Seaford travel company run by 18-year-old reaches competition finals after mystery nomination

Exley’s Travel is a finalist for the Best Day Excursion category in the British Coach Tourism Awards.

The company was founded in 2018 by Seaford student Thomas Exley, following the successful community coach trips he ran as Seaford young mayor from 2017 to 2018.

Thomas has also been nominated for Business Person of the Year in the Seahaven Business Awards.

Thomas said he was ‘shocked’ when he learnt that the company had reached the finals.

“I couldn’t believe it when I read the email,” he said, “It is such fantastic news, and we are so thrilled and shocked to be named finalists in the Best Day Excursion Category.

“We are still unsure at this stage who originally nominated us for this award.

“Nevertheless, we are so happy that this person thinks we work hard and are worthy of being entered into this award with other such outstanding and successful UK companies.”

Now in its 15th year, the British Coach Tourism Awards showcases excellence among attractions, coach tour operators, hotels, and tourism suppliers.

Thomas wanted to make the company’s coach excursions as accessible as possible when he established Exley’s Travel.

“Not everyone has the ability to drive or have easy access to pick-up points in major cities, so my original idea when starting the business was to make sure everyone in our surrounding community’s young or old could come together and enjoy a safe and fun day out,” he said.

“This last couple of years has been really successful and great fun.”

The Exley’s team will travel to the awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum on March 25.

Formerly known as South Sussex Travel, Exley’s provides low-cost, friendly day excursions to people in Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Lewes.

More information about Exley’s Travel can be found at the company’s website.