Hays Travel is launching a network of up to 30 travel agencies across the East Midlands in a joint venture with ex-Ilkeston Co-op managing director Chris Smith.
The new company, Hays Travel East Midlands, will replicate the company’s retail model in the northeast and the plan is to open up to 30 branches within 40 minutes of East Midlands airport in the next three years.
Smith will be the new managing director of the company, which has financial investment from Hays Travel. Hays Travel managing director John Hays, will be chairman.
Smith worked for Ilkeston Co-op for 25 years prior to the company’s merger with Midlands Co-op last year. He said he believes there is a gap in the region for new travel agencies.
He said: “My skills lie in the retail environment and I believe there is still a position for travel in a retail environment. We may have to slightly remodel the Hays Travel brand as we are further south, but it will still have the same look.
If we could have up to six open this year then we will have done well. We are still looking for sites. It’s not just a question of taking a unit we want to have a high-profile presence on the high street.”
Smith recognised the impact of the Internet, saying: “We can’t ignore the web so we will have a strong web and dynamic packaging presence.”
Hays said: “We will not open shops for the sake of it. We are trading well and had a record year last year. I don’t think we are at retail saturation point in the northeast, but we have pretty much got it covered.
“We had been thinking for a while about expanding out of the northeast and then Chris came along. I am really pleased he is working with us.”
Hays said the first shop should open within three months.