Top Trip Advisor-rated hospitality venue cuts costs with redundancies amid 'challenges' facing the industry
The firm behind an Asian-inspired adventure golf bar has confirmed a number of workers have been made redundant.
Putt Putt Social, based in the former Debenhams in Telford Shopping Centre, which has an 'excellent' rating on Trip Advisor, said seven positions had been made redundant.
But business co-owner, Richard Beese, said that the staff in the positions had been offered "alternative jobs with new hours".
He said that a number had taken up the offer, while some opted for redundancy.
Mr Beese said that the attraction, which opened as 'Putt Putt Noodle' last year before rebranding to 'Putt Putt Social', was facing pressure on costs like "many businesses across the country".
Mr Beese, who is co-owner of We Do Play, which specialises in creating immersive leisure and hospitality experiences, including Putt Putt Social, said: "It is regrettable that we have been forced to make seven positions redundant but the staff that occupied these roles were offered alternative jobs with new hours.
"A number of them have accepted the new positions, while others have decided to take the redundancy package.
"The hospitality industry is facing the same challenges as many businesses across the country with rising operational costs for entertainment experiences like Putt Putt Social, coupled with the impact of increasing inflation."
Staff at the business who were warned their positions were at risk were told that the decision had nothing to do with their performance – and was a reflection of the economic climate.
A letter said: "Our updated analysis shows that we need to significantly reduce our staffing costs as a percentage of revenue income. In simple terms, our Putt Putt Noodle operation is not sustainable in its current form.
"I want to emphasise that this decision has nothing to do with the professional standards or work performance of the teams at either Norwich or Telford.
"Unfortunately, the required cost reductions reflect the harsh realities of our trading position."
Putt Putt Social opened in May last year and was created by the team behind 'Flip Out' – the indoor adventure park also based at Telford Shopping Centre.
It offers a unique Asian-inspired adventure golf, drink and dining experience.
The Telford attraction has received 49 Trip Advisor reviews so far, and has an 'excellent' rating.
One recent visitor said: "Great vibes. Great food. Great golf. Amazing staff! Absolutely amazing 100 per cent recommend."
Another said: "Great place lovely staff and good fun with friends / family loved it. Choice of four golf courses very well done some good challenges. Clean food and drinks available."
Another visitor added: "First time coming here. I absolutely loved it! The place looks awesome! The staff were brilliant!"
Earlier this month the venue announced plans for its first-ever golf tournament with a cash prize of up to £250.
The first event takes place on May 17, with crazy golfers invited to get together in teams of four for the tournament, which will based around the attraction's three nine-hole crazy golf courses.
For information visit https://www.puttputtsocial.co.uk/telford/