Life at the Top
When Mike Jones got his first job in retail on his sixteenth birthday, working in the food department at Littlewoods in South Wales, little did he know that he would end up running a £200 million flagship shopping centre that would be a catalyst for the redevelopment of Plymouth and a major contributor to the economy of the South West.
Mike is the general manager for Drake Circus, which is due to open in Plymouth city centre on 5th October this year. He has enjoyed a wide and varied career in retail both at home and abroad, but he very nearly became a computer expert – he studied Computer Science at the University of Central England. “I enjoyed the challenge of the course, and I’ve always been a bit of a techie, but I realised that the folk on the course with me were not my kind of people – I was somehow influenced by my first forays into retail and decided that there was where my career path lay,” said Mike.
When Mike graduated in 1988 he joined Littlewoods on its management training scheme. He held a number of management roles with the company and in 1991 he was chosen for a six-month secondment that saw him set-up the first Littlewoods store in Russia, in St. Petersburg.
His secondment was a huge success and gave him the bug for working in retail overseas.
He returned to the UK where he managed stores all over the UK, ending up at a top 25 store in Oxford until Littlewoods was put up for sale.
Then came one of the most exciting periods in Mike’s career when he was employed by prestigious Arab family Al Futtaim. Al Futtaim secured the rights to introduce Marks & Spencer to the Arabian Gulf, and Mike set up the first Marks & Spencer store in the Arab world in Dubai in August 1997.
He spent five years in the Middle East with Al Futtaim, establishing Marks & Spencer stores in Bahrain and Qatar.
Said Mike: “It was great experience to be able to establish such an internationally-recognised UK brand as Marks & Spencer in a part of the world where it had not been before. It was a truly international challenge – we had 15 nationalities in the Dubai store alone – and I enjoyed developing a working environment that embraced many different cultures.”
It was during his spell in the Middle East that Mike met his wife-to-be, Sarah, and they decided to return home to get married and join the UK property ladder.
On his return, Mike became manager of the Marks & Spencer store in Plymouth, pursued his interest in rugby (as a good Welshman!) and he and Sarah had their first child, Gabriella, in April of this year.
Marks & Spencer is an important element of the new Drake Circus development, and as such Mike became involved with it at an early stage. He said: “Marks & Spencer are establishing their Drake Circus store as a flagship store, and it will be the largest south of Bristol. My involvement with Marks & Spencer meant that I had an early insight into how important Drake Circus would be for Plymouth and the region, and it whetted my appetite.”
Indeed, so keen was Mike on the Drake Circus scheme that he saw it as the next step in developing an already diverse career in the retail sector. He commented: “After two years of working with the Drake Circus team while at Marks & Spencer, I decided that the next logical step for my retail career would be to enter shopping centre management.”
Mike was successful with this move and took up his current post in January of this year.
Since then, his sole objective has been to ensure that Drake Circus will open on 5th October with all its policies, strategies, facilities and staff in place – and it is a big job. The centre, which includes elements of architectural design that reflect the landscape and culture of the region, will be like a small city within the city of Plymouth. Its 48 shops and restaurants will employ in the region of 2000 members of staff and, while visitor numbers are unknown at present, is likely to attract thousands of visitors every day.
It is currently being developed by P&O Estates Limited, on behalf of Morgan Stanley Real Estate Finance, which has invested £200 million to fund the project.
Its importance to Plymouth and to the regional economy is reflected in the mix of retailers that have already signed up to Drake Circus including Marks & Spencer with an extended and refurbished, 120,000 sq ft (11,148 sq m) flag ship store, Next, Primark, Jane Norman, Sole Trader, Clinton Cards, River Island, Schuh, Bershka, Zara, Fraser Hart, O2, and Carphone Warehouse, with more names yet to sign up.
In addition to the retail space, there will be attractive public areas which will feature specially commissioned works of public art. These include glass artwork granite designed by pupils of Pilgrim Primary School in Plymouth and which will have a maritime theme, and set into the granite floor, a creative writing installation produced with the help of students from Lipson Community College, and the re-instatement of the mural inspired by sixteenth-century maps of Plymouth which was installed within the original Drake Circus shopping centre and which is being lovingly restored by the original artist, Philippa Threlfall.
There will also be 1270 new car parking spaces as part of the Drake Circus development.
