The Peterborough-based company has signed a deal with Beales Department stores to open its first Sunny Heart Travel Shop in the city.

Sunny Heart chief executive Steve Bentzen said this would be “closely followed” with outlets in Beales’ other two stores in Poole and Southport.

 
“We have a lot of combined experience in store refurbishment and the fit out has started in earnest,” he said. 

“Of course, the most important factor is the staff, and we would urge anyone with a travel retail background to contact us immediately, as we are interviewing right now.”

He added: “Online trading has seen us through the pandemic, but for me online only is a bit like a band that doesn’t play live. It’s important to meet your clients and provide a friendly face to give them the confidence that they always have someone helpful on hand to deal with any issues. 

“I think now more than ever we are being judged on customer service rather than just price.”

Sunny Heart was launched in September 2020 by Bentzen, a former Thomas Cook IT programme manager, initially aiming for online sales.

He admitted expansion was slowed by Covid but added: “We always held onto the vision and we are so happy it’s now become a reality.”