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The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Barrhead Travel story in Glasgow surely offers some lessons
And it was somewhat astonishing to hear the price of a week's holiday in Majorca in 1979 was £50. However, what really hit home as the story of the first 50 years was told was the astute and entrepreneurial decision-making of Barrhead Travel's founder, the late Bill Munro, at various key stages of the development of the business. These included, from Barrhead Travel's earliest days, opening when others were closed, something that was a driver of the establishment of the business in the first place, and Mr Munro's embracing of the internet when it brought major change to the sector. In many ways, it appears Mr Munro built the business by making the right decisions and doing relatively simple things very well indeed. That might sound straightforward enough. However, that is from the position of reflecting on the story of Barrhead Travel from where it is now, having observed the various key stages. What is clear is that Mr Munro had tremendous vision, assessing trends in the sector and reacting shrewdly and at times boldly. The wisdom of the decisions and strategy that paved the way for the creation of what is now a major UK-wide travel agent, from a single shop in Barrhead on the outskirts of Glasgow in 1975, might seem apparent enough with hindsight. However, Mr Munro did not have the benefit of hindsight as he navigated huge changes in the industry. He did just fine without it, achieving a degree of success that is remarkable. Other major events in Barrhead Travel's history - highlighted by president Jacqueline Dobson at last Thursday's dinner – include the responses of the business to the collapse of major package holiday and airline company Thomas Cook and to the coronavirus pandemic. Barrhead Travel has also undergone a change of ownership. It was sold to US-based Travel Leaders Group in 2018, and was by that time one of the UK's biggest travel agents. Barrhead Travel celebrated its 50th birthday at a dinner at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket last week. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Travel Leaders Group is part of Internova Travel Group, which has its head office in New York. Mr Munro died aged 80 in October 2024. A Barrhead Travel spokesman said then: 'It's been almost 50 years since Bill Munro founded Barrhead Travel. His bold vision fundamentally changed the landscape for high street travel agents across the country. He made a tremendous contribution to the overall travel industry as well as becoming an influential figure within the Scottish business community.' This legacy was plain at Barrhead Travel's 50th birthday dinner, which was attended by the founder's daughter, Sharon Munro, who stepped down as president of the business at the end of 2018. Another legacy which was evident was a focus on people within Barrhead Travel, which employs more than 560 people. Read more While the many opportunities given to young people by the business over years and decades through its apprenticeship approach were highlighted, what was also to the fore was the long service of staff throughout the business, including across the executive team. Far too often in the business world these days, the importance of such experience is overlooked, to the ultimate cost of companies which take such a lamentable view. Ms Dobson highlighted the length of service of many of Barrhead Travel's employees. She said: 'I started my career as an apprentice, and many of my colleagues did too.' Jacqueline Dobson has been with Barrhead Travel for 25 years. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Ms Dobson highlighted the fact that she had been with the business for 25 years. And she emphasised she was 'certainly not alone' in having been with Barrhead Travel for that length of time or longer. The business characterises its own journey as follows: 'Since it was founded in 1975, Barrhead Travel has expanded from a traditional 'bucket and spade' travel agent to a multi-faceted travel group offering bespoke holidays and cruises to all corners of the globe.' And it highlights the fact that 'in addition to its retail network which spans over 90 locations across the UK, the group has a number of specialist divisions including touring and adventure, cruise and USA'. The business has indeed come a long way, and its current US-based owner has backed the continuing expansion of Barrhead Travel. What was notable, however, was Ms Dobson's emphasis last week on how the 'heart of the business' is the same as it was 50 years ago. She said: 'While so much has changed, the heart of the business remains the same. We're here to solve problems, support our people, and ultimately deliver unforgettable holidays. 'Our resilience over the decades has only strengthened our belief in what we do. It's our people, our customers, and our communities that have shaped this journey. Celebrating 50 years is not just about looking back, it's about looking forward with confidence, staying true to our roots while continuing to evolve.' Ms Dobson declared that, as Barrhead Travel looks ahead, 'there are no signs of slowing down, with plans for continued investment and expansion on the high street as well as launching new technology'. She highlighted the fact that 'the business has had a record-breaking year, with January 2025 being the most successful month in its 50-year history'. And Ms Dobson emphasised: 'It believes its founding principles, customer service, innovation, and community are as relevant today as they were in 1975.' It is good to see the founding principles of Mr Munro 50 years ago continue to deliver growth and success for what is such a well-known Scottish business. There seemed to be a genuine warmth in the room last week from the various travel industry partners with which Barrhead Travel works. And Ms Dobson's emphasis of the degree to which the business values its people also came across passionately, in stark contrast to the kind of buzzword bingo you hear on this front from some corporates. Many might have doubted when the internet began to revolutionise travel that businesses like Barrhead Travel would continue to thrive but, while many but certainly not all of its competitors have found the journey more difficult and at times impossible, the operation founded by Mr Munro back in 1975 has gone from strength to strength. Hopefully, Barrhead Travel will continue to prosper and prove resilient through the ups and downs of future decades, and it will have the continued backing of its owner to build on the success achieved over the last 50 years.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I've been only holiday to Turkey more than 20 times - avoid these mistakes'
