Agent to open first shop in Leicestershire hometown

An agent is gearing up to open his first shop in his Leicestershire hometown this September.

Markus Kendall-Young, based in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, launched Auria Travel in May and became a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS).

He has previously worked for Thomas Cook, Hays Travel and Travel Counsellors, in addition to positions in aviation and outside the travel industry in sales and marketing.

Kendall-Young said: “My shop lease is going through right now which should complete next month, so my plan is to open the doors in September.

“It’s going to be in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, my hometown, which I’m really excited about.

“It’s a buzzing, popular market town and I’ve got lots of customers there already who are excited for me to open the shop as there’s only one other travel agent in town. I think it will be great to have some choice and a different angle.”

Kendall-Young said he was spurred on to open a bricks and mortar site after his previous Travel Counsellors franchise became “really busy”.

“The busy world we are in, people do appreciate that time you spend face-to-face, especially when you are spending a lot of money on a tailormade holiday,” he added.

“I think having a high street shop builds trust. I do genuinely think we are seeing a renaissance of high street travel agents.”

Kendall-Young wants to ensure the shop is “accessible for everyone and not necessarily just luxury”.

He has launched a website and is planning to recruit three people to work alongside him in the shop, one of whom he hopes will be an apprentice.

He also intends to set up an opportunity for self-employed homeworkers to join the brand.

The shop will offer holidays through dynamic packages and from mainstream suppliers, including cruise.

Looking ahead, Kendall-Young has plans to open two more shops in Leicestershire by the end of the third year of trading.