'We want to become the world’s biggest retailer of luxury cruises' - Chorley company's £50m milestone
The company was founded just six years ago.
A Chorley-based luxury cruise retailer, which was established in 2020, has hit £50m turnover for the first time.
Panache Cruises saw its revenues rise from £34.9m to £50.1m in the 12 months to the end of May 2026. The business also generated more than £1m EBITDA and grew its headcount from 72 to 110 over the same period.
Chief executive and founder James Cole said reaching £50m was a ‘huge milestone’, especially against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in the Middle East - and has even bigger goals in sight.
He said Panache Cruises wants to become the world’s biggest retailer of luxury and ultra-luxury cruises by 2031. Mr Cole said: "It’s an outstanding achievement but the progress we’ve made in the last 12 months goes way beyond just record sales figures.
"Every business with ambitions to scale sustainably has to be built on fantastic foundations.
"Our foundations are the three Cs: colleagues, customers and cruise lines, and that has never changed. That means doubling down every single year on making sure we offer the best working environment we possibly can; amazing customer service so our customers keep booking with us and recommending us to their friends; and establishing long-term partnerships with our cruise line partners."
A number of key hires have been made in the last 12 months, including its first-ever people and culture director, Sarah Allen, and Linzi Bird as head of customer experience.
The business is now aiming to reach £300m in revenue by 2031.
Mr Cole added: "We think we can do that largely through organic growth but if the right acquisition comes along, we’ll certainly look at it. We'd only undertake an acquisition if the company shared our values and culture.
“In addition to our US base, we opened an Australian office in May and plan to expand further internationally by opening in Canada."