Spa Travel, Boston Spa

The team of nine are very knowledgeable with a wealth of experience between them – manager Jackie Standridge counts 37 years’ experience at the store under her belt, while owner Paul Dayson has been here since the store first opened in 1980. His hands-on approach means he still brings in about £1 million worth of business each year. Online training keeps knowledge honed, as do regular educational trips, which Paul dubs “a priority” for staff, with an average of two a year per staff member. Blogs from the trips go on the agency website for customers to read, too.

Clients are well looked after in this store – Paul provides them with his 24-hour mobile number and they often pop in to personally thank the team after coming back from their holidays.

Each client receives a branded ticket wallet containing itineraries and branded security tags when they make a booking, providing a personal touch, while 25 of the agency’s top spenders receive a branded bottle of either Pol Roger, Ayala or Bollinger champagne at Christmas time.

The agency is also dedicated to giving back – Jackie supports local homeless charity Hoping Street Kitchen York and asks staff and customers to bring in toiletries to donate, as well as coats and sleeping bags. They have also gifted vouchers to local wedding fairs and dressed a Christmas tree with luggage tags at their local Methodist Church.

Spa Travel also organises client events including a canapes and prosecco cruise-focused evening at Hazlewood Castle and an in-store event with Great Rail Journeys.

The team’s tireless hard work is clearly paying off: last year was the best year ever for Spa Travel, with a £600,000 increase in sales – proving its enduring popularity with its customers.