The group strongly denied speculation that the restructure of its headquarters and sales operations were a prelude to sale.

"This is just sensible restructuring of the business. We're a completely different shape than we were a few years ago so we have to look at our overhead costs," said group human resources director Catherine Hearn.

According to the group, the phased closure of its Milton Keynes head office, which employs 75 staff, is a result
of ongoing restructuring which has left it with fewer "strategic sites".

"The group has changed dramatically over the past five years, moving from four divisions with more than 20 sites to one company with 10," said chief executive Barry Hibbert.

Standard reporting, processes and procedures across the operations have also led to less reliance on head office.

The job losses will be implemented over the next few months. A 30-day consultation began on Monday.

The remaining staff will be relocated to other sites within the group, which is considering taking a smaller office in the Milton Keynes area.

The firm is hoping for some voluntary redundancies. "But it would be practical to assume there will be some compulsory as well," said Hearn.

She couldn't comment on whether the redundancies would include any directors.