Our History
I started in the travel industry on 12th June 1966, releasing me from the bureaucratic working conditions of an insurance company into the free and expansive travel business. On November 4th that year, I left my native country, Ireland, for the bright London lights. When my Aer Lingus plane landed at Heathrow, the first sign I saw was ... Murphy Building Contractors!
Six years later, I wanted to work for myself, so I needed experience in other aspects of the industry. I worked for a specialist sports operator followed by one of Britain's largest tour operators. During this time, I also hit the roads, drumming up business at night visiting business prospects. When I had developed the business to have sufficient cash flow, I took the plunge!
July 1st 1974 ~ the fateful day. When I started, people asked "Who is Edwin Doran?" Now, 32 years later, they are still asking the same question as an increasing number do not believe there is a 'real' Edwin Doran. My target then was to get a new booking every day. That could mean a commission of 60p on an air ticket. We now need rather more just to pay the overheads!
Since 1974, the following key events have contributed to our success:
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1975 Our first dealings with the RFU and England teams. We still work for them.
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1982 Bob Rees, our Operations Director (now retired), joined and took our British Lions tour to New Zealand.
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1988 Dick Best joined us. Actually, we paid his salary while he worked for the RFU and British Lions as coach. We still work together.
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1991 Andrew Loughlin opened our Manchester sales office, and is still there.
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1992 We were the first UK sports travel company to start up in South Africa, and we're still the only one.
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2003 Appointed by British Airways as their only Preferred Partner in sports travel.
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2004 30th Anniversary.
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2007 New website.
There are two reasons why we are still in business:
OUR CUSTOMERS AND OUR STAFF!
EdwinDoran
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