The study, compiled by Oxford-based research and networking
events company Fast Track ,identifies businesses that are rising to
the current challenging marketing conditions. The list, which
included other travel companies such as Gatwick Airport and De Vere
Group, saw Portman Travel, the only travel management company in
the list, come in at number 130.
The Sunday Times' Catherine Wheatley said of the companies
included in the list:
"Innovation and ambition are everywhere as mid-market
firms power through the downturn."
The Top Track 250 complements the previously published Top Track
100 and ranks the next 250 biggest private companies by sales. The
research highlights firms that are leading the recovery by only
including those that have increased their revenues or boosted their
operating profits according to their latest available accounts.
Portman Travel's Chief Executive Michael Hare said: "I am
delighted to see Portman Travel included in the Top Track 250,
which is based on our hard work throughout 2010. We have seen
strong growth thanks to new client revenue and business wins, which
is especially encouraging when taking into account the still tough
trading conditions.
Hare also credits the company's bond with RADIUS, the leading
global travel management network of which Portman Travel is a
founding shareholder with contributing to the growth of the company
in recent years.
In addition Hare said technology, skilled personnel, innovation
and the personal touch have also played a pivotal role in the
company's success. He said: "Portman Travel has invested
heavily in technology and infrastructure in recent years and this
is now paying dividends and adding value for our clients who in
particular have embraced self-booking tools and innovations such as
The Portman Trip Planner, a revolutionary itinerary management
tool."
"Our strategy is to deliver refreshingly flexible and
personalised service by providing a comprehensive range of
specialist travel management solutions to SME's multinationals and
public sector organisations the world over."
Portman Travel was described by the Sunday Times as a travel
services provider and the entry said about the company:-
Corporate clients are provided with a range of
travel-management solutions by this company. Founded in 1959 and
built through a series of acquisitions, including Fleet Street
Travel in 2008, Portman Travel has 17 offices in Britain, plus
operations in Ireland and Amsterdam. It is a founding shareholder
of RADIUS, a worldwide network of travel-management firms that has
offices in 3,300 locations. Vision Capital bought a majority stake
in Portman for an undisclosed sum in 2006 and sales reached £256.7m
in 2010 under chief executive Michael Hare.
www.portmantravel.com
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Anne-Marie Buckley / Jane Richards
Email: Anne-Marie.Buckley@brightergroup.com
Tel: 020 7326 9880
17 October 2011