THE formation of a Scottish breakaway consortium is expected to be confirmed this week after 29 agents backed the plan at a meeting of Scottish independent retailers.
The move was prompted by Scottish Advantage members who were unhappy about the Airtours franchise deal.
Roy Brabender, of Donald Mackenzie Travel, who is spearheading the move to set up SPARC – Scottish Passenger Agents’ Retail Consortium – said another 11 retailers are needed to get the plan off the ground. “I will be very surprised if that does not happen this week,” he said.
Of 47 agents at the 3hr meeting, 29 backed the plan – about 60 branches – while 17 asked for a further week to consider the matter. One dismissed it. “There were eight retailers who could not attend the meeting but I expect them to be supportive,” said Brabender.
SPARC will appoint a general manager to run the consortium who will be responsible for securing commercial deals, branding and marketing.
“I am convinced regional deals are more lucrative than national ones,” added Brabender.