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Wickes plans to open 70 new stores and create 2,000 jobs

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The British home improvement retailer revealed their annual report last week and declared their intention to “accelerate investment”.

They boasted a 5.9% revenue increase to £1.63 billion and a 14.4% rise in adjusted profit before tax to £49.9 million for the year to December 27, 2025.

Chief Executive of Wickes David Wood claims the “strong progress” means the chain is now planning to increase the number of stores from 230 to 300.


UK High Street Shops That No Longer Exist


The additional 70 stores are said to create more than 2,000 new jobs across the UK.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) stats show UK unemployment reached a five-year high of 5.2% last month so the news will be welcomed by struggling Brits.

Wickes have also reported a 9% increase in membership scheme TradePro’s sales, with membership figures rising from 581,000 to 643,000.

David said: “This has been another year of strong progress against our strategy.

“We’ve achieved volume-driven growth across all three areas of the business, as the strength of our proposition continues to resonate with customers.

“I would like to thank all of my colleagues for their continued hard work and commitment.

“In retail, we achieved record market share with particularly strong sales across timber, tiling, flooring and paint, while TradePro continues to perform strongly, growing to 643,000 active members.

“We’re also pleased with the performance of our design and installation business, which has now recorded five consecutive quarters of ordered sales growth.

“Given the strength of investment returns from our proven store refit and new store rollout strategy, we have today announced the decision to accelerate our investment for future growth.

“This takes our ambition to reach 300 stores nationwide, creating over 2,000 new jobs as we bring Wickes’ distinctive offer to new locations up and down the UK.”





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Westgate Oxford opens new store with designer line-up

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The popular shopping centre in Oxford’s Queen Street already has an exciting mix of shops on offer, from first-class dining options to familiar high street favourites and world-renowned brands.

Now, the Westgate has welcomed the latest addition to its retail offering, as David Clulow opticians opened on Friday, June 26.

READ MORE: All train lines closed out of Oxford for works from tonight

The eye health specialist store showcases the brand’s modernised retail format, with state-of-the-art testing rooms and improved accessibility.

It’s broad product range also includes designer frames from the likes of Chanel, Prada and Ray-Ban.

Westgate Oxford.The hoardings ahead of the opening of the new store at Westgate Oxford (Image: Newsquest)

The store is the latest edition to David Clulow’s store collection which is hosted in nearly 30 cities and shopping centres across the UK.

The introduction of the new shop is the latest in a long line of recent Westgate comings and goings in recent months.

Shoe chain Russell & Bromley has departed its ground-floor store, leaving the unit empty, after the brand fell into administration.

READ MORE: Abingdon police seek to identify man who ‘frequents’ park

Similarly, Claire’s has also closed at the Westgate after the beauty and accessory brand also collapsed into administration.

Last month, the new Lego store opened on the ground floor of the centre, welcoming queues of shoppers at its grand opening event.

Oliver Bonas also recently moved from its home on the ground floor to a much larger unit on the middle floor, near the Queen Street and Bonn Square entrance.





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Armed Forces and veterans travel for free with Stagecoach

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The scheme, designed to support attendance at Armed Forces Day events, will be in effect across the UK on June 27 and June 28.

It applies to all Stagecoach services except those operated by Megabus, Transport for London and the Bee Network.

To access free travel, serving military should wear uniform or present a valid military ID card, and veterans should present a veteran’s badge or military medal.

Martin Gibbon, managing director of Stagecoach West, said: “Our Armed Forces have given so much to protect our country, and offering free travel over this weekend is just a small gesture of our immense gratitude.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for our service people, past and present, to attend local events and celebrate with their communities.”

Stagecoach’s ongoing support for the military community includes similar free travel schemes on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday.

The company’s Veterans Network also offers a platform for veterans and service families within the business to connect and shape a more supportive workplace.

Stagecoach was awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2024 in recognition of its commitment to supporting the military community.

Mr Gibbon said: “Through our Veterans Network, we are dedicated to ensuring Stagecoach remains a deeply supportive environment for the military community, both as passengers and as valued colleagues.”

Stagecoach has backed the Armed Forces Covenant since 2015.





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Banbury’s Prodrive partners with BMMC to support marshals

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Banbury-based Prodrive has joined forces with the British Motorsports Marshals Club (BMMC) in a new three-year partnership to back the more than 3,000 marshals represented by the BMMC.

Easily recognised by their trademark orange overalls, marshals play a critical role in the safe operation of racing events across circuits, rally stages, and hill climbs throughout the UK.

David Richards, chairman of Prodrive, said: “Motorsport simply wouldn’t happen without marshals.

“They are the backbone of our sport, giving their time, commitment and passion to ensure events run safely and successfully.”

The partnership will focus on raising awareness of the marshals’ work using the idea of ‘British Racing Orange’ and aims to strengthen the connection between the sport and its volunteer workforce.

It will also support the BMMC’s efforts to recruit, train, and equip new and existing marshals.

Chris Hobson, chair of the BMMC, said: “Marshals are one of the most visible and vital parts of motorsport.

“Our partnership with Prodrive will help us continue training and equipping marshals, helping them stay safe every time they are trackside.

“By working together, we can inspire more people to discover marshalling and join the BMMC.”

While Prodrive’s factory programmes compete globally across disciplines including endurance racing, rally-raid and beyond, the company remains deeply connected to the UK motorsport ecosystem and the marshal community that supports it.





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