UK and Ireland specialist operator McKinlay Kidd has become an employee-owned firm as co-founders Heather McKinlay and Robert Kidd take a step back from the business.
The Glasgow-based firm, which will turn over more than £8 million this year, said the move will “reinforce that the human touch is irreplaceable for sustainable tourism development”.
The company will continue under the leadership of Zoe Davidson, who was appointed managing director in 2023 after six years as general manager.
Founder McKinlay will remain on the board, alongside non-executive director Richard Carrick, who takes up the post today (August 29). He has held many senior roles in travel over the past four decades, at brands such as the International Leisure Group, Saga, Forte, Airtours/MyTravel and Hoseasons.
Carrick has worked as consultant advisor to the company since 2015.
McKinlay Kidd will continue to sell via travel agents and pay commission, said a spokesperson.
Davidson said: “After 21 years as a trail-blazing tour operator, we are thrilled that McKinlay Kidd can continue to grow and flourish into the future as an employee-owned business.
“Various global studies and travel trend reports highlight that visitors are increasingly seeking personalised experiences.
“Around 80% of visitors would rather wait to talk to a human customer service agent than immediately deal with an AI-powered assistant, and 60% of consumers globally seek curated experiences tailored to themselves.
“So as our founders Heather McKinlay and Robert Kidd take a step back, it is important that we do all we can to secure a thriving future for an incredible business that is renowned for delivering some of the UK and Ireland’s best tailor-made holidays.”
She said different options for the transition of ownership transition were considered, adding: “It soon became clear that employee ownership is the right succession planning model for McKinlay Kidd.
“It will help us ensure long-term business success in a way that builds on our values of putting people – customers, communities, partners and staff – first.”
McKinlay Kidd is now owned by the McKinlay Kidd Employee Ownership Trust for the benefit of its 25 employees.
The board will oversee day-to-day operations, under control of the McKinlay Kidd Employee Ownership Trust as 100% shareholder.
Kidd becomes a trustee alongside employee trustee Roisin Kelly, who is groups travel executive at the company, and independent trustee Innes Chalmers of Covenant Financial.
McKinlay said: “We are confident that under the new employee ownership model and Zoe’s leadership, McKinlay Kidd will continue to flourish, providing exemplar customer service, supporting the communities in which it operates and delivering fantastic tailormade holidays now and in the future.
“Emerging technology, like AI, may provide new ways to engage and service customers, but as ongoing feedback and our own research proves, the level of direct human interaction McKinlay Kidd delivers really is irreplaceable.
“Our customers want to be able to contact us directly and speak to travel advisors who know the ins and outs of the destinations personally.”
Kidd added: “This human approach builds trust, creates the most memorable and meaningful holidays, connects visitors to people and places, and drives responsible tourism. It is key to ensuring that tourism supports thriving communities economically, culturally, socially and environmentally.”
Main picture, from left: Robert Kidd, Zoe Davidson and Heather McKinlay, by Martin Shields