Turning Travel Dreams into Reality - Ann Lord of Artisan Escapes

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Ann Lord, founder of Artisan Escapes, an office-based travel agency in Whalley built around personal service and thoughtfully planned holidays.Ann shares her journey through the travel world, starting at just 14, moving into travel management, then living her dream as cabin crew, before a career twist into teaching. That blend of experience and people skills eventually led her to launch Artisan Escapes in 2017, creating a business that focuses on giving clients time, attention, and expert planning through an appointment-led approach.We chat about the huge variety of trips Artisan Escapes arranges, from simple sunshine getaways to tailor-made itineraries, cruises, safaris, honeymoons, destination weddings, city breaks, and everything in between. Ann also speaks honestly about the challenges of the pandemic for the travel industry, and how the business rebuilt and grew into a team of five as travel returned.Finally, Ann explains why Artisan Escapes proudly sponsors the Micro Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, highlighting the value of community, relationships, networking, and local collaboration that helps businesses support each other and grow together.Want to start YOUR own Podcast? Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk