The future for the Wakefield-based Charlesworth Press operation was unclear at the time of writing.

The business filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators on 5 August, with Craig Johns and Jason Elliott of Cowgills appointed yesterday (8 August).

In June Padstow-based TJ Books and Charlesworth Press announced the companies were merging to form Fortis Print Group, with TJ managing director Andy Watts and Charlesworth managing director Mark Gray becoming joint MDs of the new venture.

Neither Watts nor Gray had responded to requests for comment at the time of writing.

A source close to the situation said that some of Charlesworth’s equipment, including digital printing and packing kit, had apparently been relocated to Padstow earlier this week, while a litho press was sold earlier this year.

“Up until Monday they were still placing work with local suppliers,” the source said.

“Some people have worked there for 40 years, they are so upset and so angry and they don’t know what’s happening.”

Charlesworth had employed around 70 staff.

In its abbreviated accounts for the year to 31 December 2023 the business had shareholders’ funds of £901,205.

At the balance sheet date creditors due with one year had increased by £1m to £2.37m.

Turnover was not disclosed but had been around £6m in 2022.

The firm produces a range of products including personalised books, books for self publishers, school planners, and brochures.

A key client is personalised book specialist Wonderbly.

At the time of writing calls to the Charlesworth number were going unanswered.

The firm’s website states that “a new website is coming soon including details of our direct mail division”.

Charlesworth had previously entered a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in 2016, which it successfully exited in 2019.

Printweek has also approached Cowgills for comment.