Premier Holidays and Althams Travel hailed in female-led business list

The bosses of two travel firms in the top 100 female-led UK companies say prioritising staff happiness and retention and introducing innovative practices have been key to their success.

Tour operator Premier Holidays, led by managing director Niki Waters (pictured, left), came in at number 27 in the E2E Female 100 track 2025 while travel agency chain Althams Travel, led by Sandra McAllister (pictured, right), was ranked number 28.

The E2E Female 100 track 2025, which announced its list last month, is an index recognising the achievements of the 100 fastest-growing female-led or founded businesses in the UK, based on their growth over the past three years. It is based on data collected by E2E, Creditsafe and Experian. It highlights companies that have achieved rapid business expansion and substantial revenue growth over the last three years, established successful business models and positioned their companies for a promising future.

The ranking criteria include a turnover of more than £5 million, a workforce of 10 or more employees, female leadership at chief executive, managing director or senior partner level within private firms, and year-on-year headcount growth.

North of England-based Althams Travel has 33 branches across Lancashire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire and a growing team of homeworkers. The leadership team is predominantly female staff who have advanced through the ranks from starting with the business as travel agents.

McAllister, managing director, said introducing a four-day working week at the company had been key to growth.

She said: “This award is a testament to our exceptional teamwork and innovative practices, such as implementing a four-day workweek.

“This change has not only increased our staff productivity but has provided a healthier work-life balance. Happy employees translate into a more motivated and effective sales force, which I believe brings success.”

She said the award would inspire the company’s predominantly female workforce to strive for senior roles but stressed: “Our success is driven by ability, not gender. “

She added: “Our senior team, both male and female, has risen through the ranks, starting at branch level and working their way to the top which is extremely rewarding to see.

“My plans are to grow and expand the business further and I will continue to foster an inclusive environment that values every team member’s contribution.”

Privately owned, independent operator Premier Holidays, part of the Premier Travel Group established in 1936, specialises in tailor-made holidays.

Since Waters became managing director in October 2022, the company’s profitability has nearly tripled compared to pre-Covid.

She said evolving the company, which has included streamlining operations while also making staff retention a key focus, were both vital to boosting profits.

She said: “This growth has been the result of a long-term strategic shift, where we’ve re-evaluated our structure and product offering, implemented a number of initiatives to streamline operations, invested in technology, and prioritised staff retention.

“Our long-serving, well-travelled, and highly experienced team sits at the very heart of the Premier Family, and they are the reason we’re so good at what we do.”

She added: “I’m incredibly proud of this recognition—not just for myself, but for the entire team at Premier Holidays.

“As a woman in a leadership role within the travel industry, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of female leaders making their mark. While the industry has traditionally been male-dominated at the top, it’s encouraging to see more women driving innovation and leading in their fields—and I’m proud to be among them.”

Speaking about the track, Shalini Khemka CBE, founder of E2E, said: “The E2E Female 100 has allowed us to pay homage to the incredible work of female-led companies throughout the UK making incredible strides in their industries.

“Despite the turbulent economy, and amongst other hurdles they have to overcome, these companies have generated exceptional turnover results and are continuing to grow at a rapid rate. Here’s to watching each company on this path continue to scale, expand, and accomplish remarkable achievements both in the UK and globally.”