Big expansion in The Works

Discount chain The Works plans to create another 600 jobs – nine years after it went bust. The firm, which sells everything from arts and crafts to books and toys, is investing £5.3million in 60 new stores over the next year. The roll-out is part of plans to expand the chain from 398 to 650 outlets by 2022. It’s a far cry from 2008, when The Works, laden with debts, plunged into administration. It was bought for £15m by private equity firm Endless and executive chairman Anthony Solomon. It has bounced back, with sales up 9% to £154m in the year to this April, and profits up a third to £12.7m. Boss Kevin Keaney said: “These are exciting times.”