Beaver Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1962, when it was founded by Mr. and Mrs. Beaver.  Back then, it was a traditional high-street agency, offering the classic bucket-and-spade holidays that were so popular at the time.

My business partner, Gary, and I joined the business after working our way through various travel companies, learning the ropes and discovering our passion for creating unforgettable journeys.  In the 1990s, we carried out a management buyout and began reshaping the business entirely.  We shifted focus to something far more personal — tailor-made, multicentre holidays at the luxury end of the market. And since then, we haven’t looked back.

Today, we’re a close-knit team of 12, each of us bringing our own area of expertise.  Our strength lies in offering an incredibly high level of personal service.  We go into the finest detail to craft truly bespoke itineraries — every trip is built around the client, not the other way around.  For example, I specialise in Africa and have travelled extensively across the continent.

We recently opened our own travel lounge at our office in Radlett.  It’s a space that feels more like a boutique hotel lobby than a travel agency.  Clients can walk in, sit down with a drink, and talk through ideas with us face-to-face.  It’s relaxed, warm, and full of inspiration.

For me, the essence of travel and adventure is in those truly unique moments — experiences that stay with you forever.  One that stands out was helping a family fulfill their wish to get up close to meerkats in the Kalahari.  We arranged for them to stay at a remote lodge, where, at dawn, they quietly watched the meerkats wake up, groom each other, and begin their day, just metres away.  It was magical.

Another memorable request came from a client who wanted to propose underwater.  We designed a trip to the Maldives, complete with a scuba diving experience, where divers had gone ahead to scout a reef and safely place the ring.  Everything was choreographed down to the last detail, and thankfully, it went perfectly.  She said yes!

Travel has always been in my blood.  My parents took me on trips from a young age, and I caught the travel bug early.  I’ve been lucky enough to turn that passion into a career.  Every year, I spend at least six weeks travelling — meeting our ground teams, exploring new destinations, and trying out experiences myself.  That way, when I recommend something, I can do so with confidence, knowing exactly what it feels like to be there.

One of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve had recently was being invited by Richard Branson to Necker Island. He’s launching ‘Celebration Weeks’ — short stays where guests can enjoy a slice of island life.  I got a sneak preview: we cycled to Virgin Gorda, ate sushi from kayaks, carried in by waiters in snorkel suits, and stayed in the presidential suite on Mosquito Island, recently visited by the Obamas.  It was surreal and absolutely spectacular.

The travel industry is always evolving, and one trend we’ve seen growing rapidly is multi-generational travel.  Grandparents, parents, and children, all travelling together to create shared memories.  We’ve arranged everything from African safaris to Mediterranean villas and even magical trips to Disney — all customised to suit each generation.  These are the types of holidays that people talk about for years to come.

At the heart of it all, travel should spark joy.  We want the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up, for you to feel that thrill of adventure — no matter your age.

Circle Square Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Patient, sporty, and considerate.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? Live in the moment.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Raising two children. Professionally, winning the award for the top luxury UK travel agent.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner? David Attenborough. I could sit there all night and barely touch the surface of his knowledge.

How has age strengthened your advantage? Becoming less impulsive and weighing up options before making a decision.

What inspired you to join Circle Square? I wanted to meet like-minded people to help broaden my horizons.