Essex-based agency Adore Holidays has finally opened the doors of its new Hertford shop – five months later than planned.
General Manager Liz Williams, Managing Director Ian Gilder and apprentices Mia Armstrong and Robyn Painter at the agency's flagship Epping shop in Essex
Ian Gilder, the agency’s Managing Director, had hoped to open the branch in May but refurbishment delays and legal issues meant the soft launch didn’t happen until early September.
However, on 3 October, Adore will welcome local dignitaries – including the town’s mayor – and customers to the shop to celebrate its official opening.
Get unlimited access to the latest travel industry news and analysis, comment on articles and sign up to newsletters.
Register for free
Already registered? Login here or below.
Having difficulty logging in? Try these tips, or contact support@ttgmedia.com
Essex-based agency Adore Holidays has finally opened the doors of its new Hertford shop – five months later than planned.
General Manager Liz Williams, Managing Director Ian Gilder and apprentices Mia Armstrong and Robyn Painter at the agency's flagship Epping shop in Essex
Ian Gilder, the agency’s Managing Director, had hoped to open the branch in May but refurbishment delays and legal issues meant the soft launch didn’t happen until early September.
However, on 3 October, Adore will welcome local dignitaries – including the town’s mayor – and customers to the shop to celebrate its official opening.
On average, the new shop "is making a booking a day", according to Gilder, who believes it will become Adore's best-performing branch over time. Adore also has its flagship store in Epping and another in Horbury in West Yorkshire.
The new shop is currently being staffed by former Adore homeworker Graeme Roe, apprentice Jasmine Jones and General Manager Liz Williams, with Gilder dividing his time between Epping and Hertford.
“We should have got into the shop in June but with all the trades people and solicitors, it took longer,” he explained. “I reckon it has cost me £20,000. We’ve put a kitchen-come-bar in. There’s also a TV and a waiting area.”
Gilder said several jobs, such as removing the white wash from the windows, had taken days to finish rather than the a few hours. In February, Gilder told TTG he had set aside £10,000 to transform the premises, previously a Santander bank, into a travel agency.
“It will be our best shop," he insisted. "Hertford is a good affluent area. We’re right in between Luton and Stansted airports. That said, we’re going to sell much of the same products we sell in Epping and Horbury – our DNA is that we’re cruise specialist, as well as Jet2holidays specialist.”
Asked if Adore Holidays will continue recruiting as more shops are added, Gilder said: “I do recruit, but cautiously. Four staff is £12,000 a month with their salaries. And with everything else, rents and business rates, you are looking at £14,000 to £15,000. That is my consideration so we’re keeping it lean.”
The agency opened its Horbury premises 16 months ago around three years after launching Epping Travel & Cruises in the Essex town in 2022.
Take our Matchmaking quiz to discover the agencies who are best-suited to your requirements. Select the option that describes your current situation below:
New to travel New to homeworking Travel trade professional Experienced homeworker
