Independent chain quits Elite after 30 years
Nine-store independent agency chain Millington Travel is to leave Elite Travel Group, now affiliated with Advantage Travel Centres, to join The Travel Network Group as a member of Worldchoice.
Established in 1972 and owned by Nigel Armitage and Nick Bland, the Leicester-based company offers both business and leisure travel and employs more than 60 staff.
It expects to open its 10th shop before Christmas, according to The Travel Network Group.
Gary Lewis, CEO of The Travel Network Group, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Nigel and Nick and their team at Millington Travel to our Group. They have built a very strong and robust business in and around Leicestershire and believe there is the opportunity to take their expertise to other locations around the East Midlands."
Armitage said: "Gary and his team are driven and passionate individuals and the culture of The Travel Network Group mirrors our own. Millington is embarking on a new phase in its development and we believe The Travel Network Group will be the perfect partner to support our growth. It was apparent very early on that we are like-minded organisations and we will be a great fit both strategically and culturally.
"With a focused growth strategy we felt we needed a partner who would give us access to great technology and marketing, and one who could bring fresh ideas and opportunities. Throughout our discussions with Gary and the team we have been overwhelmed by the level of support they are delivering to their existing members and I am confident that our business will flourish in this new partnership."
With the addition of Millington Travel on October 1, the Group will have 920 members.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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