Said Mike: “Drake Circus will look great, feel great and be a superb boost to Plymouth and the region, which is why my team and I have to work hard to get the customer experience right. We’re doing this by working with the retailers who will form Drake Circus, by working with the local authority and the police to create a safe and secure centre, and by working with facilities partners to ensure that there is always a pleasant and clean environment to be enjoyed.”
Without doubt, Drake Circus will transform Plymouth city centre and create a cutting edge retail experience that can be enjoyed by the whole of the South West and visitors to the region. The job of running it is a challenge, but one which Mike feels more than ready to rise to: “The local newspaper recently described Drake Circus as the jewel in the crown. My job, and the job of the Drake Circus team and all those involved in the project, is to make sure that the centre remains a jewel and will go on to play an important part in the life and economy of Plymouth and the region as a whole.”
The latest
Please select a story below:
DRAKE CIRCUS AND POLICE WORK TOGETHER ON DOG TRAINING
Drake Circus and the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are working together to fight drug and terror crime by using the mall for real time, real life training for police dog handlers and their animals.The mall is used to teach police dogs how to work in a crowd, and how to use their highly tuned sense of smell to pick up on drug and terror offences before they happen. The police patrol the mall with the dogs and various possible scenarios are acted out. By placing the scenarios in a real environment, the dogs are better prepared to handle real life situations when they occur. Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Circus, said: “Until this May we probably felt that we were immune to the worst drug and terror crimes, but what took place in Exeter was a frightening wake-up call. It is vital that the police and their dogs get as much practice as possible in real life situations, so that they are really prepared for what may happen. The feedback we have received from the police is that our collaboration is extremely helpful and effective, and we are very pleased to be doing our bit to ensure the safety of the general public.”
Read more
PLYMOUTH’S KELLY IN LINE FOR FACE OF PASSION
Kelly Bance, 18, assistant manager at Passion for Perfume in Drake Circus, has reached the final of the company’s national Face of Passion competition.
Read more
FULL DRAKE CIRCUS BEATS DOWNTURN
Despite the much-publicised downturn in the economy, Drake Circus is now fully let just 19 months after the centre opened. Surf wear and equipment retailer Salt Rock has completed the lettings at Drake Circus, where the store joins over 60 other shops, cafes and services. The business is based in North Devon ‘run by surfers for surfers’. It celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and it has stores in Croyde and Braunton while it’s branded clothing and accessories are sold in over 300 stores nationwide.The aim was to have Drake Circus fully let in two years and the team has beaten this target. Plymouth and the surrounding area now has a full retail offering at Drake Circus, which is good news for local shoppers and the economy. Drake Circus remains a popular destination for locals and visitors. Since it opened the mall has been visited by 27.5 million people and it is 14 per cent ahead of its visitor numbers for the same time last year. Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Circus, said: “We are delighted that we have achieved full occupancy ahead of schedule. We welcome Salt Rock to the Drake Circus family and we hope that the store does well here.”
Read more
UNCLAIMED LOST PROPERTY GOES TO GOOD HOME
Big-hearted bosses at Drake Circus have found a good home for unclaimed lost property – by donating it to the Shekinah Mission for the homeless, addicted and marginalised. Lost property is kept at Drake Circus for one month. During that time, every effort is made to trace the owners, and in the case of lost credit cards they are destroyed on the day and the bank contacted. The team at Drake Circus have thought long and hard about what to do with the large amounts of lost property left behind at Drake Circus, and the general consensus was that the Shekinah Mission in Bath Street would be a suitable recipient. The charity collects the items of lost property once a month. Items are displayed at the Mission and users of its services can choose whatever they need. In the case of unclaimed cash, the charity signs for it and puts it towards funding for its excellent work.The work of the Shekinah Mission includes the provision of support and services to homeless, addicted and marginalised people. The charity runs a drop-in centre which can feed around 45 people. This opens at 9.15am and users can get a shower, a change of clothes and a free cup of tea and cereal or porridge. A cooked breakfast is available for £1.25. From 10.30am anyone can come to the drop-in centre and book lunch, which is £1.00 for a three-course meal. The Shekinah Mission also runs a night shelter for up to 10 men and two women. This is open from 8.00pm until lunchtime the following day. The charity also runs safe and dry supported accommodation for the vulnerable. In addition to these services, the charity also provides training in building-based skills, computing, personal development, literacy, numeracy, art and craft, life skills and tracing a family tree. Following training, users of the charity’s services can enter sheltered, part-time employment making slate boxes, wooden fireplaces and other items which are for sale at the charity’s shop. As a Christian charity, Bible study and prayer are available for those who would like it. Glynis Middleton, administrator at the Shekinah Mission, commented: “We were delighted to receive the call from Drake Circus. People may not miss their lost property, but for our service users the items they leave behind are precious and useful. Our thanks go to the team at Drake Circus for coming up with this fantastic idea.” Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Circus, added: “We often find ourselves with quite a lot of unclaimed lost property. Rather than throw it away we thought we would donate it to a good cause, and I am very pleased that we have chosen the Shekinah Mission which provides such a vital service to vulnerable people in Plymouth.
