Managing director Kevin Sarney said the firm could not comment on the number of redundancies, but was taking "responsible, necessary steps" by streamlining a number of positions at the colour book printer.

The Frome, Somerset-based business is cutting a number of positions within functions across the company, including management operations, to address "challenging market conditions" in the sector.

Sarney said that production levels at the 110 staff company were high in the run-up to Christmas, but recognised the need to look at costs across the colour book printer.

He said: "Like any company we are looking forward to 2012, but it would be irresponsible not to analyse costs in order to remain competitive."