“I’m lovin’ it” – the motto of McDonald’s has become a reality for Weymouth franchisee Chris Truscott.

He bought his second McDonald’s franchise at Jubilee Retail Park in July and has been running the restaurant in St Mary’s Street for more than a year.

Mr Truscott spoke to the Echo about his local workforce, how he’s helping the community and why he’s backing Weymouth BID.

He said: “McDonald’s strategy is about placing a franchisee in the heart of the community, so we are best placed to understand business at a local level.

“I have 170 people working for me across both restaurants, people don’t realise the amount of people we employ. I have a broad range of people working for me, but I only employ people who we can develop.”

He added: “We’re helping young people by teaching them skills to help progress their career ambitions. A lot of employees have developed into manager positions, equally we offer the opportunity for people to return after career breaks. McDonald’s invests £50m a year in training.”

As well as running both McDonald’s restaurants, Mr Truscott sits on the board of directors at Weymouth BID.

He said: “I joined towards the end of last year. I think there’s a real opportunity for me as a business owner to help support the town centre.

“It’s also a great opportunity to meet with other business owners and look at what they’re doing to promote Weymouth as a tourist destination.

“With changes to local government imminent, it’s important for a group to represent businesses in Weymouth.”

He’s also keen to get his staff involved in the community and has been helping to organise weekly litter picks on Weymouth Beach.

He said: “The litter picks are something we started last year after I took over the town centre restaurant. I’ve been working with Kevin Good, manager of Weymouth Beach.

“The beach is an amazing asset which we have in Weymouth. As a local business owner, I have a responsibility to support the community. I’m hoping to partner some other local businesses and open the litter picks up to the public rather than it just being McDonald’s.”

As well as the litter picks, McDonald’s has been involved in helping to support Weymouth Cougars by providing kit and equipment.

He said: “I have a responsibility to give a bit back – for example with the beach clean, Weymouth BID and the Cougars youth football team. I’m helping to develop people’s skills for future careers. I would love it if in 20-30 years’ time someone is able to say ‘Chris made a difference, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Chris.’ That’s why I am a McDonald’s franchisee.”