Read more
DRAKE CIRCUS FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS
Shopping centre wipes the board at national Loo of the Year Awards The loos at Drake Circus shopping centre have been identified as the best place in the South West for a comfort break, after it was announced that the centre’s lavatories have won four national Loo of the Year Awards. It is the first year that Drake Circus has been judged in this competition. It was the only shopping centre in the South West to achieve an overall five-star award, the topmost ranking for the awards. It also received the Family Friendly Facilities Award, while its environmental team achieved the Attendant of the Year Award. Its disabled facilities, which are one of only 30 locations nationwide to be fitted with a fully accessible toilet with an adult changing bed and overhead hoist and the only facility of its kind in the South West, won the Changing Places Award. The Loo of the Year Awards and associated Attendant of the Year Awards for cleaning staff, have been identifying the best in the UK since 1987 and are recognised as the standard for all those who provide ‘away from home’ facilities for staff, customers and visitors. Drake Circus received an unannounced visit from an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector and was assessed against a wide range of judging criteria – including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management. Nearly 1500 entries were received this year, across the 57 separate entry categories of the competition. Paul Francis, facilities manager at Drake Circus, commented: “When we opened the centre, people were very impressed with our loos and, thanks to the ongoing hard work of our team, we have continued to deliver the ‘wow’ factor. My thanks go to all my colleagues, who have quite rightly been recognised with the Attendant of the Year Award and who continue to make Drake Circus the best place in Plymouth for a comfort break.” More information is available by calling 01752 223030.
Read more
VISITOR INFORMATION POINT AT WATERSTONES
Waterstone’s at Drake Circus has been chosen by VisitBritain (the national body promoting tourism both in the UK and abroad) as one of three stores in the UK to pilot a new information service for visitors to the area. Visitors can now drop into Waterstone’s to pick up a leaflet on where to stay, attractions and events as well as purchase local guidebooks and maps. Information about holidays in England will shortly be available. Clint Jones, Manager at Waterstone’s Drake Circus, says “we like to think we are at the heart of our local community and we think this is a great idea to enhance our visitors shopping experience.” He goes on to say “the staff here are working closely with Plymouth Tourist Information Centre to ensure that they are able to answer visitor’s enquiries. If they require more detailed information they are referred to the Tourist Information Centre at the Mayflower Centre which offers a range of services; including a free accommodation booking service, discounted tickets as well as expert local advice on what to see and do.”
Read more
TOBY HULL AND EMU
Toby Hull and Emu made a guest appreance in Drake Circus this weekend entertaining our customers.
Read more
AWARD WINNING CAR WASH
Congratulations to Alan Beal and his team at Caribbean Car Wash for winning the Best New Business of the Year Award at The Herald Business of the Year Awards 2007.The winners of the awards were announced on Thursday 15th Nov at a black-tie dinner at the Holiday Inn in front of Plymouth's political and business leaders.
Read more
MINI WINNER ANNOUNCED
The winner of the Drake Circus first anniversary MINI One competition has been announced. The lucky individual is Judith Bray, 59, who comes from Yealmpton and who works as an occupational therapist at South Hams Community Hospital. Said Judith: “When I got the news that I had won I was amazed and delighted – I couldn’t believe it. Everybody I’ve spoken to has said that it is nice to know that people actually win such things!” She added: “I am a great fan of Drake Circus and often come into the centre to do my shopping.”
Read more
WIN A MINI!
