Our Team
Please meet your Focus Central team – combined we have over 200 years of business travel experience, working for both independent and global TMCs. Everything our team does is for the benefit of our TMC Partners.
Abby Penston
Chief Executive Officer
Location: Felixstowe
When and where did you join the travel industry? I started working in hotels in 1996, team leading reception/bar and restaurant functions. I left that that sector and moved into technical service aged 29 where I stayed until I was 37. I then joined a Focus TMC Partner as their Director of Business Travel.
What inspired you to join Focus Travel Partnership? I sat on the Focus Main Panel for 3 years until I started my own Consultancy Business specialising in Lean Six Sigma and Prince 2, and Focus was my first client! I knew the partnership well and I am honoured to help lead this innovative and forward-thinking organisation.
What is your Focus career highlight so far? I spoke about this at a Focus conference, one of the most horrendous parts of my career was also one of the most rewarding, navigating the Focus Travel Partnership throughout the pandemic. Whilst a truly awful period for our Industry, I feel that we built a strong supportive network where collaboration was paramount to surviving.
What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? To always question a sweeping statement, facts are king!
Can you share your key accomplishments as CEO of Focus? First and foremost, building a first class central team. I am quite rightly complimented on the qualities of the Focus team, and I’m proud to introduce my colleagues to TMCs and suppliers, they are great ambassadors for the Partnership and display duty of care as part of it’s professional make up. I’m consistently proud of how we evolve our programmes, our airline programme is best in class and our innovation suite will always evolve keeping us ahead of the curve with tech solutions. Our robust well-established supplier relationships are another key strength, not only enabling us to negotiate favourable contracts and secure unrivalled commercial deals, but also providing value and accessibility for our Partners. Our suppliers are very supportive of Focus and appreciate how beneficial and smooth our working relationship is, which we’re told can’t be said for many consortiums/large TMCs!
What’s the best advice you have received? Insist that egos are left at the door. Rarely does a party for one end well!
What is your leadership philosophy? Having a very clear strategy and empowering the people around me to deliver in their roles. I employ leaders, I want them to take the charge and lead in their areas. When you believe in someone you get the best of them. I am my team’s greatest cheerleader! We celebrate successes and support each other through any failings (thankfully we do not see many). We are all about the people, opportunities and growth both as a business and personally.
What are your goals and visions for Focus? When I look at what we set out to achieve in 2020 we have already exceeded those goals by establishing ourselves as the leading business travel consortium in the UK, this is reflective in the TMCs within our network and our supply chain. Focus is held in the highest regard within our community, I look forward to continuing to strengthen our offering and ensuring our unique not-for-profit model continues to serve our TMCs within their own competitive landscape. We have built an organisation on the pillars of equity, Focus will always be about ensuring people are treated fairly and with respect, both at negotiation and within our network.
If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be: Top of the World by The Carpenters
And, what three “must haves” do you take on a trip? An airline amenity bag (I save them – much to my husband’s annoyance!) A power bank. 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.
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.
Dani Ives
Partnership Project 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.
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!
Gillian Keir
Online Support and Training Manager
Location: East Kilbride, Glasgow, Bonnie Scotland
When and where did you join the travel industry? I started as a modern apprentice at Thomas Cook in May 2000 (thanks to one of our current Focus Partner’s employees who recruited me into this role). I love the buzz of travel, booking it, experiencing it and just talking about it!
What inspired you to join Focus? Being able to reach and help drive 50+ TMC Partners. To share the knowledge within the partnership. I truly believe there is room for everyone to be successful.
What is your career highlight with Focus so far? There are so many. I am particularly proud of how we withstood the pandemic, and nurturing and growing the relationships with our technology partners such as Snowfall and Atriis has been rewarding.
Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I have volunteered for Glasgow Pride twice as a driver and I looked after Mel C and the band Steps.
What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? If you make a mistake own it, don’t shy away, it its all about how you resolve the issue that people will remember.
Do you have any hidden talents? Finding the positive in everything. And my attention to detail.
If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? This is hard as I love all types of Music, but I will settle on two: Adele – I Drink Wine and Kayne West – Stronger.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Don’t come to me with a problem unless you can suggest a solution.
What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Extension cable, lip balm, sunglasses.
Hazel Dawson
Commercial Manager
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
PR & Marketing Executive
Location: Sussex
When and where did you join the travel industry? 1994 as a trainee with Thomas Cook. Then onto American Express, Fleet Street Travel, and Uniglobe in Brighton & London. I also had a little 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 Focus conference – Focus Champs 2023 which was actually on my birthday! It was a great success and very 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.
Karina Pomeranceva
Events Executive
Location: London
When and where did you join the travel industry? I joined the events industry in 2012 as Events & Travel Coordinator for BBS CIS in London. More recently, I worked for the Chartered Institute of Taxation. This is my first role specifically in the travel industry.
What inspired you to join Focus? I felt that the company ethos aligned well with my own values and principles.
Can you tell us something we might not know about you? I have lived in 4 countries – Latvia (where I am from), USA, Estonia and now I am firmly settled in the UK.
What has been your most important lesson learned in your profession so far? Time management and prioritising are the keys to success.
Do you have any hidden talents? I enjoy cooking. Pancakes and crêpes are my speciality.
If you had to choose one song as your theme tune, what would it be? Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Listen to your intuition.
What three “must haves” do you take on a trip? Phone – to help make memories that last, music and a good mood.
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 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.
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’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.