Newman
(13 Oct 2009)
Born in Colchester, Essex in 1969, Sarah left school aged 16 with very few formal qualifications.
She moved to Ireland May 1994 to set up Needahotel.com. Starting with zero funding, Needahotel.com sold hotel accommodation wholesale to travel agents and tour operators in Ireland at heavily discounted prices. Needahotel.com introduced a massive selection of hotels worldwide for travel agents and tour operators to put together their own packages for clients.
Newman went on to negotiate a long term contract with Ryanair based on any future hotel reservations. Sales grew at a rapid rate and in order to expand Sarah bought on board a MD and FD to assist her in their rapid growth plan. The company grew from one to 95 people within 10 years and sales of €100million.
Newman sold Needahotel.com in 2006, to Cendant Corporation along with long term contract with Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and BMI for their on and off line sales for hotel accommodation.
Newman also worked with 80% of all UK and Irish travel agents, with her call centre, multi lingual, 7 days a week operation, based in Glenegeary Co Dublin. Newman has since been involved in Newmac Equity with her business partner, Tom McEneany (ex Independent Editor) looking for opportunistic ideas in Ireland and Belarus.
Newman recently appeared as a ‘Dragon’, one of the successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who have been there, done that, on the first series of RTÉ's Dragons' Den. This hugely popular business programme gives hopeful Irish entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business schemes in front of five wealthy and successful venture capitalists. The second series will be filmed shortly.
In her spare time Sarah is currently completing a leading Super Chalet in Zermatt, Switzerland, named after her daughter, Grace. She is also the incoming Lady Vice Captain at the K Club for 2009.
Sarah is a highly motivational keynote and after dinner speaker and can offer practical advice and inspiration to any audience. For more information, or to book Sarah Newman for your next event, please call Speaker Solutions on 01 6190243.