VIRGIN boss Richard Branson might be booking his next balloon flight through David Speakman.

High flier Branson congratulated Fast Track 100 company Travel Counsellors and David Speakman Travel (pictured) on winning the Sunday Times/Virgin Atlantic Award for customer service.

The innovative travel agent - with headquarters in Atherton - offers a high-tech service direct to customers whether at home, work or play.

And with a predicted 1999 turnover of £33 million pound - up from just over £500,000 in 1994 - its the fourth fastest growing company in the UK.

Virgin Atlantic Airways spokesman Paul Moore said: "We built our success on the strength of our customer service and in Travel Counsellors we see a kindred spirit.

"By rejecting conventional industry thinking through selling direct to customers in their homes David Speakman has created a company to be proud of."

And Fast Track listing compiler Dr Hamish Stevenson said: "A similar list is compiled in the US and 17 years ago included the likes of Microsoft and Timberland so Travel Counsellors is certainly a company to watch for the future."

Speaking from Atherton David Speakman said: "The award is testimony to the hard work and determination of my team of 60 Travel Counsellors.

"They provide a bespoke travel service with the hassle of high street queues and absolutely free of charge.

"They build one-to-one relationship with customers built on trust, understanding and the honesty of independent advice.

"We have invested in technology to ensure each counsellor provides every service of our high street competition, the only difference is we meet customers at a time and location convenient to them."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.