A BUSINESSWOMAN has taken her independent travel business to the next level by forming a new partnership.

Francesca Barone, owner of FB Travel in Burgess Hill, operates her business from home and has 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Now she has joined forces with Brilliant Travel, part of the Barrhead Travel group, one of the UK’s largest independent travel agents

Francesca specialises in creating and designing tailor-made luxury cruise and land packages.

Many of her clients have booked with her for more than 20 years and do so multiple times a year.

Francesca is currently celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her home business and is looking forward to growing her business.

She said: “I would certainly encourage ambitious people within the travel industry to consider going into business for themselves.

“You can make a fantastic living and have the freedom to look after customers the way you want to.

“The new partnership will open my business up to the benefits of having innovative technology, the support of back-office teams such as marketing and business development, and a wider range of products, enabling me to enhance my customers’ experience even further.”

Francesca, who has been on more than 200 cruises herself, has seen strong growth in the popularity of this type of getaway in recent years, particularly in river cruising.

She said: “Many of my clients have been cruising on the ocean for more than 20 years. River cruising opens them up to an entirely new type of holiday and a long list of unexplored destinations.

“I’ve also seen a significant increase in the amount of young people and families who have embraced cruising.

“Now, thanks to the huge range of cruises that are available, such as expedition, all-inclusive or family orientated, as well as improved marketing by industry leaders such as Silversea, who I have a strong relationship with, P and O and Royal Caribbean, there is a much more diverse mix of holidaymakers booking.”

Linda Pyle, managed service travel partner and homeworking director at Brilliant Travel, said: “We are incredibly excited that Francesca has now joined our team, bringing with her a wealth of cruising expertise and a hugely loyal customer base.

“The flexibility we offer makes us the perfect partner for homeworkers who are looking to grow their business effectively.”

Brilliant Travel has experienced strong growth this year, with its homeworkers’ profits rising 26 per cent.

The business has invested more than £2 million in technology in 2016, benefiting its partners.