Pentland Brands to make 350 redundancies and put Boxfresh into hibernation
Pentland Brands is to make 350 staff redundant as part of a strategic review of its business. It will also be putting its Boxfresh fashion brand into hibernation and “resizing” its support functions.
The company said the move will enable it to refocus its brand portfolio and drive an increased emphasis on sustainability. In addition, it will look to create bigger opportunities for its other brands which include the likes of SeaVeas, Berghaus, Speedo and Ellesse.
Pentland Brands chief executive Andy Long said: “Whilst our strategic review started before the Covid-19 pandemic, we know the crisis will have a major impact on our business for at least the next 12 to 18 months. As a result, we’ve looked more deeply at the needs of the business and the fundamental and sustained changes that are required to thrive in the longterm.”
The company said it has already begun consultations with its teams regarding potential redundancies.
Long added: “We know this is going to be a difficult time for our teams,and we’ll be really sad to see some really talented people leave our business over the next few months. But our focus right now is supporting those people impacted.”
The Boxfresh hibernation will take place after this year’s spring/summer season.
The company’s other plans include investing more in its technology platforms
