BP Travel Trade Services, a distributor of holiday brochures, is creating a number of new jobs in Folkestone. The company, now based in Ashford, was founded in Folkestone in 1972 but moved most of its operations to Ashford in the early 1990s when it was unable to find local premises large enough to match its growth.

The direct mail division, presently based in Ashford, will be housed at Kingsmead Point, Park Farm West. The division employs 40 people and there will be a mixture of transfers from Ashford and local recruitment.

Managing director Paul Markland said he was delighted to return a division of the company to Folkestone, adding: “Park Farm West gives us enough space to double the size of our direct mail operation over the next few years.”

BP’s travel brochure distribution activities, call centre and administration offices will remain in Ashford. The Group currently employs 450 people.

Meanwhile, the company has unveiled a new identity and company logo as BP Travel Trade Services becomes known as BP Travel Marketing Services. BP recently won a contract to distribute an additional 40 million brochures a year for Airtours, Butlins, Cresta and Bridge, and acquired a regional distribution centre in Rushden, Northamptonshire.