National award for Co-op Travel staff

Lincolnshire Co-op’s travel branches - including those in Spalding and Long Sutton - have won national industry recognition.

They have been named TIPTO Independent Agency of the Year in the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards.

The awards are a celebration of the travel trade in the UK, with 1,000 people attending this year’s ceremony in London.

Lincolnshire Co-op Travel group manager Wayne Dennett said: “This award is testament to each and every colleague involved in our travel business and the valued services they provide.

“Together they do everything possible to make sure our customers can book the perfect holiday, from giving independent, friendly advice in branches and booking amazing excursions to building relationships with suppliers and attending training behind the scenes. We couldn’t be prouder of them all.”

The award recognised how Lincolnshire Co-op travel colleagues are encouraged to develop their skills and grow. A number of branch managers and assistant branch managers began their journeys as Lincolnshire Co-op apprentices.

It also recognised the rapport between the society’s travel colleagues and TIPTO, a group of independent tour operators and suppliers.

Judges were impressed by the year-round support for good causes by travel colleagues and holidaymakers through the Society’s Community Champions scheme. Customers can choose to donate £1 when booking their break, meaning £10,200 was raised as part of a £143,400 donation to Prostate Cancer UK.