Norwich-based The UK Holiday Group has appointed two new senior leaders after a year of growth and expansion.
Managing director and owner Paul Bennett said: “We are glad to announce Dean Smith as Finance Director for The UK Holiday Group and Cheryl Barnard as Head of Groups for the Group’s JustforGroups! brand.”
Dean, who graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree in Accounting and Finance, has been an integral part of The UK Holiday Group for the past 15 years.
He began his career as a financial assistant before progressing through the roles of assistant accountant, financial controller, and company secretary.
In 2017, Dean achieved Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) status, further strengthening his expertise in financial management.
As Finance Director, Dean now oversees all aspects of the company’s financial operations — ensuring accuracy, regulatory compliance, and the continued financial health of the business.
Paul added: “Dean has shown exceptional commitment to both myself and the company over the years, guiding us through challenging times — including the turbulence of the Covid period.
“His dedication and professionalism make him thoroughly deserving of this directorship, and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build a strong future for the business.”
Cheryl has over 15 years’ experience in the travel industry and previously worked for Going Places and Cosmos.
She started with Just for Groups! as a group sales executive and has since played an instrumental role in managing numerous group reunions, special events and conferences, inbound tours, and tailor-made group holidays across the UK and Europe.
Cheryl also heads up major travel accounts such as the Royal Navel Association and the Civil Service Motoring Association.
She has eight years of dedicated experience within the Just for Groups! team, a brand which has been in business more than 40 years and enjoys a top reputation within the group travel industry.
Paul said: “Leading and supporting some of our largest key accounts, Cheryl was the natural fit to take on this important role.
“She will continue to support the team as we work hard to deliver our gold-standard service to the many group organisers who choose to work with us.”
The eight-strong Just for Groups! team expanded last year to meet demand, with the recent addition of a new sales executive and administrator, alongside the creation of the new Head of Groups position.
The UK Holiday Group is one of Britain’s top privately-owned holiday and hospitality companies, based in Norwich. Established in 1984 by Paul Bennett, there are five brands in the portfolio, delivering regional coach holidays.
The company also specialises in the escorted air holiday and European river cruise markets.
