Newton, who was most recently an industry consultant, is charged with expanding the company's digital business and offering a stronger service to its northern clients.

Image2output supplies a range of equipment, such as the Epson Stylus Pro 11880 and the UV digital embossing press from Scodix.

The company, which also supplies products from Sinar, Dalim, Xinet and Kodak, has clients including St Ives, Polestar Group, Linney Group and Butler, Tanner & Dennis.

Newton said: "I was impressed by the real focus on end users, which has rewarded Image2output with a prestigious and loyal customer base. I look forward to helping expand the business with a 'best-of-breed' range of digital products and solutions."

According to Mike Warnes, managing director of Image2output, growing the digital part of the business was a "natural step" towards meeting the increasing need for digital products.