Ex Thomas Cook colleagues launching new Barrhead Travel agency in Oldham

Date published: 07 February 2020


Barrhead Travel, one of the UK’s leading travel agencies, has announced plans to invest in the relaunch of a new travel agency in Oldham, bringing five local ex-Thomas Cook staff back to work.

The brand-new store is located at 27 Market Place, Oldham OL1 3AB and will open its doors by 15th February. The team also plans to fundraise throughout the year to support local charity Dr Kershaw’s Hospice – a charity which is close to their hearts.

The Scottish-headquartered agency confirmed their expansion plans last year in the wake of the Thomas Cook collapse. The travel group plan on opening up to 100 new stores with the first 20 planned for opening by the end of March.

Employees from Oldham’s former Thomas Cook store have spent time at Barrhead Travel’s dedicated Training Academy in Glasgow.

The store will follow Barrhead Travel’s signature conceptual design and will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and branded experience areas.

Headed up by manager, Amanda Scott-Handley, along-with assistant manager, Louise Jones, the high street travel agency will specialise in all types of holidays including cruise, longhaul, touring, city breaks, honeymoons and beach escapes.

The group of women have worked together for many years and collectively have over 100 years of experience in the travel industry.

Manager, Amanda said: “I am delighted that our team are back together in Oldham and ready to embark on our adventure with Barrhead Travel.

"We can’t wait to welcome customers into our new store and are looking forward to working closely with local businesses as well as giving back to the Dr Kershaw’s Hospice over the course of the year.”

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel said; “I am thrilled to welcome Oldham to the Barrhead Travel family.

"The opening of the store reflects our unwavering commitment to the high street travel agency; investment in bricks and mortar has been at the heart of our strategy since we opened our first store in 1975 and we will continue to place focus on the physical customer journey by combining experiential technology and genuine expertise from our local teams.

“We firmly believe that the demand for an experienced and knowledgeable travel agent is still on the rise as holidaymakers seek first-hand sound advice and guaranteed financial protection for their well-earned getaways.”

Founded in 1975, the travel company has over 90 locations across the UK and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of North-American firm, Travel Leaders Group. The group are still currently recruiting across their branch network. For more information, contact their recruitment team on  0141 223 6655 or visit https://www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/careers/current-vacancies

Contact the Oldham team on their Facebook Page.