Accessibility specialist agency shortlisted for more national awards

Edinburgh-based agency Allways Travel has been shortlisted by two more national award schemes, less than a year after it was founded.

Michael Connolly and Sarah Baum set up the agency in November last year, with a strong focus on accessible travel.

A member of Barrhead Travel’s Brilliant Travel division, it has just been named a finalist for Best New Business in the UK Small Business Awards.

And Connolly has been named a finalist in the 2026 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

The scheme received 5,000 applications this year and 740 businesses were shortlisted, representing 10 UK regions and nations.

In April, AllWays Travel was named a regional finalist at the UK StartUp Awards 2026 in the Consumer Services StartUp of the Year category.

The UK StartUp Awards received more than 2,000 entries this year and regional winners will compete at the national final at Ideas Fest – a festival for entrepreneurs – in September.

More: Accessibility experts create specialist agency with Brilliant Travel

Commenting on the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Connolly said: “Being shortlisted for Young Entrepreneur of the Year is something I genuinely never expected when we launched AllWays Travel in November 2025.

“Like most small business owners, there are countless hours spent behind the scenes, building relationships, answering enquiries, solving problems and investing in the future long before you see any reward for it.

“What makes this recognition particularly special is that it reflects the values we’ve built the business around from day one: personal service, accessibility and genuinely caring about our customers.

“In a world that often feels increasingly automated and transactional, we’ve always believed there is still a place for taking the time to understand people and going the extra mile for them.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved so far alongside my co-founder Sarah Baum, and grateful to every customer, supplier, friend and family member who has supported us along the way.

“To be recognised by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards less than a year after launching the business is a real milestone and gives us even more confidence and motivation for the journey ahead.”