McLean passed away on July 29, the business said in a statement issued on Thursday (August 2).

“It is with great sadness we share the news that Click Travel’s chief technology officer and one of the original founders of the business, Simon McLean, passed away on 29 July,” it read.

“Simon was an extraordinary talent, a wonderful colleague and good friend. He will be greatly missed.

“[He] leaves a tremendous legacy in Click Travel with a strong board and management team, further strengthened by investment from the BGF [Business Growth Fund].”

McLean founded the business, a three-time TTG Top 50 Travel Agency winner, with his brother James 20 years ago.

Jill Palmer, Click Travel chief executive, added: “Simon achieved incredible success, and at the same time will be remembered as a very humble individual.

“Everyone who knew him was touched by the warmth of his personality. He will be sadly missed as a colleague and friend.”