CHRIS Hughes is the manager of Swindon’s new Marks & Spencer Simply Food store.

The shop, which is due to open on January 15 at Mannington Retail Park, will bring 70 new jobs to the area.

Chris said: “I’m excited to be taking on the role of managing a new store and it’s a privilege to be leading a new store for Swindon.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of managing a large team, helping to ensure the store is running efficiently and making sure we are providing our customers with the best possible service.

“I’m delighted to say that a large majority of our 70 employees are from Swindon. It’s important for the store that we employ local people as we want to be part of the community. Swindon is a great town and we’ve already had a warm welcome from local people and businesses so we can’t wait to open.”

Originally from Reading, Chris joined his local M&S store in 2000 as a part-time customer assistant while completing his A-levels.

Since finishing school, he has worked his way up through the company taking on more senior roles including section co-ordinator and section manager of food at M&S Reading, before moving to M&S Cribbs Causeway in Bristol and then transferring to food commercial manager at M&S Broadmead.

Most recently, Chris has been the store manager of M&S Devizes, providing him with the key skills required for his new role in Swindon.

“Marks & Spencer has always played a large part in my life, ever since I was a young boy, so it seemed the natural step for me to join the company after leaving school,” said Chris.

“M&S is a fantastic company to work for and it’s been fulfilling to work my way up to store manager level.”

Chris said he was yet to see inside the new store so was looking forward to getting the keys the week before the launch.

“I can’t wait to see how our customers like our brand new store. There will be lots for them to enjoy at our opening event, including the chance to win a share of £1,000 worth of M&S Gift Cards with Jack FM.”

The new M&S Mannington Retail Park store will offer customers more than 4,500 food and drink lines, as well as a 48-seat cafe and an in-store bakery. It will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.