A Hays Travel Independence Group member who started out running his business from his bedroom six years ago has opened a high-street branch.
Lewis Miller, who runs long-haul and multi-centre specialist Your Great Adventures, opened his new premises in the Essex village of Coggeshall on Friday 17 July.
He started the business six and a half years ago at home before moving to a converted shed office in his garden and then to a local business centre.
He said opening a high-street branch had been a ‘long-held dream’.
“It has been manically busy, but very exciting. Moving to a new premises does not come without its challenges and I have been in [the property] for six weeks to get it all ready.
“It has been frantic, but I have wanted to have my own retail premises from day dot.
“I was looking for the perfect place and didn’t even realise this one was available. It wasn’t until someone who knew I wanted a shop messaged my wife, Kathryn, and I managed to come to an agreement within three days.”
Lewis joined the Hays IG with his business partner Andy Holbrook in 2025.
The pair were initially Explorer homeworking franchisees and joined forces to establish WorldLuxe Travel, which encompasses their individual agencies, Your Great Adventures and AH Escapes.
Lewis added: “It will be me running the shop, but Andy will help when called upon, and Jill, who does the admin for the business, will be in from time to time.”
He said 40% of his customers are within a five-mile radius.
“The response from the local community has been really positive. People have been incredibly kind,” Lewis added.
Hays IG Head Harriet Thompson said: “I am thrilled that Lewis has been able to achieve his dream of opening his first branch.
“Hays Travel is committed to supporting the high street, so we will always wholeheartedly back any member who wants to diversify their business to suit the needs of their local community and customers.”
Pictured, from left: Danielle Walters from Explorer Travel; Lewis Miller; Katy Docherty from Explorer Travel and Andy Holbrook
