We are looking at cutting some costs relative to what we see coming on the activity front, said managing director Bob Pitts. Things are looking a bit softer than current staffing would support.

Pitts said the Hartlebury firm, which currently employs 220, would rationalise some shifts on certain pieces of equipment, but would not be taking any of its presses out of action altogether.

TPL runs a Heidelberg M600 and 48pp M4000 along with two older 32pp webs.

It is consulting with the GPMU on the proposed cuts, which will mainly affect the pressroom and finishing departments. Some jobs will also go in pre-press, where the firm is now 100% computer-to-plate.

The reality is that financially this year is better than last. But I dont want to find myself with a sales shortfall and a big cost base that I cant sustain, Pitts added.

TPL recently lost work from Emap and Future, although both publishers remain clients.

Pitts also quashed speculation that Times Publishing, the printers Singapore-based owner, was looking to dispose of its UK print wing. The business is not for sale. The reality is for small and medium sized web printers that we have to look at what we see coming. Potentially consolidation of capacity is probably necessary, so if we can do that in a way thats palatable and a win-win then its on the agenda. But the company is not for imminent sale.