32: Richard Hurd-Wood (Virgin Experience Days)

In this episode of RLI Talks, Jayne Rafter (Publisher of RLI) speaks to Richard Hurd-Wood, CEO of Virgin Experience Days. Of course, the last twelve months has presented its challenges to Richard and his team as most of the partners they work with have had to close their doors - however, it has also presented new opportunities and Richard talks about how the Virgin team have worked with their suppliers to establish new digital or at home experiences throughout the pandemic. He also talks about the future, and how this summer could be the busiest summer yet for his brand and for those who offer experiences - we've all been able to buy things, but we haven't been able to do things - and he believes that desire is very much there from a customer point of view to enjoy themselves. In a way, the restrictions on international travel could benefit the domestic market in experiences as people spend the money they might have spent on a holiday on days or weekend trips in the UK instead.