COMMUNITY leaders say they are "extremely concerned" about plans that could see nearly 40 jobs axed at Fentimans, just weeks after the botanical drinks maker was bought by Irn-Bru owner AG Barr in a £38m deal.
The Scottish soft drinks giant has begun consulting staff over proposals that may result in 37 redundancies at the Beaufront Business Park, Anick Road site; although it insists "no final decisions" have been made and says it wants to "invest and grow" the Fentimans brand so it is set up for a "more sustainable" future.
Fentimans, founded in 1905 in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, by iron puddler Thomas Fentiman, has had its roots in Hexham since the late 1980s, when it was revived by his great‑grandson, Eldon Robson, who has developed the company into a worldwide brand.
Hexham MP Joe Morris said he was "deeply concerned" to learn about the potential job losses at Fentimans, a "beloved" local business that "brings pride" to Hexham.
"Known around the world, it has been a mainstay in our community for years," he added.
"I will be seeking to meet with Barr at the earliest opportunity to outline the importance of these jobs to our local economy."
Fentimans, originally based in the town centre, moved to its current base in 2015, where it falls into Hexham North councillor Trevor Cessford's ward.
He has called the possibility of 37 job losses "terrible" and said that he hopes AG Barr follows through with their promise of providing "full support" to staff at risk.
Hexham mayor and councillor Derek Kennedy said that Fentimans is a "local success story" and that the area is "very proud" of the brand's accomplishments over the years and the employment they give to local people.
He added that he was "aware" of the AG Barr buyout and is "really concerned" that the town could lose 37 jobs in a "terrible loss" of employment.
Read more:
Frosty’s Mobile Chippy named UK’s best fish and chip van
Tyne Valley 'left high and dry' as council backs near‑maximum tax rise
Plans to turn several farm buildings into six new homes
Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, councillor for Hexham East, has attributed the job losses to post-Brexit trade tariffs hitting businesses "really hard".
"Working for a local publisher, we are still affected by being unable to post books out to Europe and beyond, with lots of paperwork needed; so heaven knows how it hits larger companies like Egger and Fentimans," she said.
"We await the 'benefits' of the 2016 decision, as well as see the disastrous consequences still."
County council leader Glen Sanderson said that NCC was "extremely concerned" to hear about the potential job losses at Fentimans, a "very well-established" employer in the town.
"It would be a big blow if jobs were lost, and our thoughts are with all those potentially affected," he added.
"We have already approached Fentimans and will be offering support for any staff who may be affected in the future, in terms of help finding alternative roles or new training opportunities."
A spokesperson for AG Barr said: "We have shared with colleagues a proposal which, if adopted, may result in 37 redundancies. This proposal is subject to a formal consultation process, and no final decisions have been made.
"We recognise that this is an unsettling time for those affected, and our priority is to provide our colleagues with our full support throughout this process," an AG Barr Spokesperson added.
"We are fully committed to the Fentimans brand, its heritage, and its future growth. We intend to help strengthen the brand and create a sustainable platform for long-term investment and greater success as part of the AG Barr portfolio."
Fentimans was approached for comment.
Share