South Staffordshire-based travel agency and SBS winner, Gilly Bachelor Travel Expert, has a lot to celebrate as it makes a strong post-covid recovery, approaching £2.5 million in holiday sales, and saying ‘bon voyage’ to over 1200 holidaymakers.
This is a travel agency, but not one you may instantly recognise, as it does not sell holidays online nor on the high street. The business prides itself on delivering ‘good old-fashioned’ customer service, with clients visiting their offices in Brewood (South Staffordshire) by appointment, with video meetings also available.
Gilly Bachelor leads holiday sales with her impressive travel knowledge whilst Stephanie Minton managers the back-office admin team. The business operates under the umbrella of Not Just Travel, part of the Hays Travel Independence Group, owned by the UK’s ‘travel queen’ Dame Irene Hays.
Gilly Bachelor commented:
‘I’ve always had a passion for travel, and before I set up my business I had travelled extensively, though I did find the booking process a bit of a minefield, and this was before Covid!
My vision was to change this, by creating a travel business with personal service at its heart. We don’t use a call centre nor live chat, we simply pick up the phone, and respond to messages as a priority. If your holiday is imminent or you are away, we are available 24/7, if you are looking to make a new holiday booking we offer appointments 7 days a week from 10am to 7pm.
Professional travel advice is as important as ever as we emerge from the impact of covid, and whilst we are seeing the easing of restrictions, they can still be difficult to navigate. Our clients value our expertise and personal service, they want to book their holiday with someone that really cares.
We are a small business; however, clients are reassured that we are backed by the Hays ‘empire’, the UK’s largest independent travel company, and all the holidays we book are ABTA and ATOL protected.’
This is certainly a business that is doing something right as its list of independent awards and accolades continues to grow. In June 2022 it was a Small Business Sunday winner. Also in 2022, the business secured a Global Piton Award from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, with Gilly Bachelor a finalist for TTG Travel Agent of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
The business was established in 2019 and celebrated its 4th Birthday on January 28th, as part of this celebration the team delivered 200 cupcakes to its local clients to say a ‘little thank you’ for their support. The business is also hosting an ‘open house’ at its offices in Brewood on Saturday 11th February, inviting anyone that has a travel related question or concern to come along or to book an online appointment’.
Gilly Bachelor continued:
‘We are now in to our fifth year of trading and to be honest it’s been incredible. Covid was a really challenging time for the business, but this is now well in the rear-view mirror. I am more optimistic than ever.
We don’t spend any money on adverting so being part of #SBS has been really important in raising our profile, our business comes from repeat clients and from referrals. Our clients’ loyalty and support are at the core of our success, and we remain grateful every single day.
We continue to listen to our clients and based on their feedback we launched our door-to-door airport chauffeur service in late 2022 which can include airport assistant with luggage and flight check-in.
Our open house on the February 11th is for everyone that has a travel related question. This may be about a booking they’ve made elsewhere, or they’re looking for best advice on a trip they’re planning independently, or they’re just looking for some travel inspiration. For our SBS colleagues we’ll also be offering video calls, as we don’t want you to miss out!’
To get in touch please email gilly.bachelor@notjusttravel.com or call 07970102161, or book an appointment here https://gillybachelortravelexpert.co.uk/book-an-appointment/.
