Bentley to cut 275 jobs as profits slump amid global headwinds

"The Crewe-based manufacturer confirmed that around 6 per cent of its 4,600-strong workforce will be affected as part of what it described as "organisational efficiency measures", with roles expected to go across management, agency and non-manufacturing functions."

"The announcement came as Bentley revealed a 42 per cent drop in operating profit to £187 million, down from £322 million the previous year and significantly below its £509 million peak in 2023. The downturn reflects a combination of softer global demand, rising cost pressures and geopolitical uncertainty."

"Chief executive Frank-Steffen Walliser acknowledged the scale of the challenge, saying the company was being forced to take "difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business". While he emphasised that the cuts were not "panic measures", he conceded that the operating environment remains volatile."

Bentley is eliminating approximately 6% of its 4,600-person workforce through organizational efficiency measures affecting management, agency, and non-manufacturing roles. Operating profit declined 42% to £187 million from £322 million previously, with vehicle sales dropping nearly 5% to 10,131 cars. The downturn stems from softer global demand, rising cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and particularly a contraction in Chinese markets. Chief executive Frank-Steffen Walliser characterized the cuts as necessary difficult decisions for long-term competitiveness, though not panic measures. The company acknowledged external pressures including increased costs from parent company Volkswagen and US tariffs contributed to the decline.

Read at Business Matters