Adore Cruises targeting more than £1m in revenue from second shop

Adore Cruises is aiming to bring in £1.2 million in revenue from its newest shop over the next year.

The agency, which is a member of Hays Travel Independence Group, took over the premises in Horbury, West Yorkshire in January. The unit was previously occupied by Travelsafe before it ceased trading.

Managing director Ian Gilder said: “We are getting plenty of bookings and have Hays Travel above the door, which has definitely made a difference. It has given people a lot more confidence.

“By this time next year, I would think we would be doing £1.2 to £1.3 million in turnover.”

When setting targets, Gilder looks at what the agency, which has another shop in Epping, Essex, did last year and adds 20% on top for the coming year.

He said the Epping branch is “hitting that every month”, adding that even October, November and December, which are historically slower months, are breaking even or making profit, leading to a target of £2.5 million in revenue for the branch this year.

The agency’s number of bookings was up 20% year on year and profit had increased by 30%, with average selling prices compared to last year.

Gilder recently hired an apprentice for the Horbury branch and is looking to recruit a branch manager or an experienced salesperson.

He described recruitment as the agency’s “biggest challenge” and said he is having to drive the 184 miles between the Horbury and Epping branches to help out until the position is filled.

Gilder said the 30 years of combined experience between himself and his partner Liz Williams, as well as the agency’s approach to customers, is what sets Adore Cruises apart.

“You can come and have a cup of tea with us,” he explained. “If you want a beer, I will get you a beer. It’s all about treating people like friends, rather than customers.

“If you come in looking for a cruise with me, you’ll probably be with me for two hours because I want to check everything to make sure it is the right product.”