JOBS AXE SET TO FALL AT TECH FIRM
Burnley headquartered technology distribution and specialist service provider Exertis has told staff of plans to cut up to 90 per cent of its 1,300-strong workforce.
In the run up to Christmas, staff were informed that the company aims to reduce its headcount, which could see it fall from 1,200 to just 130.
The cuts are planned for its UK Business and Consumer and Supplies operations in Burnley, Harlow, Elland and Basingstoke. A 45-day consultation period got underway following the announcement.
Earlier in 2025 the company completed its sale to international private equity firm Aurelius in a deal valued at around £100m. It is making no statement on the situation at the moment.
Commenting on the announcement of the sale in July, Tim Griffin, chief executive at Exertis, said: “We are delighted to have found new owners who are committed to accelerating our growth, and that of our partners through dedicated focus and investment.
“I firmly believe this sale positions Exertis IT for long-term success and provides greater opportunities for our vendors, customers and our people. It’s business as usual for us providing an exceptional portfolio and industry-leading operations.”
Sources within the business have said that structural changes are needed to secure its future, which would have been uncertain if the sale had not taken place.
View from the gallery WE HAVE A DIFFICULT
YEAR AHEAD By Antony Higginbotham
Former Member of Parliament for Burnley
We’re 18 months into the Labour government and after two punishing Budgets, more U-turns than we can count, and the welfare bill ballooning in size.
And what do we have? We have record low approval ratings for the government, stubbornly high inflation, rising unemployment, and an economy limping along with sluggish growth and taxes going up and up with no end in sight.
If you speak to Labour politicians, they all say the same thing – 2026 is the year fortunes will change. The public will start to see the impact of the policies they are enacting, business confidence will shoot up, and the opinion polls will do a 180-degree turn. I’m not sure they believe it any more than we do.
But it does all beg the question about what the new year will bring. And I have a few predictions. Labour backbenchers have, over the course of 2025, flexed their muscles and shown their support cannot be taken for granted.
They have already forced climb-downs on welfare reform and secured tens of billions of pounds of spending commitments, and that’s going to continue – with welfare remaining a flashpoint.
There’s lots of discussion about whether Keir Starmer can survive a bad set of local election results in May. The answer, I’m afraid, is yes. That won’t stop the media continuing to talk up the prospect of a leadership challenge, but without a serious contender, he knows he’s safe.
Workers at Exertis have taken to LinkedIn to comment on the situation. One posted: “The past weeks at Exertis have been tough. What stands out most is the talent, heart, and resilience of my colleagues. You are not alone; we still have each other.
“Your skills and positivity will open new doors, and I have no doubt amazing opportunities lie ahead for all of you.”
It was the latest in a number of major east Lancashire job losses announced in 2025.
Global retail EG Group shared its plans to move its headquarters out of Blackburn to the USA, while Navigator Tissue revealed consolidation plans, putting jobs at its operation in the town at risk.
And online retailer Debenhams revealed the 2026 closure of its large-scale online distribution centre in Burnley. More than 1,250 people work at the site, making it one of the biggest employers in the area.
SWINGING INTO PLACE
Construction of Pleasure Beach Resort’s new £8.7m mega ride is moving forward at a rapid rate and has already transformed the Blackpool skyline.
In the most visual chapter of the project so far, the four 16 tonne legs of Aviktas have been fully erected, reaching an impressive height of 88ft.
And while the colossal structure already looks imposing on the seafront, it is set to get even higher – once complete, it will swing a further 50ft to reach its top height of 138ft.
A crucial part of the build has also been fitted,
the ride’s swinging golden “arm”, to which the 40-seater pendulum will attach.
The pendulum will arc 120 degrees over the coastline, becoming the tallest ride of its kind in the UK.
Pleasure Beach Resort chief executive Amanda Thompson says the investment reaffirms to company’s commitment to “creating unforgettable experiences, and keeping Blackpool at the heart of UK tourism.”
What we should expect, however, is those who see themselves as the future being a bit more muscular and open in building their operation – all eyes on Angela Rayner and a few others.
That’s the domestic picture. What about the international view?
The dominant issue will remain security in Europe. Whilst it seems more likely than not that a peace agreement of sorts will bring the Ukraine conflict to an end, this will not be a panacea. Pressure on NATO to rearm and invest will continue to come from the Trump administration, and the Treasury here will come under big pressure to put money behind everything Starmer has promised.
Across the pond we can expect to see more trade pressures coming from the US towards the UK, and our new ambassador will have a big job to do to resurrect the Tech Prosperity Deal signed just months ago but now effectively suspended.
This all sounds a bit ‘doom and gloom’ I know. So, we look to the Lancashire business community to bring us some goodwill and prosperity in 2026!
You can contact Antony at
antony@antonyhig.couk
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