The company has been acquired by Mike Grayson, who owns local print company Mercury Print and Packaging. However, the two companies have not merged and will continue to operate as separate concerns.

Ford started the D&M 12 years ago, but has taken the decision to move on and is winding down his role over the next 12 months.

Grayson told PrintWeek: "I have personally bought the company. I worked with the old proprietor for many years and we have had a close association from the beginning.

"We wanted to see a local business continued and saw that there was an opportunity. We have made a few changes by adding new kit but that is it. We want to be able to offer a complete finishing service."

The company has already benefited from the investment with a host of new equipment being installed.

Since being bought, D&M has purchased a secondhand Heidelberg Platen foil blocker and Heidelberg cylinder cut and crease machine. The die-cutting and foiling services will be added to the fold, stitch and trim facilities already in place.

D&M Print Finishers has 12 staff and an annual turnover of £360,000.