The Co-op has announced plans to invest more than £8 million in new stores in the South West, creating 250 new jobs.

The convenience store retailer, which already has 300 stores in the South West employing around 5,000 colleagues, plans to open at least ten new shops at sites in Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall* this year, with 25 new full and part time jobs created at each new outlet.

Co-op Group CEO Richard Pennycook said: “We are delighted to be making such a significant investment in the South West of England. New stores, more jobs, innovative partnerships with local suppliers and a £125m investment nationally in lowering the price of everyday essentials is great news for customers and communities across the South West and beyond. It’s a positive sign that we are getting on with the job of rebuilding the Co-op for our members.”

Business Minister, Anna Soubry MP, welcomed the investment: “Employment is up in the South West by over 200,000 since 2010 and I’m thrilled to see Co-op creating another 250 jobs for local people. Investments like these power our national economy and benefit local communities.

“We have committed £775 million in Local Growth Deals to the region as part of our long term plan to boost growth and jobs – it’s a great place to do business.”

In addition to investing in its food stores, the Co-op will also spend £4 million on 30 new funeral homes, creating an additional 60 new jobs.

The Co-op is a community retailer committed to playing an active role in local life wherever we are. Our new stores and funeral homes will form hubs for local communities giving members and customers the opportunity to find out what is going on locally and connect with local groups.

The Co-op is the fastest growing non-discounter food store according to latest retail data released by Kantar Worldpanel**: the community retailer has grown its Loved by us and Truly Irresistible own-label sales by 7%, with sales of fresh and chilled produce growing fastest. As consumers increasingly shop little, often and conveniently, The Co-op is also confirmed as the most frequently visited major supermarket.

**Data released by Kantar worldpanel on 9 February 2016

* Predicted new store sites:

1. Weston, Southampton

2. Swindon, Highdown Way

3. Norton St Philip

4. Eggbuckland, Plymouth

5. Upton, Poole

6. Purton

7. Shillingstone

8. Sturminster Marshall

9. Wyke Regis

10. Salcombe

11. St Dennis

12. Bovey Tracey

13. Livermead, Torquay

14. Monkton, Heathfield