Steve Henson, managing director of Castle Hill Insolvency, told Printweek it had been instructed by the directors of Pepper Communications Ltd “to assist with the preparation of the necessary documents and the convening of the decision process for the purpose of appointing a liquidator”.

He said the process was underway and that he expected a liquidator to be appointed this week.

A letter sent by Castle Hill Insolvency to creditors that has been seen by Printweek confirmed that Pepper’s directors have decided to take steps to place the company into creditors’ voluntary liquidation.

The letter said that Castle Hill Insolvency is assisting the directors and that insolvency practitioners from the firm would be appointed following the resolution to wind-up Pepper Communications being passed by its members.

Castle Hill Insolvency said in the letter that it had no prior involvement with the company, its directors or shareholders.

A virtual meeting of creditors regarding the decision of creditors on the nomination of liquidators will take place at 10am on Friday (10 February), the letter stated.

Pepper Communications managing director Jude Whitford told Printweek: "As you can imagine this is a difficult time for directors, employees and suppliers alike. We are working through a process which will conclude on Friday 10 February."

He said a further statement would be made on Friday.

No further information has been disclosed at this time by Castle Hill Insolvency or Pepper Communications.

Based in purpose-built Plymouth headquarters, Pepper Communications employed more than 50 staff as of March 2022, when it invested in an inserter to enable it to access a greater volume and variety of work and help with the migration of polywrap work to enveloping.

In 2021 the business became a member of print and paper advocacy group Two Sides and laid out details of its Planet Positive Initiative.

In 2019 it had invested £1.6m in litho and digital kit to enhance its press efficiency and automation.