NEWS
Travel specialist sees business take off
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : TOM BANKS
Flying high – Judith Alderson is feeling optimistic about the future of the travel trade
Despite setbacks faced by the travel industry in the wake of Covid , Stockton-based Dawson & Sanderson has seen a renewed interest in both corporate and lesiure travel and is cheerful and optimistic about the future .
“ We ’ ve enjoyed a real upturn in the last few months ,” said Judith Alderson , director of corporate travel .
“ People are gaining confidence , testing has become simpler and we ’ ve had a couple of fantastic boosts to business with the return of the Emirate Airlines Newcastle to Dubai route and the lifting of restrictions with Canada , which has been wonderful for our corporate clients – many of whom desperately want that face-toface meeting as they know it ’ s the best way to win new business .”
The traffic light system remains an issue , but Judith insists that changes are coming – and they ’ re all good !
“ While testing and some restrictions to travel may remain for the foreseeable future , being vaccinated has opened up the travel doors and our business is beginning to boom ,” she said .
“ Plus , we still have the US market to open up in November time , all being well , and that will be huge .”
Despite the positive outlook , there ’ s no denying that travel still has its pitfalls and that ’ s why employing a good travel agent is paramount .
Dawson & Sanderson proved its worth at the height of the pandemic , bringing home stranded travellers and becoming expert in the field of essential paperwork and testing rules almost overnight .
It continues to offer a “ hand-holding ” service , which informs and advises on all aspects of travel , including fit-to-fly certification , and even organising in-hotel testing for corporate clients .
“ We ’ ve done our research and even those who once travelled independently
are now using an agent ,” explains Judith “ Duty of care and making a trip as smooth and comfortable as possible for all our clients is our number one priority . While we wait for the return of normality , we are committed to keeping on top of ever-changing situations and dedicated to offering a first-class service .”
Corporate-travel-services . co . uk
Search is on for BME local heroes
Community champions from the region ’ s black and minoritised ( BME ) communities are set to be celebrated as entries open for this year ’ s Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards .
The awards ceremony , now in its 12th year , will once again recognise the wealth of achievement and talent across the area by honouring inspiring individuals and organisations at the prestigious event on Saturday November 27 .
Judges are urging local people to put forward the names of those who have made the biggest contribution over the last year , from organisations working at the grassroots to stars of the local community .
The ceremony will be held at Middlesbrough ’ s Jury ’ s Inn Hotel , where guests will enjoy South Asian dining , keynote speeches from leading local figures , guest appearances and awards presentations in categories ranging from youth , community and business to public sector , apprenticeship and education .
Other presentations include Community Safety Champion , Woman of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award , the latter recognising the sustained commitment to , and support for , BME communities .
Nazir Afzal OBE , former chief crown prosecutor , will host the annual awards , in partnership with Tees Valley Business , the local growth hub for the region established by the Tees Valley mayor and Combined Authority .
Speaking on the importance of this year ’ s ceremony , Mr Afzal said : “ The last year has been as horrific as any in living memory .
“ Those from minority communities were disproportionately impacted by Covid , but the same communities disproportionately tended to our ill when they were hospitalised . We could just clap hands for them , or we could say thank you in the spotlight of our awards ceremony – so let us congregate and congratulate .”
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said : “ If one thing has come out of all the heartache and loss , it ’ s the brave and inspiring stories of individuals , organisations and businesses which went above and beyond to help where they could .
“ This will be a BME awards like no other , and we ’ re very proud to be able to help highlight some of the best our region has to offer .”
For more information or to make a nomination visit bmeawards . co . uk or email info @ bmeawards . co . uk .
26 | Tees Business