Jacob’s shuts Reading base as cuts bite

Biscuit-maker Jacob’s Bakery is closing its Reading headquarters as part of a cost-cutting restructure.

Jacob’s, which also has a factory in Leicester, will introduce a category management structure in chocolate-covered bars, cream crackers and sweet biscuits sectors. These will operate as three separate profit centres.

David Silcock, director of human resources, says: “In the present conditions we could not justify keeping a headquarters at Reading.

“This is not the most buoyant market to be in. It is very much a mature market. The aim of this change is to make us more viable long term.”

The 230m turnover company has had disappointing results this year and cannot afford to run a head office 200 miles from its main factory in Aintree, Liverpool.

Members of the 120-strong workforce who do not want to move to Liverpool, or whose jobs will be duplicated, face redundancy.

The company has not replaced its former marketing director, Yosi Heber, who left in June (MW May 26).