Travel agent joins centre revolution
A TRAVEL agents has become part of the regeneration of Chestergate after opening a branch there.
Henbury Travel opened in Macclesfield town centre last month after owner-manager Richard Slater, 50, decided to take the plunge.
He was attracted by regeneration in the area, particularly plans to convert the former Picturedrome cinema building into a food and drink market.
Previously he ran the business from home and it took its name from where he lives.
Richard said: “We’ve been looking for a shop for a couple of years, and just couldn’t find the right one, so when we saw 127 Chestergate, with parking behind, and accessible for those walking in to town too, we grabbed it.
“I feel very proud to be an independent agent in the true sense of the word, probably the only owner-managed travel agents in the area now.
“While many travel agents describe themselves as independent, there’s nothing like being able to speak to, and have the experience of the boss, and you can’t do that with a firm that has 200 branches.”
Richard has been a travel agent since 1987 and upon being made redundant in 2011 decided to set up on his own. His business is part of the Midcounties Co-operative Consortium.
Richard said: “It’s about offering a service in a great area of Macclesfield that is going through regeneration.”