Vision+Media set to cut 25 out of 35 posts

DIGITAL and creative support agency Vision+Media has put 25 of its 35 staff into consultation over redundancy.

The agency, which is going to become part of a new sector body called Creative England, said the move is the “first stage of a transformation”.

In a statement Vision+Media said: “The company’s funding beyond March 2011, including the final year of its NWDA regional cluster organisation contract, currently remains unconfirmed but significant cuts are anticipated and it needs to prepare itself for this transitional period.”

Staff are already on a four-day week – a move that began last month and is due to run until the end of January.

Chief executive Alice Morrison – who is due to quit her job ahead of the organisation’s move to Creative England – said: “We’ve always been very open that we anticipate cuts and that we remain focused on delivering targeted business support for digital and creative businesses.”

Paul Taylor, director of business delivery, who is due to replace Ms Morrison on January 11 added: “This is going to be a challenging period but there is an important and exciting role for Vision+Media to play within Creative England.

“It is essential that we respond quickly and effectively to the changing environment and get ourselves into good shape for the future.

“We hope that our partners who have supported us so well in the past will continue to support us through this transition so that we can continue to provide focused and strategic support to industry.”

Vision+Media, which is based at Salford Quays, said the consultation period would last through to the end of January.