Travel Counsellors founder David Speakman has acquired northeast boutique travel agency Travel Bureau for an undisclosed sum.
The agency’s owners, Jeanne Lally and Anne Bromley, will remain with the Gosforth-based business as joint managing directors.
Speakman said: “Travel is a wonderful industry, and being involved in the day-to-day operation and strategy of running a travel business is something that has never stopped being exciting to me.
“The owners of the Travel Bureau are long-time friends of mine, and I am delighted that this opportunity has come along for us to work together to deliver the highest standards of excellence and customer satisfaction.”
Lally added: “David’s experience and dedication in creating excellence in travel is the reason we are so excited with this news.
“Both Anne and I will be staying with the business as joint managing directors, and our entire team will stay with us too.
“Over the coming months the business will see significant upgrades in our store and our technology, which will all lead to an even better experience for the most important people of all – our customers.”
Speakman started his travel career in 1978 and founded Travel Counsellors in 1994.
He previously served on Abta’s Travel Agents Council, is a member of the British Travel and Hospitality Hall of Fame and is a previous winner of the lifetime achievement award at the Globe Travel Awards.
Private equity giant Equistone acquired a majority stake in Travel Counsellors in 2014, with Speakman stepping down as chairman in 2015 and selling his remaining stake in 2018.
Travel Bureau was founded by husband and wife team John and Rose Scott in 1961.