HOVERSPEED, the Dover-based cross-Channel operator, has axed five catering jobs and parted company with its public relations chief.

Geoffrey Ede, managing director, said the decision to make five catering staff redundant was taken because they were not suitable for the company’s new products.

Nick Stevens, public relations manager, has left Hoverspeed after two spells with the company altogether spanning 12 years.

Although he has spent most of his time with Hoverspeed in PR, Mr Stevens, 44, from Hawkinge, was previously manager of the Folkestone-Boulogne route before its demise, and more recently, route manager for Newhaven-Dieppe services.

Mr Ede said: “Nick is furthering his career in consultancy. I think he wanted to do a few other things.”

He added that a new retail director had been appointed to replace an interim manager.