Former on-the-road sales manager’s nod to late mum in new agency's name

Beard hopes his business will benefit from visitors attending theatre evenings, comedy events and private parties in the town, as well as the coffee shop at the chapel.

“There’s always something going on here,” he said. “The chapel is the town’s community hub. It’s an affluent town. I love it. I was the manager of Going Places here when I started out in the industry.” 

Primarily targeting the 55-plus market, Beard will seek to offer his clients more than he believes they can get elsewhere. "I can do bespoke packages, I’m going out into the community, I’m doing appointments at their homes or in the shop," he said. 

Beard, who has also previously worked for Saga Holidays and the now-defunct Cruise & Maritime Voyages brand, said he has made three bookings so far. When asked about his growth plans, Beard said he wanted to hire some sales staff before peaks.

“I’ve got a few people in mind, but I want to see how it goes before Christmas,” he explained. “I would love a team of three or four. I’ve got a lot of friends who are looking to move.”

Beard said he was already eyeing more shops, and had identified “a few” sites in the local area. “I  definitely want more than one shop,” he said.

Pure Joy Escapes offers cruises, escorted tours and worldwide holidays. Last week, Beard made his first booking when a couple enquired about a cruise.

“The couple found me on social media, but they didn’t want to travel immediately," he said. "I put my heart and soul into it and they booked. The sailing was a Royal Caribbean repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Southampton over Easter next year."

Beard added suppliers had been “very positive” about him opening a shop. “They’ve given me a fantastic welcome,” he said.