Hays Travel Independence Group member Your Great Adventures officially opening its new premises in the Essex village of Coggeshall last week (17 July).

Lewis Miller founded the business six-and-a-half years ago, progressing from his bedroom to a converted garden office and later a local business centre.

Miller said opening a retail agency had always been his ambition. "It has been manically busy, but very exciting," Miller said. "Moving to new premises does not come without its challenges, and I have been in there for six weeks getting it all ready.

"It has been frantic, but I have wanted to have my own retail premises from day dot."

Miller had been searching for the right location when he was alerted to the Coggeshall properly. "Someone who knew I wanted a shop messaged my wife, Kathryn, and I managed to come to an agreement within three days," he explained.

Miller and business partner Andy Holbrook joined Hays IG in 2025. The pair met through networking opportunities within Hays Travel's Explorer homeworking franchise before establishing WorldLuxe Travel, which brings together their respective businesses, Your Great Adventures and AH Escapes.

While Miller will run the new shop, Holbrook will provide support when required, with administrator Jill also working from the branch at times.

Miller said the new premises had already received a warm welcome from the local community. "The response has been really positive," he said. "People have been incredibly kind."

"Although I have loyal clients across the country, I am also very fortunate to have around 40% of my customers within a five-mile radius. We are looking forward to welcoming them when they come to see us in person."

Harriet Thompson, Head of the Hays Travel Independence Group, said the opening demonstrated the group's continued commitment to supporting members looking to establish a high street presence. "I am thrilled Lewis has been able to achieve his dream of opening his first branch," she said.

"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."