Future of coach holidays firm Parrys International in doubt as owner looks at his options

Parrys, in Landywood Green, may shut next year unless Dave Parry can find someone to take on the successful business, which employs 35 people and has a fleet of 16 coaches, including a dozen with full international specifications

Ten years ago Mr Parry, now 75, planned to retire and close the company but changed his mind after he was deluged with letters and calls from customers all over the West Midlands asking him to keep offering European and UK holidays and tours.

Parrys, celebrating the half century of its founding at Holly Lane, Cheslyn Hay, in 1973 is to deliver all of its holidays programme – split 50-50 between the UK and Europe – this year.

Managing director Mr Parry said he hoped that the company could continue, but a number of options were being explored.

He said he was now way past his retirement date.

"A decision has to be made early next year. We are continuing to plan for next year, but we have either got to get someone to take the company forward from within, sell it or cease trading," he explained.

Ideally he hopes family and long-serving staff members will take forward the company, which has been at Landywood Green for 23 years.

His 27-year-old son James, who works within the business, has yet to decide if he wants to succeed him.

Plans have already been made for 2024, including a multi-million pound order of new coaches, and all British and European holidays for next year are already on sale.

"Because of the pandemic there was a two-year delay in replacing coaches," said Mr Parryy, who was in Brussels last week visiting a coach factory.

He said that as many experienced coach crew members had retired during the pandemic, Parrys had recruited new young drivers, couriers and office staff to replace them.

"The pandemic cost us a lot of money. We refunded everyone who had a holiday cancelled," he said.

"We came through it quite well and have been getting back on our feet, but will not be fully back to normal operation until next year.

"We are now at a major crossroads for the business. Hopefully there can be a new management team – otherwise the company will cease trading or be sold.

"Considering the success and history of the company, that would be a very sad day," he stressed.

If a new owner came in he would only sell if they committed to running the business along the right lines.

"I wouldn't want to see our reputation go downhill. I wouldn't sell if it was going to go in a different direction," said Mr Parry.

He said that quite a few businesses were facing similar succession issues in the wake of the pandemic.

"It is not the most pleasant decision to have to make – whatever happens it will be life changing," he added.

Parrys International has sponsored Wolves Speedway for 22 years.

Mr Parry is a former rider and team manager of Wolves and said sponsorship would continue for the current season.

"If we close or sell to a new owner then sponsorship would not continue and this season would be the last," he added.

Parrys has been working with the team to help it find a new stadium after it lost the use of Monmore Green for next season.

Anyone interested in buying the business should contact Parrys International directly. See parrys-international.co.uk