Call centre and online travel agent Holiday Discount Centre plans to expand its franchise to six businesses within the next year.
The Newcastle-based company already has a small call centre franchise in Durham, which trades as a branch of the company.
Managing director Steve Campion said “a couple more” were now in the pipeline. He added: “We are looking to develop a small number of franchises, to support small businesses. We can provide head office support, which allows them to focus on selling holidays.”
Most are likely to be new businesses rather than existing travel companies. “There are lots of people out there that have experience and want to set up on their own,” he said.
Businesses would have their own brand name but would receive back-office administrative and financial support, including bonding, tour operator payments and banking services, from the Holiday Discount Centre, for a management fee that would be based on its turnover.
Campion did not rule out high-street shop franchises, as well as call centre or online businesses.
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