There’s just one month to go before Drake Circus celebrates its first anniversary, but already the mall is getting into the party mood by offering shoppers the opportunity to win a fantastic MINI One in a superb birthday draw.
Read more
ARE YOU A SHOPAHOLIC?
Do you lust after shoes and chase the latest fashions? Are you happiest searching the rails for the next great look? Do you know the cost of those must-have items without even looking at the label?
Read more
NATIONAL AWARD FOR DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus shopping centre has been awarded another prestigious national award.
Read more
FAMILY SAFE HOLIDAYS
DRAKE CIRCUS SHOPPING CENTRE SUPPORTS FAMILY SAFE HOLIDAY INITIATIVEDrake Circus Shopping Centre has joined forces with ABTA and Child Safe to support the nationwide launch of a new family safety initiative called ‘Family Safe Holidays’. This free service, being launched by ABTA in conjunction with Child Safe, will provide families with help, advice and accessories to help keep their valuables, family and, in particular, their children safe on holiday, both at home and abroad. The Family Safe Holidays initiative is an extension of Drake Circus Shopping Centre Child Safe Shopping scheme, which already provides wristbands and signage to help customers.
Read more
TV STYLE GURU COMES TO DRAKE CIRCUS
Patrick Swan, style guru to the stars and TV personality, is visiting Drake Circus on Saturday 23rd June to offer advice and top fashion tips to the region’s fashion-hungry shoppers.
Read more
AIR SOUTHWEST COMES TO DRAKE CIRCUS
Air Southwest has set up an online travel shop in Plymouth’s Drake Circus shopping centre where shoppers can book their flights on the spot, receive expert travel advice and win free tickets.
Read more
VANQUISH ON DISPLAY
Plymouth lifestyle magazine, Vanquish, is taking over space in Drake Circus for a fantastic lifestyle display over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Read more
IT’S 10 MILLION!
Drake Circus predicts its 10 millionth visitor over the weekend and announces new store openings
Read more
FACE OF PLYMOUTH COMES TO DRAKE CIRCUS
The Face of Plymouth competition has come to Drake Circus.
Read more
EASTER TREASURE HUNT AT DRAKE CIRCUS!
If you’re looking for something to do over the Easter weekend, and you’d like to contribute to a great local charity too, then go to Drake Circus where there will be a treasure hunt in aid of the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.
Read more
DRAKE CIRCUS SUPPORTS COMIC RELIEF
On Friday 16th March, 10 John Kitto Community College students will attempt to row 193 kilometres, the distance from Plymouth to Bristol.
Read more
CUSTOMER CODE OF CONDUCT ANNOUNCED
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DRAKE CIRCUS RETAIL LOCATION OF THE YEAR
Drake Circus has been awarded the Retail Week Shopping Location of the Year award.
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SPRING AT REPUBLIC
Republic is launching its new Spring/Summer collection on 26th March.
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SAFE CAR PARK AWARD FOR DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus has achieved a Park Mark® Safer Parking award under the Safer Parking Scheme, an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), within months of the new centre opening.
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CALLING ALL SMOKERS – MAKE A FRESH START
January. The month of resolutions. And if you are a smoker, more than likely you have made the resolution to give up the evil weed this year. Well, maybe just one more….
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CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW AURIS FROM TOYOTA EXCLUSIVELY AT DRAKE CIRCUS
For one month only, visit the new Auris experience – an exclusive and imaginative showcase from Toyota ‘created around you’
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CHECK OUT VALENTINE'S DAY AT DRAKE CIRCUS
If you want to know what's on offer for Valentine's Day at Drake Circus, then look at our special page in the Woman section of the Western Morning News on Wednesday 24th January.
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FLYING START FOR FIRST DRAKE CIRCUS CHRISTMAS
Drake Circus has had a successful first Christmas, footfall figures released today can reveal.
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HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES AT DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus will be open every day over the holiday period!
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EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM DRAKE CIRCUS TO PLYMOUTH
Plymouth and the region received an early Christmas present from Drake Circus today when it was announced that three new names have signed up for the shopping mall, with another five units in Drake Circus under offer.
Read more
PANDA WON AT DRAKE CIRCUS
The competition to win a new Fiat Panda, organised by Drake Circus and Vospers Fiat, has come to an end and the lucky winner is Mrs Gillian May from Austin Farm, Plymouth.
