Devizes is a market town in Wiltshire that boasts an incredible 500 listed buildings.

Historically, the town grew up around its historic Norman castle, built in the 11th century and became a stronghold in the wheat, wool and yarn industries, later thriving in agriculture and becoming a key producer of cheese and butter as the centuries wore on.

These days, Devizes has a small economy that punches well above its weight. Tourism is a key part of that, with many visitors passing through on their way places such as Avebury, Stonehenge and Salisbury. Regular tours of the Wiltshire Museum, the famous Devizes White Horse and the shire horses from Wadworth Brewery are also very popular.

Key industries and employers

But more than that, Devizes has a thriving manufacturing sector with significant contributions also coming from the retail and services industries.

Wiltshire Police is also one of the largest employers in the town, having based its headquarters in the town, while NHS Wiltshire is also based there, with the healthcare and ambulance response services having employed many local staff in recent years.

Recruitment agencies will seek to place staff in positions across a number of sectors, but skilled manufacturing positions are likely to be in demand with businesses such as Cross Manufacturing a major employer. Unemployment is below the national average at 2.6%, while the average weekly pay is competitive at £486 in 2012.