A Somerset printing firm has been rescued from administration, saving 16 jobs. Wincanton Digital Print collapsed after experiencing challenging trading conditions following the pandemic.

Julie Palmer and Andrew Hook, partners at business recovery firm Begbies Traynor in Salisbury, were appointed joint administrators. The duo oversaw a pre-packaged sale to Wincanton Creative Print, part of Dorset-based Remous Group, on January 31.

Wincanton Digital Print was founded more than 40 years ago as a litho-printing business and had previously entered administration after being forced to cease operations due to government pandemic restrictions in 2020.

A rescue package at the time enabled the company to relaunch operations with the support of creditors. However, a more recent downturn in sales, combined with the impact of rising interest rates on its debt, saw the directors seek insolvency advice.

Mr Hook said: “Although this business has encountered a series of financial challenges since the pandemic, it is clear that it has the ability to trade profitably with new backing. Through a prepackaged sale, we have been able to allow the business to escape the burden of historic debts while maximising the value for creditors. We’re confident that the firm is now on a strong footing from which to grow.”

Alan Bunter, managing director at Remous, added: “Wincanton Print has been a brand synonymous with print in the South West for over 40 years, but the landscape has changed since Covid and we are seeing consolidation throughout the industry.

“I am pleased we have been able to save the jobs of the skilled team and bring them into the Remous Group of companies, they have a great reputation in commercial and wide format print with quick turnaround times. This compliments our other production facility in Sherborne, with the changes we are making we expect to see it flourish for years to come.”

Mr Hook added that the business’ decision to seek advice early had enabled the rescue deal.

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