A one-shop travel agency was among scores of businesses chosen to meet the Chancellor of the Exchequer and MPs at Number 10.
Oasis Travel in Stoke-on-Trent was nominated by local MP Jonathan Gullis as a ‘Business Champion’, enabling its owners to enjoy a tour of Parliament followed by a drinks reception at Downing Street.
Directors Heidi Evans and Andy Dean, who bought the agency in January 2019 prior to the collapse of Thomas Cook and the Covid pandemic, both attended the event with other businesses nationwide chosen by their local MPs.
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As well as getting the chance to meet chancellor Jeremy Hunt at the prime minister’s official residence, the pair walked through the underground tunnel which leads to Parliament as part of a private tour not available to the general public.
The Business Champion scheme aims to recognise and celebrate businesses which have made a positive contribution to the local economy and business community.
Evans said: “We feel it’s such a huge achievement to be recognised and appreciated as a little travel agent, especially after Covid, which was a nightmare.
“Our MP could have chosen bigger local businesses but he chose us, as a small, established local company. I don’t think many small agencies get to go to Downing Street.
“We’ve had a hard time in recent years and he’s seen what we have done on social media and been very supportive.”
During the pandemic, the business, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in September, was focused on retaining customers and encouraging them to rebook rather than cancel, Evans said.
The business has not only survived Covid but is now thriving, she added, with turnover for the year ending August 2022 up £1.5 million on the financial year ending August 2019.
She attributed the agency’s success to its close-knit team of staff, of which there are five in total including the owners.
She said: “The business is going from strength to strength and we’re busier than ever. The staff we have are brilliant and we would not have gone to Downing Street if it wasn’t for them. We are like one big, happy family.
“They are so loyal and we are so thankful we have such a cracking team.”