He is charged with strengthening the business and brings four years' experience in the magazine and brochure printing sectors as well as 11 years with the Rover Group.

Bowen takes charge at the 230 staff group, which encompasses Taylor Bloxham and C&R Printing Services, following the departure of interim chief executive Roger Lindop.

Lindop was appointed last March, following former managing director Peter Hammond's departure from the group. According to his profile on business networking website Linkedin, Lindop was "engaged to stabilise the business after the sudden forced removal of a long-standing managing director".

In a statement, the group's shareholders said they wish to thank Lindop "for the valued contribution he has made during difficult trading conditions".