Travel agents set up shop at centre
ANEW branch of an expanding independent travel agency is set to open in Runcorn creating six new jobs.
Bosses at Hays Travel North West have confirmed they have signed a lease for a new store in Shopping City.
Work is about to start on a £70,000 transformation of the new branch, which will include a bureau de change, which will be ready for opening time by the end of the year.
It is part of a major expansion scheme launched at the end of last year by the travel firm which has 30 branches across the North West and North Wales, with a further five predicted to be open before the end of 2018.
The new Hays Travel openings are collectively creating around 60 new jobs.
Lindsey Barber, retail sales director for Hays Travel North West, said: “We are really pleased to be opening our doors in Runcorn which has such a strong and vibrant community and fits our business perfectly.
“We will now transform the new unit with a modern, high-spec makeover which we have across all of our stores so our customers feel welcomed and comfortable when they come to book their holidays with us.
“As an independent travel agency, we can offer holidays from a huge range of different provid- ers and tour operators and work with customers to find the exact holiday which fits their budget.
“Holidays are really important for people and their families and we will be striving to provide the highest possible customer service we can at the new Runcorn store.”
Shopping City is home to almost 60 stores and includes big name high street brands such as Wilko, Iceland, Boots and Greggs as well as smaller independents.
Karl Clawley, centre manager, said: “We are really pleased to welcome ● Hays Travel to the Shopping City and know it will be a great addition to our travel offer.”
Hays Travel North West is the main partner of the hugely successful Hays Travel, based in Sunderland, which has just announced a turnover of more than £1bn and is said to be the UK’s largest independent travel agency.
Hays Travel North West has a turnover of more than £70m.
Lindsey added: “Hays Travel, which is ATOLprotected, is a well-recognised, solid and respected brand. Through Hays Travel we are able to offer a brilliant choice of holidays and we are not aligned to any particular tour operator so we can sell a wide range of holidays which fit the customer’s requirements.
“There is absolutely no pressure on our staff to sell a particular type of holiday so our customers come in and receive impartial advice without a particular emphasis on one tour operator.
“I think this is one of the main reasons people choose our branches to book their holidays.”