THE first Bucks Free Press Job Fair of 2001 proved as popular as ever with more than 1,100 visitors during the day.

The event at High Wycombe Town Hall, now in its fifth year, was officially opened by BFP managing director Kate Stearman-Smith and Cllr David Cox, chairman of Wycombe District Council, which together with First National Bank and Delaney Browne Appointments sponsored Monday's fair.

Mrs Stearman-Smith said: "Today's Job Fair is one of the most rewarding exhibitions that we are involved in and gives the BFP an opportunity to give something back and help in the community."

She pointed out that in an area of skills shortages, employers are now working harder to train and retain staff to ensure their future success.

Cllr Cox said: "A remarkable 87.5 per cent of High Wycombe's major businesses made a profit last year and you only get results like that by having a skilled, qualified and flexible workforce."

The First National Bank in Frogmoor, which is now part of the Abbey National group and one of 26 stands at the job fair, was looking for customer advisers, clerical advisers and legal assistants.

"It is a challenge for us. We have a lot of new business coming in and it is very competitive," said Hayley Rogers of First National Bank.

Ray Feeke, marketing manager at the High Wycombe Jobcentre, said finding people with appropriate skills was a problem facing employers.

The centre currently has between 400 and 500 vacancies on its books, across all levels, from management down to the shop floor.