AHDB will make GBP7.8m of reductions from its annual staff and overheads budget of GBP29m as part of plans to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency over the next two years. The cuts, part of a commitment to reduce bureaucracy outlined by the levy board in its 2021-26 strategy, includes a GBP6m reduction in spend due to the planned wind-down of its horticulture and potato sector arms following votes to abolish its compulsory levies by growers in the spring.

Further savings in general expenditure are planned through changes include a reduction in the amount of senior managers it employs – with numbers falling by 30%, from 20 to 14, subject to an ongoing staff consultation – plus a proposal to sublet space at AHDB’s Stoneleigh HQ in Warwickshire. Further job cuts have not been ruled out and are subject to the outcome of the consultation and a final decision on the future of the horticulture and potato arms of the organization, which sits with Defra.

Interim CEO Ken Boyns said the reduction in work for the potato and horticulture arms, “combined with the past 18 months proving we can deliver effectively without all staff in the office five days a week, means we do not need as much office space”.