Althams Travel is set to enhance its presence with new shops in Harrogate and Wetherby.
- The Harrogate branch opened post-Christmas 2023, fulfilling a long-term aim for Althams.
- Plans are underway to open the Wetherby branch in June, increasing the network to 33 locations.
- Sales have shown positive growth, with significant year-on-year increases in early months of 2024.
- The expansion includes a growing homeworking division contributing to the company’s success.
Althams Travel is actively expanding its network, setting its sights on strengthening its foothold in strategic locations in North Yorkshire. After successfully opening a new shop in Harrogate just after Christmas 2023, the company is now directing its efforts towards establishing a branch in Wetherby, West Yorkshire. This move will bring the total number of Althams branches to 33 by June 2024, indicating a robust approach to growth.
The Harrogate branch, located in the Victoria Shopping Centre, has already shown promising results, contributing significantly to new bookings in the first quarter of 2024, despite being a fresh establishment with no prior customer base. Managing Director Sandra McAllister expressed satisfaction with the mid-table ranking of the Harrogate branch within their network for new bookings, highlighting the potential of the location. The branch currently employs five staff, blending new recruits with existing team members to ensure a strong operational start.
Looking ahead, Althams is recruiting five additional staff members for the imminent Wetherby opening, leveraging their successful four-day work week policy to attract candidates. Sales Development Manager Marie Leach emphasised their strategic promotional plans for each new branch, aiming to establish a strong local presence. High-profile events accompany these openings, such as live radio broadcasts and appearances by TV personalities to boost community engagement.
The sales performance across Althams’ locations reflects a buoyant market outlook, with sales revenues up 14% and 8% year-on-year in January and February 2024, respectively. Although March saw a slight slowdown, revenues remained 4% higher than the previous year, a testament to the enduring demand for holiday services. Sandra McAllister noted that holiday bookings, including lucrative high-value cruises, remain a priority for consumers, bolstering the company’s optimistic perspective in a challenging economic climate.
Furthermore, Althams is broadening its service offerings by building a homeworking division, spearheaded by senior manager Nicky Lynn. This division has seven staff members based in Yorkshire and Lancashire and plans for continued growth to harness the increasing demand for flexible travel consultancy services. The team’s proactive approach to lead generation, particularly through social media channels, underscores Althams’ forward-thinking strategy in the travel industry.
Althams Travel’s expansion through new branches and innovative service offerings underscores its commitment to growth in the travel industry.
