THE director of an Altrincham travel company has spoken of his amazement at winning the outstanding achievement award, writes Tom Dyson.

Andrew Nelson, director of Admiral Travel in Altrincham town centre, picked up the award at a conference after 12 years of service.

The award was inaugural so nobody knew it was coming and Mr Nelson was just as surprised as anyone else.

He said: “I was gobsmacked. It was completely out of the blue. The whole room rose and people were cheering, some people even crying. I was absolutely choked and it was only when I sat back down that I thought of a speech.”

Due to this being the first award of its kind, there has been no track record before so it’s difficult to specify what contributed to the award but Mr Nelson feels it’s largely down to the success and hard work that the company have put in.

Having been proud of such a successful year, the travel company take great care in their work and insist on the best customer service. 2013 was their best ever year for turnover.

Mr Nelson said: “Our shops have shown continual growth over the last number of years and I feel passionate about the group I’m with. I employ good staff who go the extra mile and I think that has rubbed off in terms of the great year we have had.”

Admiral Travel received recognition for the award from Hays, who they work with and who have supported Admiral for a long time.