ghly specialised target market and exceptional workplace culture. By Travel Weekly reporters


Best agency employers celebrated H


olidays by Design, ROL Cruise and Inspire Europe were named the best


agencies to work for across the UK and Ireland. Holidays by Design triumphed


in the small category at the Agent Achievement Awards, while ROL Cruise won in the medium category and Inspire Europe earned the accolade in the large category. Judges were impressed with


Holidays by Design’s commitment to staff training and development, alongside a strong focus on reward, recognition and wellbeing. They said a true team ethos came


across strongly, underpinned by a strategic framework to support and progress employees, alongside the ability to act swiftly with autonomy and flexibility to respond to unforeseen challenges. Samantha Furnell, branch


manager at Holidays by Design in Brigg, said: “I’m so emotional – they’re my best friends who I work


of initiatives introduced by the company in the past 12 months to support staff, along with “the tangible impact” those initiatives have had on growth and employee engagement. Judges commented that


The ROL Cruise team collects its award, with Jamie Laing, Lucy Huxley and sponsor Sophie Nelson from HX Expeditions (fourth left)


for. We’ve been through a lot – every staff member has suffered in some way over the past year – but we’re all there for each other. We really are like a family business.” ROL Cruise was recognised for


its “people-first culture, which runs through the whole business”. Judges noted the dedication to wellbeing, development and reward “at every level”, which results in “exceptional levels of employee engagement, retention and progression”.


Chief commercial officer Sarah


Wikevand said: “Everything we do is about the staff, so this is a fantastic win for us. “Since becoming employee-


owned 18 months ago, we have built a strong culture in the business where everybody is working for one common objective. It has improved not only communication and collaboration, but enjoyment in the business.” Judges also praised Inspire Europe’s entry, hailing a suite


Inspire Europe staff feel included, supported and inspired to develop and progress, with leaders viewing retention as the success metric of which they are most proud. Inspire Europe chief executive


Lisa Henning said: “It was a privilege to be a finalist, but to win – I can’t even explain how much that means.” She added: “In a challenging


climate, it’s hard to invest in the workplace. What we’ve done is find niche areas, such as menopause wellbeing. We’ve been very inclusive, involving men and women in our programme.” Offering advice to other


companies, Henning said: “It’s good to be fair and recognise everyone, and what I’ve learned across my journey is that one size doesn’t fit all.”


LEISURE AGENT OF THE YEAR – HIGH STREET


CRAIG BARTON Barrhead Travel


“From a young age, travel has been the dream. I’m just a wee boy from Scotland and I’m so glad I wore my kilt tonight to honour that boy with the dream. This has been incredible and I can’t believe it. It was a moment for me to show all the dedication over the past 20 years has paid off. I’ll never forget this moment for the rest of my life. This is the biggest achievement of my career.”


LEISURE MANAGER OF THE YEAR


SARAH JONES Iglu Cruise


“I’ve been in travel for 20 years, so to have this recognition is incredible and I couldn’t have done it without the support of Iglu. I’ve invested a lot of time in the upskilling of the management within the company, so I’m grateful the judges recognised my efforts. I started as an apprentice with Tui, then worked up to manager, went on maternity leave, joined Iglu and now I’m head of operational excellence. It’s been an amazing journey.”


travelweekly.co.uk


YOUNG LEISURE AGENT OF THE YEAR


LILLY WILSON Beverley Travel


“I’ve only just turned 18, so to be recognised on a national stage like this, having been in travel for just 13 months, feels incredible. I started last June and have just finished my apprenticeship. Now I’ve got my exams coming up, so hopefully I will pass them! Thanks to my colleagues who have given me the knowledge and expertise, as well as to AS Training for giving me the opportunity.”


16 JULY 2026 13


PICTURES: Steve Dunlop


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