Turkey is one of the most popular holiday destinations among British travellers but there are things to be aware of before you go - a travel agent who's been more than 20 times shares her advice A seasoned travel agent, boasting over 20 visits to Turkey, has spilled her insider secrets for making the most of a trip to this beloved destination, offering money-saving tips, revealing hidden treasures - and advising on what Brits should steer clear of. Turkey continues to be a firm favourite with British holidaymakers, giving classic Spanish and Greek getaways a run for their money with its stunning beaches, captivating culture, and wallet-friendly prices. The nation consistently ranks among Manchester Airport's top ten most frequented destinations. In August alone, Antalya saw 107,000 passengers while Dalaman attracted 101,000 from the northern airport, only surpassed by Palma de Mallorca which drew in 130,000 travellers from Manchester. These areas boast some of the most spectacular beach resorts such as Oludeniz, home to the breathtaking Blue Lagoon; and Marmaris, renowned for its beautiful marina and splendid beaches. As many Brits gear up for a Turkish summer escape, Margaret Dalton, a Travel Consultant at Barrhead Travel in Beverly, has divulged her top recommendations for visiting the country to the Manchester Evening News. With more than two decades of Turkish travels under her belt, she declares she "isn't finished" exploring yet. "There's so many reasons I keep going back, the culture, the shopping, the weather of course. It's also amazing value for money," she said. "I also love history, Turkey is home to numerous historical sites dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. "There are so many things that make Turkey such a special holiday. The weather all year round is fantastic, even during the winter it's mild in the southern coastal regions, which is obviously a big draw and means you can make the most of all the beautiful beaches. "The Turkish people are all very friendly, so you can expect amazing hospitality in the hotels, which are also fantastic especially the 5* All Inclusive options. "And those that like shopping, there are so many great options, so you can really make the most of the currency." How to save money in Turkey When planning a holiday, finances play a significant role, but the favourable exchange rate (approximately 51 Turkish Lira to the pound) makes Turkey an attractive destination for budget-savvy travellers. Margaret advised: "The Turkish Lira which is at an all-time high against the pound, so it is a great time to travel to Turkey. To make the most of this, do not exchange your money at the airport – pre-purchase your currency before you go." This travel guru also suggests travelling during off-peak seasons for more affordable rates and visiting cost-effective attractions - which are cheaper when booked ahead of time, reports the Manchester Evening News. She's also encouraging Brits to not shy away from haggling in markets: "Always haggle to get the best price at the markets, they expect it so don't feel awkward." Remember, tipping is part and parcel of the experience. Another tip is to sort out your transport ahead of time. Margaret advises: "There's a risk of being charged higher fares if you are not using a reputable or official operator. I recommend only hopping in taxis at taxi stops, which are more reliable and more likely to use their meters – or pre-book your airport transfers." What Brits should steer clear of Being mindful that Turkey is largely a Muslim nation is key, especially when it comes to respecting local customs and dressing appropriately. Margaret warns: "If you're away from the coastal tourist destinations make sure you dress appropriately. Bikinis are for the beach, so don't wear swimwear when walking around the streets. "People sometimes forget that the main religion in Turkey is Islam, so dress respectfully. Do not wander into the grounds of a Mosque or go inside unless you are familiar with the etiquette. "The larger Mosques will have guided tours by the Imam, especially in tourist areas, they will let you know if you can take photos, so always ask first." Another point to bear in mind is the scorching heat during peak season. "When going in the summer, take a high factor sunscreen as the temperatures can hit over 40 degrees. Plan some activities in the shade during the day if you're planning a trip in the height of summer, especially with young children." Discover Turkey's 'hidden gem' resorts As Turkey's popularity soars, travellers can still uncover 'hidden gem' resorts scattered across the nation. Margaret shared one of her top picks: "Side is a coastal town in Antalya Province with ancient ruins, sandy beaches and nightlife options, which is a must visit. "Side West beach is closer to the hotels, and most accessible. When there I would really recommend visiting the ancient city ruins which were built around 150 A.D. These ruins are one of the most captivating places to visit." Brits' 'must do' experiences in Turkey Turkey offers far more than just poolside relaxation for its visitors. "Do a boat trip as they take you to amazing places and often include your food and drink all day," Margaret advised. "For those that want to do exploring, take a trip into the mountains on a jeep safari, you will see some beautiful scenery. And don't miss out on a trip to the Turkish baths – it's an absolute must."
