Barrhead Travel to double workforce
Scotland’s largest independent travel group, Barrhead Travel, has announced plans to double the number of staff in its Glasgow call centre.
The group, which last month announced the creation of 50 posts across Scotland with five branches set to open in the first quarter of 2011, has announced it will create another 50 jobs in its Glasgow call centre to support the growth.
This most recent announcement will see the firm’s workforce increase to 550 employees across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Sharon Munro, Barrhead Travel’s chief executive, said: “The last twelve months have been extremely successful for the firm, only highlighted by a rapid expansion with 10 new stores opened across Scotland and Northern Ireland and staff numbers up by 25%. We have invested more in our specialist departments, including cruise and long haul, and are increasing staff numbers in our Glasgow call centre by 50% in order to fully support our expansion plans throughout 2011 and ensure our customers receive the same high level of service across the company.
“The new posts are open to all applicants with an interest in travel – from school leavers to more experienced individuals looking for a career change. We offer bespoke in-house training and provide all our new recruits with comprehensive coaching, focusing on customer service and the specialist knowledge required for each role.”
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The travel group now has 21 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland, following the opening of its Hamilton branch in January this year. In 2010 is was named the best travel employer in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For and was also voted ‘Glasgow’s Favourite Business’ at the 13th annual Glasgow Business Awards.
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Barrhead Travel’s sustained growth in challenging conditions is extremely promising for the city. This announcement is particularly positive as it comes off the back of a nationwide jobs announcement at the end of 2010. Barrhead Travel stands out as one of Glasgow’s best performing organisations in the last 12 months – as demonstrated in its continued expansion, financial stability and industry award wins. I eagerly anticipate what is shaping up to be a highly successful 2011 for Sharon and her team.”