Cuts to to UK team confirmed, with changes following a major global operation review by CEO Jaymin B. Patel
Brightstar is to make a number of staff cuts to its UK workforce as part of its ‘Global Transformation Programme’ designed to help boost its financial performance in the market and enhance its service offerings.
The self proclaimed, “world’s largest specialised wireless distributor”, which has annual revenues above $10 billion, alerted staff of its plans this month following an operational review by president and CEO Jaymin B. Patel [pictured], who joined 12 months ago.
The programme will see the distributor invest more in current growth areas of the business, as well as creating new business models to help better serve the market – details of which have yet to be confirmed.
“Brightstar is currently engaged in a global transformation programme to optimise our operational efficiency and financial performance,” a Brightstar spokesperson told Mobile News.
“As part of this transformation we will be reviewing and reducing our overall cost base while investing and developing in new and innovative business models. We are making these changes with the needs of our customers, employees and partners in mind.
“These actions will not impact our business-related activities and we will continue to deliver industry-leading services and solutions to our customer base.”
UK impact
While the full implications on a global basis have yet to be disclosed, a spokesperson for Brightstar UK, which accounts for around 500 of the firm’s 9,000 total workforce, told Mobile News their would be an impact to the UK team. Mobile News understands a consultation process is now underway and redundancy are being offered.
While Brightstar has refused to discuss the number of staff likely to go, it has denied claims from some areas that figures could reach 30, insisting it will represent only a small proportion of the UK team.
It also stated the planned actions are in no way indicative of its performances since re-entering the UK market at the beginning of 2014 (having sold its JV share with Tech Data in 2012 for £106 million) by acquiring 20:20 Mobile for an undisclosed fee. It insists it continues to achieve all company targets.
Staff exits
Meanwhile, Brightstar has confirmed supply chain and operations director Europe Nick LeFever has left the company after just seven months to pursue other opportunities. Sales director Philip Sambrook is also rumoured to have served notice at the firm, although this was denied by Brightstar as Mobile News went to press.
