The decision follows moves by the government to boost the construction industry and have in turn been welcomed by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, who described the announcement as “a vote of confidence in the UK”.
Many of the new jobs will come at Travis Perkins’ four major distribution centres being opened in the UK by the Northampton-based company. The Range Centres will enable Travis Perkins to provide next-day delivery from its branches nationwide on heavy side products.
Chief executive John Carter (pictured) said: “Travis Perkins’ ability to create 4,000 new jobs reflects confidence in our businesses, the markets we operate in and in the UK economy as whole. This confidence is supported by a number of actions taken by the government over the past two years that are continuing to support construction activity and improvements in consumer confidence.”
Two Range Centres, in Cardiff and Warrington, are already operational, with a third at Tilbury due to open in June this year and a fourth in Coventry 12 months later.
Having delivered his Budget statement in Parliament, Mr Osborne visited the Tilbury site where he discussed the implications of his measures with staff and management.
The Chancellor said: “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.”
Travis Perkins says measures such as the Help To Buy ISA and reforms to Stamp Duty and the financial services industry have boosted the UK housing market and investment in home improvement by home-owners. The firm is also to open and extend several distribution centres, including its base in Northampton.
