AHDB targets bureaucracy in cuts

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is set to slice £7.8m from its annual staff and overheads budget of £29m over the next two years – starting with key changes to the body’s leadership team.

As part of the commitment to reducing bureaucracy and costs at the producer levy funded organisation, reductions of around £6m will come from the wind-down of the Horticulture and Potato sectors, following the levy-payers’ vote to dispense with its services.

Reducing the number of senior managers from 20 to 14 will result in further savings – and as part of the restructure, Will Jackson, Chief Strategy Officer, will take on the role of Divisional Director of engagement while Interim CEO Ken Boyns will become AHDB’S new Divisional Director of Services.

AHDB Chair Nicholas Saphir said: “This new structure puts a clear focus on day-to-day delivery across all our knowledgeexchange,technical,market intelligence, exports and marketing work. At the same time there will be absolute focus on levy payer engagement and involvement in planning sector priorities and programmes.

“With our new team now taking shape, this autumn we will be ready to unveil fundamental changes to the way levy payers can have a better say regarding what we provide, including the introduction of regular votes on a wide range of services and delivery.”

The organisation is also reviewing the office provision at its Stoneleigh headquarters on the back of reduced staffing numbers and people working from home – with a view to further costs savings.