Speaking at the agency’s 10th anniversary party in Newcastle, which was attended by suppliers and Barrhead Travel senior management, owner Paul Johnstone confirmed the new branch would open in Stockton-on-Tees. 

He also outlined plans to grow the 40-strong team based across NLT’s existing five shops in Newcastle, Jesmond, Peterlee, Cramlington and Wallsend and the head office in Sunderland. 

Johnstone said: “Looking back at when I started Now Lets Travel, it’s quite overwhelming to think how far I’ve come. 

“From taking a leap of faith after redundancy from a retail store and setting up a business in my garage, to now confirming my sixth retail location and even thinking about a seventh.”

He added: “I have to say that our success over the last few years is down to having such a strong and dedicated team, who are bursting with ideas.”

Johnstone praised his team’s passion for travel and “for looking after customers” – “even during the toughest moments of the pandemic”. 

Three internal promotions were also announced at the party, including Danielle Coulter, who moves from retail and marketing manager to retail director; Newcastle team leader Gail Cooper who will become head of call centre, and Andrew Devine who will move from Cramlington team leader to head of cruise. 

Linda Pyle, director of Brilliant Travel, the Managed Service Travel Partner division of Barrhead Travel, hailed Johnstone’s business. 

“He has established a well-respected business that offers exemplary service as well as ensuring development opportunities for his people and exciting employment prospects for local communities across the north-east,” she said. 

“Great things lie ahead for Now Lets Travel and we look forward to supporting them as their footprint continues to grow.”