Speakman, a long-time friend of Travel Bureau owners Jeanne Lally and Anne Bromley, confirmed he had acquired the agency for an undisclosed sum on Wednesday (28 June).

He started his career in travel in 1978 and went on to serve on Abta’s travel agents council. He founded Travel Counsellors in 1994 and is credited with kicking off the homeworking revolution in travel.

Lally and Bromley will remain with the business as joint managing directors, as will the rest of their team.

"David’s experience and dedication in creating excellence in travel is the reason we are so excited with this news," said Lally. "Over the coming months, the business will see significant upgrades in our store and our technology, which will all lead to an even better experience for the most important people of all – our customers."

Speakman, who sold his remaining interest in Travel Counsellors in 2018, added: "Travel is a wonderful industry, and being involved in the day to day operation and strategy of running a travel business is something that has never stopped being exciting to me.

"The owners of The Travel Bureau are long-time friends of mine, and I am delighted that this opportunity has come along for us to work together to deliver the highest standards of excellence and customer satisfaction."