Barrhead creates 100 jobs amid travel store expansion

Sharon Munro, chief executive of Barrhead Travel. Picture: Robert Perry

Holidays firm Barrhead Travel has unveiled plans to create 100 jobs across Scotland.

The company, which has opened outlets at Edinburgh Airport, the capital’s Hanover Street, St Enoch Square in Glasgow and Newcastle’s Eldon Square shopping centre over the past 12 months, said the expansion of its workforce represents an investment of about £200,000.

Barrhead, founded in 1975, currently employs about 850 staff in 56 locations and chief executive Sharon Munro said further branches are in the pipeline as the company seeks to expand its presence on the high street.

She added: “We are embarking on an exciting period of growth which is being driven by increased customer demand across all areas of the business.

“As we grow our store footprint in key locations throughout the country, we are also making moves to strengthen the depth of our specialist travel teams to ensure that we meet our commitment of delivering the best and most comprehensive travel experience to our customers.

“We can only do this by attracting, retaining and growing the best people in the industry, however. The latest recruitment drive reflects this approach as we continue to invest in our people strategy and maintaining our position as Scotland’s largest independent travel group.”

Munro said that Barrhead’s long-haul business has grown 22 per cent this year, with Florida and Dubai among the most popular destinations. Foreign currency has also experienced a 33 per cent rise in revenue, while cruise business for 2016 is already up 17 per cent.

The firm’s new recruits will undergo a month-long in-house intensive training programme before being allocated a mentor to support their development.

Munro added: “Our focus remains on continual professional development for all of our people, empowering our staff and ensuring they reach their potential and aspirations in our customer-facing business environment.”