Travel firm arrives

And the news comes as tyre firm Nextyres announced its move into the new town will create a further six posts - see story, page 6.

Barrhead Travel is scheduled to open their new 1,850 square foot premises in the Antonine Centre towards the end of next month.

Eight new workers have already been recruited from the local area, with that number set to double in the comings weeks.

Billy Lees, chairman of the Cumbernauld Community Forum, thinks the announcement will benefit all concerned.

He said: “I think it’s great news for Cumbernauld that we have another travel agency coming – a bit of competition won’t go wrong.

“I use Barrhead Travel in Glasgow when I’m going away myself and I know how helpful they are and the effort they go to for you.

“A lot of people I know in Cumbernauld use them when they’re booking holidays so I’ve no doubt it’ll be popular.

“It’s something which will bring jobs to the town as well which is ideal. We’re going to be losing a lot of jobs in the next few months so anything that brings a few new ones in is positive. If it’s very successful it might even create more opportunities for people.”

The vacancies are for full and part-time sales staff, as well as a number of managerial and supervisory roles.

A modern apprentice is also to be recruited from the town to be trained internally by the firm.

The group have agreed an initial ten year lease for their new premises in the Antonine Centre, worth around £40,000 per annum.

Sharon Munro, chief executive of Barrhead Travel, said: “As Scotland’s largest independent travel group, we are always on the lookout for opportunities to expand our operations and open new stores across the country.

“Our new Cumbernauld store is in a prime retail location in the Antonine Centre and will provide a comprehensive travel service to the town, combining Barrhead Travel’s 36 years experience and unparalleled network of tourism contacts, with fully-trained specialist consultants hired from within the local community.

“While we have already employed some new staff for the opening, we are still looking to recruit more consultants, both part-time and full-time.

“Strong customer service is a key focus for us and establishing a physical presence in the town will help us to provide a bespoke travel service on a one to one basis with each individual client. I look forward to the official launch of our new store and a successful future in Cumbernauld.”

Anyone interested in the posts should contact Barrhead Travel’s recruitment team on 0141 304 5845 or e-mail [email protected].