The UK Knack Group Reviews Today’s Events ……

30 new jobs at Smyths Toys new Plymouth store Smyths Toys have created 30 jobs when they open a large branch in Plymouth.  The company is taking over the former Wickes unit with a trading area of approx. 15,000 sq. ft.  The company is hoping to create more job vacancies towards the end of 2013.

Potential new jobs at Birmingham Airport Birmingham Airport has launched a long-term strategy to grow in line with future demand, improve global connectivity and create 250,000 new jobs in the Midlands. The strategy includes airport expansion to support growth of 70 million passengers each year and 500,000 air transport movements, and the creation of a global air, road and rail travel hub.

35 new jobs at new Search & Rescue base at Inverness Bristow Helicopters have won the contract for the new Search & Rescue base at Inverness, and the contract will run until 2026.  This will create 35 new jobs and enable rescuers to reach casualties in the Cairngorms faster than at present.

6 jobs at Meridian Motor Group new site in Scarborough Car dealership Meridian Motor Group expects to double turnover to 125m after acquiring four West Midlands dealerships.  It is also developing a new site in Scarborough.  The expansion will create six new jobs at its Harrogate head office. Meridian is adding Lexus and Kia to its portfolio. £65m turnover, 300 employees.

45 new jobs as TK Maxx opens a new store in Hayes Discount clothing store TK Maxx is opening a new store in Hayes, creating 45 jobs. The superstore in Lombardy Retail Park will open its doors on 22nd August 2013. The first 500 shoppers will receive a £10 gift card.

40 new jobs at new Home Bargains Burnley store Discount store Home Bargains are to open a second new store in Burnley creating 40 new jobs. The discount retailer, which already operates 300 stores, has announced plans to open a further 50 stores across the UK in the next 12 months as it bucks current trends in the industry.

New jobs at engineering company Atkins in Scotland Engineering company Atkins plans to grow staff numbers in Scotland as its energy business is expected to continue reaping the benefits from the strong oil and gas sector and growth in offshore wind.  Currently, Atkins has around 50 vacancies in Scotland and expects to continue adding to its workforce in the coming 12 months, including at its Glasgow base, which is the centre for UK renewables.

New jobs at Axiom in the North-East Engineering firm, whose specialist services maintain global chemical and energy projects, Axiom, are hoping to create new Northeast jobs after being galvanised by the recession.  The company has given £500 to 10 Northeast schools for science and technology equipment to stimulate students' interest in the industry.

25 new jobs at Hobbycraft store in Derby Hobbycraft one of Europe’s largest arts and craft retailers is opening a store in Derby next month, creating 25 jobs. The firm, which sells more than 30,000 products supporting about 250 activities, is recruiting people to work in the 9,000 sq. ft. store.

Ingenious Ventures funding 15 creative start-ups Ingenious Ventures, the venture capital division of investment group Ingenious, has launched the first Ingenious Seed Investment Programme.  The company will invest £2.25m into 15 UK media and creative industries start-ups and will provide business support. Turnover £321m, 165 employees.

New director appointed at Bluefin Insurance firm Bluefin has appointed Paul Roberts as acquisitions director. Acquisitions are a key element in growth plans for the company, for 2013 and beyond.  Mr Roberts joins Bluefin from Towergate. Turnover £121.7m, 1,440 employees.

Isle Of Lewis Hotel refurbishment brings 120 new jobs John Graham Construction, based in North Ireland, has secured the £8.5m contract to redevelop the historic Lews Castle at Stornoway into a hotel and cultural centre, creating up to 90 jobs. 30 jobs will then be created at the hotel and centre. The company has a turnover of £224.9m.

100 new jobs at London based consultant Hyder London based consultant Hyder has boosted its UK workforce by 10% as workloads continue to pick-up.  Latest results from the consultant show a rise in group pre-tax profit to £23.8m for the year to March 31 2013 from £21.6m last time on the back of turnover up to £298.1m from £277.3m.

275 new jobs at Property Alliance Group Ryeford supermarket development Manchester based Property Alliance Group has proposals for a foodstore on a disused brownfield site at Ryeford.  This would create 275 new jobs as developers negotiate over which supermarket will take a £15m foodstore and petrol station planned for Stroud.

£400,000 bank investment means new jobs at Niko Ltd Manufacturer of lifting equipment, Niko Ltd, based in Warwickshire has moved to new larger premises to accommodate its growth using funding support worth £400,000 from Lloyds TSB Commercial Banking. The purpose built premises comprises of office space, a manufacturing warehouse and fabrication workshop. The business, which employs thirteen staff, is now introducing a home range for sliding wardrobe doors and has plans to take on two new employees.

30 new jobs at DPD Express Parcels new Billingham depot Parcel delivery firm DPD Express Parcels expects to create 30 jobs following an investment of 750,000 in a new depot.  The new facility on the Cowpen Industrial Estate in Billingham near Stockton will increase DPD's capacity to handle demand for its one-hour timeslot delivery service.

New director appointed at Pulse Group Pulse Group, the London-based advertising and design agency, has appointed Rob Sharp as divisional director of its expanding events and exhibitions division.  The company aims to gain new business and develop the division as a leader in the events, experiential and exhibitions sector. Turnover £10m, 40 employees.

New chief executive appointed by Original Factory Shop and potential new jobs expected The Original Factory Shop has appointed Tony Page as chief executive, replacing Angela Spindler who has left the Lancashire-based group to head Manchester-based N Brown.  The Original Factory is accelerating its growth plans as it continues to invest in new convenience department stores. The expansion could create employment opportunities.

New housing and retail project in Brunswick means potential new jobs The S4B consortium, comprising Equitix, Contour Homes, Mears and Galliford Try, is to go ahead with a £100m regeneration project in Brunswick, Manchester.  Plans include refurbishing 650 council homes and building 500 new homes, including council rented and private for sale properties. A new retail area will be created.  The development could create new jobs.

Rapid business growth at VMI Safety and recruiting staff VMI Safety, the West Yorkshire-based workwear and protective equipment supplier, expects to reach £1m turnover in its first year, and 2m in 2014, after experiencing strong demand for its products. It plans to tender for major contracts in 2013 and is launching a new website and its first catalogue. VMI employs five staff and is currently recruiting.

15 new jobs at Waitrose Supermarkets’ store in Billericay Waitrose Supermarkets have spent £4m on refurbishing their store in Billericay, this will create an extra 15 new jobs. The store will have fresh counters, more checkouts and a new customer support desk.

250 new jobs at Cambridge inkjet printing technology company Xaar Plc, the Cambridge inkjet printing technology company, expects 2013 revenues to increase by 50%, from 86.3m in 2012, due to strong global demand.  Xaar plans to invest £12m in R & D in 2013 and increase company headcount to 750, mainly in the Cambridgeshire area, where there are currently 100 vacancies. 500 employees. Penny Winter – The UK Knack Group www.theukknackgroup.co.uk