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Ex-Fred Olsen Travel managing director Steve Williams launches new agency after deciding 'retirement not for him'

Agents
Harry Kemble
17 February 2026

Former Fred Olsen Travel managing director Steve Williams has come out of retirement after a year to launch a new travel agency in his home county of Suffolk.

Steve Williams and Stacey Hammond
Credit: Go Explore Travel

Steve Williams and Stacey Hammond outside the Go Explore Travel shop in Halesworth, Suffolk (Credit: Go Explore Travel)

Williams, a self-confessed "passionate" retailer of travel, decided to retire exactly a year ago before going on several overseas trips around the world.

However, he quickly discovered that a life away from travel wasn't the right fit and launched Go Explore Travel in Halesworth just before Christmas.

Williams said: "I've always been passionate about retail travel. It's exciting to see that, at a time when the high street is facing challenging times, travel agencies are returning as travellers look for the expertise that they provide on a face-to-face basis."

Williams has reunited with his former colleague Stacey Hammond, who joins him as manager.