Second store to open as former homeworker expands her empire

Sue Hunter will welcome customers to the grand opening of Bideford Travel on Saturday, August 25, after launching in nearby Braunton in May 2014.

Hunter told TTG she decided to expand after seeing a large number of customers making the 15-mile journey from Bideford to Braunton to book with her.

“Back then, there was just a large multiple [in Bideford] and people would tell me they were dissatisfied with the service they were receiving – so opening my own shop seemed like a great idea,” Hunter said.

“I like to think it’s our reputation that people use us for and we have a lot of repeat customers and referrals.”

Hunter, who has worked in travel since 2001, was previously a homeworker for Hays Travel before moving onto the high street and running the agency single-handedly for 18 months before taking on her first employee.

With the opening of Bideford, Hunter will have five members of staff in total. Both stores will be Hays Independence Group members.

Hunter said adding a third store was “definitely a possibility in future”, although she has not considered an exact location yet.

“If Bideford is a success – which I think it will be – then I’d dare say there would be something in the offing,” she said.

“There’s a lot of local support already [for Bideford] so I think it’s going to fly.”