A travel agent has turned redundancy into opportunity by launching her own business.
Victoria Kennan opened Victoria’s Travel in Victoria Square, Droitwich Spa, earlier this month after being made redundant just before Christmas.
Determined to make a fresh start, she contacted the Hays Travel Independence Group team and began working towards her long-held ambition of running her own travel agency.
Ms Kennan said: “It is just amazing that I now have my own branch.
“It was daunting to make the move, but it has been really good so far.”
With 14 years of experience working for a Hays Travel Independence Group member, Ms Kennan was already familiar with the team and systems behind the brand.
She said: “People have been very kind, and it was lovely to see so many at the opening.
“It has been wonderful to welcome old and new customers.
“It is a gorgeous space and I love having people in the branch for a coffee and a chat.
“I want to be here for everyone in our community and cater to everybody’s requirements.”
Victoria Kennan has opened Victoria’s Travel in the aptly named Victoria Square, in Droitwich Spa (Image: Hays Travel)
Ms Kennan believes that personal connections are essential to her work.
She said: “Being a travel agent is all about having that face-to-face interaction with people.
“It is just me working in the business, so it has been very busy.
“I also hope to have a website up and running soon, which will include a booking tool for Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays.”
Support has come from the wider community, including town councillors and the Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Cllr Sue Brazier, who officially opened the branch.
Ms Kennan said: “There is a lot of positivity in our town at the moment – from comedy festivals to food markets – and my aim is to build a successful business at the heart of it.”
The Hays Travel Independence Group supports entrepreneurs in launching their own travel businesses with the backing of the UK’s largest independent travel agent.
Harriet Thompson, head of the Hays Travel Independence Group, said: “All of our team is absolutely delighted Victoria has joined our consortium.
“Her new branch is fantastic and right at the centre of the community in Droitwich.
“I wish Victoria every success in her exciting new journey as an entrepreneur.”
