Case Study: Bernadette Oliver — Building Inclusive Travel from Lived Experience
Business and Tourism Student | Joint 1st Place, Start-Up 2025 | Founder of B’s Travel
When Bernadette Oliver returned to Borders College after raising her family, she wasn’t just looking to build a career — she was searching for something that could make a real difference.
Bernadette had previously studied hairdressing but had to step away when she became pregnant. Years later, now a mum of four — including her 2nd oldest Ollie, who is neurodivergent — she made the decision to return to education and follow her passion for travel.
Travel had always been close to Bernadette’s heart. But it wasn’t until she took her family on holiday that she saw the serious gaps in support for families like hers. From overstimulating airports to a lack of understanding in hotels, she realised how hard it can be for neurodivergent children and their parents to simply enjoy a holiday.
“There just wasn’t enough support out there. I knew something had to change.”
That’s where her business idea, B’s Travel, was born. It’s more than just a travel agency — Bernadette’s vision is to offer tailored travel planning for neurodiverse families, and to educate travel and tourism staff about how to provide safe, inclusive experiences.
With the encouragement of her lecturer, Susan Cooper, and the ongoing support of Lee-Anne through the Start-Up project, Bernadette threw herself into every opportunity she could.
“I soaked it all up like a sponge. The only challenge I really had was believing in myself — but Susan and Lee-Anne helped me realise my worth.”
Bernadette didn’t miss a single workshop or networking event — even her first one with the Scottish Business Network in Edinburgh. She was determined to show up and make the most of it all.
When the Start-Up final came around, Bernadette says she was just proud to stand alongside the other students — but hearing her name as a joint winner of Start-Up 2025 was something she never expected.
“It’s changed everything for me. I now know I can do this.”
She is now working towards building B’s Travel into a service that can truly support families like hers and is exploring a potential week of work experience with Jet2 to get even closer to the travel industry she’s ready to improve.
🔧 Bernadette’s Reflections on the Program:
- More opportunities to meet similar businesses and role models.
- More practical sessions on building the business side of things.
- Start-Up should be made available to more people, earlier in their journey.
💬 Final Words from Bernadette:
This was the best experience. If I could say anything to future students, it’s this: Just go for it. Show up, soak it up, and believe you can do it — because you can.
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