Paul Land, managing partner TLP Chartered Accountants, said that "as of yet Top Copy has not been liquidated".

He said: "Efforts to revive the loss-making company have proved ineffective, despite material inward investment, resulting in the decision to seek professional advice as to the viability of the company.

"Lick is committed to ongoing customer care and service, despite the demise of Top Copy and underlined their commitment to business as usual."

Lick Group acquired the Leeds-based business in 2009 from Prime Active Capital, which at the time was "recognised as being both sub-scale and loss making", according to Land.

He added that he has been in contact with former staff of Top Copy, and is assisting as required. He declined to comment further.

Unite regional officer Steve Hart said: "There are 11 redundancies with the potential of jobs [at Lick] should Lick take over some of Top Copy.

"Unfortunately our members are the victims and will have to claim their redundancy notice pay and holiday pay from the state. The union are in contact with them and will do all it can to help. As one can imagine it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth."

In 7 April 2010, direct mail company Lick UK, which traded as Lick Group, went into administration. Two days later corporate details on the company's website changed from Lick (UK) Ltd to Lick Group Ltd.

Lick Group managing director Linden Kitson has been a director at Lick Group since it was incorporated on 28 August 2008. The company filed dormant accounts on 10 December 2009. And, according to PrintWeek's 2009 top 500, Lick UK had a turnover of £3.7m and employed 72 staff.

When it acquired Top Copy, it initially planned to temporarily retain the name before integrating into Lick Digital, which was part of a group that consisted of Lick Direct, Lick Online and Lick Agency.