Redfern lands state contract worth up to £750m

The Crown Commercial Service appointed Redfern to provide travel services to millions of UK public sector workers for the next three years following a competitive tender process.

In 2011, the Bradford business beat off competition from global corporations to win a place on the central government travel management service contract in 2011.

Redfern said it saved the taxpayer a reported £15m in travel fees during the contract.

Under the new Crown Travel and Venues Services contract, employees at more than 100 government bodies, including HMRC, DWP and the Home Office, will continue to use Redfern’s state of the art technology, tRIPS, which makes booking travel and accommodation simpler and more cost effective.

Mark Bowers, chief executive, said he was immensely proud of Redfern’s track record in saving the taxpayer millions of pounds and improving travel booking for the UK’s public sector workers.

He added: By looking beyond the usual global suppliers, the Government is reaping the rewards of innovation and technological advancement – principles Redfern is founded on.”

Redfern plans to invest £500,000 in new technology over the next 12-18 months.

Mr Bowers led a management buyout of the £300m-turnover company last year. It was completed without external finance.