Barrhead Travel, a prominent travel agency, is setting its sights on expanding its retail footprint with the opening of its 49th branch.
The agency plans to inaugurate its second store in Northern Ireland, pinpointing Newtownabbey as a key location for growth and development.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Barrhead Travel is actively pursuing expansion opportunities, identifying several potential locations for new retail outlets. The forthcoming store in Newtownabbey reflects the agency’s ambition to strengthen its presence in Northern Ireland. According to Jacqueline Dobson, the company president, there is ‘ample opportunity’ for growth both within Northern Ireland and beyond. The strategy is focused on quality rather than sheer size, emphasising locations that align with the brand’s values.
Evaluating New Markets
While Northern Ireland is a current focus, Barrhead Travel is also considering other regions where they haven’t yet established a presence. Dobson hinted at potential interest in opening a store in Wales, though she noted that the decision would depend on finding the perfect combination of team and location.
Barrhead Travel’s expansion strategy involves working closely with regional organisations. By partnering with the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, the agency is ensuring that its growth aligns with broader economic and community goals.
Navigating Economic Challenges
Economic factors, such as business rates and high street viability, are at the forefront of Barrhead Travel’s expansion considerations. Dobson stressed the importance of maintaining a vibrant high street to attract customers who still value the in-person shopping experience.
The agency is also advocating for changes in government policies, including revisiting the apprenticeship levy. Dobson criticised the levy as ‘not fit for purpose,’ calling for reforms to better support the local labour market and improve skill development opportunities.
In addition to domestic policies, Barrhead Travel is contending with international competition from online travel agencies. However, the agency believes its ‘human touch’ differentiates it, offering personal service that digital platforms cannot replicate.
Leveraging Digital and Human Resources
Barrhead Travel maintains a dual approach, combining physical stores with robust digital platforms to cater to diverse customer preferences. Despite the rise of online bookings, the agency underscores the importance of retaining a personal element in travel services.
According to Dobson, there’s a significant value in customers being able to ‘come into one of our stores or pick up the phone or send an email’ for assistance, ensuring that customer service remains at the heart of their operations.
Enhancing Operational Capacity
There has been a notable improvement in airlift from Edinburgh and Glasgow recently, yet Dobson highlights ongoing limitations, especially with US-bound flights from Glasgow. The reduction from two Emirates flights to one has impacted travel capacity.
Domestic connectivity remains a challenge, illustrating the need for more comprehensive flight options to major hubs like Gatwick. Enhancing these connections is seen as vital for supporting Barrhead Travel’s expanding retail operations across the UK.
Despite these challenges, Barrhead Travel has seen an uptick in sales, driven by favourable price adjustments and increased demand for travel upgrades, such as luxury cruise accommodations.
Capitalising on International Affiliations
In her role with Internova Travel Group, Dobson is leveraging insights from the group’s operations in the United States to refine Barrhead Travel’s offerings. This international collaboration helps identify synergies with suppliers and improve the product range available to customers.
Investment in store refurbishments is also underway, with locations such as East Kilbride and Dunfermline poised to benefit from a significant share of a £250,000 refurbishment fund. These upgrades are expected to enhance customer experience and align with the brand’s innovative vision.
Looking Ahead
Barrhead Travel is poised to continue its growth trajectory, with strategic investments in infrastructure and human resources.
The agency remains committed to delivering exceptional service, striving to balance digital advancements with the indispensable human element in travel planning.
Barrhead Travel’s strategic expansion underscores its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. As the agency opens new locations and strengthens existing ones, its focus on both digital and personal service elements is likely to enhance its competitive edge.
