The regional agency Dawson & Sanderson reports robust sales growth, highlighting its enduring commitment to high street trading.
- Sales turnover grew significantly, reaching £10.4 million, despite a slight dip in pre-tax profits.
- The firm saw a marked increase in cruise bookings, now constituting 12% of total sales.
- New training initiatives were introduced to enhance staff expertise in specialised travel bookings.
- Future plans include upgrading store locations to high-traffic areas and modernising branch appearances.
Dawson & Sanderson, a well-established regional travel agency, has reported substantial growth in sales turnover, achieving an increase from £9.6 million to £10.4 million for the year ending in February. This comes even as the agency faced a minor decrease of 1.4% in pre-tax profits, concluding the year with a figure of £891,936. The firm’s commitment to maintaining a high street presence has been pivotal in drawing both repeat and new customers, particularly against the backdrop of post-Covid economic uncertainties.
Cruise travel has become a significant contributor to Dawson & Sanderson’s recent success. With cruise sales now accounting for 12% of all bookings, the agency has effectively met sales targets set by cruise lines, subsequently enhancing revenue through increased commission. This surge in cruise bookings has been an essential factor in maintaining the company’s profitability.
In response to shifting market dynamics, Dawson & Sanderson has launched new training initiatives aimed at enhancing the expertise of their sales staff. This includes dedicated training focused on cruise lines, specific countries, and various travel products. Such efforts ensure that the team remains highly skilled, as evidenced by positive reviews on external platforms and a sustained high rate of client recommendations.
Looking forward, Dawson & Sanderson plans to bolster its high street presence by relocating stores to more prominent, high-footfall locations. There is also an emphasis on refreshing the brand image with concept store designs which are set to be the blueprint for updating existing branches. These strategic moves aim to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
Dawson & Sanderson remains resolute in its strategy to thrive on the high street, driving growth through strategic innovations and a customer-centric approach.
