The travel leader pumping youthful energy into the high street

Going against the advice of family, she made the call to take the shop and go full time with the business before making a single booking.

Soft launching online with a push on social media and some networking events, Caitlan drummed up excitement before opening the store in July 2022.

An apprentice, Ruby, joined the store in September 2023 and, fast forward to today, the business has a strong turnover with a nationwide client base.

Caitlan says she focuses on making sure all the little details are sorted for customers whether that is having tickets ready, making requests on their behalf or managing issues while they are travelling.

“When I set up the company, I was set on giving customers a more personal experience. I want them to come in and feel as though they know me personally. That is why they come back and it is why I will always keep the teams of staff within my stores as small as possible.”

Keen to give back to the community that has supported her, last Christmas Caitlan gifted a mini break to 20 less fortunate families.

“This was a great message to pass out to others that if you are fortunate enough to help out we should do what we can,” she says.

Growth mindset

Always looking ahead, Caitlan had a five-year plan to open a second store but given The Departure Hub’s success to date, she is already on the lookout for a new shop which she hopes to open by the end of her third year in business.

“Ultimately, I want to open a few more branches but ensure they keep that personal service. I also want to find homeworkers who can work under The Departure Hub brand beyond our local area,” she says.

Caitlan sees TTG’s 30 Under 30 as a platform to help her spread the word about her small business as well as an opportunity “to meet others with a growth mindset”.

While her own growth mindset shows no sign of waning, she adds that she can’t see herself losing her love of selling.

“I want to grow but I want to stay in branch myself and to remain customer facing as I just love selling so much.”

A sales superstar with strong business acumen and grand ambitions, Caitlan is forging her own path to success.

Meet the TTG 30 Under 30 class of 2024-25