Hays Travel owner and chair Dame Irene Hays, third from left - and pictured at a previous branch opening - says its move for Millington Travel will boost its national offer

Hays Travel expands with double agency swoop

A national holiday firm has expanded with two takeovers.

Hays Travel has bought Millington Travel and Polka Dot Travel.

The Sunderland-headquartered company says its move for 14-branch Midlands-based Millington Travel represents “a natural fit”, with bosses hailing Polka Dot Travel’s “expertise, experience and enthusiasm”.

They add the roles of Millington Travel’s near-80-strong team remain secure, with its bases continuing to trade under its original name.

Polka Dot Travel’s 15 branches – across the North West, Midlands and North Wales – will also remain under its maiden name, with all staff retaining jobs.

Operating from a Leicester head office and running additional bases in towns including Northampton and Nuneaton, Millington Travel was bought by Nick Bland and Nigel Armitage in 2005, and is known for providing long-haul and cruise holidays.

Polka Dot Travel was founded by Helen Johnson alongside Philippa Wilcox, who were later joined by Mark Johnson.

Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of Hays Travel, said: “I congratulate Nick and Nigel on their work to further establish Millington Travel as an exemplary business.

“With its reputation for family values, excellent service and loyal customers, Millington Travel is a natural fit for us.

“I wish Nick and Nigel every success with what comes next, and give them my assurance that we will take great care of their brilliant people and business as we build on their legacy.”

Jane Schumm, Hays Travel retail director, added: “We look forward to learning from the team in Polka Dot Travel’s 15 branches.

"We know the team will benefit from the huge choice of suppliers we represent, and the opportunity to introduce our foreign exchange offer to their customers.”

The deals add to Hays Travel’s recent move for Redditch-based online cruise business Victoria Travel Group, which it hailed as its “most significant acquisition” since it saved 2200 Thomas Cook jobs in 2019.

It also previously wrapped up a deal for Spear Travels Group.

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