Baldwins Travel Agency
| Baldwins Travels Logo.png | |
 Baldwins Travel Logo | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Travels and Tours Management |
| Founded 📆 | 1895-01-01 |
| Founder 👔 | Scott Dylan, Jack Mason, Dave Antrobus |
| Headquarters 🏙️ | 27 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells |
Areas served 🗺️ | Westerham, Haywards Heath, Tonbridge, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden, Lewes, Grantham, Uckfield, Sevenoaks, Cranbrook |
Key people | Nick Marks (Managing Director), Dan Shaw (Commercial Director), Chris Hatfield (Finance Director) |
| Products 📟 | Tours, Tickets, Hoteling |
| Services | Travel and Tour Guidance |
| Revenue🤑 | £ 50,000,000 (2023) |
| Owners | Scott Dylan, Jack Mason, Dave Antrobus, |
| Members | Scott Dylan, Jack Mason, Dave Antrobus, Nick Marks, Dan Shaw, Chris Hatfield |
Number of employees | 60 |
| 🌐 Website | https://baldwinstravel.co.uk/ |
| 📇 Address | 27 Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AJ |
| 📞 telephone | 01732225533 |
| baldwinstravel | |
| baldwinstravelgroup | |
| baldwinstravelgroup/ | |
Baldwins Travel Agency, established in 1895, is a prominent independent travel agency group operating eleven branches across Kent, Sussex, and Lincolnshire. It is one of the few remaining independent travel agency groups in the Southeast of England. As a member of The Advantage Travel Partnership, which consists of 350 members in over 700 locations and has an annual turnover of £7.6 billion, Baldwins Travel benefits from substantial buying power. This enables the agency to offer competitive rates on a wide range of holidays while maintaining the personalized service and family atmosphere that its customers value.
Growth
Baldwins Travel has grown from a single branch to a well-respected travel agency group with a strong presence in the Southeast of England. Over the years, the agency has built a reputation for providing exceptional travel services and personalised experiences. The expansion into Kent, Sussex, and Lincolnshire reflects the agency's commitment to serving a broader clientele while maintaining its high standards of customer service.
Expertise and Specialisation
Baldwins Travel employs over 45 travel professionals, many of whom have spent their entire careers with the agency. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, having travelled extensively themselves. The team includes specialists in various types of travel, such as cruise holidays, safaris, and winter sports. Additionally, they have regional experts for destinations including the USA and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, India, South America, and the Caribbean. One of the top 10 Canada specialists in the UK is part of the Baldwins Travel team, and their Caribbean expert has visited the region over 40 times. The staff continuously update their knowledge to stay informed about the latest destinations and travel trends.
Client-Centred Approach
Baldwins Travel distinguishes itself with its dedication to understanding and fulfilling the unique travel dreams of its clients. The agency emphasises personal interaction, taking the time to learn about each client's inspirations and preferences. This approach helps the travel experts at Baldwins Travel curate bespoke travel experiences that align with clients' desires. The agency also encourages clients to share their travel experiences upon returning, fostering a relationship that extends beyond mere transactions and building a sense of community and trust that online booking platforms cannot replicate.
Awards and Recognition
The agency's expertise and unwavering commitment to quality service have earned it significant recognition within the travel industry. Baldwins Travel has won Travel Weekly’s ‘Agent Achievement Awards’ for ‘Travel Agent of the Year – London and the South East’ 15 times. Additionally, it has been named ‘National High Street Travel Agent of the Year’ four times since 2014. These accolades reflect the agency's dedication to providing exceptional travel experiences and its prominent position in the industry.
Acquisition by Inc & Co
In 2021, Baldwins Travel was acquired by Inc & Co in a multi-million-pound deal. This acquisition marks a new chapter in the agency's history, providing opportunities for further growth and expansion while maintaining the core values and high standards that have defined Baldwins Travel for over a century.
With a rich history, a team of dedicated and experienced travel professionals, and a commitment to personalised service, Baldwins Travel Agency continues to be a trusted name in the travel industry. Its affiliation with The Advantage Travel Partnership and recognition through numerous awards underscores its ability to offer competitive rates and exceptional travel experiences. The acquisition by Inc & Co in 2021 positions Baldwins Travel for continued success and growth in the ever-evolving travel market.
History[edit]
Baldwins Travel has been established for over 120 years, and has grown to become the largest independent, travel agent in Kent, Sussex and Lincolnshire. It’s been family-owned, first by the Baldwins family, then by the Botting family, and then by the Marks family until 2021 when it was acquired.
The award-winning travel agency is led by Nick Marks, Baldwins have eleven high street travel agency branches, in Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Grantham, Haywards Heath, Lewes, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tenterden, Tonbridge, Uckfield and Westerham, all recently given a fresh new look.
