Advantage Brooks Travel ceases trading
Brooks Travel, an independent Stockport agency and Advantage Travel member, has ceased trading.
The ABTA bonded agency, which had branches in Reddish and Hazel Grove, was set up 12 years ago by Paul and Cettina Brooks who were active Advantage members.
Paul Brooks said commission cuts, the demise of the local community, and competition from the internet had led to his business failing.
“Trading patterns changed after 2001,” he said. “We tried to adapt. We had a website, a dedicated cruise website, dedicated weddings site and even a talking site at one time, but nothing worked.
“We were very proactive. We went to all business network breakfast clubs and opened up an internet café in our branch. The nail in the coffin was eroding commissions. It’s all very well for a marketing executive to do a slide show at a conference about service fees but mention that to clients and they walk.
“We will be back, but whatever we do will do will be outside the travel industry. I don’t like the way it’s gone.” He praised ABTA for the sympathetic and efficient way they had dealt with the closure.
Advantage director of business travel, Norman Gage, said: “They started the business from scratch and were very hands on, providing a good service.
“They always came to conferences and were keen to fight the corner of the independent agent. It left a lump in my throat when I heard today that they have closed.”
By Bev Fearis
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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