BarrHead Travel

Expansion of branch network in areas vacated by collapsed competitors

We identified 20 locations within England and acquired premises and travel-trained employees which allowed us to swiftly and efficiently open several of these stores by December.

Growth in tailor-made product for cruise and longhaul destinations

Our own tailor-made product for cruise and longhaul destinations performed particularly well during 2019 as it enabled us to pivot to suit the changing needs of our customers base and adapt to market conditions.

Growth of Managed Service Travel Partner and homeworking division

In 2019 we welcomed a number of new members to our Managed Service Travel Partner and homeworking division.

Investment in IT and online infrastructure to support future growth

We made significant investments to our IT and online infrastructure to ensure our business is equipped with the most comprehensive and secure technology for our future growth, including website updates and Windows 10 rollout.

Ambitious expansion project to open up to 100 new stores in UK high streets; 15 stores opened by March 2020

In January 2020, reported best ever month of sales; embarked on expansion project aiming for 100 new stores in UK high streets; 15 new stores opened by March 2020

Increased demand for local UK breaks due to travel restrictions

Expanded UK Breaks portfolio to meet rising demand for holidays at home in the UK during pandemic

Strong order book for 2022 and beyond, with estimated increase in holidaymakers using travel agents

Order-book for 2022 and beyond is strong; estimated almost one third more holidaymakers will use travel agents post-pandemic

Belief in the continued importance of high street travel agencies for personal service and advice

Commitment to high street stores will not waver; face-to-face contact and expert advice expected to remain important

Anticipate the opportunity to extend services to new audiences and demographics as holidaymakers return to the high street looking for expertise and financial protection.

Barrhead Travel has identified a sea change in consumer sentiment - particularly the growing demand for a reputable travel expert. We anticipate the opportunity to extend our services to new audiences and demographics as holidaymakers return to the high street in search of genuine expertise and financial protection.

Expansion of UK portfolio to meet demand for domestic travel.

...we moved to reinforce our commercial deals and offering, including expanding our UK portfolio to meet the inevitable demand for domestic travel.

Expanding on the high street by investing in new locations and store refits

We hope to continue with our intention to expand on the high street and we reaffirmed our commitments to this during 2022 by investing in new locations and store refits.

Launched Touring & Adventure division to service growing appetite for experiential travel

We also launched a Touring & Adventure division to service the growing appetite for experiential travel.

Growth anticipated from Gen Z and Millennials; adapting approach to reaffirm position as modern, diverse, dynamic travel company

We anticipate further growth, particularly from Gen Z and Millennials, and are adapting our approach to reaffirm our position as a modern, diverse and dynamic travel company.

Expanding retail footprint to meet growing demand for travel with new stores and upgraded existing locations

Expanding our retail footprint to meet this growing demand is high on our agenda and last year, we were pleased to unveil a new flagship store in the heart of Glasgow city centre... We've further plans to upgrade other locations in our network this year.

Development of Touring & Adventure holiday division after identifying a gap in the market

Launched a standalone division for Touring & Adventure holidays... Investing in experienced people, new product, and targeted marketing saw our Touring & Adventure business grow by over 80 percent in 2023.

Accelerated commitment and investment in cruise market

We accelerated our own commitment to cruise through our unique product and training opportunities due to predicted rapid growth of cruise market.

Growth of home-based agents and MSTPs with plans to recruit more members in 2024

Our Brilliant Travel division... has enjoyed membership growth; we welcomed new members and are preparing to recruit more in 2024 due to burgeoning travel market.

Diversify product offerings and deliver market-leading experiences leveraging travel as a top spending priority for consumers as highlighted by Barclays and PwC reports.

Reports from organisations such as Barclays and PwC continue to highlight travel as a top spending priority for consumers, presenting opportunities to diversify product offerings.

Growth in cruise travel by securing exclusive cruise groups, providing competitive advantages and unique products.

Securing exclusive cruise groups has provided competitive advantages, leading to significant growth in this sector.

Expansion in Canada travel sector by leveraging team expertise to negotiate exclusive itineraries hosted by Barrhead Travel.

Leveraged expertise to negotiate exclusive itineraries hosted by Barrhead Travel, resulting in increased growth in this area.

Expanding local retail presence to attract newer and younger demographics, including opening new locations such as the third in Northern Ireland.

Opened third location in Northern Ireland targeting local trusted agents; investment in retail stores and modern approaches attract younger demographics.

Growth through the Brilliant Travel division by expanding homeworking network, onboarding MSTPs, and supporting independent agents who provide expertise and consumer financial protection.

Significant growth in homeworking network, onboarding new MSTPs, supporting independent agents; future of independent travel agents is buoyant.