Hays Travel has celebrated the long service of 23 colleagues at a dinner hosted by agency owner Dame Irene Hays at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on Wednesday (February 12).
Staff members from retail branches in the north and head office departments reaching 30, 20 and 10-year service milestones received a unique piece of Sunderland studio glass from National Glass Centre and a Hays Travel voucher to redeem against their own holiday.
Among those being recognised was chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, who has been with Hays Travel for 20 years, having joined as an apprentice in 2005.
Dame Irene said: “Loyalty is one of our core values and we actively look for opportunities to recognise those colleagues who have consistently contributed to Hays Travel’s success.
“It was a particular highlight to recognise so many colleagues who joined us as apprentices, including our chief operating officer Jonathon Woodall-Johnston.
“His career and those of others who have forged successful careers in travel truly inspire our apprentices – we currently have over 500 in the business.
“My congratulations to everyone celebrating their service milestones and thank you for your loyalty to Hays Travel.”
Celebrating her 30-year milestone was Samantha Birdsey, a travel consultant at Hays Travel’s Darlington branch.
Branch manager Natalie Wood commented: “Sam is an absolute diamond and a valued asset to the business.
“Her loyal customers trust her with their holiday plans year after year. She is honestly an absolute credit to Hays Travel and we are very lucky to have her!”
A second event celebrating long-serving colleagues based in the south will follow later this month.
Jane Schumm, retail director, added: “We recognise our colleagues’ loyalty as early as six months after joining our Hays Travel family, and we give our people the opportunity to learn, develop and progress in their work.
“We encourage everyone to follow their own path, and we are grateful that so many decide to stay with us for the long haul – which we credit to our company culture, values and advancement opportunities.”
Picture credits: David Wood