Risk Capital Partners has acquired a share in Simpson Travel, appointing Paul Carter as chairman.
- Simpson Travel, known for its boutique hotels and villas, will benefit from RCP’s strategic investment.
- Graham Simpson continues to influence as advisor, with his family maintaining pivotal roles.
- Ed Pyke is promoted to managing director amidst the firm’s record-breaking bookings.
- RCP’s backing enables ambitious growth plans under a robust and respected management team.
Entrepreneur Luke Johnson’s private equity firm, Risk Capital Partners (RCP), has taken an undisclosed stake in the specialist tour operator Simpson Travel. This strategic investment sees former Hotelplan UK chief executive, Paul Carter, assume the role of chairman, a move poised to influence the trajectory of Simpson Travel significantly.
Simpson Travel is renowned for offering boutique hotels, luxury villas and apartments across desirable locations such as Corsica, France, Greece, Italy, Mallorca, and Turkey. The company’s commitment to providing distinctive, high-quality accommodations has established its reputation as one of the UK’s most respected specialist tour operators.
Graham Simpson, the founder of the company, continues to play an advisory role on the board while his children, Mathew, Daniel, and Hannah, uphold their respective positions as product director, commercial director, and head of trade sales. Helen Grace remains a vital part of the management as the marketing and communications director.
Ed Pyke transitions from operations director to managing director, a promotion aligned with Simpson Travel’s record-breaking bookings in 2023 and 2024. As expressed by Pyke, the firm’s success surpassing pre-pandemic levels reflects the strong foundations and legacy set by Graham Simpson.
Risk Capital Partners, notable for its previous involvement in travel entities like Neilson Active Holidays and Cruise.co.uk, now extends its influence within the travel sector through this investment. The firm brings a wealth of experience, previously having engaged with companies such as Elegant Hotels and Neilson Active Holidays under the leadership of Johnson.
Paul Carter and Graham Simpson both highlight the promising opportunities RCP’s investment offers. Carter speaks to the firm’s ambition and acknowledges the robust platform established which he aims to build upon. Meanwhile, Graham Simpson expresses enthusiasm about the support from RCP, confident in maintaining the core values and exceptional service Simpson Travel is known for.
Johnson, echoing this sentiment, articulates that Simpson Travel’s brand loyalty and customer satisfaction stand as testament to its operational excellence, and he is committed to partnering with Ed Pyke and the management team to propel the business forward.
Risk Capital Partners’ investment marks a pivotal step in Simpson Travel’s growth trajectory, promising enhanced opportunities and stability.
