Macclesfield-based Henbury Travel has just re-located to larger premises at 42 Chestergate (just across from the Bate Hall), following growth in the locally-owned business.

The agency, which opened its first store on Chestergate in 2019, following several years as a home business, has taken the opportunity to located onto the pedestrian section, following a tip off from fellow Chestergate retailer Jenny Robinson at Windyway.

Owner Richard Slater, has been on the lookout for new premises for some time, said: "Whilst some part of the town are suffering as the retail space is mainly large units with expensive rents, and therefore left empty, Chestergate is thriving, with a great selection of independent businesses bar one (Rymans) with smaller units, and therefore apart from a couple of units out of just over 100, they are all occupied."

He said the location would offer the agency an increased footfall and the opportunity to take part in town council themed events and be open for Treacle Market, a monthly market in Macclesfield's streets. "On Treacle Markets we'll have special events, the first of which will be a Canada day on November 27, where customers can chat with experts about this fabulous destination."

Richard Slater with BBC North West Tonight's Roger Johnson.

Slater credited increased sales to the brand's higher profile thanks to frequent media interviews during covid on radio and TV.

"We've done around 75 interviews on TV, and many hours of radio broadcasts, including regular appearances on Northwest Tonight, and Radio Manchester, but also National appearance on BBC News, ITN and SKY," he added.

"We are seeing more clients moving away from the internet, and seeking the reassurance of a travel professional; We've seen many people, who booked online struggling to obtain refunds, with many seeking advice desperate to recoup thousands of pounds from rogue operators".

Henbury Travel was named the small agency of the year for northwest England and north Wales at the 2022 Agent Achievement Awards in July, the UK & Ireland's biggest and most prestigious celebration of the travel trade, Richard said this was a complete surprise as we were shortlisted against some very strong agents.

"We have got 80 years' experience between the three of us [that work here] and you can't put a price on that," he concluded.

"We've all been in the travel business since leaving college and have a thorough knowledge of many destinations, with colleagues taking overseas educational visits regularly to ensure they are familiar with the locations.

"For instance Charlotte has visited Croatia this year, and will be visiting Santa in Lapland this month, and then off to Madeira in the new year. Nicki is off Istanbul next week with Turkish Airlines on a preferred partner educational."

At the end of October, Richard was re-elected as Northwest Chair of ABTA, the travel trade association, a role which supports agents and holiday operators.

The business takes their name from the village near Macclesfield that Richard lived in when he started the business.

• Jet2
• Titan Travel
• Riviera Travel
• Cunard
• P & O Cruises
• Santas Lapland
• Canadian Affair
• Kuoni

They have full ABTA memberships, and all of their air holidays are protected under our full CAA ATOL Scheme.

To contact the Macclesfield independent travel agent, please call 01625 466100 or pop in to 42 Chestergate, Macclesfield, SK11 6BA.

Macclesfield: Follow Henbury Travel on Facebook. They also have a website.

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