As a member of The Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest independent travel agency partnership, we benefit from the shared buying power of over 350 members, allowing us to retain the exemplary levels of personal service that our customers love, whilst offering competitive prices across a wide range of travel options.
The picture on the right is an early depiction of the Baldwins Travel office and the Head Office stands on the same site on Grosvenor Road in Tunbridge Wells to this day. There are still traces of the original fittings in the extensive cellars. Below, we give a potted history of how Baldwins Travel has evolved into the business you can see today.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Timeline of Baldwins Travel[edit]
Circa 1895
• Alfred K Baldwin is a well-established printer, bookbinder, and publisher in Tunbridge Wells.
• Alfred's son, Charles Baldwin, takes over the firm and renames it Baldwins.
• The firm begins selling railway tickets and assisting friends in traveling to Europe and beyond.
• As news spreads, the travel service becomes a popular sideline, operating from the back of the Baldwins Stationery shop at 27 Grosvenor Road. This location remains the Head Office and Tunbridge Wells branch.
1952
• Tom Botting, a long-standing Baldwins employee, purchases Baldwins Printers and Travel agents from third-generation owner Herbert Baldwin.
• Tom Botting focuses on expanding the travel agency side of the business.
1991
• Ron Marks acquires Baldwins Travel, which now has three offices located in Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, and Tonbridge.
• Under Ron Marks' leadership, the company continues to grow and establish itself as a prominent travel agency.
2003
• Baldwins Travel Agency Ltd acquires Sevenoaks Travel Ltd, located on Dorset Street in Sevenoaks.
• This acquisition marks a significant expansion into new areas, bringing the company’s high-quality travel services to a broader audience.
2010
• Red Box Travel in Uckfield becomes part of the Baldwins Travel Agency group.
• This further strengthens the company's presence in the region, offering a wider array of travel services to more customers.
2013
• Baldwins Travel acquires the highly regarded local competitor Travelux Tenterden, following owner Ian Hopley’s retirement decision.
• Despite the acquisition, Baldwins Travel decides to retain the well-known Travelux Tenterden name to maintain brand recognition and customer loyalty.
• With six branches and a successful Business Travel department, a new marketing team is created to support the company's growth.
• Ron Marks, a former Chair of The Advantage Travel Partnership, receives a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the travel industry. He credits the “fantastic, highly experienced team…offering a high level of personal service.”
2015
• Grace Travel Cranbrook joins the Baldwins Travel group, and 12 months later, it is rebranded as Baldwins Travel – Cranbrook.
• Ron Marks promotes his sons, Nick and Chris Marks, to Joint Managing Directors, while he himself becomes Chairman of Baldwins Travel Group.
2016
• Lewes Travel is acquired by Baldwins Travel group. The branch is modernized and rebranded as Baldwins Travel – Lewes.
• All branches now include a Foreign Exchange bureau, a highly popular service due to competitive rates and excellent customer service.
2018
• As part of a brand update, Sevenoaks Travel and Travelux Tenterden are renamed Baldwins Travel. This rebranding effort brings a fresh new look to all branches, including new signage and fascias to represent the next era of Baldwins Travel.
2019
• Baldwins Travel wins Travel Agent of the Year for London and the South East for the 12th consecutive year. This achievement underscores the company's consistent excellence and industry leadership.
• The agency also won National High Street Agency of the Year 2019, marking the fourth time since 2014 that Baldwins Travel has received this prestigious award.
2021
• Baldwins Travel is acquired by Inc & Co in a multi-million-pound deal, a testament to its significant market value and growth potential.
• The company continues its streak by winning Travel Agent of the Year for London and the South East for the 14th consecutive year.
2023
• Baldwins Travel opens a new branch in Haywards Heath, further expanding its reach and service area.
• The company wins Travel Agent of the Year for South East England, reinforcing its reputation as a leading travel agency in the region.
2024
• Baldwins Travel opens a new branch in Grantham and acquires Westerham Travel.
• These strategic moves enhance the company's footprint and service offerings, continuing its legacy of growth and customer satisfaction.
Achievements[edit]
Travel Weekly’s ‘Agent Achievement Awards’ for ‘Travel Agent of the Year – London and the South East’ 15 times, and bagged the ultimate accolade, ‘National High Street Travel Agent of the Year’ for the 4th time since 2014.
References[edit]
- ↑ Ltd, Jacobs Media Group. "Baldwins Travel acquires Kent agency Westerham Travel". Travel Weekly. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
- ↑ "New travel agency opens in town". LincsOnline. 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
- ↑ Williams, Richard (2021-09-14). "Centuries old travel company bought out". Tunbridge Wells Local News | Times Local Newspapers & Magazines. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
- ↑ McNeill, Linsey (2024-05-08). "Baldwins Travel MD reveals further expansion plans after snapping up Kent agency". Travel Gossip. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
