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Barrhead Travel reports increase in turnover of almost 30%

Barrhead Travel has reported an increase of almost 30% in turnover for its 2014 financial year.


The Glasgow-based retailer said turnover increased 27.9% for the year ending December 31, 2014, compared with the previous year, with sales up from £191.1 million in 2013 to £245.9 million last year.


Revenue was up 17%, with cruise revenues up 18%, long-haul by 24%, and short-haul by 13%.


Passenger numbers for 2014 rose 14% on 2013 and for 2015, the number of passengers booked in 2014 to go away this year was 21% up.


Founder Bill Munro said the figures were particularly impressive given the fact many customers opted to holiday at home this year.


Munro said: “In the face of challenging conditions across the industry which saw many people choosing to stay in Scotland and experience the excitement of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, we have enjoyed another successful year.


“2014 saw us increase revenues across the board and passenger numbers grew significantly due to our continued investment in our stores and websites.”


He added that training and development of staff was critical, helping the group retain key staff and bring in repeat customers, while its recruitment and training of modern apprentices continues to be central to the way the group operates.


The group, which has 58 stores, will soon open its first Barrhead Travel-branded store in England, located in the north of the country.


It recently invested £1 million in two new stores in Edinburgh and £1.5 million in the creation of 100 new jobs in Scotland and the north of England this year.


The company also plans to extend its own direct flights programme, which operates out of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with the new destination of Genoa, Italy. Flights from Glasgow to Genoa will operate from May 29 until October 2, 2016.

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