Holland’s boss to learn his fate

THE future of Holland’s Pies boss Neil Court-Johnson could be resolved soon, more than five weeks after he was suspended by listed parent company Northern Foods.

Mr Court-Johnson, who has successfully run the iconic Lancashire company since 2008, is alleged by Leeds-based Northern Foods to have been working on an unauthorised management buyout deal with multi-millionaire Dave Whelan, the veteran retailer and owner of WIgan Athletic.

It is understood that Mr Whelan has written a letter denying he was the backer of Mr Court-Johnson’s buyout bid.

Mr Court-Johnson, who is being advised by employment experts from Manchester law firm Mace & Jones, will meet Northern Foods next week.

Staff at Holland’s in Baxenden are behind Mr Court-Johnson, who has raised the profile of the brand, boosted sales by more than 10%, improved the quality of the product and returned the unit to profitability.

Mr Court-Johnson, who worked for Kraft and Nestle before joining Northern Foods, is said by friends to fear there is a vendetta being pursued against him.

One close associate, who asked not to be named, said: “To say Neil is surprised and disappointed is an understatement. He was encouraged to look at a management buyout, and when he made the offer last month, he was suddenly suspended.

“Neil would love to go back to Holland’s.”