Hays Travel is to take over 3D Travel, based in Crewe’s Heath Street, which was already part of Hays Independence Group.

All staff from 3D Travel will join Hays.

Jane Schumm, Hays Travel retail and training director, said: "I’m delighted to announce our latest acquisition in Cheshire. It’s fantastic that we can support the future of retail travel as well as safeguarding jobs in the area.”

Meanwhile Hays has also purchased Gateshead-based corporate travel company, Christine Nugent Business Travel.

Nugent has joined Hays Travel to head up the company’s corporate travel division.

Hays Travel managing director, John Hays, said: “I’m really excited about our latest acquisition.

“By merging business travel’s specialist expertise and loyal client base with Hays Travel’s size and technology, we should have the right kind of platform to grow the corporate travel part of the business significantly.

“I’m hoping we will gain new business travel accounts both in the North East and across the other regions in which Hays Travel operates.

“I’m delighted that Christine Nugent will be joining us to help achieve this goal.

“She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the corporate travel sector and has grown a highly successful and well-respected business.”

Hays will keep the business travel brand and all staff from Christine Nugent Business Travel will join the Hays Travel team.