Investing in people, community and the high street
For many entrepreneurs, choosing where to establish a business is about more than finding the right premises. It’s about finding a place where relationships can grow, where customers value personal service and where a business can become part of the community.
That was exactly what attracted Plan your World to Herne Bay.
Since opening its first high street travel agency in the town centre, the independent business has quickly become part of the local landscape, helping residents create unforgettable holidays while demonstrating the value of investing in one of Kent’s most welcoming seaside towns.
A business built on personal service
Founded by Lorraine Sauders after more than 25 years in the travel industry, Plan your World was created with a simple philosophy: every holiday should be as individual as the people taking it.
From luxury escapes and family holidays to cruises, safaris and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, the business takes the time to understand every customer’s needs before creating a tailor-made itinerary. Supported by the reassurance of ABTA protection through Hays Travel, customers benefit from expert advice alongside complete peace of mind.
“I’ve always believed the best holidays start with understanding the people you’re planning them for. We wanted to build a business where relationships come first and customers receive genuinely personal service from people who love what they do.”
Why Herne Bay?
Interestingly, opening a retail shop wasn’t part of the original business plan.
Plan your World had already built a successful team of homeworking travel consultants when the opportunity arose to open a premises in Herne Bay town centre. With experienced team members living locally and having long-standing connections to East Kent, the location felt like the natural next step.
“Opening the shop gave us the opportunity to combine the flexibility of a modern travel business with the personal service that only a local high street presence can offer. It felt like the perfect fit.”
The move has enabled customers to pop in for advice, discuss their travel plans face-to-face and build lasting relationships with a team that genuinely knows both the destinations they sell and the community they serve.
Becoming part of the community
Since opening its doors, Plan your World has found Herne Bay to be exactly the kind of place it hoped for.
Rather than simply operating from the town, the business has become part of everyday life, welcoming familiar faces through the door and hearing stories from customers returning from holidays they helped create.
“There’s a real sense of community here. People genuinely support independent businesses, and we’ve been made to feel incredibly welcome. Seeing customers come back to tell us about their trips is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
That community spirit extends beyond customers. Lorraine describes the wider business network as collaborative, supportive and passionate about helping the town continue to thrive.
Growing alongside the town
Opening the Herne Bay shop marked an important milestone for Plan your World.
As the company’s first retail premises, it represents everything the business set out to achieve: expert advice, friendly service and a welcoming place where customers can book with confidence.
At the same time, the business continues to expand its national network of homeworking travel consultants, proving that a successful modern business can combine digital flexibility with a thriving high street presence.
“Opening our first retail shop has been a huge achievement. It’s created a space where customers know they’re dealing with people who genuinely care, while also allowing us to continue growing the wider business.”
Why invest in Herne Bay?
For Lorraine, the decision to invest in Herne Bay has been rewarded by more than commercial success.
The town’s independent business community, loyal customer base and strong sense of local pride have created an environment where businesses can build lasting relationships and grow with confidence.
“If you’re prepared to put in the work and become part of the community, Herne Bay is a fantastic place to invest. People want to support independent businesses, and there’s a real willingness for businesses to collaborate and help each other succeed.”
Looking to the future
As Plan your World continues to grow, Herne Bay remains firmly at the heart of its plans.
While the business helps customers discover destinations across the globe, its own future is rooted in the town centre it now proudly calls home.
“We may help people explore the world, but we’re proud to call Herne Bay home. We’re excited to continue growing here and helping even more people create unforgettable memories.”
A town where businesses can thrive
Plan your World’s story demonstrates why more businesses are choosing Herne Bay. With a supportive business community, loyal local customers and an evolving high street, the town offers the perfect environment for ambitious independent businesses to establish themselves and grow.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding an existing business or looking for your next investment opportunity, Herne Bay is proving that success starts with community.
