I’m pleased to announce that the UK’s largest independent travel agent, Hays Travel, have been kind enough to take a space on my running shirt for 10 days.
If you’re from the north east, you’ll probably be familiar with the company and it’s very humble beginnings. In fact, it wasn't too many miles away from where St. Benedict's Hospice is now.
Like many of my other sponsors, the business is family owned and has a reputation for supporting charitable causes.
In summary “Hays Travel began in 1980 when John Hays started selling holidays from a laminated dressing table in his mum’s babywear shop in Seaham, County Durham. The company expanded steadily with new shops and call centers, and in 1995, it created the Hays Travel Independence Group, allowing members to retain independence while benefiting from shared resources. In 2013, Hays Travel acquired Bath Travel, expanding into southern England. The company grew further with franchise acquisitions in 2014 and later expanded after the Thomas Cook collapse, re-employing thousands of staff.
In recent years, Hays Travel continued expanding with strategic acquisitions, including branches from Just Go, Travel House, and Miles Morgan Travel. They also opened new branches and focused on sustainability and retail strategy.
Hays Travel is committed to youth development, offering apprenticeship schemes that have earned them numerous awards.
The company emphasizes its high buying power, state-of-the-art technology, and impartial advice, maintaining full financial security through ABTA, ATOL, and IATA bonding. Hays Travel is recognised for its in-house training program and high rankings in apprenticeship lists.”
I’ve been aware of the Hays Travel Foundation for a few years now. It’s incredible to think that they have donated over 1.8 million to good causes and schemes.
Hays Travel support will contribute towards the cost of the motorhome that will house myself and the support team for 100 days in the USA.
A huge thank you again goes to Hays Travel for their very kind support.
