Business travel and event management company Gray Dawes Travel has seen turnover and profits increase, following the introduction of its new event management service for clients.

The Essex-based company saw turnover for the year increase by 7 per cent from £2.28m to £2.46m for the year ending 31 March 2011. Operating profit was up massively – from £122k to £366k – a 200 per cent increase on the year. The Directors’ Report also highlighted that the shareholding of the company was transferred to Inchcape Family Estates Limited and this year a new chief executive, Suzanne Cockburn, joined the business.

While around 5 per cent of Gray Dawes’ business comes from the event management division, the company has invested into this side of the business in 2011, implementing a new online tool for corporates to monitor their events, search for venues and run management reports to help with budgets.

Marketing manager Louise Joplin, said: “The launch of this new event planning and enquiry site improves on our previous system.  We have had a very positive response from clients. They are obviously enjoying the benefits of the new system having tried it for themselves.

“Business has been buoyant in 2011 and we have been encouraged by the level of repeat event business that we have received from satisfied clients.”

Joplin said highlights of this year for the event management division included arranging an incentive trip to Vilamoura and group events to Prague and Miami. A Christmas party for 800 guests was also a success and the team is already looking at suitable venues for next year.