"Our undertaking is always that we will look very, very carefully at any other way we can make savings other than job losses because our staff are clearly a huge asset and will always be, " she said.
She and her staff view the network as a powerful asset in creating awareness for important local issues, such as infant mortality, early childhood development, and parental involvement in education.
With 350 acres of vineyards across West Sussex and Hampshire, it is England's largest winery, with 45 permanent members of staff, yet it still relies upon wealthy beneficiary Mr Heerema, a Dutchman who made his fortune in asset management.