Polka Dot Travel, Oswestry

Business partners Helen Johnson and Philippa Wilcox are more than happy to be a ‘bucket and spade’ travel agent and it’s certainly done their success no harm. Wilcox says everyone kept telling them they needed to specialise in something, but she says “honesty” is their specialisation, always ensuring they recommend what’s right for the customer. And all customers are definitely welcome in this shop – including little ones, with a children’s play table and sweets poised to keep them amused.

One of Polka Dot’s biggest successes has been booking stag and hen parties, some for as many as 70 people, earning them many referrals. The agency also cleverly piggy-backs off Tui’s launch of its main summer programme, creating an appointment system so customers can come in to book their holidays as soon as prices are released.

Another key is offering payment plans, with around three in 10 bookings working this way to offer clients flexibility, and the team research in great detail for clients – whether that be calling to check exactly how far the beach is to walk from the hotel, or ascertaining if there are kettles in the room.

Staff are taken to Chester Races for a fun day out, and enjoy smaller treats such as manicures, while customers are often treated to vouchers for meals at a local restaurant. Polka Dot has always found success with a very active Facebook presence and customers have also responded well to marketing via text messages. It’s no wonder, when they know they are booking with an agent who will be up at the crack of dawn to make sure they get the seats they want on flights, or give them autograph books because they know the family is off to Disney to meet a legion of characters.

• polkadottravel.co.uk