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MEET ARGYLE PLAYERS AT DRAKE CIRCUS!
Leading members of the Plymouth Argyle team will be visiting Drake Circus to sign autographs.
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SAFE SHOPPING FOR KIDS AT DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus is the first shopping centre in the South West to introduce a pioneering safety scheme designed to protect children who become separated from their parents or guardians.
Read more
SAS WRITER COMES TO WATERSTONES
Author and former member of the SAS, Chris Ryan, will visit Waterstones at Drake Circus in Plymouth, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday 8th November, to sign his latest novel “Ultimate Weapon”.
Read more
DRAKE CIRCUS SAYS NO TO TRUANCY
Mall bosses at Drake Circus have met with the Education Welfare Service at Plymouth City Council to make plans to work together towards zero tolerance for truancy at the shopping centre, starting today, the first day back from half term.
Read more
IT'S ONE MILLION!
Just over two weeks since we opened, and we are expecting our one millionth visitor today.
Read more
RETAIL PROGRESS AT DRAKE CIRCUS
Two weeks on, and the retail mix at Drake Circus continues to make progress.
Read more
Life at the Top
When Mike Jones got his first job in retail on his sixteenth birthday, working in the food department at Littlewoods in South Wales, little did he know that he would end up running a £200 million flagship shopping centre that would be a catalyst for the redevelopment of Plymouth and a major contributor to the economy of the South West.
Read more
Juice Moose Let Loose for Expansion
Juice Moose, the popular organic food and drink business situated on Queen Street opposite Exeter College, has announced that it will be expanding and taking space in the new Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth when it opens on 5th October.
Read more
First Independent Store Gets Keys at Drake Circus
Drakes Fine Jewellers is the first local independent store to have got keys to its new shop in the landmark Drake Circus shopping centre.
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Face of Plymouth
Face of Plymouth winners Louis Stribbling and Lucy Kirk are to play a pivotal role in the official opening of Drake Circus on 5th October.
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Plymouth Mural To Get Pride Of Place At Drake Circus
A much-loved ceramic mural depicting a sixteenth-century map of Plymouth originally created for the old Drake Circus shopping centre, is being renovated by the original artist, ready to be reinstated at the Cornwall Street entrance of the new Drake Circus shopping centre.
Read more
Pilgrim Primary School Seeks Inspiration from Marine Aquarium
Armed with drawing utensils and paper, a Plymouth primary school visited the National Marine Aquarium to help find artistic inspiration for ocean themed glass flooring, which will be taking centre stage inside the new Drake Circus shopping development.
Read more
DRAKE CIRCUS AND POLICE WORK TOGETHER ON DOG TRAINING
Drake Circus and the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary are working together to fight drug and terror crime by using the mall for real time, real life training for police dog handlers and their animals.The mall is used to teach police dogs how to work in a crowd, and how to use their highly tuned sense of smell to pick up on drug and terror offences before they happen. The police patrol the mall with the dogs and various possible scenarios are acted out. By placing the scenarios in a real environment, the dogs are better prepared to handle real life situations when they occur. Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Circus, said: “Until this May we probably felt that we were immune to the worst drug and terror crimes, but what took place in Exeter was a frightening wake-up call. It is vital that the police and their dogs get as much practice as possible in real life situations, so that they are really prepared for what may happen. The feedback we have received from the police is that our collaboration is extremely helpful and effective, and we are very pleased to be doing our bit to ensure the safety of the general public.”
Read more
PLYMOUTH’S KELLY IN LINE FOR FACE OF PASSION
Kelly Bance, 18, assistant manager at Passion for Perfume in Drake Circus, has reached the final of the company’s national Face of Passion competition.
Read more
FULL DRAKE CIRCUS BEATS DOWNTURN
Despite the much-publicised downturn in the economy, Drake Circus is now fully let just 19 months after the centre opened. Surf wear and equipment retailer Salt Rock has completed the lettings at Drake Circus, where the store joins over 60 other shops, cafes and services. The business is based in North Devon ‘run by surfers for surfers’. It celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and it has stores in Croyde and Braunton while it’s branded clothing and accessories are sold in over 300 stores nationwide.The aim was to have Drake Circus fully let in two years and the team has beaten this target. Plymouth and the surrounding area now has a full retail offering at Drake Circus, which is good news for local shoppers and the economy. Drake Circus remains a popular destination for locals and visitors. Since it opened the mall has been visited by 27.5 million people and it is 14 per cent ahead of its visitor numbers for the same time last year. Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Circus, said: “We are delighted that we have achieved full occupancy ahead of schedule. We welcome Salt Rock to the Drake Circus family and we hope that the store does well here.”
