Five set to go in Redland remix

Building materials specialist Redland is planning to buy in its graphic design work following the group’s decision to disband its in-house design team and make five designers redundant.

The role of the communications department, which housed the five-strong design team headed by graphic design manager Chris Hamilton, will be taken over by the corporate office, says a company spokesman.

The redundancies will take effect from 31 October. The design team is looking at the option of launching a buyout and operating as a stand-alone consultancy, says Redland company secretary and director of corporate affairs Stephen O’Brien.

“It will be my responsibility to put the design to appropriate outsourcing help per project,” adds O’Brien, who has “no final view” on setting up a design roster.

The in-house unit was responsible for annual reports, corporate identity and multimedia projects.