Hays Travel bought the entire retail portfolio of Thomas Cook, doubling its workforce and trebling its shop numbers.

Hays welcomed almost 700 suppliers and managers to the 30th and largest Hays Travel Conference in its history.

Retail and training director Jane Schumm kicked things off by telling delegates: “This is the last time we will refer to anyone as ‘ex-Thomas Cook’; from now on we are all part of the Hays Travel family.”

Hays shared his vision for 2020 and paid tribute to the Thomas Cook brand and colleagues, and also explained why he thought Hays Travel could succeed.

“We have absolute confidence and trust in the skills and commitment of our colleagues to use all channels to develop strong connections with customers, so that they always book the right holiday for the right client,” he said.

“They have the freedom to communicate unscripted to our clients and can use their talent to the full to sell the unlimited range of holidays we can provide as the UK’s largest independent agent – and they tell me this is an important part of their job satisfaction.”

In the last four weeks as more than 475 new shops have opened, more than 2,000 people have taken permanent contracts with Hays Travel.

Managers across the UK are continuing to recruit to fill posts in their branches.

Developments announced included the ability for managers to manage their own branch Facebook pages.

The message was “know your customers, understand what they’re looking for and connect with them in the best way for them”, whether online, in-store or both.

Hays said there would be further updates as the conference continues.