Six depart in WTS reshape

Wickens Tutt Southgate has made six people redundant, including a design director, as it “reshapes” to complete its deal with Rodney Fitch and Virgin.

Design director Ashley Carter was one of two creative staff to leave the consultancy last week, the other being a junior designer, according to WTS chairman Mark Wickens. The other four jobs axed were administrative posts, bringing the consultancy’s staff numbers down to 26.

Speaking of what he terms the “reshaping”, Wickens says: “You have to prune back to grow and go forward. It’s unfortunate to have to do it because we’ve always stuck by our staff. But there comes a time when you have to take unfortunate action.”

There will be no more redundancies, he adds, but he foresees one or two new appointments within the next few months.

The deal with Rodney Fitch and Virgin is believed to be with the lawyers. A spokesman for Rodney Fitch declines to comment.