Fox Brothers & Co, based at Wardleworth Way in Wellington, is making up to 18 staff redundant in a restructure prompted by the Covid-19 crisis.

Five staff from different parts of the business have been given notice with 13 others involved in a redundancy consultation from a total workforce of 34.

Fox Bros has a long-standing policy of outsourcing weaving, which is continuing, and the weaving shed is not currently operating with most of the staff there on furlough.

In a statement issued to the WWN last Friday, the firm said: “As a result of the challenges and opportunities created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the directors have undertaken a review of the company’s business model.

“We have seen rapid growth in online sales following a renewed focus on this channel and the introduction of new products to reflect the shift in the retail landscape, changing customer behaviour and the way they wish to shop.

“To build on these aspects of our business, we will be establishing a research and development facility and creating two entirely new roles of research and development manager, and digital marketing manager.

“Our brand is widely recognised and highly regarded, and we see exciting potential for sustained growth in online sales. At the same time, we are taking other steps to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for the business.

“This includes a proposed new company structure to ensure we can respond to the challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.

“The proposed restructure may regrettably involve a reduction in the number of roles at the business, with up to 18 positions affected.”

A spokesman for Fox Bros told the WWN on Wednesday the company was considering taking on extra space at the original Fox building at Tonedale Business Park to house its new research and development facility. It was also relaunching its retail shop housed in The Counting House area of the business park.

Deborah Meaden, from the BBC television programme Dragons’ Den is a director and shareholder of the company, which proclaims itself ‘makers of the world’s finest flannel’ on its website.