s I worked on two projects, the first on secondment to BA (in HR) to develop an international relocation programme for pilots/overseas station personnel – and the second, a few years later, to digitise the OAG flight schedule reference manual. So you could say I started there. But on the TMC side? That was in 2008 when I took a role at Hillgate Travel to launch their new booking platform and build a business development programme.
What inspired you to join Focus? I’ve overseen two global Partner networks in the TMC sector and wanted to be able to concentrate on a more defined proposition and programme, as well as one centred on the UK. I was drawn to how Focus brings together some of the most experienced and innovative independent travel management companies, led by a passionate and highly experienced central team.
Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I still have the Ballet and Fencing Cups I won as a boy.
What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Ensure that your people understand the important role they play in your clients’ success.
If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? “Go” by Marillion. Not just for the tune – but the lyrics were inspirational when they needed to be (1999).
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Learn how to do the five key sauces in French cuisine (that’s béchamel, espagnole, hollandaise, tomato and velouté).
Do you have any hidden talents? I take early morning photos of wildlife and I am formally the UK’s 9th best Chilli Cook-Off Champion!
If you could have a drink with any travel industry legend, who would it be? Miles Thomas, who oversaw BOAC in the post war period.
What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? No surprises here; decent headphones, a phone charger and a credit card.
Dani Ives
Commercial Manager
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. And more recently winning the Focus Chair’s Award in 2024.
Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I attend a trampoline exercise class at least twice a week!
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
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 was 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 was keen to be part of a forward-thinking team where ideas and innovation are taken seriously.
What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession 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.
Joanne Emerson
Marketing, PR & Events Manager
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, the CEO at the time, and Dani our Commercial Manager were so enthusiastic and welcoming and their passion for Focus Travel Partnership 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.
If you could have a drink with any travel industry legend, who would it be? I met Richard Branson many years ago, who was charming and very personable, so I think next on my list would be ‘Captain Sully’.
What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? My children when possible, sunglasses, infinite travel snacks.
Hazel Dawson
Project Manager
Location: 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.
If you could have a drink with any travel industry legend, who would it be? Richard Branson – I have read his books & think his life is fascinating. We would have lots to talk and laugh about together – travel & music related!
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”
Laura Currie
Business and Fares Support Executive
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 Focus Partner’s Award in 2021 and being nominated for the ITM Service Excellence Award, and then going onto to win the Focus Chair’s Award in 2023. It isn’t all about these awards though 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
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.
Victoria Shorrocks
Implementation & Support Executive
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.
Lisa Moseling
Commercial Support Executive
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.
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.