Tony Edge, Travel Technology Innovator

What does it mean to you to win a 2024 Business Travel People Award?

To be honest, it hasn’t sunk in yet. Being shortlisted in this category along with some fantastic teams and individuals was such an achievement on its own. I was just proud to be in that conversation, so I think winning will take some time to process.

How did you feel when your name was called?

Funnily enough, there is a video of my reaction. I felt a whole mix of emotions: first I was shocked and a little overwhelmed, then came a sort of ‘I’ve won’ joy. But this quickly turned into a light dread as I thought ‘Oh no, I need to go up on stage’. The reactions of those around me meant the most, whether it was my team, old friends or people I met on the night. Having people being so happy for you is a really humbling experience. 

What was the reaction of your family, friends and colleagues when you won the award?

I have such a supportive group around me: from my wife and the team at Focus to all of our TMC partners and suppliers. Again, it’s quite humbling to have so many people be genuinely happy and celebrate this achievement. In my role, this award also represents all those people. This is another step towards us achieving our goals together.

How do you think winning the award will impact your profile in the wider industry?

I think the Tech Innovator award is validation of what the Focus Travel Partnership central team and Focus Innovation Group have been working on. Through my time at Focus, I’ve learned that promoting the right conversations can go a long way in technology and I hope that this award can help to promote more of this.

The business travel industry really is a community and if we can get the right people having the right conversations, we can drive innovation to benefit everyone.

What advice would you give to anyone considering entering the awards?

Go for it. Honestly, the least you will come away with is having a fantastic evening and great conversations with people from all areas of our industry. Having a room full of people willing to share knowledge while recognising each other’s successes is the real achievement in all of this.

Where will you be keeping your award?

I somehow managed to drop the award and smash a glass at the dinner table within minutes of receiving it. The award was, thankfully, unscathed and is currently in the hall on top of the shoe cupboard — carefully placed, so anyone who comes in can see it. It will be my wife’s decision whether it stays there or not!