Speaking to TTG at the Abta Travel Convention, chairman Bill Munro said the business was in “expansion mode”.

He said the company may look at greenfield sites for development, or “may just do buy and build going forward”.

“It is no secret that we’ll be opening more shops in the UK,” added Barrhead managing director Jacqueline Dobson.

The travel business opened its first shop outside of Scotland – in Newcastle – last year, and recently welcomed customers to its Leicester store.

Munro continued: “Eventually we will get to the optimum number of shops – we’re not the type of board which necessarily sticks rigidly to plans. We will look at opportunities as they arise.

“We have also proven our worth in the shopping centres, which makes a big difference.”

Munro added that Barrhead had also been expanding existing shops, for example moving a

Dumfries store to a bigger premises in the past weeks.

Asked whether Barrhead would expand to other overseas locations, Munro said: “We would consider anything, but it seems to me there are plenty of opportunities in the UK.”

The pair added that the business would also consider opening in Ireland.

Commenting on the business more generally, Munro said it had “better access to products than ever before”, adding that on some occasions it could offer free upgrades.

“Suppliers also know we set out our stall and deliver on what we say we’re going to do.

“Our franchisees and homeworkers are very happy too – we are known for the level of support we offer.”

The new Belfast agency will be an experience store - featuring latest tech - and the business is currently recruiting for about 10-12 staff.