The Range to create 6,750 jobs over next three years

Homeware chain The Range has said it plans a major expansion which will create 6,750 jobs across the UK over the next three years.

Businessman Chris Dawson, who set up the chain in Plymouth, said he planned to open 45 stores.

He said this would create more than 5,000 jobs in England and Wales and 1,750 jobs in Scotland.

The chain currently has 76 stores across the UK employing more than 7,000 people.

He plans to open 20 stores across the UK in 2014.

Earlier, Mr Dawson opened his first store in Scotland, in Glasgow.

'Bargain prices'
BBC South West Business Correspondent, Neil Gallacher, said Mr Dawson had "ridden the recession spectacularly" and was "proud" of his market trader background..

"He first came to national attention in the dark days of 2009 when he snapped up £68m worth of MFI stock from the administrators to sell on at bargain prices."

Mr Dawson opened his first superstore at Sugar Mill Business Park in Plymouth in 1989.

In 2013 he bought the retail park out of administration and renamed it Dawson's Mill.

In April 2013, he moved 77 places up the Sunday Times Rich List to 153rd and is believed to be worth £585m.

Source : BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-23722753