York-based agency ceases trading

York-based independent agency Quartz Travel has closed and insolvency company Begbies Traynor has been called in.

According to local newspaper the York Press, notices have appeared on shop doors of the agency in Heworth Road and sister outlet Quartz Travel Lite, formerly known as Amigo Travel, in Blossom Street, saying the premises are closed.

According to a message on the company’s answer phone, the offices have closed ‘due to unexpected circumstances’ and customers have been told to contact Freedom Travel Group if they booked before July 10 or refer to their ATOL certificate if they booked after that date.

Reporters at the York Press were alerted to the situation last week when they were contacted by a customer who had booked a £15,000 honeymoon and had not received his tickets.

The customer, who did not want to be named, told the Press: "I booked the honeymoon year ago and alarm bells started ringing about four weeks ago when we hadn’t received any of the tickets for a complicated trip.

"We’ve had the run around for several weeks, so I have been worried.

"It has been a complete nightmare and there is obviously something wrong now the office has closed."

The customer has since been contacted by Freedom Travel Group and tickets have been received, the York Press reports.

Begbies Traynor issued a statement saying: "York-based travel agency Quartz Travel has ceased trading as of Wednesday, August 30.

"Begbies Traynor in York has been instructed to assist the director of the business in seeking the appointment of administrators and a notice of intention to appoint administrators has been filed at court.

"Once appointed, the administrators will explore the potential sale of the business and assets.

"Quartz Travel, which was founded by entrepreneur Paul Smith in 2004, and employed 13 staff in York, offered luxury travel services in the UK and overseas.

"The company’s financial difficulties have arisen from a dispute with its managed services provider, through which holidays were booked, and resultant court proceedings.

"The company’s director has confirmed that holidays booked through Quartz Travel remain protected by ABTA and ATOL and that all relevant information is included in customers’ booking documentation."

Thomas Cook, which owns Freedom Travel Group, said it had been forced to terminate Quartz Travel’s contract as a Freedom Travel member and confirmed all bookings made before July 10 would be dealt with by Freedom, while those booked after that date would be protected through ATOL.