ITM Tech Innovator Award Winner

Focus Travel Partnership is delighted to announce that our Business Solutions Manager, Tony Edge, has won the prestigious Tech Innovator Award at this year’s Institute of Travel Management (ITM) Achievement Awards. Tony, who joined Focus Travel Partnership in June 2023, was celebrated for his innovative technology solutions that enhance TMC and customer tools, benefiting small and mid-market business travel companies.

Tony lives and breathes travel tech innovation. In a short space of time, he has made a huge impact for the benefit of all 53 individual Focus TMC Partners, as the driving force behind Focus’ renewed growth and direction to provide an ecosystem of technology solutions to innovate and future proof their businesses. He has carefully researched and implemented 9 new cutting-edge technology solutions for the bespoke business requirements of our TMC Partners, has strategically created new travel supplier and back-office collaborations, curated and led the Focus Innovation Day at the Focus Partners Conference in Belfast, and designed and launched the Focus Innovation Group.

Celebrating Excellence in the Business Travel Industry

The ITM 2024 Achievement Awards ceremony, held in London on 28 June, honoured the brightest talents and most innovative teams in the business travel industry. Hosted by the esteemed Broadcaster, Writer and Personal Development Coach Katy Hill alongside ITM’s Scott Davies, the event recognised individuals and teams who have made significant contributions to their organisations and the industry at large. The ceremony was marked by a blend of uplifting speeches, celebratory moments, and a commitment to fostering talent and innovation in the community.

Focus Travel Partnership CEO, Steve Banks commented: “Tony’s relentless pursuit of travel technology excellence on behalf of our TMC Partners has helped continue to position Focus Travel Partnership at the forefront of the SME business travel sector. Tony implements an innovative way of thinking, challenges barriers and encourages changes of mindset to push innovation. This award is a reflection of that commitment and ethos, and we are all incredibly proud of Tony for this well-deserved recognition.”

On winning the ITM Achievement Award for Tech Innovator (individual), Tony Edge commented; “This is a hugely proud moment for me and something I never expected, having joined Focus just over a year ago, my main goal is to ensure our TMC Partners have the right tools and guidance to not only thrive as a business but future proof themselves for what comes next. I feel this is recognition not just for the work I do as part of the Focus central team but a reflection of what this whole partnership can achieve together. Through the Focus Innovation group, we proudly review products that bring a benefit to our whole network, we also work with our suppliers to ensure they offer the right solution and integrate with the tools needed to maximise efficient processes. Focus are partner led in everything we do so I would like to thank our TMC Partners for this recognition and for the input they have given during my tenure so far, and although this is a great achievement for me individually, this is only one step towards what we will continue to achieve collectively.”

Tech Innovator Winner