Agency manager to retire after 34 years following Fred Olsen Travel acquisition     

Fred. Olsen Travel has bought its 21^st agency, Solent World Travel in Lee-on-the-Solent.

The store has been operating in the same shop for 34 years and had been owned by the Advantage Travel Partnership for the last 11 years.

Current manager, Chris Dewey, who has worked in the shop since it opened, will continue with his plans to retire at the end of June, after spending 44 years working within the travel industry.

Advantage CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “Solent World Travel, led by Chris Dewey, has been a highly regarded part of the Advantage family for more than 15 years. During this time they have not only flourished as a business, but as a wholly-owned trading division have also become a valuable part of our team. Whilst it’s been a tough decision to sell, I believe it is the right one for the business and for the Solent World Travel team.”

Chris said: “It has been an honour to look after the holidays of so many customers but now the time has come for my family to enjoy some holidays with me. I leave the office in the capable hands of Cath [Wassell], Lynn [Martin] and Steph [Glasspool] who will be guided by the team at Fred. Olsen Travel.”

The three remaining staff will continue to work for Solent World Travel as part of Fred. Olsen Travel, with one of them being promoted to Manager and a fourth member of staff being recruited.

Fred. Olsen Travel Director of Retail Paul Hardwick said: “I am so pleased to be adding Solent World Travel to our portfolio of shops. The business is a fantastic fit for us and I cannot wait to continue the legacy that Chris Dewey and his team have built within the community over many decades.

“Chris has kindly agreed to stay on to help with the transition of the business in June and I wish him every happiness in his well-deserved retirement after 44 years in the industry. I am delighted that Cath, Lynn and Steph are transferring across with the business and am looking forward to working with them to further grow Solent World Travel for many years to come.”

Pictured, from left: Steph Glasspool, Manager Chris Dewey, Catherine Wassell and Lynn Martin, all Solent World Travel; Fred. Olsen Travel Regional Manager Emma Pine and Director of Retail Paul Hardwick.