'The Travel Agent Is Not Dead!': Agency Boss Lays Out Fivebranch Expansion Plan

Despite the team’s hefty experience and knowledge, Godfrey said there were no apprentices in the New Era team who could learn from the existing staff. “We don’t have any apprentices at the moment,” he said. “We need staff who know what they’re talking about.”

When asked about future expansion plans, Godfrey said: “I had this view of life around 10 years ago where I wanted to retire at 60, but now I don’t want to put a cap on it. 

“I’m not going to lie – having a second store has doubled my workload and responsibility, but I am looking to have five shops. I’ve had my mind on this number for the past 18 months. I know where the next shop will be, but it’s just a question of time.  

“We’re just looking to be where the community is right and [where] they don’t already have someone on their doorstep.”

He added: “We’ve got to work in a market that is tough – and let’s be honest we’ve got to be cute.” 

One of the 12 events hosted in the walled garden at the Alresford branch

However, Godfrey admitted how some walk-ins say “we didn’t know travel agents existed”.

“We had a guy come in recently who said they’d found a holiday £200 cheaper online, but he said he would book with us because he wanted to see a travel agency in Alresford,” Godfrey noted. 

While Godfrey admits the Covid lockdowns were his “worst” experiences in the travel industry, he did see one positive. “Agents had a chance to shine,” he said. “I think Covid gave us the chance to show people our value. The travel agent is not dead.” 

He also explained how the agency’s name came from the fact the travel industry was starting “a new era post-Covid”.

The walled garden in action at New Era Travel's Alresford branch (Credit: New Era Travel)

Last summer, staff at the New Era Travel branch in Alresford hosted customers and suppliers at 12 afternoon tea events in the walled garden at the property. 

“Customers came back time and time again,” said Godfrey, who added he planned to approach more destinations in 2024 with a view to hosting more. 

“These events have worked really well to get people through the door and given us the platform to open another branch in Hampshire,” Godfrey said. “Most towns have homeworkers, but I feel we have the edge with the garden.”

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