Hays Travel has recently expanded its footprint by acquiring the Holiday With Us Group. The acquisition includes three branches, enhancing the company’s presence in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
The strategic move by Hays Travel to acquire these branches aims to consolidate its position as the UK’s largest independent travel agency. The transition is set to bring new opportunities for growth and community engagement.
Enhancing Regional Presence
Hays Travel has strategically acquired three branches from the Holiday With Us Group located in March, Spalding, and Wisbech. This move expands Hays Travel’s reach within the regions of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire, reinforcing its commitment to regional growth and service excellence.
The branches will commence operations under the Hays Travel brand from January 10th, a period notable for heightened travel bookings. This acquisition aligns with the peak booking demand during the New Year period, enhancing customer access to Hays Travel’s renowned services.
Investing in People and Communities
As part of this acquisition, six full-time equivalent staff members will transition to Hays Travel, including Christina Fitzpatrick, the previous owner of Holiday With Us. Her continued involvement ensures a seamless transition, providing stability and continuity for both staff and customers during this change.
Hays Travel’s investment in these local branches is anticipated to create job opportunities, reflecting their dedication to community growth and engagement. The recruitment drive is already underway, illustrating their proactive approach to supporting local employment.
Strategic Timing and Growth
Acquiring these branches coincides with an exceptionally successful trading period for Hays Travel. The first Saturday of January marked a milestone in the company’s trading history, indicative of the strategic foresight behind the acquisition timing.
This acquisition is not only about geographical expansion but also about capitalising on market trends. By integrating these branches, Hays Travel aims to leverage increased consumer demand, promising enhanced service reach and efficiency.
Christina Fitzpatrick remarked on the acquisition, noting the perfect timing for her to step back while remaining part of an esteemed company. This sentiment underscores the mutual benefits of the integration, as both parties anticipate growth and development.
Leadership Remarks
Dame Irene Hays, chair of Hays Travel, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Christina Fitzpatrick and her team. She acknowledged the high standards established by Holiday With Us and recognised the strategic value these branches bring to the company’s portfolio.
The leadership team at Hays Travel remains confident in this acquisition’s alignment with their strategic ambitions. They see it as a means to augment their service offerings in key UK regions, thereby strengthening their competitive edge in the travel industry.
Community and Client Impact
The acquisition is set to have a favourable impact on the local communities through increased job creation and enhanced travel services, fostering growth within Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
Customers can look forward to a seamless transition, with the assurance of maintaining the high-quality service they have come to expect. This change presents an opportunity for Hays Travel to solidify its market presence, resonating strongly with clients.
By maintaining key staff and integrating Christina Fitzpatrick’s expertise, Hays Travel ensures that continuity and excellence in service remain a top priority.
Supporting Future Endeavours
Hays Travel continues to demonstrate its commitment to high street growth, initially signalled by previous acquisitions, such as the purchase of Travel House in South Wales. This expansion strategy underscores their intent to enhance service delivery across multiple regions.
With the integration of Holiday With Us branches, future ventures are poised for success, supported by a robust team and strategic vision. Hays Travel aims to consistently offer superior travel experiences while fostering a community-centric ethos.
Conclusion
In summary, the acquisition of the Holiday With Us Group’s branches heralds a new chapter for Hays Travel, strengthening its market position and service capabilities. This move is a testament to the company’s strategic growth efforts and dedication to customer satisfaction.
The integration of Holiday With Us into Hays Travel’s operations underscores a pivotal moment of growth and opportunity. The alignment of strategic ambitions with local community engagement highlights Hays Travel’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences and expanding its service reach.
