Travel Counsellors: 'Trust and integrity' vital to success says founder Speakman

In both his email and subsequent discussion with TTG, Speakman paid tribute to Kirsten Hughes and Karen Morris for their efforts to “drive Travel Counsellors forward”.

“It’s a great model with great people there,” he said. “It will continue to be successful in the future. We wish everyone the best of luck. It’s nice to know we’ve played a part in some very dedicated people’s lives.”

Reflecting on his journey with Travel Counsellors, Speakman said it had been “life-changing” for many agents: “We’ve put them in charge of their own destiny and helped them do what they do best,” he said.

“For too long, travel agents, those working for multiples in particular, have not been able to express themselves and be impartial. I think that’s the crucial thing. Travel Counsellors allows them not to be influenced by there being more commission on one product than another, for example.

"Customers get this. When they are spending large amounts of money with an agent, it’s important to them they get an impartial view. Trust and integrity are what differentiates Travel Counsellors.”

Steve O’Hare, senior partner at Equistone Partners Europe, added the investor was “proud” of its efforts to grow the business in recent years, “building on the foundations laid by David Speakman”.

“I am looking forward to seeing the next phase of growth for Travel Counsellors and its incredible journey,” he said.

Vitruvian said £6 million had been set aside for further IT developments during 2018, building on the company’s proprietary technology platform Phenix.

The private equity firm has previously invested in Skyscanner, JacTravel and OAG.