Redundancies at troubled CPB

Around ten people are expected to be made redundant from Coley Porter Bell tomorrow. The casualties are thought to have been informed a week ago that their jobs are in danger.

If the number of jobs axed is ten, it is thought the consultancy now numbers around 42 staff compared to 80 four years ago. CPB managing director Amanda Connolly denies that the consultancy is in decline.

Those whose jobs are at risk are known to include assistant creative directors David Booth and Tony Enoch, and senior creative John McCay. The threatened posts are thought to include two new business staff.

The spread of posts affected suggests falling workloads as the key cause of cuts. Connolly confirms that the completion of the group’s work for French supermarket chain Promodès is the main factor. The Promodès project included 1600 separate pack designs.

Connolly says the CPB board is this week reviewing the structure of the business: “It may affect people, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.”

Connolly adds: “We have been putting effort into new business, but it always takes time for new business to kick in. It makes business sense to reflect that in how we manage the business.”

See News Analysis, page 8.