40 Jobs at Risk as James Villas Ceases Trading
European-managed vacation business Awaze has announced the closure of its James Villas brand. The villa specialist has stopped taking bookings, putting 40 roles at risk of redundancy. The company has commenced a staff consultation process and is exploring alternative opportunities across the wider Awaze group.
The proposed closure of the Maidstone, Kent offices, which cater for James Villas, has also begun a consultation process. Awaze has emphasised that this move is a strategic business decision related to James Villas' business model and not related to the current market.
Unlike other brands in the Awaze group, James Villas relies on guaranteed product, which is paid for upfront instead of a commission-based model. As a result, Awaze is turning its focus to the growth of its core portfolio of brands, which include Hoseasons and Cottages.com. The company is also preparing to launch a common sales platform for its European product range.
Awaze's Chief Executive, Henrik Kjelberg, stated that the company's focus is to sell holiday homes exclusively managed on behalf of owners. With the integration plans behind a common platform far advanced for the combined European inventory, Awaze has decided to cease trading with James Villas. James Villas' core inventory represents less than 1% of the company's total supply. Awaze is committed to mitigating the impact on its employees, suppliers, and customers and remains committed to growing its supply base behind a flexible and winning marketplace model.
All existing James Villas customers are being contacted this week about their bookings with the brand, which has around 600 guaranteed villas across Europe. Customers with bookings scheduled to return on or before 30th November will not be affected by the closure, and their breaks will go as planned. However, customers whose bookings are cancelled after this date will be given a full refund and the option to book another Awaze Group property.
This closure will impact villa owners who are being contacted this week. Staff and clients at other Awaze brands remain unaffected. The Awaze portfolio of brands totals over 100,000 properties across the UK and Europe.
