Grimsby entrepreneur cruises to success with first shop for holiday firm

A Grimsby-based entrepreneur who set up her own travel business in the front room of her home has been able to open her first shop after winning a regional enterprise competition.

Sharon Allen, of Laceby, opened her new business base earlier this month after winning the Apprentice Retailer contest, organised by Freshney Place Shopping Centre and the Business Hive Club.

Through her business model and expertise, Sharon won the top prize of a unit at Freshney Place completely free from rent, rates, insurance fees and service charges for six months.

Working with her husband Jim, Sharon has now opened national travel franchise GoCruise’s first ever outlet at the shopping centre, selling holidays ranging from ocean cruises and package holidays to ski holidays and city breaks.

Sharon has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, including international travel agent work in Canada and teaching travel and tourism.

Sharon said: “This is an absolute dream come true for us. I took on a franchise with GoCruise in 2014 and straight away knew that this was a business I could really build and take forward. As we began to attract more and more clients it became apparent that we would need to find a space to set up shop to take the business to the next level, but the cost was making that seem increasingly unlikely.”

Amanda Austin, centre director of Freshney Place Shopping Centre and one of the judges of the competition, also commented: “The business case that Sharon entered was really very strong,” she said. “We were impressed with her passion and clear knowledge of the cruising industry, and she was the obvious winner.”

The panel of judges, which also included Mark Webb from The Business Hive Club and Mark Proudlove from retail property consultants Barker Proudlove, was unanimous in awarding the free retail unit to GoCruise, marking the first occasion that the UK travel franchise has ever been presented to customers in a shop setting.

Amanda added: “The aim of the competition was to not only provide a fledgling business with a cost-free unit, but also to give the winner the same support and assistance as we would any retailer at Freshney Place – particularly our independent retailers.

“As well being able to draw on our knowledge and support in everything from marketing and operating procedures to customer service, Sharon will also receive business mentoring from two of our most experienced retailers.”

Mark Webb, managing director of e-factor, parent company of the Business Hive Club, concluded: “I am delighted that the Business Hive Club partnered with Freshney Place Shopping Centre in bringing about this inspirational competition. Sharon Allen, a long standing member of the Business Hive, is a worthy winner and as with all our members she can be assured of our support in achieving her aspirations for the future of her business.”

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