Heron Foods has announced it will open 30 new stores this year following B&M’s £152m takeover in August 2017.

The discount convenience store group owns 250 stores and operates predominately in the North of England, employing 3,800 people.

The group is now looking to expand further south with new stores opening in Luton and Milton Keynes, and further sites planned for South Wales later this year.

Heron Foods is planning to recruit around 500 new members of staff, throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Greater Manchester, Northumberland, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and South Wales, by the end of July. Jobs will also be available at the company’s warehouse and distribution centre in Melton, near Hull.

Heron Foods managing director Tony Dobbs said: “At a time when many other retailers are struggling or downsizing their operations, we want people to know that we have loads of great opportunities for careers, and importantly development and progression.”