Quantel is embarking on a cost-cutting programme that will include more redundancies, a freeze on recruitment and further non-attendance at trade shows.

Although the consultancy process is still ongoing Broadcast sources suggest that at least 46 jobs will go, some through voluntary redundancy.

The company has already pulled out of NAB 2009 and dropped its sponsorship of the bar area at BVE 2010.

Quantel was unable to confirm figures but chief executive Ray Cross acknowledged that cuts were imminent and that they were being made in an effort to ensure the company gets through the global recession.

He said: "Quantel is a strong company, well respected and a leader in our markets. We have great people, innovative products and healthy support revenues.

"But we - along with every company - have to deal with the global recession. We are therefore making a range of prudent cost reductions to ensure that we maintain the health and strength of Quantel throughout the recession, ready for when the upturn comes. The steps we are taking include measures such as a moratorium on recruitment, non-attendance at NAB this year, some staff redundancies and a voluntary redundancy programme.

"No one can afford to ignore the current world financial crisis, but our decisive actions ensure that Quantel is well placed to support our customers, staff and shareholders through these challenging times."

Quantel employed more than 250 people in its Newbury HQ prior to October last year when it announced a round of job cuts designed to help the company focus on software development.

Quantel products include the iQ, eQ and Pablo editing, grading and finishing systems, which are used by broadcasters and post-production facilities around the world.

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