About Us

Meet the passionate team behind our fabulous trips

JAMES AITKEN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

James has been working in the travel industry for more than 25 years and he has owned and run several companies in the UK and Ireland including Mackenzie River Travel, Balmoral Travel, MacItalia and Cashel Travel since 2000. When not working he can be found salmon fishing in the Highlands or enjoying a pleasant glass of wine.

MARTA KUCHARCZYK

DIRECTOR

Marta’s background is varied. She has worked as a teacher in Poland and attended university in Krakow. She joined Cashel Travel in 2003 initially in the accounts department and then was promoted steadily and finally became a director in 2010. She has travelled extensively throughout Europe and in South America on sales missions. Her role is to oversee the operations and quotations within our sister company Cashel Travel. When not quoting groups she can be found studying architecture or taking long cycle rides.

KIM HARDIKER

GENERAL MANAGER

Kim initially joined Great British Trips as their first employee early in 2011 following five years of working with the senior leadership team of a large charity. She immediately showed a great flair for business, building fantastic relationships with customers and becoming a natural at planning tours and quickly became invaluable to the team. Kim loves getting to know our customers and always gives great personal service to everyone she deals with. Outside of work, Kim is studying for a degree in Social Science but when she does eventually get the free time it is likely to be spent outdoors, attempting to read through an ever-increasing pile of books or binging on the latest boxset. Her favourite spot in the UK is the Peak District which is a short drive away from her hometown and is, in fact, the UK’s first National Park.

CLAIRE BOUEDO

OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE

Originally from France, Claire studied tourism and initially came to Great British Trips on an internship in 2011 as part of her course. Manchester worked its charm and she returned after finishing her degree and has worked full time with us since 2012. A keen eye for detail makes her the ideal member of the team to handle bookings and deal with all our suppliers to make sure our customers have the best possible time in the UK and Ireland! In her spare time, Claire enjoys walks in the countryside, going to gigs and playing the guitar. Her favourite spot in the UK is Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, which is packed with history and amazing scenery.  

YUVA ARUMUGAM

CONTRACTS MANAGER

Originally from Singapore, Yuva has worked in the hospitality industry since his teens and was heavily involved in his father’s restaurant business dealing with large events. He then went on to work in 5-star hotels. On moving to the UK Yuva has consistently worked in the hospitality industry in both London and Edinburgh. Yuva spends the bulk of his time working with our suppliers both for Cashel Travel & Great British Trips to ensure the best possible service (and prices!) for our travellers. Yuva’s favourite spot in the UK is Loch Lomond home to some of the most stunning scenery.

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