Hays Travel on Monday (11 September) confirmed it had acquired franchise partner Just Go Travel, which has since 2015 operated under the Hays Travel North West banner.
The deal will see Just Go Travel owner and managing director Bircham sell all but one of his 46 stores to Hays, which he has run for more than 20 years. The Mold branch will continue to operate under the Hays Travel brand.
In the meantime, Bircham will turn his attention to his bar and restaurant portfolio, as well as developing inbound tourism opportunities in the region arising from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s acquisition of Wrexham FC, of whom Bircham is a former chief executive.
Bircham joined the Hays Travel Independence Group more than 22 years ago, and became a franchisee in 2015. Prior to that, Bircham’s stores operated under a Tui franchise agreement, as well as Just Go Travel.
He said all 300 jobs across Hays Travel North West were safe and secure, adding there would be little disruption to day-to-day activity – as well as "better opportunities for career development and progression" at the business.
"Although there has to be an element of sadness that my journey has come to an end, it gives me great comfort that all my staff have found a great home with Hays Travel, our partners for more than 20 years," said Bircham.
"I pay tribute to Lindsey Barber, our retail director, the senior management team, and all the staff who have delivered underlying profits (Ebitda) of £6 million for the last financial year.
"My thanks [go] to Dame Irene Hays for her support in recent years and, of course, to her late husband, John. My journey, like so many others in the industry, could not have happened without him."
Bircham added he wouldn’t be stepping away from travel – or business – entirely as a result of the deal. “I’m not quite ready yet for retirement and I’m delighted we will retain our very first store in Mold, North Wales, and operate it under the Hays Travel brand," he continued.
"I also intend to take a more active role in our bar and restaurant portfolio, as well as developing the inbound tourism opportunity that has grown in Wrexham and North Wales since the involvement of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at my beloved Wrexham FC."
‘True entrepreneur’
Dame Irene Hays said: “Don Bircham is a true entrepreneur and among the most experienced people in the travel industry. Just Go is an outstanding business, and we are all delighted with this latest acquisition.
"Don employs great people who have delivered fantastic results, and we look forward to welcoming them to the Hays Travel family.
"This acquisition has come at a perfect time for Hays Travel as we focus on executing our strategic priorities around cruise and experiential travel. I wish Don all the very best success for the future."
