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Press Release: Bespoke travel returns to Frinton-on-Sea


Birgitte McLain and Jo Shayler outside Great Danes
Birgitte McLain and Jo Shayler outside Great Danes

On 25 August, two local businesses will join forces to bring travel expertise back to the high street


Two Frinton-based businesses - Jo Shayler, an independent travel expert at Holidaysplease, and Great Danes, a gift shop in Connaught Avenue – felt that Frinton was lacking a quality travel agency.


They’ve now joined forces to launch ‘Holidaysplease on Connaught’, based out of The Patio, a year-round outdoor space at Great Danes.


The Patio at Great Danes, Connaught Avenue
The Patio at Great Danes, Connaught Avenue

‘Holidaysplease on Connaught’ will be open for business on Wednesday 25 August and Jo will be accepting appointments every Wednesday thereafter.


The two businesses first crossed paths when Jo first shopped at Great Danes and met owners, Mike and Birgitte McLain. The relationship has since blossomed, with Jo looking after the McLain’s holidays and subsequently being introduced to local friends and associates to book their getaways, too.


When Mike and Birgitte recently launched their new outdoor space, they all agreed it would be a perfect event space and the seed of an idea formed.


Jo Shayler said: “The Patio is the perfect environment for meeting with local people looking for a personal travel adviser. I specialise in planning luxury beach escapes, honeymoons and weddings, food and wine trips, multi-centre itineraries and group holidays but as my valued clients will testify, I can arrange anything, anywhere in the world.”


Mike McLain of Great Danes commented: “The last 18 months have taught us the importance of having a local presence built on loyal clients and a personalised service. Jo is equally passionate about those values and one of the few positives to come out of this crisis has been the value and security in booking holidays with an accredited travel agent. She is a pleasure to work with, listens to her clients and uses her incredible industry knowledge and relationships to find great choices. We feel this is a great opportunity for Frinton to discover they have an award-winning travel professional in the community, and we are looking forward to hosting her at The Patio.”


Mike added: “Great Danes has been on Connaught Avenue for 19 years, but before us, the shop belonged to Connaught Travel, so it feels kind of poetic that ‘Holidaysplease on Connaught’ will be working from the same address.”


To book an appointment with Jo at ‘Holidaysplease on Connaught’, please contact 01255 851708 or j.shayler@holidaysplease.com.


Connaught Travel at 12 Connaught Avenue circa 1980
Connaught Travel at 12 Connaught Avenue circa 1980

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