Travel agency chain operates stores across Merseyside and the North West and has spent six weeks transforming its outlets in Birkenhead, Prenton and Bebington. Tony McDonough reports

Travel agency chain Hays Travel has invested £200,000 to upgrade three of its Wirral outlets.

The company, which operates stores across Merseyside and the North West, has spent six weeks transforming its outlets in Birkenhead, Prenton and Bebington to bring them in line with the four other branches in the region.

The refurbishment programme at the three stores was part of a £1m spend this year by the firm to improve those in its 32-branch portfolio. The renovations have seen each store being entirely stripped out and redecorated and included a special designated cruise lounge.

Lindsey Barber, retail sales director for Hays Travel North West, which is the main partner of the UK-wide Hays Travel, said: “Refurbishments like these at our stores are important for a number of reasons. One of the driving forces for the business is to provide excellent customer service which is why we have so many loyal customers who come back to us.”

At the end of last year Hays Travel North West launched a major expansion scheme with the creation of more than 50 jobs and a jump in turnover within 12 months from more than £50m to the predicted end of 2018 turnover of around £73m.

In the next 18 months, it is predicted that the number of Hays Travel North West stores will rise to 50. The Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral, Geoffrey Watt and his wife Anne, were VIP guests at the Birkenhead branch, in Pyramids Shopping Centre, to see for themselves the £75,000 refurbishment.