Wickes owner Travis Perkins to create 4,000 UK jobs
Wickes owner Travis Perkins is to create 4,000 new jobs across the UK over the next four years.
A capital investment programme of £150 to £200 million a year will see 400 new branches opening across the country which will be supported by distribution facilities to be opened or extended in Warrington, Leeds, Northampton, Coventry, Cardiff and Tilbury.
Currently employing more than 24,000 people, Travis Perkins said the majority of the 4,000 new jobs will be outside of London and the South East. Jobs will include a mix of 170 apprenticeships for younger people every year, 200 branch managers and assistant managers a year, and roles for skilled IT professionals and supply chain specialists amongst others.
John Carter, Travis Perkins chief executive, said: “Travis Perkins’ ability to create 4,000 new jobs reflects confidence in our businesses, the markets we operate in and the UK economy as whole.
“This confidence is supported by a number of actions taken by the Government over the past two years, including the new Help to Buy ISA announced yesterday, that are continuing to support construction activity and improvements in consumer confidence. We are making significant investments to improve our customer proposition and in our supply chain to offer superior ranges, availability and value propositions.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: “Our long term economic plan is all about backing successful British businesses like Travis Perkins. Their decision to create 4,000 new jobs and make significant investments is a vote of confidence in the UK.”
Travis Perkins has almost 2,000 branches across the UK and in 2014 had revenues of £5.6 billion. Branches will be opened across Travis Perkins, Wickes, Toolstation, Benchmarx and in the firm’s plumbing and heating and contracts divisions.
