Barrhead Travel outlines expansion plans
Scottish holiday firm Barrhead Travel has outlined plans to grow south of the border as it reported a rise in turnover but fall in profits.
The company saw the gross sales reach £156m in 2012, compared with £129m in 2011.
Pre-tax profits fell from £1.9m to £1.7m during the same period.
Last year Barrhead made its first ever acquisition, buying cruise retailer The Cruise Specialists. It also opened a new office in Cumbria.
The Glasgow-based business said the cruise firm would ultimately boost its gross sales by £30m and increase its presence in the cruise market.
In its annual accounts, Barrhead said it had "significantly" invested in its infrastructure to prepare for the "challenges" ahead.
It highlighted "financial uncertainty" in both the UK and the eurozone but said despite this, it was forecasting annual gross sales of £200m.
The travel group reported it was seeking to increase its presence south of the border "by looking at partnerships with other travel companies".
It added it was also planning to grow the Barrhead brand worldwide through specialised websites, and was looking forward to the future with "enthusiasm and excitement".