Top 50 - Yorkshire - Althams Travel, Huddersfield

This 148-year-old travel agency based in the centre of Huddersfield is run by branch manager Nicky Lynn alongside her five-strong workforce of dedicated agents ready to help customers whenever they are needed.

The agency – which prides itself on its customer service – went above and beyond for one elderly client by helping him pack his suitcase in store, and when the individual’s health deteriorated, reached out to his daughter to make sure he was still able to travel independently. 

The store also added extra seating for customers last year, in addition to keeping a well-stocked fridge of prosecco for special occasions. 

The key behind the agency’s impeccable customer service credentials is the team’s high standard of expertise, nurtured via training courses, in-person events and personal holidays.

In the past 12 months, Nicky has become something of a local celebrity through her multiple appearances on BBC Radio Leeds as a local travel expert. In another bid to reach new customers and enhance the store’s reputation, it has recently ventured into the world of TikTok and boosted its Facebook and Twitter profiles. 

In April 2022, Althams Travel became one of the first businesses in the travel industry to introduce a four-day working week with a 9.30am to 5pm finish from Monday to Friday, to help improve staff mental wellbeing and their work-life balance. Nicky has also structured the office to ensure staff members experiencing menopause are as comfortable as possible and is seeking a new apprentice to help with additional workload. 

The agency is also keen to promote sustainable travel whenever possible, by recommending local restaurants, towns and activities as well as working with sustainable suppliers. 

Diversity and inclusivity are also high on the agenda for Althams, with the agency booking an impressive number of LGBT holidays and trips for disabled passengers. 

althams.co.uk