Accessibility experts create specialist agency with Brilliant Travel

Two specialists in the accessible housing sector have set up their own travel agency with Barrhead Travel’s Brilliant Travel division.

 

Founded by Edinburgh-based Michael Connolly and Sarah Baum, AllWays Travel is positioning itself as a “people-first alternative” to online booking platforms, with a strong focus on accessible travel and personal service.

 

The agency was created for travellers with mobility, health or accessibility requirements in mind to help remove stress from holiday planning. 

 

They can help arrange suitable accommodation and services such as airport assistance, transfers and cruise access.

 

Connolly and Baum met six years ago while working together in the solicitor and estate agency sector.

 

Baum owned and ran her own solicitor estate agency, while Connolly joined the team after completing his studies in International Business and Spanish. He has since gone on to complete his LLB in Scots Law.

 

Through their work in property, the pair became increasingly aware of how poorly accessibility is often considered, particularly for people navigating housing with mobility, health or additional support needs.

 

This led them to jointly establish Accessible Housing Scotland in 2024, supporting clients to find suitable homes and navigate accessibility requirements.

 

AllWays Travel was created after identifying similar gaps in accessible travel.

 

Connolly said: “Clients deal directly with us, not a call centre. We take time to understand individual needs and budgets and build holidays around that. 

 

“We are happy to visit clients at home too, meaning clients are relaxed in their own environment.”

 

Baum said that accessible travel remains poorly served across the industry.

 

“Too often people are left to piece things together themselves,” she commented.

 

“We are working hard behind the scenes to make sure that the entire journey works, not just the destination.”

 

Linda Pyle, director of Brilliant Travel – the Managed Service Travel Partner (MSTP) and homeworking division of Barrhead Travel – said: “It is wonderful to welcome Sarah and Michael into the Brilliant Travel family. 

 

“Having accessible travel experts who are so passionate about their work is really important and we are very proud of service they are providing for clients in Edinburgh and beyond.

 

“These two have a great track record working together and I’m excited to see what they can do in travel.”