Wickes owner creates 4,000 new jobs across the UK

The new jobs will support 400 new branches across the UK. In addition to 4,000 new jobs, Travis Perkins said it would create 170 apprenticeships and 200 managerial positions per year. This is on top of the 1,500 jobs created over the past 12 months.

The firm also said it planned to inject capital investment of £150 to £200m per annum in all parts of the UK.

But the company could not comment on what percentage of the new roles would be solely within its consumer arm, Wickes.

Travis Perkins chief executive John Carter 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 added: “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.

“The Government is committed to providing continued support to the construction sector, which is why in the Budget I announced a new Help to Buy ISA for first-time buyers to help them save for their first home.”

Travis Perkins’ consumer arm, which largely consists of Wickes, reported its adjusted operating profit increased 22.7% to £77m for the year ending December 31.

The consumer arm posted revenue growth of 8.8% to £1.3bn, while like-for-like sales grew 7.3%.