Tailor Made Travel boss sets out 2019 expansion plans

Morgan said the group’s ongoing expansion plans would push it firmly into miniple status, while challenging the footprint of fellow South Wales agency chain Travel House.

The group acquired four-agency chain Regal Travel in June, growing the Tailor Made network to 14 stores, with its 15th – Neath – due to open next week.

Tailor Made, said Morgan, closed the year with total sales (inclusive of Regal since June) of £23 million, which he said hopes to grow to £30 million next year.

Morgan also revealed the Regal Travel name would, over the coming year, evolve into that of Tailor Made’s forthcoming tour operation, allowing the group to dynamically package tailor-made holidays compliant with the new Package Travel Regulations.

“The new openings aren’t showing signs of slowing down,” said Morgan. “It’s been a phenomenal year. In terms of acquisitions, we’re looking at a few options, small indies, ones and twos - nothing larger than that at this time. When opportunity knocks, you can’t ignore it.”

The group, founded in Penarth, will look to expand along the M4 corridor east to Newport and Cwmbran, and west to Swansea, Llanelli and Carmarthen, while adding Brecon to the north.

“They’re logical locations for us,” said Morgan. “We always open in close proximity [to existing Tailor Made stores] to pool resources and manage rotas. I expect us to end next year with at least 20 stores. I guess that will make us a genuine miniple.”

Morgan said he expects Tailor Made’s total staff to grow from 80 to more than 100 next year.