Top 50 2024 - Central England - Market Place Travel, Burton

Founded by ex-Thomas Cook colleagues Mark Lomas and Karen Brown in July 2018, and in its current location since October 2020, Market Place Travel is right at the heart of Burton’s town centre. The duo say it had always been “a pipe dream” to have their own agency. Now a team of 10, with business booming and the company’s fifth anniversary celebrated in 2023, you could say reality has surpassed even their wildest of fantasies. From a customer “gold card” offering a £50 discount per booking to Market Place Travel-branded candles, this is an agency that likes to try new ways of engaging and inspiring customers to keep its brand front of mind. A major milestone during the past 12 months has been their new lounge. The upstairs space offers a cosy haven for customers seeking privacy to discuss their travel plans and a stylish area to host events and for staff to enjoy too. Furnished using pieces made from reclaimed wood and recycled materials, the agency’s “Let us take you there” slogan is emblazoned in a blue neon light. Customers can also benefit from Market Place Travel’s “revolutionised” refund policy, with the agency choosing to reimburse clients straight away out of their own pocket rather than having to wait for suppliers to pay up. They also offer out of hours support, including Mark and Karen staying up until 3am to help young clients stranded without a hotel in New York after a tour operator’s oversight. With such service, it’s not surprising Market Place Travel can fill an entire coach load of its most loyal clients, as it did for a thank you trip to Chester at Christmas. Looking to the future, the agency will soon welcome an apprentice via Jet2holidays’ industry scheme, while new flexible working arrangements have been introduced to suit all the team’s needs.

marketplacetravel.co.uk