Expanding Yorkshire-based independent agency Spear Travels has increased its network to nine branches with the acquisition of Wolverhampton-based Roy Cox Travel.
The four staff at the Tettenhall business, established in 1980, will be retained by the new owners in a deal confirmed this week.
The acquisition takes Spear Travels’ anticipated turnover in 2014 to approximately £15 million for the first time.
Spear Travels, established in 1983, now employs a total of 45 people at nine branches, plus a network of 15 self-employed home workers.
Further expansion is also expected in Yorkshire in the coming months, according to the company which has outlets in Helmsley, Leyburn, Northallerton, Stokesley and Boroughbridge in Yorkshire as well as in Stoke, Wolverhampton and Upminster.
The company is also in the process of unveiling a new national brand – part of a significant £80,000 investment programme which also includes a new website, email servers, IT upgrades and a new version of the Spear Travels back-office system.
Spear Travels is a member of Advantage, the Leading Cruise Agents of the UK and is an Aito specialist agency.
Managing director Peter Cookson said: “We’re convinced our expansion is being driven by people who still want high-quality, personal service from travel experts who know the resorts and destinations, often from first-hand experience.
“It may be the perceived wisdom that it’s easier too book online but – before we invest a significant of money in a couple of weeks we look forward to all year – many of us still seek the reassurance provided by professional advice and guidance.
“In fact, it’s often part of the anticipation; after all, we’ve saved for our annual trip away from it all so, when we make the decision about how we’re going to spend it, there are still plenty of customers out there who prefer the personal touch to a remote, impersonal online booking experience.”
He added: “We’re delighted that we have been able to retain the existing staff who will continue to serve people from the Wolverhampton area, offering the same high standards of service we aim to provide to Spear Travels customers across the rest of the UK.”