Waitrose jobs boost set for region
YORKSHIRE could be set for a jobs boost after supermarket group Waitrose revealed it will spend £1bn on ambitious plans to open 100 new stores and create 10,000 jobs.
The grocer, which operates 264 outlets, said it will invest the money over the next three years as part of its ongoing expansion drive.
Some 3,000 of the jobs will be in the north of England and Scotland as the chain looks to build on its traditional strength in the south.
Managing director Mark Price unveiled the plans to Prime Minister David Cameron during a meeting at the Conservative Party conference.
Waitrose’s most northerly stores until six years ago was in Newark, Nottinghamshire. It now boasts seven stores in the North West, seven in Yorkshire, three in the North East and several in Scotland.
Its drive northwards will include building a £35m regional distribution centre in Chorley, Lancashire, which will create 600 jobs when it opens next autumn.
The site will have the capacity to deliver to 80 stores in the north and Scotland.
Mr Price said: “This new distribution centre will support the growth of our business, be a boost for the north-west, create 600 new jobs for the region and make it possible for us to invest £1bn in Britain over the next three years.
“The new shops we are now planning will mean 10,000 more jobs and £1bn of additional business going to producers, farmers and growers in the British food industry.”
Waitrose has seen strong growth in recent months helped by opening new outlets, including 23 convenience stores, and is also rolling out its home delivery service inside the M25.
