Norma Fenwick launched Your Perfect Travel from her bedroom 10 years ago, but quickly realised she needed a bricks-and-mortar shop with staff to meet ever-growing customer demand.

Today, Fenwick leads a four-person team at the shop in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, and is currently looking to recruit two more staff – as well as identify possible sites to open a new store.

“Right from the beginning, the business took off,” Fenwick told TTG. “My thought at the time was I was doing really well in my bedroom, but I would be retaining my customers by having a shop which raises our profile in the local area.

“I was due to open a shop in 2020, but I had to postpone the opening because of Covid. I continued to be busy, so I opened two years ago instead. 

“This shop is in the perfect location. The success of a high street business depends on its location. Here, in Sawbridgeworth, everybody knows everyone and we’re just 15 minutes away from Stansted.”

Fenwick continued: “Over the next 10 years, we would have to open at least one more shop, maybe more. I would love to open more shops – watch this space. Any new shop would be close by. I’ve got a few ideas, but that’s for another day."

Customers, Fenwick said, want to talk to a human being in a high street shop. “They want to speak to someone who is knowledgeable to get the best possible holiday,” she added. 

When asked what is currently selling well, Fenwick highlighted the popularity of cruise and Mauritius. “Business is booming. It’s absolutely crazy. We had the best August that we’ve ever had,” she said. 

To service the increasing number of bookings, Fenwick wants to expand the team. However, she is struggling to find staff with the “right attitude”. 

“It’s always good to have someone with experience, but we would happily take someone on as a trainee, if they had the right attitude. It’s very difficult,” she said. “We’ve taken on a couple, but it’s not worked out.”

The team at Your Perfect Travel, a member of the Hays Travel Independence Group, were joined by more than 200 customers and supplier partners when it celebrated its 10th anniversary on Saturday (23 September), with Beachcomber Tours, Classic Collection and Jet2holidays setting up a stand.

“We invited all of our customers to come and celebrate with us,” added Fenwick. “At least two people that came in on Saturday have been booking with me since day one.” 

Natasha Marson, head of Hays Travel Independence Group, said: “Norma is a dynamic businesswoman with such a passion for travel and her customers.

“Your Perfect Travel has grown from strength to strength since launching in 2013, due to Norma’s attitude, determination, and the help of an incredible team. She is a valuable member of Hays Travel Independence Group.”