New jobs in pipeline in Stafford as recession fades away

FIFTY-five jobs are to be created by a Stafford-based plant hire business which is benefiting from a post-recession boost.

“During the recession the industry was focusing on who was the cheapest supplier,” said Rob Winstanley, financial controller of AP Webb.

“Now they’re looking at who is the most reliable and they’re willing to pay a little more, and we like to think we provide the best service.”

The jobs will be created with the help of the Regional Growth Fund and the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

AP Webb of Common Road, Stafford, is planning a major investment programme which is forecast to create 55 jobs over the next two years.

The growth is being made possible through the support of the Chambers’ Commerce Jobs and Growth Fund which targets job creation within Staffordshire companies.

It has so far invested £2.5 million in projects which are forecast to create more than 870 jobs.

“The Staffordshire economy is on the up and we are delighted to be able to support forward-thinking companies such as AP Webb,” said Matt Hustwit, Jobs and Growth Fund Programme manager at the Chambers of Commerce.

“With around two thirds of the programme funding committed we are on track to reach our target of 900 jobs.

“There are still nine months for companies in the county to make a bid and we are urging them to get in touch.”

Applications are assessed by the Chambers of Commerce before going forward to the Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership board for approval.

A P Webb, a supplier of specialist construction and rail plant founded in 1971, currently employs 80 people at its Common Road site.

Mr Winstanley added: “We are at a stage where we want to grow and need investment.

“The kind of plant and equipment we deal with isn’t cheap, so the grant is a significant help.

“Clearly, if we invest in more plant we’ll need more people to operate it and that creates jobs.”

Meanwhile, up to 50 new jobs are set to be created with the expansion of a homecare franchise.

HomeInstead Senior Care is looking to recruit new caregivers to cope with a huge increase in demand for its services.

The jobs will be created in the Newport, Gnosall and Bridgnorth areas.