donnelly plans to launch C&W radio station

FORMER First Choice Retail managing director John Donnelly is to head up a bid for a country and western radio station before launching a new concept in out-of-town travel retailing next year.

Donnelly left First Choice suddenly in July with the company claiming he had departed for personal reasons. His formal break from First Choice was announced last week and he is now on ‘gardening leave’ for nine months.

He plans to launch the first of a new breed of Holiday Hypermarket-style shops next June. In 1996 he was instrumental in launching the Holiday Hypermarket brand, which was acquired by First Choice in May 2000.

In the meantime, Donnelly plans to put together a £10 million bid to gain a licence for 3C, a West Midlands-based country and western radio station.