North East independent holiday specialist Hays Travel has snapped up a Shropshire business and its 15 branches across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
The Sunderland group has acquired Oswestry-based Polka Dot Travel for an undisclosed sum, expanding the new addition’s list of holiday suppliers for its customers.
Established in 2013, Polka Dot Travel’s 15 branches spread across the North West, Midlands and North Wales will continue to trade as normal and all of its employees’ jobs are safe.
Jane Schumm, retail director of Hays Travel, said Helen Johnson, Philippa Wilcox and Mark Johnson had launched and grown a business with a reputation for exceptional customer experience and the team for their knowledge and professionalism.
She said: “We are delighted to welcome Polka Dot Travel’s people to our Hays Travel group – their expertise, experience, and enthusiasm for travel are a significant factor in our decision to acquire the business from Helen, Philippa and Mark.
“We look forward to learning from the team in Polka Dot Travel’s 15 branches. We know the Polka Dot team will benefit from the huge choice of suppliers we represent across long-haul, short-haul, and cruise, and the opportunity to introduce our award-winning foreign exchange offer to their customers.â€
Helen Johnson, who founded Polka Dot Travel with Philippa Wilcox, said: “The time is right for us to sell the business that Philippa and I established in 2013. Mark joined us in 2015 and was integral to our growth from that point. Together we have worked so hard to build our business and it’s reassuring to know that our brilliant people are now part of the Hays Travel family and that their jobs are safe.
“Thank you for being incredible, we know how much your customers love you and that you will fully embrace every opportunity that comes from being part of the º£½ÇÊÓƵ’s largest independent travel agent!â€
Paul Nunn, chief operating officer of Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “It’s been a pleasure to support Polka Dot Travel since they opened their first branch door 12 years ago, and incredibly rewarding to be a part of their continued growth. Although we’re obviously sad to see Polka Dot Travel leave Advantage, we’re absolutely delighted for Philippa, Helen and Mark on the sale of a wonderful business. We thank them for the partnership we’ve shared and wish the remaining team at Polka Dot continued success.â€
The deal comes four months after Hays Travel has acquired Essex business Spear Travels Group. Based in Upminster, Essex, Spear Travel Group has 12 branches in key towns including Skipton, Stokesley, Wolverhampton, Blanford and Northallerton, as well as a network of homeworkers.
Last year the Sunderland-based group also acquired Welsh travel company Miles Morgan Travel and its 19 branches, which grew to 20 recently with the opening of a new branch in Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
Ms Schumm added: “Congratulations Helen, Philippa and Mark on building an excellent business with an enviable reputation for customer care. Rest assured that we will take great care of your people, and we wish you every happiness and success with your future plans.â€
