A FORMER City broker has taken over a McDonald’s franchise with a pledge to invest £200,000 in the business.

Matthew Street says the fast-food outlet in Alder Road, Branksome, will create 20 new jobs this year, with the aim of increasing staff numbers by 10 per cent in 2016.

The branch, which currently employs 60 people, will have £200,000 spent on equipment, staff and infrastructure.

It is also pledging a new focus on community engagement, with staff going on litter picks at least three times a day. There will be a push to build stronger relations with business and community groups in Branksome.

The Branksome branch is the first McDonald’s for Mr Street. His business manager is Gavin Lamb, who has 20 years of experience at McDonald’s first at Weymouth and then at Dorchester, Poole’s Wessex Gate and Branksome.

Mr Street said: “My previous career gave me the fantastic opportunity to travel the world and meet some fascinating people. The thing I enjoyed most was the team element, and that is what I will bring to my new role as owner and franchisee of the Branksome restaurant.

“My passion is people and I’m investing heavily in the development of my staff as it’s so important for every member of the team to be offered fantastic training and qualification opportunities. This will be of huge benefit to not only their career but ultimately help us deliver consistently high levels of customer service and achieve our ultimate goal of becoming one of Poole’s best loved restaurants.”

Mr Lamb added: “Over the past 20 years working with McDonald’s, I have been fortunate to work alongside a wide variety of people from all walks of life.

"McDonald’s is a business that is made by the people who work there. No one day is the same and you will constantly be faced with interesting challenges.

“With the new ownership and investment being made in new equipment, staff and infrastructure, this is an exciting time for us. Working alongside Matthew, we will work hard to make positive changes to the restaurant.”