Our People
Barry and Maria Baty – Owner and Directors
Barry and Maria wholly own Top Flight Travel and are based in our Head Office in Reading. Both are extremely customer focused and their goal is to continue to build a company that is innovative and flexible in its approach and where both its staff and customers feel valued.
Barry and Maria believe in an open door policy with all staff being able to discuss any ideas or questions they may have. This flows through in to their customer service ethos, of having an upfront, honest and open relationship with clients.
As well as overseeing the operation of the company as a whole and strategically driving it forward, Barry works very closely with the Business Development Team to promote the high level of service and quality that Top Flight Travel offers to its clients. Maria’s responsibilities lie in Account Management, where she personally manages a number of our key clients. Maria also manages HR and supports sales presentations in her role as a Company Director.
Helen Webb – Head of Administration
Helen has worked in the travel industry for over 20 years, of which most has been in the corporate travel management sector. She has been with Top Flight Travel since 1999, and has fulfilled a variety of management roles during this time.
Helen's current role is Head of Administration a department that ensure a seamless and proficient transition from when the booking is made through to completion. Departmental responsibilities involve raising invoices and credit notes, reconciling all areas of the business and also assisting our clients with invoice queries.
Also during Helen's time at Top Flight Travel she has worked in the capacity of General Manager, a very wide and complex role. Her responsibilities included ensuring the smooth operation of all branches, and the many different departments within Top Flight Travel. Helen’s other roles have included; Head of Operations and Operations Manager for the Head office in Reading.
Natalie Barfield - Head of New Business and Account Management
Natalie has been with Top Flight Travel since 2000, and for over 5 years she has fulfilled the role of Head of Client Services, which involves managing and working as part of the Client Services team.
Natalie has been in the travel industry for over 13 years and has gained a number of industry specific qualifications such as ATOC Quality of Service and BA1. She also has a BA Honours Degree in European Studies including French and Spanish.
The Client Services team’s main focus is to ensure a seamless implementation for all new clients, manage and develop client facing technology and to provide online support to our clients. The team also play a role in Account Management, actively participating in sales presentations and coordinating written proposals for clients. The team work closely with all other departments to fulfil these responsibilities, particularly the Sales and Account Management teams.
Vanessa Hailstone – Head of Operations
Vanessa has been with Top Flight Travel since 2000, starting her journey with us as a Senior Consultant, and moving quickly through the ranks to become supervisor of her team. In 2004, Vanessa was promoted to Operations Manager and in March 2010, she was further promoted to Head of Operations. Vanessa oversees a busy team of consultants, working closely with the Team Leaders of each department and the Operations Manager in our London location, to ensure and maintain continuity and best working practices.
With extensive knowledge in the travel industry working in a variety of different roles, this experience enables Vanessa to fully understand the requirements of our clients at each stage of the reservation process. Vanessa also has BA 1 & 2 Fares and ticketing qualifications.
Jane Bleddyn – Training and Development Manager
Jane Bleddyn manages the Training and Development team. The role of Jane and her team is to manage strategic projects for Top Flight Travel including technology analysis and development with specialist suppliers. Other responsibilities include training of all operational staff. Internal promotion is very important to Top Flight Travel and our trainee development programme was introduced in August 2007.
Jane began her career at Top Flight Travel in 2001 as a travel consultant. Jane worked in the Operations and Finance departments between 2001 and 2006, and after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Leisure and Tourism Management, she was appointed the Training and Development Manager.