Read more
UNCLAIMED LOST PROPERTY GOES TO GOOD HOME
Big-hearted bosses at Drake Circus have found a good home for unclaimed lost property – by donating it to the Shekinah Mission for the homeless, addicted and marginalised. Lost property is kept at Drake Circus for one month. During that time, every effort is made to trace the owners, and in the case of lost credit cards they are destroyed on the day and the bank contacted. The team at Drake Circus have thought long and hard about what to do with the large amounts of lost property left behind at Drake Circus, and the general consensus was that the Shekinah Mission in Bath Street would be a suitable recipient. The charity collects the items of lost property once a month. Items are displayed at the Mission and users of its services can choose whatever they need. In the case of unclaimed cash, the charity signs for it and puts it towards funding for its excellent work.The work of the Shekinah Mission includes the provision of support and services to homeless, addicted and marginalised people. The charity runs a drop-in centre which can feed around 45 people. This opens at 9.15am and users can get a shower, a change of clothes and a free cup of tea and cereal or porridge. A cooked breakfast is available for £1.25. From 10.30am anyone can come to the drop-in centre and book lunch, which is £1.00 for a three-course meal. The Shekinah Mission also runs a night shelter for up to 10 men and two women. This is open from 8.00pm until lunchtime the following day. The charity also runs safe and dry supported accommodation for the vulnerable. In addition to these services, the charity also provides training in building-based skills, computing, personal development, literacy, numeracy, art and craft, life skills and tracing a family tree. Following training, users of the charity’s services can enter sheltered, part-time employment making slate boxes, wooden fireplaces and other items which are for sale at the charity’s shop. As a Christian charity, Bible study and prayer are available for those who would like it. Glynis Middleton, administrator at the Shekinah Mission, commented: “We were delighted to receive the call from Drake Circus. People may not miss their lost property, but for our service users the items they leave behind are precious and useful. Our thanks go to the team at Drake Circus for coming up with this fantastic idea.” Mike Jones, general manager at Drake Circus, added: “We often find ourselves with quite a lot of unclaimed lost property. Rather than throw it away we thought we would donate it to a good cause, and I am very pleased that we have chosen the Shekinah Mission which provides such a vital service to vulnerable people in Plymouth.
Read more
DRAKE CIRCUS FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS
Shopping centre wipes the board at national Loo of the Year Awards The loos at Drake Circus shopping centre have been identified as the best place in the South West for a comfort break, after it was announced that the centre’s lavatories have won four national Loo of the Year Awards. It is the first year that Drake Circus has been judged in this competition. It was the only shopping centre in the South West to achieve an overall five-star award, the topmost ranking for the awards. It also received the Family Friendly Facilities Award, while its environmental team achieved the Attendant of the Year Award. Its disabled facilities, which are one of only 30 locations nationwide to be fitted with a fully accessible toilet with an adult changing bed and overhead hoist and the only facility of its kind in the South West, won the Changing Places Award. The Loo of the Year Awards and associated Attendant of the Year Awards for cleaning staff, have been identifying the best in the UK since 1987 and are recognised as the standard for all those who provide ‘away from home’ facilities for staff, customers and visitors. Drake Circus received an unannounced visit from an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector and was assessed against a wide range of judging criteria – including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management. Nearly 1500 entries were received this year, across the 57 separate entry categories of the competition. Paul Francis, facilities manager at Drake Circus, commented: “When we opened the centre, people were very impressed with our loos and, thanks to the ongoing hard work of our team, we have continued to deliver the ‘wow’ factor. My thanks go to all my colleagues, who have quite rightly been recognised with the Attendant of the Year Award and who continue to make Drake Circus the best place in Plymouth for a comfort break.” More information is available by calling 01752 223030.
