Hays Travel has signed a joint venture with ex-Ilkeston Co-op managing director Chris Smith to launch a travel agency chain across the East Midlands.
It has formed a new company, called Hays Travel East Midlands, and plans to open up to 30 shops, all within 40 minutes of East Midlands airport, within the next three years.
Smith worked for Ilkeston Co-op for 25 years before the company’s merger with Midlands Co-op last year.
He will be managing director of Hays Travel East Midlands, while Hays Travel MD, John Hays, will be chairman.
Smith said he believes there is a gap in the market and an opportunity to create a strong independent brand in the East Midlands region.
“My skills lie in the retail environment and I believe there is still a position for travel in a retail environment,” he said.
“We will also have a strong web presence and through dynamic packaging will ensure we package together exactly the holiday our customers want.
“We’re hoping to have the first shop open within the next three months and from there move on to open a network of agencies in Nottingham and surrounding areas.”
John Hays added: “We had been thinking for a while about expanding out of the North East and then Chris came along. I am really pleased he is working with us.”
Hays Travel currently has 33 shops around the North East, three call centres and over 300 homeworkers.
The agency said its annual turnover is more than £300 million.
By Bev Fearis
