Top 50 2024 - South East - Hays Travel, Brentwood

Holidaymakers are in good hands when they book with this Essex-based agency, as most of the friendly team of seven have at least 20 years of experience in travel. Hays Travel Brentwood has a kind and caring approach, and as clients sip their complimentary hot drink in this bright and cheery store, they know the team will not only find their ideal holiday, but also help with all the extras to ensure their trip runs smoothly. From taking care of travellers’ online check-in to printing boarding passes and securing restaurant reservations, the aim is to make holidays stress-free. One couple were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and spent a night in Venice after enjoying a luxury cruise. To add some extra sparkle, assistant manager Rebecca arranged a surprise visit to a salon for the lady, with her favourite hair products and colour waiting for her, to ensure she felt her best before joining the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Many regular customers have become close friends with the team, and the majority of newcomers are recommended by friends and family. The agency also has a strong following on social media, with team member Gillian becoming something of a local celebrity after starring in posts and videos on Facebook. To give back to the community, Hays Travel Brentwood collected donations for a local food bank and supplied the grand prize in the Brentwood Christmas Trail – a holiday to Legoland Windsor Resort – as well as hosting a giant candy cane in the store window for children to spot. Creating a supportive, friendly and happy atmosphere is paramount for manager Daniel Pule, who regularly rewards his team, and champions the store’s second-year apprentice, George. The team confidently talk to customers about how to be a responsible traveller, and highlight the operators, hotels and cruise lines who are investing in sustainability initiatives.

haystravel.co.uk