James’ Places Creates 180 New Jobs In Clitheroe Area

Lancashire-based hospitality group James’ Places is investing in the local economy and community, creating 180 new jobs by the end of 2017.

Its latest business venture, Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, includes a function room, café, shop, gelateria, the Beer Hall which houses what is believed to be the longest bar in Britain, and the Bowland Brewery, as well as a 41 bedroom apart-hotel due to open during the summer. It is expected to bring a welcome tourism boost to the wider Ribble Valley and Forest of Bowland areas and will provide a range of new roles from apprenticeships to management, both full and part time.

The latest addition to the Holmes Mill complex is The Food Hall, due to open next month. It will showcase a selection of locally produced food and drink, supporting the local economy providing a fantastic shop window for the area.

The hospitality group currently employs 360 members of staff across its eight unique and individual venues and provides opportunities for employees to progress and make their way up the career ladder within the organisation.

Said Carol Sleet, previously general manager at the Emporium and now group operations director: “James’ Places has provided me with the opportunity to grow and develop my career.

“Each day has its twists and turns, no two days are the same for me and I love it – working at James’ Places is forever changing!”

As James’ Places has grown, so have some of its supplier businesses and tradesmen who have worked with the group over the years.

Heidi Kettle is the group marketing manager. She said: “There are guys who worked on our first venue The Emporium 20 years ago who are now working on the Holmes Mill renovation. We always have and always will use local tradesman – there are no big national contractors on our projects. This way, everyone involved in transforming the building has a stake in it and will hopefully support our businesses in the future as customers going along with friends and family.

“Similarly, there are suppliers who gave business founder James Warburton a chance when he was starting out with The Emporium and we make a point of still using them today. It’s about conducting our business in a ‘gentlemanly’ way.”

As well as Holmes Mill, James’ Places has The Emporium in Clitheroe, and other Ribble Valley venues the Waddington Arms, Waddington; Mitton Hall, Mitton; Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green; and Eaves Hall, West Bradford. Falcon Manor at Settle, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and The Royal Hotel at Kirkby Lonsdale are also in the group.

For career opportunities within the business, visit http://www.jamesplaces.co.uk/opportunities