Bidfood looking to recruit after opening new Penrith depot

Foodservice provider Bidfood is looking to recruit drivers and warehouse staff at its newly opened depot in Penrith, Cumbria.

The depot was purchased from AF Blakemore & Son, which is part of Spar UK.

It includes a 21,357ft² ambient centre and 5,078ft² freezer development. It will be used to service Bidfood customers in the region and as a base from which to expand the company’s footprint in the north of England.

The company said it will continue to employ staff already employed at the depot, as part of the deal, but will also look to boost staff numbers.

Norman Wemyss, COO at Bidfood, said: “In order for Bidfood to continue to meet local caterers’ needs, it’s vital for us to offer a truly local service, with the majority of our depots no more than 80 miles away from our customers.

"The investment into the new Penrith depot will help us to continue to deliver this.”

Alan Joyce, Penrith depot general manager, said: “Penrith is strategically placed so that we can improve our service offering into the surrounding areas of Keswick, Windermere, Carlisle, Workington and Penrith.”

Bidfood runs 22 depots across the UK and is authorised to run more than 500 trucks and 160 trailers.