Global goals high on agenda for Yorkshire short break travel expert
SHORT break holiday company SuperBreak is powering ahead with its growth plans, as it revs up investment and makes moves to expand its global reach.
The York-based business, which was launched 30 years ago, is part of Cheshire-headquartered education and activity travel group Holidaybreak, which was taken private by one of the oldest travel operators in the world, India’s Cox & Kings in a £312m deal three years ago.
Darren Neylon, assistant managing director and marketing and commercial director for SuperBreak said: “SuperBreak is a unique business and we have such a fantastic reputation.
“We’re now going through a period of reinvigoration. We’ve got a clearer strategic plan and are now targeting 8% revenue growth and are on track to deliver this.”
In its latest accounts filed at Companies House for the year ending March 31 2014, turnover was £77.3m up from £73.1m in the previous year.
“Our growth is on the back of short break based travel – it’s a market worth £8bn to £12bn,” Neylon said.
“The exciting thing for us is taking advantage of the opportunities that exist. We have been in the middle of the sector for 30 years, so we can see attainable goals to achieve.”
Neylon said that with Cox & Kings behind the business, Superbreak’s product can be taken globally.
“Cox & Kings taking our product globally is where we see scale. And, we want to bring more Indian travellers to the UK, too. With Cox & Kings, we can achieve these goals.
“Cox & Kings are very keen to grow our business and provide that foothold globally. We can use them to help us expand into global markets and there’s a lot of advice and investment as well as a global fit for us.”
Superbreak employs a team of 160 people at its York site.
As part of its investment into the company, SuperBreak rebranded in April to modernise the business and has recently launched a TV campaign.
“This has all been designed to grow awareness in the consumer market,” Neylon said.
“We are definitely looking forward to the coming years. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and we will be rewarded by the hard work. We see opportunity come our way every day. Everyone at the business is excited by the path of growth we’re on.
“For me, the key driver is that we have got really supportive shareholders and they have a good global footprint. We don’t have to go out and invest in the international markets, as we can use them to help us do just that.”
Neylon said that this time next year, the firm is confident it will have made good progress with its plans with international opportunities opening up.
