Kayleigh Parsons, founder of Above & Beyond Travel, was recognised at a black-tie ceremony for her rapid growth and compassionate approach to transport, particularly in the field of special educational needs (SEN).
“I honestly didn’t expect to win one award - let alone two,” said Kayleigh. “It was overwhelming, but such an honour to see our work being recognised at that level.”
Above & Beyond Travel was launched in October 2023 after Kayleigh, a mother of four and autism advocate, saw a huge gap in the market for safe, understanding, and reliable transport—especially for families like hers navigating the world of additional needs.
To fund the business, Kayleigh sold her beloved motorbike and received financial backing from a family friend who believed in her vision. She began by doing everything herself—driving, bookings, recruitment, even answering calls in her sleep.
Just months later, the business has grown into a team of eleven and now delivers:
- SEN school transport
- Airport transfers
- Corporate travel
“What sets us apart is that we genuinely care,” Kayleigh said. “Many of our team have lived experience with SEN, and that shows in how we support our passengers. It’s not just about getting from A to B - it’s about doing it with dignity and understanding.”
Kayleigh, who is autistic herself, says her neurodivergence gives her a unique perspective in business: “I see things differently, and that’s helped me innovate and make decisions that others might not have. Thinking outside the box is what got this company off the ground.”
Looking ahead, Kayleigh plans to grow Above & Beyond Travel to over 100 drivers while keeping sustainability, inclusivity, and care at the heart of the business. She also hopes to transition the fleet to electric vehicles to meet net zero goals.
“This journey hasn’t been easy,” she added, “but it’s been worth every step. And if my story can inspire just one person to take a leap - they should know they’re more capable than they think.”