80 jobs snapped up with growing firms

Nearly 80 jobs have been created by three different companies in Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Fifty of the new jobs have been created in Welshpool thanks to the opening of a new Marston's restaurant, which opened yesterday, while a further 20 jobs have been created at Built Offsite Limited in Shawbury. Eight jobs have also been created at a dairy farm in Hadnall.

Bosses of the eatery in Welshpool, the Smithfield Bell, said more than 1,000 people applied for the 50 full and part-time positions on offer, with manager Mark Watson and his wife, Sarah, spending 12 hours ringing applicants.

Mr Watson said: "On one day alone, our two phones were ringing people back from 8.30am until 11pm. It was quite incredible. The phones have not stopped ringing since we started recruiting."

Mr Watson has 17 years experience in the pub trade and has come to Welshpool from a Marston's restaurant in Hull.

He said: "It is important to point out that we are an eatery and not a pub with our drinks priced higher than many town centre pubs.

"My first impression of Welshpool is positive – it is a very nice town and the Smithfield Bell will bring something extra to it."

Meanwhile, 20 jobs are being created at Built Offsite Limited which has won approval to expand. Bosses are set to increase the workforce from 88 to 108.

The firm, which makes modular buildings and was formed in 2004, has a growing order book. Built Offsite's core business is production of buildings for the education and healthcare sectors.

Eight new jobs are also set to be created at a dairy farm in Hadnall. Shropshire Council has approved plans to create a new dairy unit on land off The Sheepcotes.

Bosses at the Sansaw Estate want to build the dairy unit so they can provide milk to local cheese makers Joseph Heler, of Nantwich.