The move means Barrhead, which has 800 emplooyees, is now TTNG’s largest retail member, “bringing even more scale to the group’s negotiating team”, it said in a statement.

As part of the move, Barrhead has transferred all of the payment insurance and a number of commercial contracts under TTNG’s Worldchoice membership.

Bill Munro, Barrhead Travel said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with The Travel Network Group. Our joint venture makes sound business sense for both parties, and adds significant benefits to The Travel Network Group.  Both groups have great strengths in different ways and combined become one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the United Kingdom.  We look forward to a long-term partnership, that will also give all Members of The Travel Network Group access to our British Airways charter seats and technology.”

He added that Barrhead would continue to have separate commercial contracts with key partners, but said: “We are coming together with liked-minded people who are flexible.”

“It also makes sense that as Barrhead Travel moves further into England we are part of a group which is one of the major players and mainly English-based.  Barrhead likes to work in partnership rather than have another type of relationship, be it with suppliers or airlines and the like.”

Gary Lewis, group managing director, The Travel Network Group added: “We are delighted to welcome Barrhead to the Group.  They are a major player in the UK travel industry and their development, growth and reputation over the last few years has been outstanding.

“Over the last 18 months we have transformed our business from an old consortia model, to a travel partnership that is really putting members at the heart of everything we do. With re-focused and re-energised teams in our commercial, marketing and membership services areas, members are telling us that the relationships we are investing in are giving them more value from their membership with us than ever before.

“It’s a major vote of confidence that Barrhead has chosen to work with us and reinforces our commitment to deliver for each and every Member. We believe that we have changed the consortia model, and in doing so are demonstrating that we help our members – large or small – make the most of their own businesses. Barrhead told us they were looking for a fast, flexible partner who can share best practice to support their team and that’s what we are."