Read more
VISITOR INFORMATION POINT AT WATERSTONES
Waterstone’s at Drake Circus has been chosen by VisitBritain (the national body promoting tourism both in the UK and abroad) as one of three stores in the UK to pilot a new information service for visitors to the area. Visitors can now drop into Waterstone’s to pick up a leaflet on where to stay, attractions and events as well as purchase local guidebooks and maps. Information about holidays in England will shortly be available. Clint Jones, Manager at Waterstone’s Drake Circus, says “we like to think we are at the heart of our local community and we think this is a great idea to enhance our visitors shopping experience.” He goes on to say “the staff here are working closely with Plymouth Tourist Information Centre to ensure that they are able to answer visitor’s enquiries. If they require more detailed information they are referred to the Tourist Information Centre at the Mayflower Centre which offers a range of services; including a free accommodation booking service, discounted tickets as well as expert local advice on what to see and do.”
Read more
TOBY HULL AND EMU
Toby Hull and Emu made a guest appreance in Drake Circus this weekend entertaining our customers.
Read more
AWARD WINNING CAR WASH
Congratulations to Alan Beal and his team at Caribbean Car Wash for winning the Best New Business of the Year Award at The Herald Business of the Year Awards 2007.The winners of the awards were announced on Thursday 15th Nov at a black-tie dinner at the Holiday Inn in front of Plymouth's political and business leaders.
Read more
MINI WINNER ANNOUNCED
The winner of the Drake Circus first anniversary MINI One competition has been announced. The lucky individual is Judith Bray, 59, who comes from Yealmpton and who works as an occupational therapist at South Hams Community Hospital. Said Judith: “When I got the news that I had won I was amazed and delighted – I couldn’t believe it. Everybody I’ve spoken to has said that it is nice to know that people actually win such things!” She added: “I am a great fan of Drake Circus and often come into the centre to do my shopping.”
Read more
WIN A MINI!
There’s just one month to go before Drake Circus celebrates its first anniversary, but already the mall is getting into the party mood by offering shoppers the opportunity to win a fantastic MINI One in a superb birthday draw.
Read more
ARE YOU A SHOPAHOLIC?
Do you lust after shoes and chase the latest fashions? Are you happiest searching the rails for the next great look? Do you know the cost of those must-have items without even looking at the label?
Read more
NATIONAL AWARD FOR DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus shopping centre has been awarded another prestigious national award.
Read more
FAMILY SAFE HOLIDAYS
DRAKE CIRCUS SHOPPING CENTRE SUPPORTS FAMILY SAFE HOLIDAY INITIATIVEDrake Circus Shopping Centre has joined forces with ABTA and Child Safe to support the nationwide launch of a new family safety initiative called ‘Family Safe Holidays’. This free service, being launched by ABTA in conjunction with Child Safe, will provide families with help, advice and accessories to help keep their valuables, family and, in particular, their children safe on holiday, both at home and abroad. The Family Safe Holidays initiative is an extension of Drake Circus Shopping Centre Child Safe Shopping scheme, which already provides wristbands and signage to help customers.
Read more
TV STYLE GURU COMES TO DRAKE CIRCUS
Patrick Swan, style guru to the stars and TV personality, is visiting Drake Circus on Saturday 23rd June to offer advice and top fashion tips to the region’s fashion-hungry shoppers.
Read more
AIR SOUTHWEST COMES TO DRAKE CIRCUS
Air Southwest has set up an online travel shop in Plymouth’s Drake Circus shopping centre where shoppers can book their flights on the spot, receive expert travel advice and win free tickets.
Read more
VANQUISH ON DISPLAY
Plymouth lifestyle magazine, Vanquish, is taking over space in Drake Circus for a fantastic lifestyle display over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Read more
IT’S 10 MILLION!
Drake Circus predicts its 10 millionth visitor over the weekend and announces new store openings
Read more
FACE OF PLYMOUTH COMES TO DRAKE CIRCUS
The Face of Plymouth competition has come to Drake Circus.
Read more
EASTER TREASURE HUNT AT DRAKE CIRCUS!
If you’re looking for something to do over the Easter weekend, and you’d like to contribute to a great local charity too, then go to Drake Circus where there will be a treasure hunt in aid of the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.
Read more
DRAKE CIRCUS SUPPORTS COMIC RELIEF
On Friday 16th March, 10 John Kitto Community College students will attempt to row 193 kilometres, the distance from Plymouth to Bristol.
