Barrhead invests £1.2m in second Northern Ireland branch

Barrhead Travel has invested more than £1.2 million in the launch of its second Northern Irish branch, located in the Abbey Centre in Newtownabbey.

The new store has created seven full-time positions, led by Lisa Hamill, who is the newly appointed regional sales manager for Northern Ireland.

Barrhead Travel announced its intention to expand in the region earlier this year when it issued a call for experienced agents.

The group said it planned to identify the team before confirming a new location to harness their local knowledge and involve them in the search for the retail unit.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, said: “This year, we’re set to achieve another record-breaking year as we continue to see people returning to the high street to book with a reputable local travel agent.

“The talented and experienced team we have in the Abbey Centre will drive new-to-brand customers as people seek someone they really trust with their holiday plans.

“As well as the opening of Newtownabbey, we’re also considering further expansion opportunities in the region.

“We see scope for further openings on the high street in Northern Ireland and we’ve had wonderful support from the communities here since we opened our first store in the region seven years ago.”

The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group first opened in Northern Ireland in 2017, when it unveiled a flagship store in Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast.

In 2022, the group also expanded its operations by launching a remote team of agents in Coleraine.

The Newtownabbey store will host its official opening party in early December.

More: Barrhead Travel has ‘locations in mind’ for retail expansion