EAST Anglian travel agency chain Fred. Olsen Travel has marked its 25th anniversary by reporting a record year for bookings and net profit.

Richard Nash, finance director at Fred. Olsen Travel, which has seven branches in Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk, said: “We’re delighted to report that our 2012 operating profit increased by 22% and our retail shops profit by 10%. This translates into a net profit increase of 77% year-on-year.”

Managing director Steve Williams added: “I’m incredibly proud we’re able to report such positive news; in such difficult economic times I feel that our success can only be attributed to the continued professionalism of each and every member of our team.

“From our experienced and knowledgeable travel advisors who are able to offer advice on every aspect of our customer’s travel experience, to our committed customer services team and beyond, Fred. Olsen Travel demonstrates continued commitment to our customers; we have and always will put them first and we believe this puts us in a strong position to move forward and continue such success.”

The latest addition to the Fred. Olsen Travel branch network was in Woodbridge, with the firm’s acquisition of Travel Quest. There are also branches in Ipswich, Felixstowe, Colchester and Bury St Edmunds and two in-store branches in Norwich.