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CUSTOMER CODE OF CONDUCT ANNOUNCED
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DRAKE CIRCUS RETAIL LOCATION OF THE YEAR
Drake Circus has been awarded the Retail Week Shopping Location of the Year award.
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SPRING AT REPUBLIC
Republic is launching its new Spring/Summer collection on 26th March.
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SAFE CAR PARK AWARD FOR DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus has achieved a Park Mark® Safer Parking award under the Safer Parking Scheme, an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), within months of the new centre opening.
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CALLING ALL SMOKERS – MAKE A FRESH START
January. The month of resolutions. And if you are a smoker, more than likely you have made the resolution to give up the evil weed this year. Well, maybe just one more….
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CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW AURIS FROM TOYOTA EXCLUSIVELY AT DRAKE CIRCUS
For one month only, visit the new Auris experience – an exclusive and imaginative showcase from Toyota ‘created around you’
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CHECK OUT VALENTINE'S DAY AT DRAKE CIRCUS
If you want to know what's on offer for Valentine's Day at Drake Circus, then look at our special page in the Woman section of the Western Morning News on Wednesday 24th January.
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FLYING START FOR FIRST DRAKE CIRCUS CHRISTMAS
Drake Circus has had a successful first Christmas, footfall figures released today can reveal.
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HOLIDAY OPENING TIMES AT DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus will be open every day over the holiday period!
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EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FROM DRAKE CIRCUS TO PLYMOUTH
Plymouth and the region received an early Christmas present from Drake Circus today when it was announced that three new names have signed up for the shopping mall, with another five units in Drake Circus under offer.
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PANDA WON AT DRAKE CIRCUS
The competition to win a new Fiat Panda, organised by Drake Circus and Vospers Fiat, has come to an end and the lucky winner is Mrs Gillian May from Austin Farm, Plymouth.
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MEET ARGYLE PLAYERS AT DRAKE CIRCUS!
Leading members of the Plymouth Argyle team will be visiting Drake Circus to sign autographs.
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SAFE SHOPPING FOR KIDS AT DRAKE CIRCUS
Drake Circus is the first shopping centre in the South West to introduce a pioneering safety scheme designed to protect children who become separated from their parents or guardians.
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SAS WRITER COMES TO WATERSTONES
Author and former member of the SAS, Chris Ryan, will visit Waterstones at Drake Circus in Plymouth, between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday 8th November, to sign his latest novel “Ultimate Weapon”.
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DRAKE CIRCUS SAYS NO TO TRUANCY
Mall bosses at Drake Circus have met with the Education Welfare Service at Plymouth City Council to make plans to work together towards zero tolerance for truancy at the shopping centre, starting today, the first day back from half term.
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IT'S ONE MILLION!
Just over two weeks since we opened, and we are expecting our one millionth visitor today.
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RETAIL PROGRESS AT DRAKE CIRCUS
Two weeks on, and the retail mix at Drake Circus continues to make progress.
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Life at the Top
When Mike Jones got his first job in retail on his sixteenth birthday, working in the food department at Littlewoods in South Wales, little did he know that he would end up running a £200 million flagship shopping centre that would be a catalyst for the redevelopment of Plymouth and a major contributor to the economy of the South West.
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Juice Moose Let Loose for Expansion
Juice Moose, the popular organic food and drink business situated on Queen Street opposite Exeter College, has announced that it will be expanding and taking space in the new Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth when it opens on 5th October.
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First Independent Store Gets Keys at Drake Circus
Drakes Fine Jewellers is the first local independent store to have got keys to its new shop in the landmark Drake Circus shopping centre.
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Face of Plymouth
Face of Plymouth winners Louis Stribbling and Lucy Kirk are to play a pivotal role in the official opening of Drake Circus on 5th October.
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Plymouth Mural To Get Pride Of Place At Drake Circus
A much-loved ceramic mural depicting a sixteenth-century map of Plymouth originally created for the old Drake Circus shopping centre, is being renovated by the original artist, ready to be reinstated at the Cornwall Street entrance of the new Drake Circus shopping centre.
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Pilgrim Primary School Seeks Inspiration from Marine Aquarium
Armed with drawing utensils and paper, a Plymouth primary school visited the National Marine Aquarium to help find artistic inspiration for ocean themed glass flooring, which will be taking centre stage inside the new Drake Circus shopping development.
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