Barrhead Travel to open 100 new shops

The move will mark a major expansion for Glasgow-based Barrhead, which was acquired by US travel firm Travel Leaders Group last year and currently has 76 stores in the UK.

Travel Leaders Group chairman Mike Batt said: “Since our acquisition of Barrhead Travel, we have been exploring ambitious expansion plans for this trusted brand. The situation with Thomas Cook has accelerated those plans.

“We believe there is strong demand for the services provided by Barrhead Travel, so we are moving full steam ahead with our growth strategy.”

Batt added the expansion plan could create “hundreds” of joba for former Cook agents.

“It would also ensure the travelling public in communities across the UK have access to high-quality travel services provided by professionals and operated by a strong, stable company,” he said.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, said the company had already recruited a “good number” of ex-Cook workers.

“With the backing of Travel Leaders Group, we are looking forward to opening more Barrhead stores and helping our colleagues across the industry get back to serving their loyal clients,” said Dobson.

“The high street travel agency is very much alive in the UK and is pivotal in today’s holiday booking journey. Customer experience and employee development remain our number one priority and this philosophy will be prominent across all of our new stores.”