New UK Holiday Specialist Appoints Group Chairman

Newly launched staycation holiday specialist Caledonian Leisure Ltd has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Gary Speakman as non-executive group chairman.

Speakman joins Caledonian Leisure having held senior Board roles, principally across the leisure, travel and retail sectors, for over 30 years. More recently, between 2012 and early 2019, he held the roles of CFO, COO and Interim CEO at Specialist Leisure Group.

Caledonian Leisure Ltd, which comprises established Scottish coach holiday company Caledonian Travel and self-drive themed break specialist UKBreakaways.com, were launched in July this year, when a former management team headed by Managing Director Graham Rogers and Commercial Director Martin Lock acquired the brands following the collapse of parent company Specialist Leisure Group.

Following the launch, the group revealed exciting plans to expand the Caledonian Travel brand out of its heartland in Scotland to include new departure points throughout the North East and Yorkshire.

On his appointment, Gary Speakman said: "I am absolutely delighted to once again be working with Graham, Martin and so many former colleagues. Caledonian Leisure represents an exciting new specialist venture, built around an exceptional management team and established brands. The new Group has been very well received in the travel trade after its launch, and I believe strongly that this new and innovative Leisure Group is very well placed to take advantage of improving market conditions and a resurgence in staycations."

Managing Director Graham Rogers added: “We are delighted to welcome Gary to our team. His experience and track record in the travel and leisure sector will be an invaluable asset as we look to grow and establish the Caledonian and UKBreakaways.com brands as the number one choice for great value staycation breaks and experiences.”