Anglian Group CEO Alex McNutt Resigns

Home improvements company Anglian Group has confirmed the surprise departure of its chief executive, Alex McNutt. The Scot has been with the Norwich-based business for the past two years, but staff were told he has left to pursue other interests.

Anglian Group, which is the UK's largest home improvements company, reported a rise in sales and profits last year, but in recent months businesses in the home improvements market have found the going much tougher.

A drop in consumer confidence, coupled with rising energy and raw material costs, means Anglian and its competitors are facing a challenging time.

In December Anglian's major regional competitor, Bowater Home Improvements, which traded as Zenith Staybrite, went into administration after its bank withdrew support.

Part of the business was sold to rival Weatherseal, but around 400 workers at Bowater's Norwich head office and factory plus 30 sales offices lost their jobs.

Anglian said at the time its orders had been holding up despite the downturn, but a combination of rising costs and the impact of the consumer downturn meant that it was continuing to examine every aspect of its business.

The company employs around 3,100 staff across the UK, including about 1,300 at its factories and head office in Norwich.

Last summer Anglian was involved in a dispute with workers over plans to change the company's pay structure. The dispute was settled after protracted negotiations and a series of strikes.

Mr McNutt's departure was confirmed in an announcement to staff from executive chairman David Rimmer, who has taken over day-to-day running of the business.

Mr Rimmer held a similar position at Anglian Group prior to the appointment of Mr McNutt in 2006.

A statement from Mr Rimmer to Anglian staff said: 'This is to announce that the board has accepted the resignation of Alex McNutt as chief executive officer of Anglian Group PLC.

'Alex's leadership over the past two years has helped Anglian achieve significant business growth with a record sales year in 2007. Alex will be leaving the company to pursue other business opportunities and exits with the board's best wishes for his future career.

'I will be taking up the position of executive chairman, a post which I held during 2005/06.

'I look forward to working with you in what will be a challenging year and I have every confidence in the loyalty, commitment and ability of the wider Anglian team.'