Who Is Trailfinders UK Limited?
Trailfinders UK Limited is the UK’s largest independently-owned travel specialist, founded in October 1970 by former SAS officer Sir Mike Gooley CBE.
Beginning humbly with just four people in an office on Earls Court Road, London, the company pioneered flight consolidation in 1972 and introduced tailor-made travel in 1990.
Today, Trailfinders has grown into a travel powerhouse, operating 47 travel centres across the UK and Ireland and serving over 16 million customers.
Who Leads Trailfinders UK Limited?
Trailfinders benefits from strong corporate governance paired with deep travel expertise. As of now, the current company officers are:
| Name | Role | Appointed | Birth | Nationality |
| Lawrence David Comber | Director & Secretary | 1 Oct 2021 / 1 Mar 2019 | Aug 1959 | British |
| Nikki Davies | Director | 2 Sep 2010 | Jun 1968 | British |
| Fiona Kathleen Gooley, Lady | Director | 1 Mar 2008 | Jun 1962 | British |
| Sir Michael David William Gooley | Director | before 17 Jul 1991 | Oct 1936 | British |
| Tristan Patrick Gooley | Director | 1 Sep 2004 | Oct 1973 | British |
| Toby Michael Kelly | Director | 1 Mar 2013 | Mar 1974 | British |
| Jeremy Colin Latimer | Director | 14 Mar 2019 | Jan 1972 | British |
| Edwin Robert Lee | Director | 15 Nov 2001 | Aug 1949 | British |
| Russell McHardy | Director | 1 Jun 2014 | Apr 1967 | British |
| David Andrew Ness | Director | 28 Apr 2015 | Apr 1977 | British |
| John Christopher O’Dowd | Director | 13 Apr 2022 | Apr 1974 | British |
| Matthew Charles Raymond | Director | 1 Jan 1999 | Jul 1962 | British |
| Suzannah Elizabeth Reed Gilfillan | Director | 16 Dec 2024 | Jun 1986 | British |
| John Sheffer | Director | 1 Jul 2021 | Jun 1970 | British |
| Ross Simpson | Director | 1 Jan 2017 | May 1979 | British |
| Mark William West | Director | 1 Mar 2013 | Oct 1971 | British |
| Simon John Wheeler | Director | 1 Aug 2020 | Dec 1973 | British |
| Simon Paul Woodward | Director | 1 Jul 2021 | Dec 1966 | British |
All are based at Trailfinders’ registered office: 48 Earls Court Road, London, W8 6FT.
What Are the Company Details of Trailfinders UK Limited?
Trailfinders UK Limited is a long-established private limited company incorporated on 11 March 1971, under Company Number 01004502. It remains active and financially robust, with the next set of accounts due for the financial year ending 28 February 2025.
Founded by Sir Michael Gooley CBE, the company is still privately owned, reflecting a consistent and independent leadership approach for over five decades.
Trailfinders operates under several key classifications as outlined by UK Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes:
- 62012: Business and domestic software development
- 79110: Travel agency activities
- 79120: Tour operator activities
The company’s registered office and operational headquarters are located at 48 Earls Court Road, London, W8 6FT, serving as both a strategic and customer-facing hub in the heart of the capital.
What Services and Features Does Trailfinders UK Limited Offer?
Trailfinders delivers a full-suite, award-winning travel and advisory offering:
- Tailor-made Travel: Bespoke global itineraries crafted by over 750 travel consultants who’ve visited over 99% of the world.
- Flights: From economy to first/business class, including special fares and no hidden surcharges.
- Hotels & Accommodation: A portfolio ranging from budget stays to luxury retreats.
- Tours & Escorted Group Trips: Small group experiences in unique destinations like Botswana and Patagonia.
- Cruises: Partnerships with top-tier cruise lines such as Celebrity, Cunard, and Silversea.
- Car & Motorhome Hire: Flexible options for independent travel.
- Business Travel: Dedicated services for corporate clients.
- Support Services: Visa/passport assistance, travel insurance, airport parking, lounges, and vaccinations.
- Provisional Holds: Option to hold arrangements while exploring until deposit.
- Client Security: All customer funds held in an ATOL-approved Trust Account until return from travel.
- Sustainability: Over 1 million trees planted in partnership with the Woodland Trust.
- Digital Tools: The Trip Hub/ViewTrail app provides 24/7 itinerary access.
What Is Trailfinders UK Limited’s Responsible Business Ethos?
Trailfinders integrates responsibility into its core:
- Financial Trust: Safeguarding funds in ATOL‑approved Trust accounts ensures client peace of mind.
- Award-Winning Service: Recognised in 2025 as Which? Travel Brand of the Year and #1 Travel Agent on Trustpilot, among 100+ industry awards.
- Sustainability Projects: The Woodland Trust collaboration sees continual tree planting and environmental activism.
- Consultant Training: Staff attend “familiarisation trips” worldwide, from Australia to Greece, to enhance expertise.
What Do Clients and the Market Say?
Client sentiment and industry accolades highlight Trailfinders’ excellence:
- Trustpilot: Maintains over 50,000 five‑star reviews.
- Awards: Recent wins include the Wanderlust Travel Award (Favourite Tour Operator 2024), Times/Sunday Times Best Tour Operator 2024, and continued accolades from Which?, Guardian & Observer, and CLIA cruise awards.
Their reputation rests on the pillars of personalised service, transparent pricing, and expert counsel.
How Can Clients Contact Trailfinders UK Limited?
Trailfinders UK Limited offers a range of convenient ways for clients to get in touch, whether you’re planning a bespoke holiday, cruise, or first-class business travel. From direct calls to virtual appointments, their expert team is ready to assist at every step.
Steps to Contact Trailfinders
| Contact Method | Details |
| Call Centre | |
| Tailormade Travel Worldwide | 020 7084 6500 |
| Cruise | 020 7084 6502 |
| First & Business Class Travel | 020 7084 6503 |
| Private Touring | 020 7084 6504 |
| Phone Hours | Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm, Sat & Bank Holidays: 9am–6pm, Sun: 10am–6pm |
| Visit Travel Centres | 47 branches across the UK & Ireland |
| Virtual Appointments | Face-to-face video consultations with travel experts |
| Website | trailfinders.com |
| Brochures | Order via postal delivery |
| Enquiry Form | Submit online for a follow-up from a consultant |
| Head Office | 48 Earls Court Road, London, W8 6FT |
Whether visiting in person, speaking with an advisor, or browsing online, Trailfinders ensures personalised travel planning with expert guidance every step of the way.
Why Choose Trailfinders UK Limited?
Trailfinders UK Limited has earned its reputation as a trusted travel partner through decades of dedication, expertise, and customer-first values.
With over 50 years of independence and innovation, they continue to set industry standards by offering truly tailored travel experiences.
Whether planning a dream holiday or a complex business trip, clients benefit from the company’s global reach and personal approach.
Key reasons to choose Trailfinders include:
- Unmatched Expertise: Over 750 consultants with first-hand global travel knowledge.
- Transparent & Secure: No surcharge pricing and ATOL-backed financial protection.
- Comprehensive Services: Flights, cruises, tours, car hire, insurance, visas, and itinerary support.
- Sustainability Focus: Active environmental policies, including tree planting initiatives.
From luxury cruises to tailor-made adventures, Trailfinders delivers more than just a journey, it provides peace of mind and exceptional service every step of the way.
Their blend of heritage, integrity, and modern infrastructure makes them a standout choice for discerning travellers.
