Stockport travel professional wins national industry award

A Stockport travel professional is celebrating this month after taking home the sector’s Unsung Hero Award at the Travel Weekly Globes.

Samantha Fisher, Business Development Manager at Bramhall’s The Inspire Group was presented with the award at a ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The Unsung Hero, sponsored by Seabourn, award recognises individuals who have gone the extra mile to improve the lives of those around them – whether it’s working round the clock to help things run smoothly, fundraising for a cause close to their heart, or doing something exceptional in the community. The winners are extraordinary individuals who deserve recognition and nominations are made up of industry colleagues and peers.

The Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards are the largest and most prestigious awards in the leisure travel industry, with accolades for travel suppliers based on votes from the travel agent readers of Travel Weekly. The 2023 event took place in front of more than 1,200 guests at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. The star-studded event saw awards presented by Stopfordian comedian Jason Manford and Travel Weekly editor-in-chief Lucy Huxley, alongside range of spectacular performances.

On presenting the award, Seabourn’s UK managing director Lynn Narraway, said: 

“Like so many previous winners, our recipient has overcome many personal challenges and helped a range of worthy causes while continuing to be an outstanding ambassador for the company she works for. Loved and known by many in the industry, her commitment has influenced countless colleagues in her current and previous roles and has made the industry a more accessible and welcoming place for customers including those with disabilities and on low incomes.”

Samantha has also been forced to adjust her own work and living arrangements in order to care for a family member, yet according to her colleagues, she has continued to “smash her job” with true diligence and commitment. The number of good causes to have benefited from her passionate support include Reuben’s Retreat, a local food bank and, most recently, the Hidden Disabilities Association, the Family Fund and Family Holiday Charity.

Samantha, who lost her mother in late 2021, and who is now also looking after her father who has recently undergone a triple bypass, said that the recognition means the world to her. The Stockport travel professional said of her award win:

“For so many years I have watched iconic travel people pick up this award and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I could win it. 

“Travel is all I have ever loved and I’m just so passionate about it. From being a trainee in a travel agency at 16 and winning my first award of top seller award, I have always had a drive for progression and to push myself to be the very best I can be. I truly love what I do, and I also know that I am very lucky to have my managing director, Lisa Henning, always pushing me.  The fact that I was nominated despite losing my mum and caring for dad just proves that we are all stronger than we sometimes think!”

The Inspire Group’s managing director, Lisa Henning, concluded:

“We are so fortunate to have Samantha as a key member of our team. Her infectious passion for this industry is incredible. Since she started in travel 27 years ago, she has made it her mission to help people. Despite facing bereavement and having to provide care for her father, she leads from the front and continues to be a true unsung hero.”