The Advantage Travel Partnership and Travel Counsellors are among a number of travel companies highlighted as being part of the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain.
The report is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses.
Businesses had to demonstrate not only growth in revenue over the last four years but also significantly outperform their sector peers in the review process.
Other travel companies recognised include Abbeyford Leisure, Brightsun Travel, Broadway Travel, Crealy, Daish’s Group, Diamond Short Break Holidays, Discover the World, Golfbreaks, Imex Group, Jac Group, Kenwood Travel, Longleat Enterprises, Naturetrek, Red Sea Holidays, Sunspot Tours, Sykes Cottages, Leisure Pass Group, Travel Nation, Viking River Cruises, Villa Plus and Waterside Holiday Group.
Advantage managing director, Julia Lo Bue-Said said “To be recognised in this report which shines a light on some of the UK’s most vibrant companies is indeed an achievement given the transformation of the business over the last few years.
“It reflects the passion and energy in which the team put in to making Advantage the best it can be. It’s only by this collective performance that we have achieved such a prestigious recognition.”
Advantage chairman, Steven Esom, said: “Advantage’s recognition is a testament to the strength of our business proposition and the quality of its team.
“Advantage has moved forward considerably and the board are committed to driving forward the company’s vision into 2020 and beyond.
“This will ensure our members continue to benefit from our unique combination of products and services delivered by Advantage.”
Travel Counsellors managing director, Steven Byrne, said: “To be named as one of the most inspiring companies in Britain is an achievement that we are extremely proud of.
“Our business is different and our model works. Based around genuinely caring for the customer and going the extra mile, and supported by cutting-edge proprietary technology, Travel Counsellors are able to create authentic, tailor-made travel experiences each and every time.
“This commitment to customer care has established Travel Counsellors as a UK high-growth business and a Northern Powerhouse success story, and we continue to invest in the support, tools, technology and people to build on this.”
London Stock Exchange Group chief executive, Xavier Rolet, said: “High growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need.
“But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance. That is why today’s event is so important: demonstrating the strong alliance between UK government, financial market participants, investors, entrepreneurs and companies to support these inspiring businesses.
“Today’s celebration is fundamental to London Stock Exchange’s core, the need to support UK high growth companies in their journeys from ‘start-up to stardom’ and create an entrepreneurship revolution.”
Writing in the publication, chancellor, George Osborne, said: “UK high-growth businesses are leading the charge in rebuilding our economy.
“These companies are the backbone of the British economy. They create high quality, well paid jobs, innovate and drive economic growth. This government fully understands the need to support ambitious entrepreneurs and ensure they can access the finance they need to grow.”
He added: “We have held the steadfast belief that – alongside deficit reduction – nurturing entrepreneurs, creating jobs, supporting hard-working families and keeping taxes low would get the UK economy back on track.
“Our measures to increase access to finance for business and encourage more investment have had a transformative effect on our economy.”