Stoke on Trent Sentinel Series - 15 Jun 07

M6 SERVICES COOKS UP 50 NEW JOBS

 



£500,000 SPENT ON MAKEOVER AT REST STOP
Fifty jobs are to be created after a major revamp at a motorway service station.

Welcome Break is recruiting for various positions at Keele services on the M6, where 200 people are currently employed.

About £500,000 is being ploughed into the refurbishment of the rest stop - which is visited by 50,000 people a week - in time for the summer getaway.  The site offers a range of facilities, including Coffee Primo, Eat In restaurant, Burger King and KFC.

New staff will work in different shops and departments, including customer service and a new WH Smith branch.  It is anticipated the major revamp will increase trade at the site.

Will Goodwin, national marketing manager of the Welcome Break Group, said: "Keele Services is currently undergoing a refurbishment programme in some areas, to enhance the facilities. 

"The investment highlights our commitment to provide some of the best facilities on the motorway, and this is reflected through our cross-section of customers on a daily basis.

"The service area is popular with business people - many holding meetings at Keele Services - as well as individuals and coach passengers.

"We are delighted with the new job opportunities created for the local community and will be planning an opening event."

Keele coach host Catherine Bloor added:  "We offer all different shifts and flexible working to suit people with different lifestyles."

Councillor Robin Studd, deputy leader of Newcastle Borough Council, and cabinet member responsible for regeneration and planning, welcomed the jobs boost.

He said:  "The services had begun to look a little tired recently, and in need of a facelift.  We welcome the fact that the owners are investing a substantial sum in improving the appearance of the existing facility."

Welcome Break is one of three of the UK's biggest service station operators.  Moto is the largest with 37 stations, while Welcome Break runs 24, and RoadChef 20.

The three firms have a combined turnover of more than £1.5 billion a year.