Artisan set to shut down

It’s the end of the line for Artisan Press after administrators at Deloitte confirmed there was no interest in the company as a going concern.

All the firm’s remaining employees are now likely to be laid off by the end of the week, unless a last-minute purchaser emerges.

Prior to the administration, the £32.5m-turnover web offset printer had employed around 180 staff.

In a statement this morning, joint administrator Chris Farrington said: “Despite lots of initial interest at the time of our appointment, none of this has materialised into a viable offer.

“The company has consulted with the relevant trade union and elected employee representatives, keeping them apprised of developments throughout the administration. We would like to recognise and thank the employees for their loyalty and professionalism during this difficult period.”

There is known to be interest from other print groups in some of the firm’s newer assets, including its bindery kit.

The firm would have celebrated its 70th anniversary this year.