A travel company based in Dorset has been named the best homeworking agency in the UK and Ireland.

Not Just Travel – which supports a network of more than 700 home-based travel agency franchisees around the country – was selected for the prestigious title as part of a power-list of the nation’s best agents by industry bible, Travel Trade Gazette.

More than 500 travel agencies and companies put themselves forward for consideration for TTG’s Top 50 Travel Agencies 2020, from which a shortlist of 100 finalists across 20 categories was devised.

Each finalist was assessed by a TTG journalist at the start of the year, looking at customer service, business performance, and efforts to give back to the local community.

Not Just Travel was named Top Homeworking Agency from a shortlist of five in the category.

Pippa Jacks, TTG Group Editor, said: “Now in its fifth year, our TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies initiative sees us scour the UK and Ireland to find the hardest-working, most committed and most successful travel agency businesses in the land.

“The travel industry is currently facing a monumental challenge, but the coronavirus crisis has created an opportunity for the nation’s best travel agencies – those that offer their customers extraordinary service and expertise, and do most to support their local communities – to shine.

“Not Just Travel impressed our judges with significant technology developments in the last year, which have helped its consultants deliver even better customer service to their clients.

“Judges also noted a raft of new marketing initiatives from which franchisees have benefitted, enhancements to the training opportunities offered to members, and a commendable new focus at head office level in the area of responsible travel.

“Congratulations to Steve and Paul and their team for this fantastic achievement.”

Paul Harrison, left, and Steve Witt.

Steve Witt and Paul Harrison, Co-founders of Not Just Travel, expressed delight at the win.

They added: “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our homeworkers, teams at HQ and everyone who has helped us make Not Just Travel the multi-award winning company it is.

“We’re determined to keep disrupting the travel industry, never rest on our laurels and always strive to create a better experience for our team and our customers.

“This year has been a tough one for everyone and the travel industry has been hit-hard, so this award couldn’t come at a better time to remind us how much we have achieved together and how much there is still to look forward to.

“We dedicate this award to our amazing travel consultants, team and supporters – thank you!”