Stoke-on-Trent-based Blue Bay Travel has become the second privately-owned agency to join Midcounties Co-operative’s consortium.
The news comes as Midcounties confirmed that its new consortium will be called The Co-op Consortium.
Blue Bay Travel, which specialises in luxury long-haul travel and weddings, was one of the Global Travel Group’s largest members with a turnover of £15 million.
The company employs 30 people and operates various brands including Caribbean Warehouse, Tropical Warehouse and Xclusivity.
Alistair Rowland, group general manager of Midcounties Co-op, said: “We are delighted to have one of the best independent travel agents in the UK join our consortium. Blue Bay Travel is well respected in the industry with a deserved reputation for quality, tailor made holidays.
“To gain its support at the start of our exciting venture is a real show of confidence.”
Blue Bay Travel managing director Stuart Wilson said: “Midcounties shares our values and we believe this partnership will give us the freedom to grow and strengthen our position as one of the UK’s leading independent agents.”
The Co-op Consortium is targeting 30 agency members with turnovers of up to £20 million over the next three years. Members already signed up include JDA Travel, Channel Islands Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-operative.
Gillian Bray, formerly of the Freedom Travel Group, is heading up The Co-op Consortium.