04/10/2001

B&Q confirm 370 jobs in new retail expansion

DIY superstore B&Q chain has confirmed that it is to create over 350 jobs in the creation of two new retail warehouses in Craigavon and Newtownabbey.

The news, announced on Wednesday 3 October, sees the company roll out the latest stage in their programme of expansion in the province, building on the successful establishment of B&Q’s first Northern Irish store, which opened in Newry in 1999.

Recruitment is already underway for the 370 positions, with 190 staff required for the Craigavon branch, which will be situated in the Craigavon Shopping Centre. It is thought that 70 per cent of the jobs will be in full-time positions.

The Newtownabbey outlet, which is to be located near the Valley Leisure Centre, will see 180 new employees taken on, in addition to the 62 staff who will be transferring from the existing Mill Road store.

Commenting on the announcement, James Clarke, B&Q’s regional manager in Northern Ireland, said: “B&Q is already the largest DIY employer here and we are delighted to have created a further 370 new jobs through the opening of two new stores in Craigavon and Newtownabbey.

“These developments will have a really positive impact on each local community, as well as Northern Ireland as a whole,” he added.

B&Q currently employ around 600 people in Northern Ireland, throughout six locations including Belfast, Derry, Coleraine and Ballymena. The two new stores are projected to open their doors to business at the end of this year. (CL)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

10 February 2015
Purepipe To Invest £250,000 And Create Six New Jobs
Belfast-based Purepipe is investing £250,000 and creating six new jobs as part of plans to boost sales in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £45,000 towards its expansion which involves investing in new state-of-the-art specialised pipe manufacturing equipment needed to target new business.
05 January 2016
Pale Blue Dot Announces Five New Posts
Belfast based creative agency Pale Blue Dot is taking on five new staff as part of an ambitious growth strategy. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £37,500 of support for the new jobs which will see the company increase its workforce to 11 staff in the next 18 months.
14 January 2015
Randox To Create 540 New Jobs
First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have announced global diagnostics firm, Randox, is to create 540 quality jobs over four years resulting from a £29m capital investment. Randox, headquartered in Crumlin, Co.
07 June 2018
CGDM To Develop New Office Premises
CGDM Construction in Newry is to invest over £500,000 to develop new office premises at Carnbane Business Park. The firm is also creating 10 new jobs with the support of Invest Northern Ireland. Invest NI has offered the company £74,000 of support towards the creation of the new jobs and marketing activities.
19 May 2015
ER Media To Create Seven New Jobs
ER Media in Banbridge is investing almost £400,000 and creating seven new jobs as part of plans to grow its global sales via its e-commerce printing web sites Need A Print and Pixa Prints.