Now that's convenient! Asda to create 10,000 new convenience store jobs

Asda has announced an ambitious plan to create 10,000 new convenience store jobs over the next four years as it accelerates the rollout of its new Asda Express store concept.

Today Asda opened its second Asda Express convenience store and confirmed its plans to open 300 more by the end of 2026, to bring Asda value and its great products to even more customers and local communities all over the UK.

With sales in convenience stores forecast to grow by 13% to over £50bn by 2027, the development of a new Asda store network in this market is a key part of Asda’s long-term growth strategy to become the UK’s second largest supermarket.

Asda is looking to bring the Express concept to customers in convenient neighbourhood and residential settings, especially in areas where there isn't a nearby Asda store. The second Express store to open is part of a residential development in Tottenham Hale, north London, adjacent to the tube and overground railway station.

Each Asda Express store is designed to cater for a broad range of customer requirements and needs, including ‘top up’ shops for essential items like milk and bread, grabbing a spot of lunch on the go, or buying the fresh ingredients to cook a dinner from scratch.

The Asda Express stores will stock around 3,000 products, including a comprehensive range of fresh, ambient and chilled groceries, plus products from Asda’s premium Extra Special range and a broad selection of beers, wines and spirits.

Customers will also enjoy a range of hot and cold ‘food for now’ options from Asda and partner brands such as Leon, plus ‘food for later’ choices like ready meals, pizzas, stir frys and a selection of £10 meal deals for two people. Asda’s ‘toyou’ parcel collection and return services and a rapid delivery service through Uber Eats will also be available in some of the stores.

Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner said: “A key part of our growth strategy is to provide customers with more opportunities to shop at Asda closer to where they live or work. With over three quarters of the UKs population having visited a convenience store in the last 12 months, the potential for growth in this market is really significant. Our ambition is to become the convenience destination of choice by providing shoppers great value and a comprehensive, convenient range of products and services under one roof.” 

The target of 300 Asda Express stores by the end of 2026 does not include the convenience stores Asda is acquiring from the Co-op. This deal is currently going through the CMA’s normal competition review process.

www.asda.co.uk

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Britain Loves Baking founder to give away 75% of new start-up Cakery Wonderland

The founder of Britain Loves Baking announced that he is giving away 75% of his latest new bakery start-up, Cakery Wonderland. The concept is a new afternoon tea delivery service, and it will be given to a young talented baker or pastry chef. This exciting new opportunity was announced on the company's website and job postings on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with over 300 applicants applying within less than 24 hours.

Britain Loves Baking is a purpose driven enterprise, its aim is to help create a world where no one goes hungry. Since its inception in June 2020, the company has donated over 10,000 baked goods to the homeless in Leicester as part of its social purpose. It's helped over 4,000 people who suffer with their mental health by giving them a mindful baking box free of charge.

Cakery Wonderland is the first in-house venture setup with a loan provided by the founder Greg Wixted, a serial entrepreneur and lecturer in entrepreneurship. Within four months it was profitable. Now he plans to give up to 75% of it away, as he looks for a young chef who wants to run their own business and is passionate about finding ways to help eradicate food hunger and poverty.

As the advert stated: "This not a job offer, one applicant will become owner and director from day one." 

Its new owner will get three months intense business training on a programme designed to help them grow an impactful venture. They will have their own kitchen within Britain Loves Baking's London- based production facility for up to one year, along with access to its supply chain and suppliers. 

The chosen applicant will be mentored by Wixted and his team and supported by a year of management, hospitality and industry courses to support them in their role.

The idea came about after Britain Loves Baking spent some time working with Re-London to create a more sustainable business model. Like its sister company, Cakery Wonderland will put 10% of its revenue to fund grants for disadvantaged young people with a great purpose driven, food based, new business idea.

Commenting on the announcement, CEO and founder Greg Wixted said: "We firmly believe in putting people and purpose before profits and shareholders. If we're to help end food poverty, we must embrace new business ideas like this. We must invest in helping purpose driven food entrepreneurs who will go on to help others and help create a world where no one goes hungry."

Applicants wishing to apply will be interviewed, and the successful candidates will take part in a challenging bake-off. The final chosen candidate will spend a paid week in the business before delivering a final pitch on their vision for the concept. The process itself will be fun and educational.

The company is looking to have its new owner in place by the beginning of this month, December. Anyone over the age of 18 and with 18 months to two years of baking or catering experience, formally or informally taught was invited to apply.

https://britainlovesbaking.com/collections/cakery-wonderland