The UK Holiday Group Announces Two Key Senior Appointments

The UK Holiday Group Announces Two Key Senior Appointments

Norwich-based The UK Holiday Group is delighted to announce the appointment of two new senior leaders – a milestone that reflects a strong year of growth and continued expansion. We are glad to announce Dean Smith as Finance Director for The UK Holiday Group and the second appointment of Cheryl Barnard as Head of Groups for the group’s JustforGroups! brand.

Dean Smith – Finance Director

Dean Smith, a graduate of the University of East Anglia with a degree in Accounting and Finance, has been an integral part of The UK Holiday Group for the past 15 years. He began his career with the company as a Finance Assistant before progressing through the roles of Assistant Accountant, Financial Controller, and to Company Secretary, which he still holds

In 2017, Dean achieved Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) status, further strengthening his expertise in financial management. As Finance Director, Dean now oversees all aspects of the company’s financial operations — ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and the continued financial health of the business.

Paul Bennett, Managing Director and owner of the group, said:

‘“Dean has shown exceptional commitment to both me and the company over the years, including the turbulence of the Covid period. His dedication and professionalism make him thoroughly deserving of this directorship, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build a strong future for the business.”

Cheryl Barnard – Head of Groups Just for Groups!

With over 15 years’ experience in the Travel Industry Cheryl began her journey working for Going Places and Cosmos. She started with Just for Groups! as a Group Sales Executive and has since played an instrumental role in managing numerous group reunions, special events and conferences, inbound tours, and tailor-made group holidays across the UK and Europe. Cheryl also heads up major travel accounts such as the Royal Naval Association and the Civil Service Motoring Association. Cheryl offers her eight years of dedicated experience within the Just for Groups! team, a brand with more than 40 years of legacy and a leading reputation within the group travel industry.

Paul Bennett, Managing Director of The UK Holiday Group, said:

“Leading and supporting some of our largest key accounts, Cheryl was the natural fit to take on this important role. She will continue to support the team as we work hard to deliver our gold standard service to the many group organisers who choose to work with us.” The eight-strong Just for Groups! team has expanded over the past year to meet increasing demand, with the recent addition of a new Sales Executive and Administrator, alongside the creation of the new Head of Groups position.

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The UK Holiday Group:

About The UK Holiday Group

The UK Holiday Group is one of Britain’s leading privately-owned holiday and hospitality companies based in Norwich, Norfolk. Established in 1984 by our founder Paul Bennett, we have over 40 years’ experience in the industry. There are five brands in our portfolio, each delivering coach holidays for a particular region of the UK. Grand UK Holidays, SunriseDirect, Palmer Holidays, Glenton Holidays and Just for Groups! Each year our tour operating businesses organise holidays for thousands of people, creating happy and memorable holidays.

Although we lead in the UK domestic market, we are also a key player in the escorted air holiday and European river cruise markets. Operating to multiple destinations worldwide, we employ talented and experienced team members who love holidays almost as much as our customers!

The UK Holiday Group Limited

The Old Bakery, Queens Road Norwich, NR1 3PL

01603 886 700

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Media Contact :

Kirsty Laifa – Sales & Marketing Manager

The UK Holiday Group

Direct Dial. 01603 886729

Mobile 07775892575

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