PIZZA HUT is eyeing further expansion for its delivery business in Suffolk and Essex as part of a nationwide drive to open 100 new stores by 2014.

Pizza Hut Delivery has targeted more than a dozen sites in the eastern region, with locations earmarked for expansion including Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Lowestoft, Witham and Chelmsford.

A key part of the �20m investment, which the company claims could create 2,000 new jobs, will be a new franchise incentive scheme to encourage people to step forward and open the new stores.

The initiative will offer �65,000 to existing and new franchisees who open a new store by November 30 this year.

The company said the “aggressive expansion plan” will create significant opportunities for existing and prospective franchisees across England, Wales and Scotland to invest in the pizza delivery brand.

Spokesman Mark Fox said: “We are committed to delivering a major investment in growing our UK system, creating significant new opportunities for existing and would-be franchisees.

“Our investment will increase our marketing spend, drive the outlet numbers and visibility of Pizza Hut Delivery, and create opportunities for franchisees to grow their businesses quickly.

“The long-term goal is to establish a solid base of over 700 delivery stores across the UK, with an immediate business focus of delivering an additional 100 stores.”

Pizza Hut Delivery currently has around 300 stores in England, Wales and Scotland, both company-owned and franchise.