FOUR Seasons Hotel Hampshire has announced a final recruitment drive in preparation for the opening of the hotel in January 2005.

The new hotel, in Dogmersfield Park, near Hook, is the group's first UK property outside London. Four Seasons is seeking candidates from the local area to fill the remaining positions in the front office, housekeeping, food and beverage, kitchen and spa.

Voted by its staff among Fortune's Top 100 companies, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts offers career prospects on a local, national and global scale.

The company operates a highly flexible transfer programme, which can give employees the opportunity to work at any of the company's 63 properties worldwide, from Mexico to the Maldives.

"We currently already have a team of 75 people on board at the hotel and we have committed to 250 more on contract," says general manager Michael Newcombe.

"Our objective now is to find 50 outstanding candidates in all fields, from food and beverage to rooms operations, who would welcome a dynamic career with Four Seasons."

Councillor Michael Woodhall, executive member for economic development at Hampshire County Council, said: "Hampshire County Council is delighted to welcome a new luxury hotel to the area.

"To have a world-renowned hotel group opening in the county is enormously beneficial for increasing the international focus on Hampshire as a tourist destination.

"Additionally, it brings with it the inherent economic advantage of creating job opportunities with international scope."

As well as a competitive rate of pay, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire will offer all employees an unrivalled benefits package. This includes a contributory pension scheme, complimentary accommodation and 50 per cent discount on food and beverages in other Four Seasons Hotels, free meals on duty, uniforms, employee recognition schemes, excellent training and development opportunities, and complimentary internet facilities.

For further information, contact Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire on 01252 853000.