Arrowsmith managing director Philip Cave said that, following a difficult autumn trading period, the firm had been informed by its advisers that it was facing a levy from the pensions regulator on its final salary pension fund, which had been closed several years previously.

"The sum was big enough to make it extremely difficult for us to carry on," said Cave. He said he hoped creditors would see the move into administration was in their best interests.

The Bristol-based academic and book journal printer had entered into a print co-operative with fellow printer Cromwell Press in July last year. The deal meant a downsizing of the firm, with Arrowsmith concentrating on digital printing and project management.

Cromwell Press is unaffected by Arrowsmith's move into administration.