Forest Hill based travel agent Kate Matthews, who runs her own travel business as part of leading independent travel company Travel Counsellors, is celebrating after the company was named in The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 at the weekend for an impressive sixth time.

The list ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing international sales and highlights those organisations who have experienced substantial growth over the last two years. Since launching her leisure travel business in June 2016, Kate has seen it go from strength to strength, with sales increasing on a monthly basis.

Kate puts this success down to the unique personal service she provides to her customers. She comments; “I am proud to be part of a company that has been recognised in this way and that has grown because our customers value the truly personalised and tailor-made travel service that we provide. Being part of an international company means my customers and I benefit from global deals, local knowledge from my 1,600 Travel Counsellor colleagues worldwide and have 24/7 support from our overseas offices, meaning I really can be there for my customers around the clock should they need me.”

The independent global travel company, which now has 1000 home-based Travel Counsellors including Kate Matthews running their own businesses across the UK and a further 600 in its international operations, has consistently achieved strong growth figures, with sales in international operations increasing by 86% over the past three years. The company has previously been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2014 in recognition of impressive growth and overseas expansion; and in 2016 the company was named in The Sunday Times Grant Thornton Top Track 250 Ones to Watch league table, ranking Britain's mid-market growth private companies with the biggest sales.

Kate adds; “It’s great to know that I have the back up and support of an international company whilst running my own business, and this accolade reaffirms our continued success and growth. Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without my customers who have helped me to build my business, so it is recognition and thanks for their continued loyalty too.”

Submitted by Kate Matthews