The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events ……

New jobs planned at North Yorkshire manufacturer North Yorkshire manufacturer Ellis is redeveloping and expanding its headquarters with a £450,000 investment to enable it to employ more staff. The work, which is due for completion in September, will extend the company's office space by 70 per cent.

Billericay Brewing Company opening microbrewery and store with potential new jobs Billericay Brewing Company is to open a brewery and beer shop in Billericay, Essex, potentially creating new jobs. The company produced its first beer, called Mayflower Gold, in November 2012. It hopes to have six beers ready for sale when the shop opens.

Birmingham Airport doubling passenger capacity creating 20,000 new jobs Birmingham Airport is planning to double its capacity to 27 million passengers and create 20,000 jobs by 2021 through only minor changes. Proposals submitted to the Airports Commission include a new marketing campaign, changing the tax regime at airports with spare capacity and introducing a congestion charge at those that are over capacity.

New Finance Division at Brampton Recruitment Brampton Recruitment, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, has set up a specialist Finance and Accountancy division. The company, MD Claire Leigh, is expanding due to demand and recently employed new recruitment consultant Jo Glover.

Management Moves: International Executive appointed at blur Group Business services group blur Group has made two senior appointments to strengthen its international sales teams.  Dan Murphy has been made Head of sales for the US and Sat Ramewal is Head of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa.  Both report to blurs Global Head of Sales, Gerry Cross

Consensus Capital Property division expands into England with potential Consensus Capital Property, a private equity-backed investment firm, is planning to convert vacant property in England into 1,500 social housing units following the introduction of new planning rules, potentially creating jobs.   Parent company Consensus Capital recently launched a £50m fund to change office blocks into social housing in Perth and Edinburgh.

Darlington-based cleaning company expansion brings 80 new jobs Darlington-based cleaning company MJF Cleaning is set for expansion after securing a number of new contracts. Demand for its range of commercial cleaning services has grown faster than expected and it now plans to create about 80 new positions in the coming year.  In addition, MJF's headquarters are undergoing a refurbishment and plans are in place to open a new office.

New food processing factory in Peeblesshire, Scotland creates 30 jobs Glenrath Farms is planning to build an egg pasteurising plant at its site in Peeblesshire, Scotland.  Thirty jobs would be created at the new plant, including roles for plant operators, maintenance staff, hygienists, admin workers, cleaners and drivers. The processing facility will add value to the product range. Turnover £50.5m, 220 employees.

Company restructure as new jobs created at Hampshire-based Formaplex Hampshire-based Formaplex has restructured its composites division as a result of an increase in aerospace and defence contracts. The move includes a new R&D facility and two additional staff.

200 new jobs in John Lewis High Wycombe store refurbishment John Lewis is spending £16m to refurbish its High Wycombe store.  The refurbishment will see 35,000 sq. ft. of back office space released to increase the stores selling area by one third.  The new improvements to the store will also create 200 new jobs.  The refurbishments will be complete by October 2013.  Turnover £7.7b employing 78700 staff.

Management Moves: New co-heads of global M&A appointed at J P Morgan J P Morgan has named Hernan Cristerna and Chris Ventresca as the new co-heads of global mergers and acquisitions.  The company has an annual turnover of £1.4bn and employs 800 Staff.

Lygo International creating 50 jobs in Darlington, Co Durham Lygo International, gaming accessories firm, is creating 50 jobs following a £10m takeover by US audio company Turtle Beach Europe. Lygo International will move into a 120,000 sq. ft. office Darlington, Co Durham, following the takeover and become the European distribution division for Turtle Beach.

New Birmingham office for AA Projects creates jobs Management and property consultancy AA Projects has taken 2,725 sq. ft. of space at Birmingham Business Park following business growth in the Midlands.  The move will allow the company to further strengthen its team and client base in the region.  Turnover £5.96m, 65 employees.

Barker & Stonehouse expands in southern England creating 28 jobs Middlesbrough-based furniture retailer Barker & Stonehouse is expanding into southern England with the opening of a £1m store in Battersea, London. 28 jobs will be created at the 25,000 sq. ft. showroom.  Barker & Stonehouse is the UKs largest family-owned furniture retailer. Turnover £39.6m, 250 employees.

Management Moves: Associate Director returns to Stark Brooks Mike Smith has returned to Recruitment business Stark Brooks as associate director at its Yorkshire office just months after he left to join a rival.  He will spearhead the agency's expansion strategy for the Yorkshire Region.

Hotel Chocolat opens Glasgow store with potential new jobs Premium chocolatier Hotel Chocolat is opening its first Glasgow store at St. Enoch Centre in summer 2013. Jobs could be created at 835 sq. ft. St. Enoch store, which will offer a range of luxury chocolates and gifts. Hotel Chocolat operates 72 branches worldwide. Turnover £24.2m, 140 employees.

Airport Retail Group plans further stores openings with potential new jobs Scandinavian retailer Airport Retail Group (ARG) recorded a 67% increase in sales at its pilot UK Airport Fashion store.  The store has completed a successful first year at Newcastle International Airport. ARG is planning to open further Airport Fashion outlets in the UK, potentially creating new jobs.

New Perfect Home store in Burton-on-Trent brings potential new jobs Temple Retail has taken a lease on a retail unit at Burton Place Shopping Centre in Burton-on-Trent.  Trading as Perfect Home, the household goods retailer agreed a ten-year lease on the unit totalling 5,261 sq. ft. The expansion could create employment opportunities. Turnover £57.3m, 430 employees.

New store near Chester brings 30 new jobs at The Co-operative Group The Co-operative Group is to build a new convenience store in Tattenhall, near Chester, creating 30 jobs. The eco-friendly building will be on the Bolesworth Estate and will also provide parking for residents.

23 new jobs at West Yorkshire based Czajka Community Care Services West Yorkshire based Czajka Community Care Services has created 23 new jobs in Kirklees after expanding its operations into the area and opening an office in Huddersfield.  The company has won a contract with Kirklees Council to provide a range of home support services across the Colne Valley.  The new roles take the workforce to more than 550 employees. Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group www.theukknackgroup.co.uk