Bonus: How we turned start-up Heidi into one of the biggest ski holiday firms
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This is Money Podcast
This episode is titled:
Bonus: How we turned start-up Heidi into one of the biggest ski holiday firms
Notable Quotes
"We want it to be almost that easy for everyone in the UK."
"People were just desperate to get out and have a good time."
"Holidays are so important to so many people, and skiing holidays especially, because everyone needs escapism."
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Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of the This is Money Podcast, Simon Lambert interviews Alexander and Marcus Blunt, the founders of Heidi, the UK's second largest ski package holiday company, established in 2018. The brothers share their journey of transforming their passion for skiing into a business aimed at simplifying ski holiday booking. They discuss the logistical challenges they faced and the inspiration that motivated them to create a tech-focused solution to streamline the process.
The Blunts explain that their love for skiing began in Norway, where they found the ease of accessing ski resorts very different from their experiences in the UK. This disparity prompted them to develop a system that allowed for quick comparisons of flights, accommodations, and ski packages tailored to individual needs. They ventured into entrepreneurship while balancing their full-time jobs, driven by the belief that skiers prioritize the details of how they want their experience rather than where they want to go.
As their business progressed, they experienced significant hurdles when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing them to manage customer repatriation and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. They utilized this time to rebuild their technology and strengthen their brand, which positioned them for success as the travel industry began to recover.
The episode also touches on their marketing strategies, customer engagement, and plans for future expansion into summer holidays. The Blunts emphasize that the mountains are a source of happiness and wellness, and they strive to make accessing ski holidays easier and more affordable for others.
The Blunts explain that their love for skiing began in Norway, where they found the ease of accessing ski resorts very different from their experiences in the UK. This disparity prompted them to develop a system that allowed for quick comparisons of flights, accommodations, and ski packages tailored to individual needs. They ventured into entrepreneurship while balancing their full-time jobs, driven by the belief that skiers prioritize the details of how they want their experience rather than where they want to go.
As their business progressed, they experienced significant hurdles when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing them to manage customer repatriation and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. They utilized this time to rebuild their technology and strengthen their brand, which positioned them for success as the travel industry began to recover.
The episode also touches on their marketing strategies, customer engagement, and plans for future expansion into summer holidays. The Blunts emphasize that the mountains are a source of happiness and wellness, and they strive to make accessing ski holidays easier and more affordable for others.
Key Takeaways
- Starting small and validating assumptions are critical steps in launching a business.
- Good relationships with suppliers and transparent communication with customers are vital during crises.
- Skiing is not limited to expensive resorts; there are affordable options available for families.
- Building a strong team and creating a customer-centric culture drives repeat business.
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