Hays Travel has purchased Freedom Direct Holidays saving the jobs of staff at the failed call centre and online operator.
The north-east based miniple has purchased the intellectual property rights of Freedom Direct including the customer database and bookings, web addresses and URLs. Hays is currently in the process of offering employment to all staff members who lost jobs and are seeking work after Freedom Direct Holidays ceased to trade.
Hays Travel managing director John Hays said: “We were very sad to hear that Freedom Direct Holidays had ceased trading as it had a very good reputation and an excellent calibre of staff.
“Hays Travel was fortunately in a position to be able to purchase its assets and we would like to thank both RMT and our other advisors for their help and advice in completing the deal.”
“We have also been able to offer the Freedom Direct Holidays staff alternative employment as part of the Hays Travel team. Nick Jackson, former managing director of Freedom Direct Holidays, and Grant Lawson, former head of sales, have both joined Hays Travel and will continue to manage the other Freedom Direct staff joining the company, which includes the majority of the customer services team, web and marketing team and call centre staff.
“These employees will be based at Hays Travel offices in Ridley Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Vine Place, Sunderland. We are delighted to be able to help keep jobs in the North East.”
Hays Travel will now assist former customers of Freedom Direct Holidays with the administration and handling of their bookings.
RMT Accountants and Business recovery and insolvency partner Advisors Mike Pott said: “The sale of the Freedom Direct Holidays business to Hays Travel is a great result for both creditors and customers.”
The Freedom Direct Holidays office, based on Gosforth Park Avenue, is not included in the deal and is now available for sale.