NEW TO TOWN
Staff at Olive Lounge Travel have the kettle on and the prosecco at the ready to provide a warm welcome at their new Barrowford branch. Photography: StatementPhotography.co.uk
Following the success and popularity of their branch in Crosshills, Olive Lounge Travel have officially opened the doors to a second branch, based in the beautiful little town of Barrowford.
With their combined experience in the industry totalling almost 40 years, directors Gillian and Joanne decided to take the plunge and open up their own agency back in 2015. Originally set up in the spare bedroom of Gillian’s home, both owners are delighted with how far the business has grown in such as small space of time.
“Having our own travel agency was always the dream but, to be honest, if you had asked us when we first set up in 2015 where we expected to be in three years’ time, I don’t think we ever would have predicted having two branches and a great team of staff behind us,” says Joanne. “The growth has been amazing, and we’re excited to be opening the new branch in Barrowford.”
2018 has been a positive and productive year for the business. This year has not only seen Olive Lounge expand, but the business has also recently gained two new awards in the space of two weeks.
“It’s really incredible, and so lovely that our hard work is being recognised,” says Gillian. “We were nominated for the first award, North East Agency of the Year, by other travel companies, which was a huge compliment. With the second, Global Travel Group’s Outstanding Achievement for the North, myself and Joanne were given the opportunity to travel over to Florida for the ceremony, which was fantastic and the perfect way to finish off a brilliant year.”
Olive Lounge have since been shortlisted for their sixth award since opening – Travel Trade Gazette’s Top Travel Agency in Yorkshire. The staff are all looking forward to the final, which will be held in Birmingham in April 2019.
Gillian and Joanne first set up the business with the aim to create an agency which stood out from the others, offering a bespoke and personalised travel service. “We take pride in the fact that we can cater for both ends of the spectrum,” says Gillian. “We can tailor a holiday and personalise every aspect, providing a bespoke service for a luxury trip, or we can help you to plan a short weekend break or Friday night city stop – there really is no trip too big or too small!”
At Olive Lounge Travel, customer satisfaction is top priority. “From the moment customers walk through the door, we want them to feel comfortable,” says Gillian. “We like to spend time getting to know our customers, who are more than welcome to pop in for a brew or a glass of prosecco and a chat.”
Olive Lounge Travel
117 Gisburn Road
Barrowford BB9 6EW
www.oliveloungetravel.co.uk
0800 246 5037
