NEW travel jobs are coming to Gwent. David Powell, founder of Holiday Express (UK) has sold his 51 per cent interest in the company to his joint venture partner, First Choice Holidays.

The company had 20 retail travel outlets in the South East Wales and Bristol area, as well as call centres in Ely and Cwmbran, employing over 130 staff.

The Holiday Express shops have now been rebranded as Bakers Dolphin. As part of his exit from the business, Mr Powell has purchased the call centre business back from Holiday Express (UK), which will fulfil holidays booked over the Internet or telephone.

The new business will be based in Cwmbran and Ely and will employ over 50 people. It will also be providing for numerous late availability holiday web-sites including www.holiday.co.uk www.travel.co.uk

Mr Powell, who has over 25 years experience in the travel industry said: "While there will always be a place on the high street for travel agents, more people wish to use technology to book their holidays from the comfort of their own home, making their own choice of holidays at a time that suits their own lifestyle.

"Our Internet sites are totally independent and offer the holidaymaker a full choice of all the holidays available from every major UK tour operator, with our database updated every 15 minutes direct from the operators computer systems.

"Clients are able to view or print full details of the holiday booked, print out their insurance policy and departure details immediately the booking has been made. "I think this illustrates that no product is as well suited to e-commerce as travel."

Leading independent accountancy firm Broomfield & Alexander assisted Mr Powell on the deal.

Andy Mallett, tax partner from Broomfield & Alexander said: "It is good to see Welsh entrepreneurs continuing to support the Welsh economy.

"With an increasing number of people choosing to book holidays on the Internet, the travel arena has to move with the times and embrace technology to the full and maximise the vast opportunities that e-commerce has to offer."

Holiday Express is a leading travel agency for Internet holiday sales and in the year-end to 31 March 2001, turnover of the company exceeded £30 million.

Broomfield & Alexander is one of the largest independent chartered accountancy firms in Wales with more than 80 employees working from offices across South East Wales. Its specialist e-Business Centre can provide expert advice for businesses looking to embrace new technology and e-commerce.

To view its extensive range of business advice and financial planning tips online, just visit www.broomfield.co.uk

*PICTURED: Holday Express founder David Powell (left) and Andy Mallett, of Broomfield and Alexander, who advised him on the disposal of his controlling interest.