He also becomes a shareholder in the business founded by Jackie and David Steadman, along with their son James who has also taken a shareholding. Jackie Steadman will remain the agency’s majority shareholder and will remain "hands on" with the business on a daily basis.

Quint joined the company 18 years ago as an apprentice, with the Steadmans crediting him for playing an "instrumental" role in the agency’s success during that time.

They credit Quint with being one of the first in the independent travel agent sector to understand and harness the value of using social media in marketing, as well as building strong relationships with clients, suppliers and the media.

In addition, Quint comes in for praise for his product knowledge and creative skills, honed through a junior content producer apprenticeship.

Earlier this year, he masterminded the agency’s "The Heat is On" campaign, designed to help clients combat the cost of living crisis. "Ashley will lead further innovative and creative projects in future," they said.

"As we approach our 30th anniversary, this year has been our most successful ever and we felt the right time is right to lay the foundations for the company’s future," said Jackie Steadman. "Ashley has been invaluable in helping steer the company through the pandemic, despite challenging circumstances.

"Over the years, he has developed an increasingly loyal client base, which has been built upon his continued eagerness to learn. Hopefully Ashley’s story can also inspire the next generation, proving that starting in the industry as a trainee apprentice is a great platform to achieve when you have the dedication and enthusiasm to succeed."

’Just the beginning’

Quint added: "I would like to thank Jackie and David for their support over the past 18 years, not all of those have been easy. I joined as an apprentice after rejecting an opportunity to go to university, a move which was highly unusual at the time, wanting a different challenge.

"My new role is a vindication of that decision and I’m honoured to have someone as influential as Jackie put their trust in me. This is just the beginning, and I’m really excited at what we can achieve in the future."