Agency moves closer to reopening shop after taking on apprentices

A travel agency in Suffolk is a step closer to fully reopening a second of its three shops after taking on two apprentices plus a former cruise boss.

Only Travel Stop’s branch in Claydon currently opens six days a week. Its Hadleigh and Elmswell stores open on specified days due to staffing issues stemming back to the pandemic.

Travel Stop, which pre-Covid focused on recruiting experienced staff, has taken on two apprentices in the past 18 months. In addition, it has recently been joined by Tradewind Voyages founder Stuart Mcquaker, enabling its Hadleigh branch to open three three days a week instead of one.

Owner Bridget Keevil took on Ellen Boardley, 19, in September 2022 after seeing her help to book her family’s holiday to Walt Disney World Resort Florida through Travel Stop.

“When we saw what a whizz she was sorting out the theme park tickets and making plans for their holiday, we offered her an apprenticeship,” said Keevil.

“I could not wish for a better recruit; she has set the bar very high.”

Last September, the agency took on a second apprentice, Olivia Wilkins. “Both girls get on well, and we’ve already seen Ellen mentoring Olivia,” said Keevil, who said it helped that the apprentices had experience of using an agency.

She added: “We knew both families through using our services, so they already knew the value of using an agent.”

Boardley, who is due to complete her Level 3 Travel Consultant apprenticeship this month, said: “My family have used Travel Stop for years and my mum mentioned I wanted to be an agent. I’m really enjoying it.”

Wilkins agreed: “I’m loving it. I enquired about a trainee role after my A-levels as I had a passion for travel.”

Meanwhile, Mcquaker, who now works part-time as a self-employed projects manager for Travel Stop, is using his local contacts to drive enquiries and setting up tour operator presentations for clients in the Hadleigh branch. His earnings are dependent on bookings.

Keevil now hopes the Hadleigh office will gradually reopen more days and ultimately return to opening Monday to Saturday.

Elmswell is still open only one day a week. “It is the smallest with the least footfall, so will be the last one we concentrate on opening up,” Keevil added.