Travel business support specialist checks into new Sunderland office

A fast-growing business advising and supporting travel agents and operators has opened a new office in the heart of Sunderland city centre.

Bournemouth-headquartered Protected Trust Services (PTS) has opened a new 1,300sq ft office at The Yard, Riverside Sunderland.

The site is seen by the firm's executive team as a key step in its ambition to expand its membership from 400 to 1,000 travel businesses over the next five years.

Up to eight members of the sales and marketing team will initially be based at The Yard, which will also provide flexible hot desk spaces for visiting suppliers.

Daniel Landen, chief executive of PTS, said: "Having an office in the North East of England will allow us to really expand our reach in this corner of the UK.  

"As a company, we pride ourselves on the personal service we provide to our clients, and this new centre will ensure we can continue to build on that offering.

"It will provide us with a permanent base where new and existing clients can visit us in-person, while also allowing us to tap into the region's skilled talent pool."

The new office will see PTS join Ocado, ATG Entertainment, Apexon, Asset 55 and others in establishing a dedicated hub at Riverside Sunderland.

"The people of the North East are renowned for their friendliness, which is why so many businesses have relocated to the city over recent years," Daniel added.

"This ability to tap into an existing talent pool of skilled workers, plus the prime city centre location of The Yard and its growing business community, meant it just ticked all of the boxes.

"It will really open up new opportunities for the business as we continue to create jobs and grow. It's a real statement of intent."

Protected Trust Services provides its members across the UK with travel trust accounts, a bespoke software solution, merchant facilities and expert advice. It also supports travel agents and tour operators by ensuring they are compliant with the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018

The company was introduced to The Yard, which opened its doors in 2022, by the Business Investment Team at Sunderland City Council, who have continued to support PTS with its expansion to the city.

Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration at Sunderland City Council, said: "We are delighted to welcome Protected Trust Services to Riverside Sunderland.

"The firm's innovative offering has clearly proven very popular with travel agents across the country and this is reflected in its incredible growth.

"Over recent years Protected Trust Services has created high quality jobs and expanded its presence across the UK, so we are incredibly proud as a council that they have chosen Sunderland for their third hub.

"It is yet another fast-growing business choosing to locate in the city and creating opportunities for local people. It's a great success story for the city and we look forward to working with the company as they continue to grow from their new base here in Sunderland."

Gagan Jagpal, portfolio manager at The Hanro Group - the developer of The Yard - said: "We're delighted to have Protected Trust Services join us at The Yard alongside the other professional services firms in the building, and we're looking forward to them realising their growth plans in the region from their new office."

For more information on commercial property in Sunderland, visit: https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/commercial-properties