JOBS are at risk at one of the city's most prominent businesses with the founder blaming customers moving online.

Gtech founder Nick Grey said staff have been offered the opportunity to take voluntary redundancy as it looks to reduce numbers.

It is not known how many jobs will be lost.

Gtech is looking to reduce its customer service team at Gtech's Brindley Road, Warndon Villages, headquarters.

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Mr Grey called it the worst aspect of running a business.

He said: “Yes, it is true that Gtech has announced a restructure of our customer service team this week.

"I am tremendously proud of the excellent service that our advisors give.

"They are second-to-none so having to offer voluntary redundancy and reduce staff numbers is the worst aspect of running a business.

"We will do what we can to keep everyone informed and understand that however upsetting it might be for me, it is certainly worse for those facing uncertainty over their jobs.”

Mr Grey said a fall in calls is what sparked the need to reduce the team as customers take their business online.

He said: "We took on 16 additional customer service advisors in the spring but have seen call volumes fall dramatically this year.

"It seems that more and more customers prefer to order online than using the telephone."

Earlier this week, the company's founder warned about competition from other countries.

He said the company is now pursuing an 'aggressive growth plan' in response to the rapid rise of overseas competitors, particularly in China.

Gtech is looking to win a higher proportion of the floorcare market through its new strategy.

The company has already grown and earlier this year, the firm invested £6 million in its own warehouse in Corby.

The firm was launched by Nick Grey in 2001 with products such as the award-winning AirRAM vacuum.

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Gtech has sold 20 million of its cordless power sweepers, expanded into garden power tools and Mr Grey featured twice on the Sunday Times Rich List with £120 million in the bank.

It reportedly employs 160 people.

A recent television advert from GTech showed staff singing alongside Nick Grey, whilst showcasing its range of floorcare and garden equipment – including the latest AirRam Platinum.