A TRAVEL consultancy firm has been recognised as one of the UK’s fastest growing businesses.

Bournemouth-based travel firm Not Just Travel and its recruitment arm, The Travel Franchise, is a finalist in the ‘scale up business of the year’ category of the British Business Excellence Awards.

Launched in 2001 by co-founders Steve Witt and Paul Harrison, Not Just Travel is one of the UK’s largest travel consultancies.

The company offers complete, ready-to-go infrastructure to those with no experience in travel to train as a fully qualified travel agent. It now has hundreds of homeworking travel consultants across the country.

Last year, Not Just Travel doubled in size in terms of sales and staff members, as well as launching a number of initiatives for the travel industry. It is set to double again in terms of holiday sales over the next 12 months.

In a joint statement, founders Steve and Paul said: “We have seen formidable growth in the past year and have very ambitious plans for our future.

“As a result of the incredible investment, injecting profits back into the training and support for our members, our expert travel franchisees are enjoying soaring profits. 2023 has proven to be a record-breaking year.

“We are delighted to be recognised for our recent success and bold plans for future expansion in the UK’s most prestigious business award.”

This year, the British Business Excellence Awards culminates in an awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 14, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Sarah Austin, founder of the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards, said: “We've witnessed a spectacular level of submissions across a wide range of dynamic industries – highlighting just how much the UK business landscape is thriving.

“Kudos to each and every finalist who has made the shortlist, setting the bar high for what it means to be a champion in the business world.”