AWARD winning young retailer Jonathan Rose has been highlighted by MP Andrew Miller as the type of young person who will be key to the future economic success of Ellesmere Port.

Jonathan, 19, of Stanney Oaks, Ellesmere Port, a supervisor at TM Lewin, received an impressive four awards in a joint presentation ceremony between Cheshire Oaks Retail Academy (CORA) and West Cheshire College, as well as being named Retail Student of the Year at the College’s own annual awards ceremony.

The academy was founded in conjunction with Cheshire Oaks developers McArthur Glen, West Cheshire College, JobCentre Plus, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village and Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council and retailers to ensure local people had the skills needed to provide a trained and motivated pool of staff for the retail outlet.

Mr Miller said: “CORA developed as a germ of an idea a few years ago because a group of us were concerned that although the Cheshire Oaks development was wonderful news for the area, it was essential local people could provide the work force needed to fill the jobs.

“We knew it would be the people of Ellesmere Port and the surrounding areas that would be the customers as well as the employees so we needed to ensure we all worked to focus on the businesses – and the people who would make them successful.

“It is young people like Jonathan who will drive our economy into the black again through providing the skills needed for successful businesses.

“These are challenging times but training must continue. People like Jonathan should be proud and carry on.”

Jonathan, who initially went into 6th form after GCSEs but realised it wasn’t for him, took a job at Cheshire Oaks while he decided what to do.

When he joined TM Lewin three years ago he jumped at the chance to undergo training and in just a few years his commitment and success has seen him land a supervisor’s post.

He said: “It’s been an ideal route for me. I liked the style of learning because it was relevant to me and I enjoy my work. I’m planning to continue because I’d like to reach the CORA gold standard award.”

Ambitious Jonathan hopes his training success and commitment will help him achieve his initial ambition to become manager of his own store, followed by a move into area management.

He said: “I have a real sense of achievement and am determined to continue.”