In a remarkable achievement, a homeworker has opened her first retail store in Leek, Staffordshire, within just over a year of establishing her agency. Carly Keates, along with her colleague Hayley Bestwick, celebrated the opening of The Vacay with community support and promising sales.
- Carly Keates, having started her agency barely a year ago, has now launched her first shop in Cruso Street.
- The opening event was a resounding success, generating sales exceeding £35,000 with significant community turnout.
- Supported by industry partners and suppliers, Keates envisions further expansion in the near future.
- Despite personal challenges, Keates’s story is a testament to perseverance and business acumen.
Carly Keates, a determined entrepreneur from Leek, Staffordshire, has achieved a significant milestone by opening her first shop on Cruso Street. This venture marks just over a year since she launched her agency with Protected Trust Services (PTS). Her journey has been one of dedication and strategic growth, supported by her colleague Hayley Bestwick.
The opening event of The Vacay was a major success, drawing in 40 individuals across ten families, and accruing sales that surpass £35,000. Keates chose the Cruso Street location due to her strong local following and the affordability of its overheads, reflecting a strategic business decision.
Keates has operated for the past year from an office within Keatesy’s Boxing Academy. This community club, managed by her husband Andy, has served as a supportive base for her burgeoning enterprise. Looking forward, Keates is hopeful that the shop will serve as a catalyst for further expansion, supported by the skills and knowledge imparted by PTS, and the unwavering assistance of her main suppliers, including Jet2holidays and easyJet holidays.
Emma Collis, PTS’s executive director, praised Keates’s impressive business trajectory, highlighting the ideal location of the new store that is expected to significantly boost footfall and growth.
Keates began her career in travel at the age of 18 with XL Airways and has since broadened her expertise, offering diverse travel products without specialising in any single type. In the last year, she has impressively amassed over £1.5 million in sales, attracting clientele from across the United Kingdom.
While confident in her business strides, Keates openly shares her personal struggles, notably her battle with mental health issues a couple of years ago. Despite these challenges, she remains resolute in demonstrating that any obstacle can be overcome to achieve success.
Carly Keates’s journey from a homeworker to a shop owner within a year highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and the support network around her.
