One of the north’s largest independent travel firms Selective Travel Management has secured the opportunity to bid for work in the British Government’s £12.5 billion global travel budget.

The Belfast-headquartered specialist has been chosen by the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) as one of three preferred suppliers to provide UK-booked national and international business travel for a vast range of government departments and public sector agencies over the next three years, and the possibility of a fourth year.

It follows an intensive tendering process by the CCS, the UK’s biggest public procurement organisation and an executive agency of the Cabinet Office.

The CCS tender sought professional private sector support for four categories of travel management with the maximum value of that Travel Framework estimated at £12.5 billion over the life of the framework and associated call off periods.

Keith Graham, managing director at Selective Travel Management, said: “We’re thrilled to have earned a potential share in this hugely significant contract.

“CCS clients can draw down services on the basis of direct awards and mini competitions, so we must continue to ‘bring our A game’ to every interaction, but we are more than up for that challenge, having successfully provided similar services as sole supplier to the Northern Ireland Government and as one of two preferred suppliers to the Irish Government.”

The latest win consolidates Selective’s powerful position within the highly competitive and value-driven Government sector, paving the way for future growth.

Initially the company will create a number of new jobs on the strength of this win, with further IT investment and more jobs already in planning.

Mr Graham adds: “The CCS ethos of maximising the value of every pound of public money so that precious resources can go where they’re needed most sits happily with our own corporate direction.

“The new framework contract also allows us to build on our capacity to work effectively within a demanding regulatory structure whilst striving to reach ambitious social value goals.

“The win is evidence of how we already excel in terms of value, service and corporate standards. As we begin to service this exciting new Travel Framework, we look forward not only to building on that foundation, but also to showcasing our creative approach to developing uniquely accessible and fully customised technology. The increased experiences and learnings which we will generate as a result will resonate across our business, bringing benefits to clients across our portfolio.”

Katrina Williams, head of travel, accommodation and venues at CCS, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Selective Travel Management on board for the first time and look forward to developing a strong collaborative working relationship.”