Member Event with Dame Irene Hays, Hays Travel

Head to Sunderland city centre’s Keel Square and you’ll find Gilbridge House, the head office of the UK’s largest independent travel agency, Hays Travel. 

Home to over 35 departments and its own tour operator, Hays Travel’s head office buzzes with activity around the clock, hosting 500 staff members and counting. 

Hays Travel’s success lies in its people, who are supported by an award-winning in-house training team. Having received many accolades over the years, recent awards include being named Best Large High Street Agency at the Agent Achievement Awards; being voted by the public to win gold in the Best National Travel Retailer, Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays, and Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money categories at British travel Awards 2023; and featured in the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers list 2024. 

Its achievements are testament to its owner and Chair, Dame Irene Hays, who has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth while upholding its founding principles of ‘doing the right thing for the business, its customers and people, and the communities where Hays Travel operates’. 

In this member event with Dame Irene Hays, you will: 

• Explore Hays Travel's customer service excellence
  Understand how Hays Travel’s dedication to customer service has played a pivotal role in its success, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty across the UK  
• Learn about Hays Travel’s passion for investing in its people
  Discover how Hays Travel prioritises and empowers its workforce while making a meaningful impact in the broader community
• Gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Hays Travel’s operations
  You’ll see the inner workings of the UK's largest independent travel agency and discover how Hays Travel coordinates its extensive operations from its Sunderland head office

It's not just about listening and learning — this event is also about connecting. By attending, you’ll have the chance to forge meaningful relationships with other Forum members while learning how Hays Travel’s has become the nation's favourite travel agent. 

About Our Speaker

Dame Irene Hays DBE 

Dame Irene Hays was born and built her career in the North East of England, becoming Chief Executive of both Sunderland and South Tyneside local authorities. She has also worked in Whitehall, where she was Director General for Local Government and Regeneration, then Permanent Secretary in the Department of Local Government and Communities. 

Dame Irene is owner and director of Hays Travel and she has chaired the company for 16 years. Her late husband, John Hays, began selling holidays in 1980 and Dame Irene joined him in running Hays Travel when she left central government. 

Both Irene and John were hailed as ‘heroes of the high street’ in 2019, when they acquired the Thomas Cook estate and offered jobs to nearly 3,000 people. Proud to be headquartered in Sunderland, Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent and was voted the nation’s favourite at the British travel Awards 2023, when it was awarded gold in the Best National Travel Retailer, Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays, and Best Retailer for Forex/Travel Money categories.  

She has held positions on the boards of the BBC, Sport England, The Football Foundation, and the Department for Education.   

The Small Print

Member events are open to all members and partners of the Forum. Two guest places are available to ‘Ultimate’ and ‘Premium’ members. Please note guests must be from your own company.

If you are a ‘Core’ member and would like to upgrade your membership, or find out more, please email info@entrepreneursforum.net or call one of the team on 0191 500 7780.