Sumners to shed staff in relocation to MediaCityUK

Sumners managing director Andy Sumner declined to say how many staff could lose their jobs, but industry sources have suggested that a third of the firm’s 33-strong workforce are likely to be affected.

A 30-day period of consultation with employees began last week.

“Our offices in central Manchester are now too large for our present needs and, in any event, we believe our post operation has to be closer to MediaCityUK,” said Sumner.

“Regrettably, this will mean we shed some jobs, but our aim is to become leaner and more flexible - a necessity in today’s market.

“We’re consulting our business advisers over how we best effect this, and I have briefed staff so they too know what changes are in the offing.”

A staple of the Manchester post scene, Sumners will move out of its Whitworth Street base in December, with the aim of taking additional space in an as-yet unnamed part of MediaCityUK in January, where it will operate a reduced number of edit suites.

Sumners already has a presence at MediaCityUK through its involvement with The Pie Factory, its joint venture with Salford University, and as one of three anchor tenants of its small and medium-sized enterprise incubator, The Landing.

Last week, Sumners won the RTS North West Award for Best Sound for its post-production work on Young Dracula (pictured).