MORE than 1000 people have joined a jobs stampede as preparations are made to launch a new, multi-million pound car showroom in Glasgow.

 

Motor dealer Peter Vardy plans to recruit 70 staff but has ended up with 14 times as many applications for a variety of posts, ranging from sales executives to apprentice technicians.

The jobs rush saw up to 650 hopefuls attending two recruitment fairs, with hundreds of other applying direct to the company to work in its new flagship CarStore, which is due to open at Hillington in the run up to Christmas.

The recruitment events were organised by Jade Hazard, who said the company was delighted with the level of interest shown.

Ms Hazard said: "The quality of candidate has been exceptionally high so it will be a tough decision to pick the right 70 people."

The lucky candidates will be based in a new showroom displaying more than 400 second- hand cars on a six-acre site.

Chief executive Peter Vardy, who launched the dealership in 2006, said: "With this fantastic new CarStore, Peter Vardy Ltd is changing the face of the motor trade in Scotland. It is designed to be a destination dealership, where people can take their time in comfortable surroundings to find the car of their dreams.

"So it is of primary importance that we cast our net as wide as we can to find the right people to help us carry this project forward.

"We have been overwhelmed at the intense interest which has been shown so far. We can't wait for the CarStore to open for business in December."

Other jobs up for grabs at the site include parts advisors and supervisors, service administrators, showroom hosts, technicians, vehicle progressors, workshop controllers, sales controllers, sales manager, vehicle administrators, accounts assistants, apprentice technicians and drivers."

The 33-year-old businessman is currently transforming the former flagship InStyle furniture store, which he acquired last year after its parent company R&M Deluxe Group went into voluntary administration with substantial debts.

The building, near the Braehead shopping complex, was put up for sale last September by the joint administrators. The selling price was never disclosed. Mr Vardy has since spent several millions of pounds transforming the glass-fronted building which lies next to the busy M8.

The new recruits are expected to be chosen shortly as final preparations are made to open the showroom and move the dealership's headquarters from its current Queenslie location to the former furniture store.

Mr Vardy currently employs 680 workers across 10 sites.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk