J&J Dyson recently warned that the continued strength of sterling could trigger 60 job losses in its kiln linings and ceramics business. Michael O'Brien, chief executive, said the group was losing orders to overseas groups which could offer more competitive prices. Dyson's customers have also been hit by the weakness of the euro and were ordering less. Announcing a 30% fall in annual pre-tax profits to £2.69m on turnover of £59.5m (£63.29m), Mr O'Brien admitted the results were disappointing, but said management was acting decisively to cut costs. "We have got to make sure that our capacity and our cost base are in line with the levels of demand we are experiencing," said Mr O'Brien. That could mean 50-60 jobs going from a total workforce of 1000.
