New branding is being readied for a December launch ahead of peaks, while the business is continuing to expand its network with its newest shop opening last week in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.
Managing director Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, addressing delegates at the Scottish independent's 50th anniversary conference in Dubrovnik on Tuesday (29 September), said the company was on track to beat its 2025 sales targets, with its order book currently at 95%.
Sales for the year as a whole are currently running 16% ahead of last year with growth coming from all sectors; touring sales are up by 28% year-on-year, cruise by 16% – driven by a focus on luxury and river cruising – and to the US by 12% despite what she described as the "political turmoil" there.
As Barrhead continues to expand under the ownership of Internova Travel Group, which acquired the company in 2018, Tempest-Mitchell said growth would continue to be more about quality rather than with a view to becoming the biggest player in the UK.
"We’re a people-first business and we’re bullish about investing in the very best technology and systems to enable our people to do the very best job they can,” Tempest-Mitchell insisted.
“We've rolled out new quote systems this year, as well as launching automation tools, which save our people time on admin – and we've rolled out cruise itinerary technology which improves speed and accuracy.”
Barrhead is launching its Choose Your Own Path training programme for 2026, ensuring every member of staff will be able to select professional development courses to best suit their aspirations and skillsets.
The business has invested £300,000 modernising five stores this year, meaning its vision – set out three years ago – to overhaul its retail network in Scotland is now 90% complete.
